SATURDAY – Introduction

The Bible is a special book that tells us about God’s truth for our world. No matter where and when people live, whether in ancient Judea or modern Brazil, everyone is the same - they are sinners who need God’s grace. This includes not only regular people but also those who are rich and powerful. In the Bible, we find stories of rich and powerful individuals, like Abraham, Isaac, Job, Solomon, and Joseph. God cares about saving everyone, whether they are weak or powerful, and the Bible shows us how He used these individuals to bless nations.

This week, we will learn about God’s mission to the rich and powerful. We will see how God reached out to people in the Bible who were wealthy and strong. And now, God is calling and preparing Seventh-day Adventists to be witnesses to the rich and powerful today. Just like in the Bible, God wants everyone, no matter how rich or powerful, to know His love and grace.

SUNDAY – Nebuchadnezzar

As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe in “unlimited atonement,” meaning that Jesus’ sacrifice was for everyone, not just a chosen few. This is because God desires all people to be saved – 1 Timothy 2:4

KJV ⁴ Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. CEV ⁴ God wants everyone to be saved and to know the whole truth, which is,
..and Jesus sacrificed Himself for the sins of the whole world – 1 John 2:2

KJV ² And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. CEV ² Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins and the sins of all the world's people.
..The Bible teaches that God chose everyone in Him before the world began (Ephesians 1:4

KJV ⁴ According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: CEV ⁴ Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people.
..This belief is important because it shows that God reaches out to all kinds of people, including the rich and powerful.

In the story of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4

KJV ¹ Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. ² I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. ³ How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation. ⁴ I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace: ⁵ I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. ⁶ Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream. ⁷ Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof. ⁸ But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my God, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying, ⁹ O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof. ¹⁰ Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great. ¹¹ The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth: ¹² The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it. ¹³ I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; ¹⁴ He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches: ¹⁵ Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: ¹⁶ Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. ¹⁷ This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. ¹⁸ This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee. ¹⁹ Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies. ²⁰ The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; ²¹ Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation: ²² It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth. ²³ And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; ²⁴ This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: ²⁵ That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. ²⁶ And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule. ²⁷ Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity. ²⁸ All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar. ²⁹ At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. ³⁰ The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? ³¹ While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. ³² And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. ³³ The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. ³⁴ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: ³⁵ And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? ³⁶ At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. ³⁷ Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase. CEV ¹ King Nebuchadnezzar sent the following letter to the people of all nations and races on the earth: Greetings to all of you! ² I am glad to tell about the wonderful miracles God Most High has done for me. ³ His miracles are mighty and marvelous. He will rule forever, and his kingdom will never end. ⁴ I was enjoying a time of peace and prosperity, ⁵ when suddenly I had some horrifying dreams and visions. ⁶ Then I commanded every wise man in Babylonia to appear in my court, so they could explain the meaning of my dream. ⁷ After they arrived, I told them my dream, but they were not able to say what it meant. ⁸ Finally, a young man named Daniel came in, and I told him the dream. The holy gods had given him special powers, and I had renamed him Belteshazzar after my own god. ⁹ I said, “Belteshazzar, not only are you the wisest of all advisors and counselors, but the holy gods have given you special powers to solve the most difficult mysteries. So listen to what I dreamed and tell me what it means: ¹⁰ In my sleep I saw a very tall tree in the center of the world. ¹¹ It grew stronger and higher, until it reached to heaven and could be seen from anywhere on earth. ¹² It was covered with leaves and heavy with fruit — enough for all nations. Wild animals enjoyed its shade, birds nested in its branches, and all creatures on earth lived on its fruit. ¹³ “While I was in bed, having this vision, a holy angel came down from heaven ¹⁴ and shouted: ‘Chop down the tree and cut off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Make the animals leave its shade and send the birds flying from its branches. ¹⁵ But leave its stump and roots in the ground, surrounded by grass and held by chains of iron and bronze. ‘Make sure that this ruler lives like the animals out in the open fields, unprotected from the dew. ¹⁶ Give him the mind of a wild animal for seven long years. ¹⁷ This punishment is given at the command of the holy angels. It will show to all who live that God Most High controls all kingdoms and chooses for their rulers persons of humble birth.’ ¹⁸ “Daniel, that was the dream that none of the wise men in my kingdom were able to understand. But I am sure that you will understand what it means, because the holy gods have given you some special powers.” ¹⁹ For a while, Daniel was terribly confused and worried by what he was thinking. But I said, “Don't be bothered either by the dream or by what it means.” Daniel replied: Your Majesty, I wish the dream had been against your enemies. ²⁰ You saw a tree that grew so big and strong that it reached up to heaven and could be seen from anywhere on earth. ²¹ Its leaves were beautiful, and it produced enough fruit for all living creatures; animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. ²² Your Majesty, that tree is you. Your glorious reputation has reached heaven, and your kingdom covers the earth. ²³ Then you saw a holy angel come down from heaven and say, “Chop down the tree and destroy it! But leave its stump and roots in the ground, fastened there by a chain of iron and bronze. Let it stay for seven years out in the field with the wild animals, unprotected from the dew.” ²⁴ Your Majesty, God Most High has sent you this message, and it means ²⁵ that you will be forced to live with the wild animals, far away from humans. You will eat grass like a wild animal and live outdoors for seven years, until you learn that God Most High controls all earthly kingdoms and chooses their rulers. ²⁶ But he gave orders not to disturb the stump and roots. This is to show that you will be king once again, after you learn that the God who rules from heaven is in control. ²⁷ Your Majesty, please be willing to do what I say. Turn from your sins and start living right; have mercy on those who are mistreated. Then all will go well with you for a long time. ^28-30 About twelve months later, I was walking on the flat roof of my royal palace and admiring the beautiful city of Babylon, when these things started happening to me. I was saying to myself, “Just look at this wonderful capital city that I have built by my own power and for my own glory!” ³¹ But before I could finish speaking, a voice from heaven interrupted: King Nebuchadnezzar, this kingdom is no longer yours. ³² You will be forced to live with the wild animals, away from people. For seven years you will eat grass, as though you were an ox, until you learn that God Most High is in control of all earthly kingdoms and that he is the one who chooses their rulers. ³³ This was no sooner said than done — I was forced to live like a wild animal; I ate grass and was unprotected from the dew. As time went by, my hair grew longer than eagle feathers, and my fingernails looked like the claws of a bird. ³⁴ Finally, I prayed to God in heaven, and my mind was healed. Then I said: “I praise and honor God Most High. God lives forever, and his kingdom will never end. ³⁵ To him the nations are far less than nothing; God controls the stars in the sky and everyone on this earth. When God does something, we cannot change it or even ask why.” ³⁶ At that time my mind was healed, and once again I became the ruler of my glorious kingdom. My advisors and officials returned to me, and I had greater power than ever before. ³⁷ That's why I say: “Praise and honor the King who rules from heaven! Everything he does is honest and fair, and he can shatter the power of those who are proud.”
, we see a powerful example of God reaching out to a mighty ruler. Despite Nebuchadnezzar’s pride, God humbled him, and he acknowledged the King of heaven. This story teaches us that God cares about both the powerful and the weak. We learn that God can use committed believers, like Daniel, to reach powerful individuals, and sometimes, God directly intervenes to bring the rich and powerful to a humble recognition of Him. Even if we are not rich and powerful, we are reminded to avoid arrogance, similar to what the king displayed. This story teaches us the importance of humility and recognizing God’s sovereignty in our lives.

MONDAY – Naaman

Christ’s sacrifice is for everyone, regardless of their background or status (Acts of Apostles, p. 416). The story of Naaman teaches us about reaching people for the Lord – 2 Kings 5

KJV ¹ Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. ² And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. ³ And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy. ⁴ And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel. ⁵ And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment. ⁶ And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy. ⁷ And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me. ⁸ And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel. ⁹ So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. ¹⁰ And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. ¹¹ But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. ¹² Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. ¹³ And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? ¹⁴ Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. ¹⁵ And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant. ¹⁶ But he said, As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused. ¹⁷ And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the Lord. ¹⁸ In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon thy servant in this thing. ¹⁹ And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way. ²⁰ But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. ²¹ So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? ²² And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments. ²³ And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him. ²⁴ And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed. ²⁵ But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. ²⁶ And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? ²⁷ The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow. CEV ¹ Naaman was the commander of the Syrian army. The Lord had helped him and his troops defeat their enemies, so the king of Syria respected Naaman very much. Naaman was a brave soldier, but he had leprosy. ² One day while the Syrian troops were raiding Israel, they captured a girl, and she became a servant of Naaman's wife. ³ Some time later the girl said, “If your husband Naaman would go to the prophet in Samaria, he would be cured of his leprosy.” ⁴ When Naaman told the king what the girl had said, ⁵ the king replied, “Go ahead! I will give you a letter to take to the king of Israel.” Naaman left and took along 30,000 pieces of silver, 6,000 pieces of gold, and 10 new outfits. ⁶ He also carried the letter to the king of Israel. It said, “I am sending my servant Naaman to you. Would you cure him of his leprosy?” ⁷ When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in fear and shouted, “That Syrian king believes I can cure this man of leprosy! Does he think I'm God with power over life and death? He must be trying to pick a fight with me.” ⁸ As soon as Elisha the prophet heard what had happened, he sent the Israelite king this message: “Why are you so afraid? Send the man to me, so that he will know there is a prophet in Israel.” ⁹ Naaman left with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha's house. ¹⁰ Elisha sent someone outside to say to him, “Go wash seven times in the Jordan River. Then you'll be completely cured.” ¹¹ But Naaman stormed off, grumbling, “Why couldn't he come out and talk to me? I thought for sure he would stand in front of me and pray to the Lord his God, then wave his hand over my skin and cure me. ¹² What about the Abana River or the Pharpar River? Those rivers in Damascus are just as good as any river in Israel. I could have washed in them and been cured.” ¹³ His servants went over to him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, you would have done it. So why don't you do what he said? Go wash and be cured.” ¹⁴ Naaman walked down to the Jordan; he waded out into the water and stooped down in it seven times, just as Elisha had told him. At once, he was cured, and his skin became as smooth as a child's. ¹⁵ Naaman and his officials went back to Elisha. Naaman stood in front of him and announced, “Now I know that the God of Israel is the only God in the whole world. Sir, would you please accept a gift from me?” ¹⁶ “I am a servant of the living Lord,” Elisha answered, “and I swear that I will not take anything from you.” Naaman kept begging, but Elisha kept refusing. ¹⁷ Finally Naaman said, “If you won't accept a gift, then please let me take home as much soil as two mules can pull in a wagon. Sir, from now on I will offer sacrifices only to the Lord. ¹⁸ But I pray that the Lord will forgive me when I go into the temple of the god Rimmon and bow down there with the king of Syria.” ¹⁹ “Go on home, and don't worry about that,” Elisha replied. Then Naaman left. After Naaman had gone only a short distance, ²⁰ Gehazi said to himself, “Elisha let that Syrian off too easy. He should have taken Naaman's gift. I swear by the living Lord that I will talk to Naaman myself and get something from him.” ²¹ So he hurried after Naaman. When Naaman saw Gehazi running after him, he got out of his chariot to meet him. Naaman asked, “Is everything all right?” ²² “Yes,” Gehazi answered. “But my master has sent me to tell you about two young prophets from the hills of Ephraim. They came asking for help, and now Elisha wants to know if you would give them 3,000 pieces of silver and some new clothes?” ²³ “Sure,” Naaman replied. “But why don't you take twice that amount of silver?” He convinced Gehazi to take it all, then put the silver in two bags. He handed the bags and the clothes to his two servants, and they carried them for Gehazi. ²⁴ When they reached the hill where Gehazi lived, he took the bags from the servants and placed them in his house, then sent the men away. After they had gone, ²⁵ Gehazi went in and stood in front of Elisha, who asked, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Nowhere, sir,” Gehazi answered. ²⁶ Elisha asked, “Don't you know that my spirit was there when Naaman got out of his chariot to talk with you? Gehazi, you have no right to accept money or clothes, olive orchards or vineyards, sheep or cattle, or servants. ²⁷ Because of what you've done, Naaman's leprosy will now be on you and your descendants forever!”Suddenly, Gehazi's skin became white with leprosy, and he left.
..Naaman, a powerful commander, sought healing from God and, after being cured of leprosy, expressed a desire to worship the true God. His requests to take soil from Israel and not to bow to pagan gods in his own land show his sincere faith, yet his background still influenced him. Elisha’s response to Naaman, saying “Go in peace,” indicates a step in Naaman’s faith journey, emphasizing God’s patient guidance for new converts.

The lesson from Naaman’s story is not to push people too quickly, especially those from a non-Christian background. Naaman, though a believer, needed time to fully understand and grow in his faith. Likewise, we should recognize that individuals, especially new converts, may need gradual guidance. God’s kindness toward Naaman highlights the importance of patience, understanding, and allowing people to develop their faith step by step. This principle is crucial when sharing the message of God’s love, ensuring that individuals, like Naaman, find happiness and peace in their knowledge and worship of God – 2 Kings 5:19

KJV ¹⁹ And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way. CEV ¹⁹ “Go on home, and don't worry about that,” Elisha replied. Then Naaman left. After Naaman had gone only a short distance,

TUESDAY – Witnessing to the Learned: Nicodemus

On Tuesday, we learn about Nicodemus, who was a smart and important leader among the Jewish people. Even though he seemed to follow God’s rules and knew a lot about the Bible, he secretly went to Jesus because he was hungry for more spiritual understanding. Jesus told him that he needed a fresh start, like being born again. This confused Nicodemus, but it showed that even if we know a lot, we still need a special connection with Jesus to truly understand God’s love – John 3:1-12

KJV ¹ There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: ² The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. ³ Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. ⁴ Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? ⁵ Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. ⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ⁷ Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. ⁸ The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. ⁹ Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? ¹⁰ Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? ¹¹ Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. ¹² If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? CEV ¹ There was a man named Nicodemus who was a Pharisee and a Jewish leader. ² One night he went to Jesus and said, “Rabbi, we know that God has sent you to teach us. You could not work these miracles, unless God were with you.” ³ Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God's kingdom!” ⁴ Nicodemus asked, “How can a grown man ever be born a second time?” ⁵ Jesus answered: I tell you for certain that before you can get into God's kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit. ⁶ Humans give life to their children. Yet only God's Spirit can change you into a child of God. ⁷ Don't be surprised when I say that you must be born from above. ⁸ Only God's Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going. ⁹ “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. ¹⁰ Jesus replied: How can you be a teacher of Israel and not know these things? ¹¹ I tell you for certain we know what we are talking about because we have seen it ourselves. But none of you will accept what we say. ¹² If you don't believe when I talk to you about things on earth, how can you possibly believe if I talk to you about things in heaven?

Nicodemus had a hard time openly saying he followed Jesus because of his pride. But Jesus’ teachings changed him inside, even if he didn’t shout it out. Later, Nicodemus defended and respected Jesus, showing that he was deeply affected by Him – John 7:43-52

KJV ⁴³ So there was a division among the people because of him. ⁴⁴ And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. ⁴⁵ Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? ⁴⁶ The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. ⁴⁷ Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? ⁴⁸ Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? ⁴⁹ But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. ⁵⁰ Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) ⁵¹ Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? ⁵² They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. CEV ⁴³ The people started taking sides against each other because of Jesus. ⁴⁴ Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him. ⁴⁵ When the temple police returned to the chief priests and Pharisees, they were asked, “Why didn't you bring Jesus here?” ⁴⁶ They answered, “No one has ever spoken like this man!” ⁴⁷ The Pharisees said to them, “Have you also been fooled? ⁴⁸ Not one of the chief priests or the Pharisees has faith in him. ⁴⁹ And these people who don't know the Law are under God's curse anyway.” ⁵⁰ Nicodemus was there at the time. He was a member of the council, and was the same one who had earlier come to see Jesus. He said, ⁵¹ “Our Law doesn't let us condemn people before we hear what they have to say. We cannot judge them before we know what they have done.” ⁵² Then they said, “Nicodemus, you must be from Galilee! Read the Scriptures, and you will find that no prophet is to come from Galilee.”
John 19:39

KJV ³⁹ And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. CEV ³⁹ Nicodemus also came with about 30 kilograms of spices made from myrrh and aloes. This was the same Nicodemus who had visited Jesus one night.

This story helps us understand that just knowing a lot about God isn’t enough for salvation. Nicodemus had to let Jesus change his heart. It teaches us that having a real connection with Jesus is what truly transforms us inside – John 3:10

KJV ¹⁰ Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? CEV ¹⁰ Jesus replied: How can you be a teacher of Israel and not know these things?

WEDNESDAY – Mission to the Rich

The Bible tells a story about a rich young man who talked to Jesus because he wanted to live forever - Matthew 19:16-22

KJV ¹⁶ And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? ¹⁷ And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. ¹⁸ He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, ¹⁹ Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ²⁰ The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? ²¹ Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. ²² But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. CEV (Mark 10.
17-31; Luke 18.
18-30) ¹⁶ A man came to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?” ¹⁷ Jesus said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? Only God is good. If you want to have eternal life, you must obey his commandments.” ¹⁸ “Which ones?” the man asked. Jesus answered, “Do not murder. Be faithful in marriage. Do not steal. Do not tell lies about others. ¹⁹ Respect your father and mother. And love others as much as you love yourself.” ²⁰ The young man said, “I have obeyed all of these. What else must I do?” ²¹ Jesus replied, “If you want to be perfect, go sell everything you own! Give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and be my follower.” ²² When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he was very rich.
..Jesus told him to sell his things and help the poor, but the man loved his wealth too much and chose not to follow Jesus. This teaches us that having lots of money can sometimes get in the way of following God – Matthew 19:24

KJV ²⁴ And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. CEV ²⁴ In fact, it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into God's kingdom.”
..Even though rich and poor people both face death, money can’t save us from it. Only by believing in Jesus can we live forever – John 11:25

KJV ²⁵ Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: CEV ²⁵ Jesus then said, “I am the one who raises the dead to life! Everyone who has faith in me will live, even if they die.

On the other hand, there’s a different story about a man named Zacchaeus who met Jesus - Luke 19:1-10

KJV ¹ And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. ² And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. ³ And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. ⁴ And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. ⁵ And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. ⁶ And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. ⁷ And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. ⁸ And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. ⁹ And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. ¹⁰ For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. CEV ¹ Jesus was going through Jericho, ² where a man named Zacchaeus lived. He was in charge of collecting taxes and was very rich. ^3-4 Jesus was heading his way, and Zacchaeus wanted to see what he was like. But Zacchaeus was a short man and could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree. ⁵ When Jesus got there, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down! I want to stay with you today.” ⁶ Zacchaeus hurried down and gladly welcomed Jesus. ⁷ Everyone who saw this started grumbling, “This man Zacchaeus is a sinner! And Jesus is going home to eat with him.” ⁸ Later that day Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “I will give half of my property to the poor. And I will now pay back four times as much to everyone I have ever cheated.” ⁹ Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “Today you and your family have been saved, because you are a true son of Abraham. ¹⁰ The Son of Man came to look for and to save people who are lost.”
..Even though Jesus didn’t tell him to give away everything, Zacchaeus decided to share half of his money with the poor and repay anyone he had treated badly. This shows that Zacchaeus valued his soul more than his wealth - Matthew 16:26

KJV ²⁶ For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? CEV ²⁶ What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself? What would you give to get back your soul?
..The stories of the rich young man and Zacchaeus help us understand that we all have a choice about how we see and use our money.

THURSDAY – Mission to the Powerful

Jesus had a special way of connecting with powerful people. Some liked Him, and some didn’t. People like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, who were both powerful, approached Jesus quietly to understand if He was the Son of God. Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man impacted by Jesus, helped fulfill a prophecy by providing a tomb for Jesus after He was crucified - Matthew 27:57-60

KJV ⁵⁷ When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: ⁵⁸ He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. ⁵⁹ And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ⁶⁰ And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. CEV (Mark 15.
42-47; Luke 23.
50-56; John 19.
38-42) ⁵⁷ That evening a rich disciple named Joseph from the town of Arimathea ⁵⁸ went and asked for Jesus' body. Pilate gave orders for it to be given to Joseph, ⁵⁹ who took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth. ⁶⁰ Then Joseph put the body in his own tomb that had been cut into solid rock and had never been used. He rolled a big stone against the entrance to the tomb and went away.

This teaches us that God can use rich and powerful people for His plans. Instead of actively seeking them out, it’s often better to let them come to you, just like how Jesus did it. Powerful people might be interested in real ministry that helps people’s lives, including their own. So, by praying for them and sending them kind messages, we can share Jesus’ love with the powerful people we know.

FRIDAY – Further Thought

Jesus loves everyone, whether they are rich or poor. He gave His life for everyone, including the powerful and wealthy. Jesus warned that it can be hard for rich people to enter God’s kingdom – Mark 10:25

KJV ²⁵ It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. CEV ²⁵ In fact, it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into God's kingdom.”
..This week, we learned about the importance of sharing the gospel with powerful and wealthy individuals. Even though they might seem secure because of their wealth, they still need salvation just like anyone else.

Ellen G. White encourages us to pay attention to the neglected rich. Many people think that rich individuals are hopeless, but some of them may be burdened in their hearts. Even though they might not show it, thousands of wealthy people may not have heard the message of salvation. Our challenge is to share God’s love with both the neglected poor and the neglected rich, remembering that everyone needs the hope and salvation that Jesus offers.