Motivation and Preparation for Mission
OVERVIEW
This week's lesson teaches us that we share Jesus because we love Him, not for rewards, and we can learn from the early church how to get ready for our mission.
SATURDAY – Introduction
This week, we're learning to share Jesus because we love Him and put Him first, without expecting rewards.
Memory Text
Luke 24:44 – And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Lesson
This week, we're discovering why it's important to share Jesus because we love Him, not to show off, and we'll see how the early church can teach us how to prepare for our mission.
Ellen White Commentary
Don't seek rewards when sharing God's love, focus on having a good heart.
Conclusion
Put Jesus first, be sincere, and don't brag about talents or victories.
Reflection
Have you ever helped without expecting something back? How can you be kind like Jesus?
SUNDAY – To Share the Good News
The story of the women finding the empty tomb and sharing the good news teaches us to do the same with love and joy, based on our experience with God and love for Him.
Lesson
Women find Jesus' empty tomb and joyfully share His good news.
Ellen White Commentary
Jesus, back from the dead, wanted His friends to share the amazing news.
Conclusion
At first, the disciples had doubts, but they later learned to share the good news and believe in Jesus.
Reflection
"Have you ever had doubts like Jesus' friends, and can you share something good about Jesus with others?"
MONDAY – A Prophetic Foundation
Knowing the Bible helps us get ready for our mission, and like the disciples, we can learn from Jesus about His sacrifice, the Holy Spirit, and facing challenges with God's help.
Lesson
The disciples saw Jesus after He came back to life, and He helped them understand His mission by talking about what the Bible says, teaching us to know what the Bible says about Jesus to be ready for our mission today.
Ellen White Commentary
After coming back to life, Jesus told His friends to share God's message with others, without expecting rewards but focusing on helping and sharing God's love and truth.
Conclusion
After Jesus came back to life, He taught His disciples about His sacrifice and the Holy Spirit's coming.
Reflection
Have you ever had to be brave or face something hard, and how do you think God can help you in tough times?
TUESDAY – Waiting and Mission
When Jesus went to heaven, He told His friends to wait for the Holy Spirit to help them spread the message, and while they waited, they prayed and planned, showing us that waiting can be a good thing when we prepare for what God wants us to do.
Lesson
In Acts, Jesus told His friends to wait for the Holy Spirit's power, and they prayed and planned, showing us that waiting can be good for getting ready for God's plan.
Ellen White Commentary
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, and as His friends waited, they prepared for their mission, making waiting exciting, like preparing for an adventure.
Conclusion
Prayer helps us face challenges and resist temptations by talking to God anytime, anywhere.
Reflection
How does it feel to have God's Spirit with you, and how can you share God's love with friends and family?
WEDNESDAY – “Whom You Crucified”
In Acts 2 at Pentecost, the disciples received the Holy Spirit, shared Jesus with everyone, and showed that His message is for everyone, regardless of their past, inspiring us to trust in Jesus and show love and kindness to others.
Lesson
In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit helped the disciples share Jesus with everyone, and the crowd wanted forgiveness, showing Jesus' message is for all, no matter their past.
Conclusion
With the Holy Spirit's help, the disciples told people about Jesus, and many believed, teaching us to trust in Jesus and share His love.
Reflection
How do you think people felt when they saw Jesus' followers being kind, and how can you show love and kindness to your friends and family?
THURSDAY – A Picture of the Early Church
The early Christians treated each other like family, learned about Jesus, and showed love to others, just like we should today.
Lesson
The first Christians in Acts 2 became like a big family, treated new believers equally, learned from the apostles, and helped each other follow God's plan to tell people about Jesus.
Ellen White Commentary
The early Christians were like one big loving family, they helped each other and told others about Jesus, and we should be like a big, loving group of friends who do the same.
Conclusion
Early Christians loved and worked together to tell others about Jesus, teaching us to be kind and show His love to the world.
Reflection
Why should we be loving and kind like the early Christians, and how can we spread love in our church and community?
FRIDAY – Further Thought
Our mission is about showing love and gratitude for Jesus by sharing His message, connecting closely with God, and caring for others, like Paul did.
Lesson
Our mission is to show love and gratitude for what Jesus did and to share God's Word with others, like Ellen G. White said, to grow in faith and help others.
Conclusion
Be like Paul and live like Jesus, showing kindness and love to everyone.
Reflection
What can you learn from Paul about pleasing God, and how can you be more like Jesus and Paul in your daily life?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Paul warns against talking about Jesus out of jealousy or to show off, and we should share Jesus with love. Share your own experience of feeling God's love and what you would say about God based on your experiences.
INSIDE STORY
People in a church in North Carolina give money to help missionaries because they believe it's a blessing, and it also helps them feel happy and blessed, following a long tradition of sacrifice in their church.
LESSON SUMMARY
This week's lesson emphasizes our mission to share Jesus's love and teachings with others, underlining the importance of kindness, love, and understanding God's Word for conveying Jesus's message.
Motivation and Preparation for Mission

OVERVIEW
This week's lesson explores the reasons why we want to share the message of Jesus and how we can prepare for this mission. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that sharing Jesus is not about seeking rewards or outdoing others but is rooted in our love for Christ and our desire to share His love and truth. We'll also look at the early church's example to understand how we can effectively share the message of Jesus.
SATURDAY – Introduction
Memory Text
Luke 24:44
KJV
44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
CEV
44 Jesus said to them, “While I was still with you, I told you that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Books of the Prophets, and in the Psalms had to happen.”
Lesson
This week, we're learning about 'Why We Want to Share About Jesus' and 'Getting Ready for Our Mission.' The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to some friends called the Philippians, and he talked about why people tell others about Jesus. He said even if some people do it for not-so-good reasons, the most important thing is that they talk about Jesus – Philippians 1:15-18
But the best reason to do it is because you love Jesus and want to share His love and truth, not because you want to be better than others or make them feel bad.
KJV
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
CEV
15 Some are preaching about Christ because they are jealous and envious of us. Others are preaching because they want to help.
16 They love Christ and know I am here to defend the good news about him.
17 But the ones who are jealous of us are not sincere. They just want to cause trouble for me while I am in jail.
18 But that doesn't matter. All that matters is that people are telling about Christ, whether they are sincere or not. This is what makes me glad. I will keep on being glad,
This week, we'll figure out why people want to tell others about Jesus and how to get ready for this important job. We'll look at what the early church did to help us understand how we can do it too.
Ellen White Commentary
Sometimes when we help others and tell them about Jesus, we might want to get a reward or be praised for it. But Jesus wants us to help and share His love without thinking about what we'll get in return. He doesn't want us to be eager for rewards or compensation. It's because He knows that having a good heart is more important. So, don't think too much about getting rewards when you share God's love.
Conclusion
God values our sincerity and love for Him more than anything else. We should always put Jesus first and not brag about our talents or victories.
Reflection
Have you ever helped someone without expecting anything in return?
What can you do to be kind to others just like Jesus was?
SUNDAY – To Share the Good News
Lesson
Today, we're talking about something amazing that happened after Jesus was crucified. You can find this story in the Bible in Luke 24:1-12
. A group of women went to Jesus' tomb with special things, thinking it would be closed. But when they got there, they saw that the tomb was empty, and they met two angels. The angels said Jesus had come back, just like He said. The women were so happy that they ran to tell Jesus' friends and other people.
KJV
1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
8 And they remembered his words,
9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
10 It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
CEV
(Matthew 28.
1-10; Mark 16.
1-8; John 20.
1-10)
1 Very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, carrying the spices they had prepared.
2 When they found the stone rolled away from the entrance,
3 they went in. But they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus,
4 and they did not know what to think. Suddenly two men in shining white clothes stood beside them.
5 The women were afraid and bowed to the ground. But the men said, “Why are you looking in the place of the dead for someone who is alive?
6 Jesus isn't here! He has been raised from death. Remember that while he was still in Galilee, he told you,
7 ‘The Son of Man will be handed over to sinners who will nail him to a cross. But three days later he will rise to life.’ ”
8 Then they remembered what Jesus had said.
9-10 Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and some other women were the ones who had gone to the tomb. When they returned, they told the eleven apostles and the others what had happened.
11 The apostles thought it was all nonsense, and they would not believe.
12 But Peter ran to the tomb. And when he stooped down and looked in, he saw only the burial clothes. Then he returned, wondering what had happened.
This story teaches us about why we want to tell others about Jesus - because it makes us really happy. Just like those women, when we learn something wonderful about Jesus, we want to share it with others. It's a great reason to do our mission. But first, we need to have our own experience with God, and our mission should come from our love for God and His truth.
Ellen White Commentary
When Jesus came back to life, He showed His friends how much He loved them. He wanted to make sure they knew He was still the same loving Jesus they knew before. He told them to share this amazing news with others. You see, when we have something amazing to share, we can't help but tell our friends about it. It's like when you discover a cool new game, and you want all your friends to play it too. Sharing Jesus is just like that, but even more exciting!
Conclusion
Even the disciples had trouble believing in Jesus' resurrection at first, but they eventually understood. It's essential to share the good news and believe in Jesus.
Reflection
Have you ever had doubts about something, like Jesus' friends did?
What's something good about Jesus that you can tell others?
MONDAY – A Prophetic Foundation
Lesson
Luke describes something amazing that happened. The disciples saw Jesus after He came back to life, and they were really surprised and couldn't believe it was Him – Luke 24:36-49
To help them understand and get ready for their mission, Jesus talked to them about things in the Bible that talked about His life and what He was going to do – Luke 24:44
KJV
36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
CEV
(Matthew 28.
16-20; Mark 16.
14-18; John 20.
19-23; Acts 1.
6-8)
36 While Jesus' disciples were talking about what had happened, Jesus appeared and greeted them.
37 They were frightened and terrified because they thought they were seeing a ghost.
38 But Jesus said, “Why are you so frightened? Why do you doubt?
39 Look at my hands and my feet and see who I am! Touch me and find out for yourselves. Ghosts don't have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
40 After Jesus said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41 The disciples were so glad and amazed that they could not believe it. Jesus then asked them, “Do you have something to eat?”
42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish.
43 He took it and ate it as they watched.
44 Jesus said to them, “While I was still with you, I told you that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Books of the Prophets, and in the Psalms had to happen.”
45 Then he helped them understand the Scriptures.
46 He told them: The Scriptures say that the Messiah must suffer, then three days later he will rise from death.
47 They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, in order to be forgiven. So beginning in Jerusalem,
48 you must tell everything that has happened.
49 I will send you the one my Father has promised, but you must stay in the city until you are given power from heaven.
KJV
44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
CEV
44 Jesus said to them, “While I was still with you, I told you that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Books of the Prophets, and in the Psalms had to happen.”
This story tells us that it's important to know what the Bible says about Jesus and His mission. It's not just about our personal experiences; we need to understand what God's Word, the Bible, says. The Bible has special things that talked about Jesus coming the first and second time. When the disciples knew these things, they were more prepared and excited for their mission. We need to know these things too, to be ready for our mission today.
Ellen White Commentary
After Jesus came back to life, He spent time with His friends, teaching them more about God's kingdom. He told them to share what they learned with everyone. But He didn't promise them money or rewards. Instead, He said they would face some hard times. Jesus wanted them to focus on sharing the good news and helping others, not on what they would get. So, it's not about getting a reward but sharing God's love and truth with others.
Conclusion
After His resurrection, Jesus spent time with His disciples, and it was essential for them to understand His sacrifice and the Holy Spirit's coming.
Reflection
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave or face something difficult?
How do you think God can help you when you're going through tough times?
TUESDAY – Waiting and Mission
Lesson
Luke's story in Luke 24 ends with Jesus going up to heaven – Luke 24:50-53
but there's more to the story. In the book of Acts, Jesus tells His friends to wait in Jerusalem for 'power from on high' – Luke 24:49
KJV
50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
CEV
(Mark 16.
19,20; Acts 1.
9-11)
50 Jesus led his disciples out to Bethany, where he raised his hands and blessed them.
51 As he was doing this, he left and was taken up to heaven.
52 After his disciples had worshiped him, they returned to Jerusalem and were very happy.
53 They spent their time in the temple, praising God.
This power is the Holy Spirit, and it would help them tell people about Jesus, not just in one place, but in many places – Acts 1:4-8
KJV
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
CEV
49 I will send you the one my Father has promised, but you must stay in the city until you are given power from heaven.
KJV
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
CEV
4 While he was still with them, he said: Don't leave Jerusalem yet. Wait here for the Father to give you the Holy Spirit, just as I told you he has promised to do.
5 John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
6 While the apostles were still with Jesus, they asked him, “Lord, are you now going to give Israel its own king again?”
7 Jesus said to them, “You don't need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls.
8 But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.”
While they were waiting, the friends didn't just sit around. About 120 of them prayed together, talked to God, and also did some important things like picking someone to take Judas' place – Acts 1:12-26
They were organized and had a plan. So, when we look at their example, we learn that waiting can be a good thing if we use the time to be patient and get ready for what God wants us to do.
KJV
12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
CEV
12-13 The Mount of Olives was about a kilometer from Jerusalem. The apostles who had gone there were Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon, known as the Eager One, and Judas the son of James. After the apostles returned to the city, they went upstairs to the room where they had been staying.
14 The apostles often met together and prayed with a single purpose in mind. The women and Mary the mother of Jesus would meet with them, and so would his brothers.
15 One day there were about 120 of the Lord's followers meeting together, and Peter stood up to speak to them.
16-17 He said: My friends, long ago by the power of the Holy Spirit, David said something about Judas, and what he said has now happened. Judas was one of us and had worked with us, but he brought the mob to arrest Jesus.
18 Then Judas bought some land with the money he was given for doing that evil thing. He fell headfirst into the field. His body burst open, and all his insides came out.
19 When the people of Jerusalem found out about this, they called the place Akeldama, which in the local language means “Field of Blood.”
20 In the book of Psalms it says, “Leave his house empty, and don't let anyone live there.” It also says, “Let someone else have his job.”
21-22 So we need someone else to help us tell others that Jesus has been raised from death. He must also be one of the men who was with us from the very beginning. He must have been with us from the time the Lord Jesus was baptized by John until the day he was taken to heaven.
23 Two men were suggested: One of them was Joseph Barsabbas, known as Justus, and the other was Matthias.
24 Then they all prayed, “Lord, you know what everyone is like! Show us the one you have chosen
25 to be an apostle and to serve in place of Judas, who got what he deserved.”
26 They drew names, and Matthias was chosen to join the group of the eleven apostles.
Ellen White Commentary
Even after Jesus went back to heaven, He didn't leave His friends alone. He promised to send the Holy Spirit to help them. But they had to wait for it. While they waited, they didn't just sit around; they prayed and talked about what to do next. Waiting is not boring if you're waiting for something exciting. They were getting ready for their mission! It's like when you prepare your favorite game to play with your friends. You're getting ready for a fun adventure together.
Conclusion
Prayer is crucial to help us resist temptations and face challenges. We can talk to God anytime and anywhere.
Reflection
What do you think it feels like to have God's Spirit with you?
How can you share God's love with your friends and family?
WEDNESDAY – “Whom You Crucified”
Lesson
Acts 2 tells us about an amazing moment in the early church. It was at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came in a big way. The disciples got a special power and could talk in different languages to tell people about Jesus from all over – Acts 2:1-4
Some people who might have been around when Jesus was crucified were there in the crowd. Peter, one of Jesus' friends, told them they were part of crucifying Jesus – Acts 2:37
KJV
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
CEV
1 On the day of Pentecost all the Lord's followers were together in one place.
2 Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind! It filled the house where they were meeting.
3 Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there.
4 The Holy Spirit took control of everyone, and they began speaking whatever languages the Spirit let them speak.
KJV
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
CEV
37 When the people heard this, they were very upset. They asked Peter and the other apostles, “Friends, what should we do?”
The response of the people in the crowd is important and shows why we want to do our mission. They felt really bad about what they had done and asked, 'What should we do?' – Acts 2:37
Peter told them to say sorry and get baptized to be forgiven and to get the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:38
KJV
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
CEV
37 When the people heard this, they were very upset. They asked Peter and the other apostles, “Friends, what should we do?”
This story helps us see that the message of Jesus is for everyone, no matter what they did before.
KJV
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
CEV
38 Peter said to them, “Turn to God and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Ellen White Commentary
When the Holy Spirit came, the disciples told everyone about Jesus. Some people who had been unkind to Jesus realized they had made a big mistake. They felt bad and wanted to know how to make things right with God. The disciples told them to believe in Jesus, ask for forgiveness, and get baptized. This shows that Jesus' message is for everyone, no matter what they did before. It's all about sharing God's love and forgiveness with everyone, no matter their past.
Conclusion
The Holy Spirit helped the disciples spread the message of Jesus, and many people believed. We should trust in Jesus and share His love with others.
Reflection
How do you think people felt when they saw Jesus' followers being so kind?
How can you show love and kindness to your friends and family?
THURSDAY – A Picture of the Early Church
Lesson
The last verses of Acts 2 shows us how the first Christians did things – Acts 2:41-47
When new people believed in Jesus and got baptized, they became a real part of the group – Acts 2:41
KJV
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
CEV
41 On that day about 3,000 believed his message and were baptized.
42 They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together.
43 Everyone was amazed by the many miracles and wonders that the apostles worked.
44 All the Lord's followers often met together, and they shared everything they had.
45 They would sell their property and possessions and give the money to whoever was in need.
46 Day after day they met together in the temple. They broke bread together in different homes and shared their food happily and freely,
47 while praising God. Everyone liked them, and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved.
They were like a big family. The early church was serious about teaching new believers. They learned from the apostles and spent time together – Acts 2:42
KJV
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
CEV
41 On that day about 3,000 believed his message and were baptized.
KJV
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
CEV
42 They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together.
This story teaches us important things. It tells us that we should treat new believers just like everyone else and help them learn about Jesus. We should be there for each other and ask the Holy Spirit for help. Also, we need to follow God's plan to tell people about Jesus and help them believe in Him.
Ellen White Commentary
The early Christians were like one big family. They learned about Jesus, helped each other, and were always kind. They wanted to show others the love of Christ. It's like when you help your friends and family and tell them about something fun. The early Christians were a loving team, and that's what we should be too. It's like being part of a big, loving group of friends who help each other and tell others about Jesus.
Conclusion
The early Christians loved each other, and they worked together to tell others about Jesus. We should be kind to others and live like Jesus to show His love to the world.
Reflection
Why is it important to be kind and loving to others, like the early Christians?
How can you help make your church and community a more loving place?
FRIDAY – Further Thought
Lesson
Our mission work is all about showing love and gratitude for what Jesus did for us. It's really important to read and understand what God's Word says because it helps us tell others about Jesus.
Ellen G. White said something really nice about our mission. She said, 'If we always think about God and talk to Him like a friend, our faith will always feel fresh.' This means that if we have a close connection with God, we'll want to tell others about His love and how He saves us.
Also, we shouldn't just think about ourselves. Ellen G. White said, 'If we only care about ourselves, we won't grow or help others.' So, because we love Jesus, we should help others and tell them about how they can be saved too.
Conclusion
Paul was like a great role model. He lived like Jesus and spread His love everywhere. We should do the same by being kind to people and showing love to everyone.
Reflection
What can you learn from Paul about living a life that's pleasing to God?
How can you be more like Jesus and Paul in your everyday life?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What does it mean when Paul says some people talk about Jesus out of jealousy, fighting, or wanting to show off? How can we make sure we don't do that?
Have you ever felt God's love in your life? Can you share an experience that makes you believe in God's goodness and love? What would you tell others about God based on your own experiences?
Have you ever had to wait for something, like a special gift or a fun event? What did you learn about patience and trust while waiting?
INSIDE STORY
“Blessing Is Greater to Us”
By Andrew McChesney
A woman in North Carolina talked to her pastors about something important: giving to help missionaries. Long ago, people started giving to help missionaries, and they still do today. Her pastors talked about this in the church, and people gave a lot of money to help missionaries. Even during a hard time like the COVID-19 pandemic, they gave even more money to help. They believed that giving was a blessing, and it made them happy to help others. This is a special part of their church, and it helps missionaries in far-off places.
In the past, a lady named Ellen White said that when we help others far away, it also helps us in our own home. This is like a good feeling that comes back to us when we give. Their church leader, Ted N. C. Wilson, says that their church has always been about giving and helping, and it's a privilege for them to share what they have with others. So, when they give to help missionaries, it makes them happy and blessed.
LESSON SUMMARY
Motivation and Preparation for Mission
The lesson this week highlights our mission to share Jesus' love and teachings with others. We explore how early Christians function like a big family, emphasizing the importance of kindness, love, and understanding God's Word to help convey Jesus's message. Our mission centers on love, faith, and spreading the knowledge of God's saving grace.
Saturday (Introduction): Understanding that sharing Jesus brings joy to both the messenger and the receiver.
Sunday (To Share the Good News): The value of selfless sharing, emphasizing that we should share without expecting personal rewards.
Monday (A Prophetic Foundation): Sharing Jesus from a place of love and sincerity rather than seeking praise or compensation.
Tuesday (Waiting and Mission): The importance of sharing Jesus from the heart, understanding that our motives matter.
Wednesday (“Whom You Crucified”): How sharing Jesus has a positive impact on both those we share with and ourselves.
Thursday (A Picture of the Early Church): The significance of sharing Jesus together, emphasizing unity in our mission.
Friday (Further Thought): Encouraging us to put our understanding into action, sharing Jesus with joy, love, and a sincere heart.