Mission to the Unreached: Part 2 – Outline

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Mission to the Unreached: Part 2

OVERVIEW

This week's lesson explores the theme of reaching out to people in cities, delving into God's desire to find and help His lost children. Jesus leads His disciples to non-Jewish cities like Tyre and Sidon, emphasizing the importance of helping all kinds of people, even in challenging urban environments. The stories from Judges and 1 Kings highlight the historical context of these cities, underscoring the need to reach out despite challenges. Despite the hurdles of city life, Jesus encourages compassion and reaching out to diverse groups. The narrative of a woman from Tyre and Sidon teaches us about treating everyone with love and compassion, irrespective of their background. Bias and prejudice are addressed as obstacles to sharing the good news, emphasizing the importance of breaking down barriers and helping everyone. Jesus' question about finding faith on earth underscores the value of faith in unexpected places like cities, urging us to approach urban settings with love and humility. The week concludes by emphasizing the importance of showing love, kindness, and sharing the truth without judgment, living in a way that reflects Jesus' compassion for all.

SATURDAY – Introduction

Lesson

God has always cared about finding and helping His lost children. Even today, God is still looking for those who are lost, including people living in cities. Did you know that more than half of the people on Earth live in cities, and this number is expected to grow? So, it's important for us to share God's love with people in cities.

But sometimes, like a Jonah in the Bible, some people run away from telling others about God. The Bible teaches us a lot, and we can learn from stories like Jonah's. This week, let's look at a story from the Bible about Jesus' mission to a place called Tyre and Sidon and see what lessons we can learn for our lives today.

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White reminds us that when sin entered the world, it saddened heaven, and angels mourned for the brokenness it caused. However, Jesus, full of compassion, devised a plan to redeem humanity. His love prompted Him to reach out to those lost in the ruins of sin. As we explore this week's lesson, we are encouraged to cultivate Christ's spirit in our hearts, laboring to save those who seem distant and different from us. Let's learn from stories in the Bible about Jesus' mission to places like Tyre and Sidon.

Conclusion

Today, we've understood that God is always seeking His lost children, even in cities where many people live. This week, we'll explore Jesus' mission to Tyre and Sidon to learn valuable lessons for our lives.

Reflection

How can we actively participate in sharing God's love with those around us, especially in cities? What lessons from the Bible can guide us in reaching out to diverse groups of people?

SUNDAY – Mission to Regions Beyond

Lesson

Jesus took His friends to Tyre and Sidon, cities that weren't Jewish. Why? He wanted to teach them about helping all kinds of people, even those in cities.

The Bible has stories in Judges and 1 Kings about these cities. They influenced God's people in the wrong way, but Jesus still took His friends there to teach about reaching out to everyone.

Today, helping people in cities is challenging, but we still need to find ways to help.

Read Judges 3:1-6

KJV 1 Now these are the nations which the Lord left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan; 2 Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof; 3 Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon unto the entering in of Hamath. 4 And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the Lord, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses. 5 And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites: 6 And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods.

CEV 1  1-2 And the Lord had another reason for letting these enemies stay. The Israelites needed to learn how to fight in war, just as their ancestors had done. Each new generation would have to learn by fighting 3 the Philistines and their five rulers, as well as the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites that lived in the Lebanon Mountains from Mount Baal-Hermon to Hamath Pass. 4 Moses had told the Israelites what the Lord had commanded them to do, and now the Lord was using these nations to find out if Israel would obey. 5-6 But they refused. And some of them even married Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites who lived all around them. That's how they started worshiping foreign gods.

Here, ancient peoples tested Israelites' faith, and unfortunately, they failed.

Read 1 Kings 5:1-12

KJV 1 And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David. 2 And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 3 Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the Lord his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. 4 But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent. 5 And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name. 6 Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians. 7 And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the Lord this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people. 8 And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for: and I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir. 9 My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household. 10 So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire. 11 And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year. 12 And the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.

CEV (2 Chronicles 2. 1-16) 1 King Hiram of Tyre had always been friends with Solomon's father David. When Hiram learned that Solomon was king, he sent some of his officials to meet with Solomon. 2 Solomon sent a message back to Hiram: 3 Remember how my father David wanted to build a temple where the Lord his God could be worshiped? But enemies kept attacking my father's kingdom, and he never had the chance. 4 Now, thanks to the Lord God, there is peace in my kingdom and no trouble or threat of war anywhere. 5 The Lord God promised my father that when his son became king, he would build a temple for worshiping the Lord. So I've decided to do that. 6 I'd like you to send your workers to cut down cedar trees in Lebanon for me. I will pay them whatever you say and will even have my workers help them. We both know that your workers are more experienced than anyone else at cutting lumber. 7 Hiram was so happy when he heard Solomon's request that he said, “I am grateful that the Lord gave David such a wise son to be king of that great nation!” 8 Then he sent back his answer: I received your message and will give you all the cedar and pine logs you need. 9 My workers will carry them down from Lebanon to the Mediterranean Sea. They will tie the logs together and float them along the coast to wherever you want them. Then they will untie the logs, and your workers can take them from there. To pay for the logs, you can provide the grain I need for my household. 10 Hiram gave Solomon all the cedar and pine logs he needed. 11 In return, Solomon gave Hiram over 2,000 tons of wheat and almost 4,000 liters of pure olive oil each year. 12 The Lord kept his promise and made Solomon wise. Hiram and Solomon signed a treaty and never went to war against each other.

This passage shows a close relationship between the Sidonians and the Hebrews.

Read 1 Kings 11:1-6

KJV 1 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites: 2 Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. 3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. 4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father.

CEV 1  1-2 The Lord did not want the Israelites to worship foreign gods, so he had warned them not to marry anyone who was not from Israel. Solomon loved his wife, the daughter of the king of Egypt. But he also loved some women from Moab, Ammon, and Edom, and others from Sidon and the land of the Hittites. 3-4 Seven hundred of his wives were daughters of kings, but he also married 300 other women. As Solomon got older, some of his wives led him to worship their gods. He wasn't like his father David, who had worshiped only the Lord God. 5 Solomon also worshiped Astarte the goddess of Sidon, and Milcom the disgusting god of Ammon. 6 Solomon's father had obeyed the Lord with all his heart, but Solomon disobeyed and did what the Lord hated.

This passage shows that king Solomon married Sidonian princesses, and they led him astray.

How do these stories help us understand the background of these cities?

Despite this history, Jesus brought His disciples there, showing them the importance of reaching out to everyone.

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Jesus calls us to follow His example in reaching out to the lost. Ellen White stresses the importance of not turning away from those who seem unpromising or unattractive, as they might be in great need. The heavenly hosts are keenly interested in our efforts to leave the comfort of the familiar and go into the wilderness to seek the lost sheep, mirroring Christ's love for all.

Conclusion

We discovered that Jesus took His friends to non-Jewish cities to teach them about helping all kinds of people, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to everyone, even in challenging places like cities.

Reflection

What challenges do we face in reaching out to people in our community, and how can we overcome them? How can we learn from Jesus to show love and compassion to all, regardless of their background?

MONDAY – Seeking the Multitudes

Lesson

Even though helping people in cities can be tough, Jesus still wants us to do it. In the Bible, Jesus felt compassion for the people in cities. He even wept over a city called Jerusalem because He cared so much – Luke 19:41

KJV 41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

CEV 41 When Jesus came closer and could see Jerusalem, he cried

When Jesus started His ministry, people came from different places to hear Him. But one region was missing – the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon. That's where Jesus went to show His friends the importance of reaching out to everyone, even those in places that might seem difficult.

So, what can we do to help the people in cities today?

Read Matthew 9:35-38

KJV 35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

CEV 35 Jesus went to every town and village. He taught in their synagogues and preached the good news about God's kingdom. Jesus also healed every kind of disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he felt sorry for them. They were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “A large crop is in the fields, but there are only a few workers. 38 Ask the Lord in charge of the harvest to send out workers to bring it in.”

What does this passage teach us about helping people wherever we find them?

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

In Tyre and Sidon, Jesus teaches His disciples the importance of helping people, even in challenging places. He heals the sick and feeds the hungry, demonstrating that compassion should know no boundaries. Ellen White urges us to realize the urgency of the work, calling for more workers to labor in sincerity and humility.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges of helping people in cities, Jesus encourages us to have compassion and reach out. We learned that Jesus wept over cities, emphasizing the need for love and care in urban areas.

Reflection

How can we develop a compassionate heart for people in our community, especially those facing challenges? In what ways can we actively seek to understand and meet the needs of those living in cities?

TUESDAY – In Tyre and Sidon

Lesson

In the Bible, there's a story about a woman from Tyre and Sidon who asked Jesus for help. Matthew and Mark tell the same story but in a slightly different way. Matthew talks about the woman being a Canaanite, while Mark says she's a Greek from Syria and Phoenicia.  a 

Why does this matter? Well, it helps us understand how different people might see the same situation. Some people might think of her as an outsider, but others might see her as someone in need. Jesus wanted His friends to learn from this and treat everyone with love and compassion.

The Bible also tells us that, in God's eyes, we are all the same.

Read Matthew 15:22-28

KJV 22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. 28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

CEV 22 Suddenly a Canaanite woman from there came out shouting, “Lord and Son of David, have pity on me! My daughter is full of demons.” 23 Jesus did not say a word. But the woman kept following along and shouting, so his disciples came up and asked him to send her away. 24 Jesus said, “I was sent only to the people of Israel! They are like a flock of lost sheep.” 25 The woman came closer. Then she knelt down and begged, “Please help me, Lord!” 26 Jesus replied, “It isn't right to take food away from children and feed it to dogs.” 27 “Lord, this is true,” the woman said, “but even puppies get the crumbs that fall from their owner's table.” 28 Jesus answered, “Dear woman, you really do have a lot of faith, and you will be given what you want.” At that moment her daughter was healed.

Compare with Mark 7:24-30

KJV 24 And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid. 25 For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: 26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. 27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. 28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. 29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. 30 And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

CEV (Matthew 15. 21-28) 24 Jesus left and went to the region near the town of Tyre, where he stayed in someone's home. He did not want people to know he was there, but they found out anyway. 25 A woman whose daughter had an evil spirit in her heard where Jesus was. And at once she came and knelt down at his feet. 26 The woman was Greek and had been born in the part of Syria known as Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to force the demon out of her daughter. 27 But Jesus said, “The children must first be fed! It isn't right to take away their food and feed it to dogs.” 28 The woman replied, “Lord, even puppies eat the crumbs that children drop from the table.” 29 Jesus answered, “That's true! You may go now. The demon has left your daughter.” 30 When the woman got back home, she found her child lying on the bed. The demon had gone.

What differences do you see in how the woman was depicted?

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White describes the backdrop of Tyre and Sidon, emphasizing Christ's deliberate choice to minister in regions often overlooked by the Jews. The story of the Canaanite woman teaches us to treat everyone with love and compassion, transcending human-made divisions. Jesus sought to break down the walls that separated people and desired His disciples to do the same.

Conclusion

Exploring the story of the woman from Tyre and Sidon, we understood that Jesus treated everyone with love and compassion, regardless of their background. This teaches us to view everyone equally.

Reflection

How can we avoid biases and prejudices in our interactions with people from different backgrounds? In what ways can we emulate Jesus in treating everyone with love and compassion?

WEDNESDAY – “Send Her Away!”

Lesson

In the past, people sometimes didn't want to share the good news about Jesus with those in foreign cities. Why? Because they had wrong attitudes like nationalism  b  and prejudice  c  . Even during Jesus' time, as we learnt from Tuesday's lesson, some of His followers wanted to send away a woman who needed help.

But God wants us to break down our biases and help everyone, just like Jesus did.

We need to remember that everyone is important to God, no matter where they come from or what they believe. In the Bible, there's a story about Peter who had to learn this lesson too.

Read the following:

Acts 10:9-16

KJV 9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

CEV 9 The next day about noon these men were coming near Joppa. Peter went up on the roof of the house to pray 10 and became very hungry. While the food was being prepared, he fell sound asleep and had a vision. 11 He saw heaven open, and something came down like a huge sheet held up by its four corners. 12 In it were all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds. 13 A voice said to him, “Peter, get up! Kill these and eat them.” 14 But Peter said, “Lord, I can't do that! I've never eaten anything that is unclean and not fit to eat.” 15 The voice spoke to him again, “When God says that something can be used for food, don't say it isn't fit to eat.” 16 This happened three times before the sheet was suddenly taken back to heaven.

Acts 10:28

KJV 28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

CEV 28 and Peter said to them, “You know that we Jews are not allowed to have anything to do with other people. But God has shown me that he doesn't think anyone is unclean or unfit.

Acts 10:34-35

KJV 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

CEV 34 Peter then said: Now I am certain that God treats all people alike. 35 God is pleased with everyone who worships him and does right, no matter what nation they come from.

What does this story teach us about breaking down biases?

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

The account of the Syrophenician woman illustrates Christ's divine compassion and the power of persevering prayer. Ellen White points out that Christ understands the burdens of every mother's heart, and His interactions with children highlight His desire for us to approach others with a childlike faith. As Christ-like workers, we should stretch out our hands to save the lost, remembering that every soul is valuable to God.

Conclusion

We learned that biases and wrong attitudes like nationalism and prejudice can hinder sharing the good news. God calls us to break down these barriers and help everyone, reflecting His love.

Reflection

What biases might hinder our efforts to share God's love with others, and how can we overcome them? How can we actively promote inclusivity and break down barriers in our community?

THURSDAY – Faith on Earth?

Lesson

Jesus once asked if He would find faith on earth when He comes back. This means He's looking for people who believe in Him, especially in tough situations.

In the Bible, we see that faith can be found in unexpected places, even in cities.

For some examples, read the following stories:

• A centurion and friends with a paralyzed person had great faith – Matthew 8:10

  KJV 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

  CEV 10 When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, “I tell you in all of Israel I've never found anyone with this much faith!

  Matthew 8:13

  KJV 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

  CEV 13 Then Jesus said to the officer, “You may go home now. Your faith has made it happen.” Right then his servant was healed.

  
  
• Another story showing strong faith – Matthew 9:2

  KJV 2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

  CEV 2 Some people soon brought to him a man lying on a mat because he could not walk. When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the man, “My friend, don't worry! Your sins are forgiven.”

  
  
• More examples of people with faith – Matthew 20:29-34

  KJV 29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. 31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. 32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? 33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. 34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

  CEV (Mark 10. 46-52; Luke 18. 35-43) 29 Jesus was followed by a large crowd as he and his disciples were leaving Jericho. 30 Two blind men were sitting beside the road. And when they heard that Jesus was coming their way, they shouted, “Lord and Son of David, have pity on us!” 31 The crowd told them to be quiet, but they shouted even louder, “Lord and Son of David, have pity on us!” 32 When Jesus heard them, he stopped and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They answered, “Lord, we want to see!” 34 Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. At once they could see, and they became his followers.

  
  
• Someone with faith in Capernaum – Mark 2:5

  KJV 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

  CEV 5 When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the man, “My friend, your sins are forgiven.”

  
  
• A blind man named Bartimaeus showed strong faith – Mark 10:46-52

  KJV 46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. 48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. 49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. 50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

  CEV (Matthew 20. 29-34; Luke 18. 35-43) 46 Jesus and his disciples went to Jericho. And as they were leaving, they were followed by a large crowd. A blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus son of Timaeus was sitting beside the road. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus from Nazareth, he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” 48 Many people told the man to stop, but he shouted even louder, “Son of David, have pity on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him over!”They called out to the blind man and said, “Don't be afraid! Come on! He is calling for you.” 50 The man threw off his coat as he jumped up and ran to Jesus. 51 Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”The blind man answered, “Master, I want to see!” 52 Jesus told him, “You may go. Your eyes are healed because of your faith.” At once the man could see, and he went down the road with Jesus.

  
  
• Another story where faith shines – Luke 18:35-43

  KJV 35 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: 36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. 37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. 38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. 39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. 40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, 41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. 42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

  CEV (Matthew 20. 29-34; Mark 10. 46-52) 35 When Jesus was coming close to Jericho, a blind man sat begging beside the road. 36 The man heard the crowd walking by and asked what was happening. 37 Some people told him that Jesus from Nazareth was passing by. 38 So the blind man shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” 39 The people who were going along with Jesus told the man to be quiet. But he shouted even louder, “Son of David, have pity on me!” 40 Jesus stopped and told some people to bring the blind man over to him. When the blind man was getting near, Jesus asked, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see!” he answered. 42 Jesus replied, “Look and you will see! Your eyes are healed because of your faith.” 43 At once the man could see, and he went with Jesus and started thanking God. When the crowds saw what happened, they praised God.

As you can see from the stories, people with different backgrounds and beliefs can have strong faith. So, we should go into cities with love and humility, sharing the good news with everyone.

We should also pray for more faith to share God's love with those near and far.

Read Luke 18:8

KJV 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

CEV 8 He will surely hurry and help them. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find on this earth anyone with faith?

What does this text tell us about the kind of faith Jesus is looking for?

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

The lesson emphasizes that faith, like the light of the gospel, should extend to every corner of the earth. Ellen White underscores the importance of fulfilling God's purpose by scattering into all lands and shining Christ's light. She challenges us to engage in personal, diligent efforts, especially in large cities, to reach souls in darkness and bring them to the truth.

Conclusion

Jesus is looking for faith, even in unexpected places like cities. We saw that people with different backgrounds and beliefs can have strong faith, reminding us to approach cities with love and humility.

Reflection

How can we cultivate and strengthen our faith, especially when facing challenges in our community? In what ways can we actively share God's love with those around us, fostering faith in unexpected places?

FRIDAY – Further Thought

Lesson

The Bible teaches us that sometimes people who don't follow God's ways can still understand important things about Him. So, even though some people might not agree with us, we should show them love and tell them about Jesus.

Let's not judge others, but instead, let's live like Jesus did, treating everyone with kindness and sharing the truth with love. God has placed valuable people everywhere, and we can be part of His plan to bring light to those in darkness.

EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

The conclusion calls for a Christ-like spirit, encouraging us not to judge but to live like Jesus, showing love, kindness, and sharing the truth with compassion. Ellen White emphasizes the need for soul-touching sympathy for the tempted and erring, urging us to be part of God's plan to bring light to those in darkness. The reflection prompts us to consider whether we are actively engaged in Christ's mission and reaching out to those who need Him.

Conclusion

The week emphasized the importance of showing love, kindness, and sharing the truth with others. We're reminded not to judge but to live like Jesus, treating everyone with compassion.

Reflection

How can we incorporate the lessons learned this week into our daily lives? What specific actions can we take to bring light to those in darkness in our community?

LESSON SUMMARY

Mission to the Unreached: Part 2

This week's lesson explores God's eternal concern for His lost children. Jesus leads His disciples to Tyre and Sidon, emphasizing reaching all, even in challenging places. Despite urban challenges, Jesus urges compassion, highlighting the need for workers. The Canaanite woman's story teaches treating everyone equally, breaking down barriers. Biases hindering good news sharing are addressed, stressing the importance of helping everyone. Faith's importance, especially in cities, is emphasized, urging love and humility. The week concludes, urging a Christ-like spirit, treating all with kindness, and sharing truth with love.

Saturday - Introduction This week's lesson opens with a reminder of God's eternal concern for His lost children. It emphasizes the relevance of God's love to people living in cities, where over half of the world's population resides and continues to grow. The lesson encourages us to draw lessons from stories like Jonah's and unfolds the narrative of Jesus' mission to Tyre and Sidon, underscoring the importance of sharing God's love with people in urban settings. Ellen White's notes accentuate the compassion in Jesus' plan for redeeming humanity, calling us to cultivate a spirit of Christ's love and reach out to those who may seem different from us.

Sunday - Mission to Regions Beyond Jesus deliberately takes His disciples to Tyre and Sidon, non-Jewish cities, challenging them to understand the significance of reaching out to all people, even in challenging places. The lesson delves into biblical stories about these cities from Judges and 1 Kings, illustrating their historical influences on God's people. Despite this history, Jesus models the importance of crossing boundaries to share His message of love and redemption. Ellen White's insights stress the urgency of leaving the familiar to seek the lost, mirroring Christ's love for all.

Monday - Seeking the Multitudes The lesson focuses on Jesus' compassion for people in cities, revealing His tears for Jerusalem. Despite the challenges of helping people in urban areas, the lesson encourages us to follow Jesus' example. It explores Matthew 9:35-38

KJV 35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

CEV 35 Jesus went to every town and village. He taught in their synagogues and preached the good news about God's kingdom. Jesus also healed every kind of disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he felt sorry for them. They were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “A large crop is in the fields, but there are only a few workers. 38 Ask the Lord in charge of the harvest to send out workers to bring it in.”

, highlighting the need to reach people wherever they are. Ellen White underscores the urgency of the work, urging more workers to labor sincerely and humbly in this mission.

Tuesday - In Tyre and Sidon The lesson narrates the story of the Canaanite woman, emphasizing Jesus' deliberate choice to minister in regions often ignored. This narrative teaches us to treat everyone with love and compassion, transcending human-made divisions. Ellen White underscores Jesus' mission to break down walls separating people, promoting a spirit of inclusivity and love.

Wednesday - “Send Her Away!” The lesson delves into biases and prejudices, both historical and contemporary, that hinder sharing the good news with those in foreign cities. It urges us to break down these biases and help everyone, emphasizing that every person is important to God. The biblical story of Peter's lesson in breaking down biases is explored. Ellen White's insights highlight Christ's divine compassion and the power of persevering prayer, urging us to stretch out our hands to save the lost.

Thursday - Faith on Earth? The lesson questions whether Jesus will find faith on earth when He returns, emphasizing the importance of faith, especially in challenging situations. It explores stories of faith found in unexpected places, even in cities, urging us to go into cities with love and humility, sharing the good news with everyone. Ellen White underscores the importance of fulfilling God's purpose, scattering into all lands, and shining Christ's light.

Friday - Further Thought The conclusion encourages living like Jesus, treating everyone with kindness, and sharing the truth with love. It stresses the need for a Christ-like spirit, showing love and kindness to bring light to those in darkness. Ellen White's insights call for soul-touching sympathy for the tempted and erring, urging active engagement in Christ's mission and reflection on reaching out to those who need Him.