Covenant and Sacrifice

The Written Word of God

What is the Bible?

The book you see in this picture is the Bible. It’s a very special book, because it is the Word of God. In the Bible, God tells us who He is, what He is like, and how He wants us to live. One of the most important things we learn from the Bible is that God loves all people, and He wants us to live close to Him as His friends. Everything I want to share with you comes from this book - the Bible.

How Did the Bible Come Together?

God is the source of all true knowledge. That means that whenever we talk about God, we can only do so because He has shown us things about Himself. God reveals Himself to people in many different ways. A long time ago, God chose certain people called prophets. These prophets had a special job: they had to tell others what God wanted them to know. Often, God spoke to His prophets through dreams or visions.

God also chose priests. Their role was to help God’s people understand more about Him and to act as a link between God and His people. Sometimes, God even spoke out loud so that people could hear His voice clearly and receive His commandments directly.

Later on, God asked some of His followers to start writing down what He had said — including the words of the prophets and His commandments. After this, other people were led by God to gather these writings and put them together in one collection. This is how the Bible was formed.

So, the Bible is a collection of writings that were inspired by God. That’s why we say the Bible is the Word of God.

Why Is the Bible Important?

For anyone who believes in the One True God, the Bible is the most important book in the world. Through the Bible, God speaks to us even today. That’s why we take the stories and teachings in the Bible seriously. Because God is completely good and never lies, we can trust what He says. And since the Bible is His Word, we can believe what it tells us.



Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Psalm 19:7-10: [7] The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. [8] The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. [9] The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. [10] They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.

Isaiah 45:18-19: [18] For this is what the LORD says— he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited— he says: “I am the LORD, and there is no other. [19] I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right.

Our World Today

This is a map of the world we live in today. It shows the continents and many islands across the globe. At present, there are seven continents, along with many smaller islands scattered across the oceans.

But when God first created the earth, the world probably didn’t look exactly like this. Some people believe that in the beginning there were fewer continents and fewer islands. Over time, the shape of the world changed. Exactly how and when that happened isn’t the most important thing. What really matters is that God is the One who made our planet and shaped the world we live in.

Today, millions and millions of people live all over the earth. In the next picture, you’ll see the continent of Africa — this is where you and I live. (Or perhaps you live on another continent? Has anyone shown you where you live on a world map before?)

Wherever we live — our house, our village, our town or our country — we are part of a much bigger world.

Our world today is not perfect. There are wars, hunger, hatred and disease. But it wasn’t always like this. When God first made the world, it was good — beautiful, peaceful, and full of life.

In the next stories, we’re going to find out what went wrong — why the world became so broken and full of pain. But we’ll also discover something wonderful: God has a solution. He has a plan to heal what is broken.

May God bless you as we begin this journey of discovering His Word.

The Continent of Africa

In this picture, we see the continent of Africa. Africa is one of the seven continents in the whole world.

If you look at the top right-hand side of Africa — the north-eastern part — you’ll find a region that also forms part of what people call the Middle East. Sometimes, this area is referred to as the Middle Eastern subcontinent.

Many important Bible stories happened in the Middle East and in parts of North-East Africa, like Egypt. These places are part of the history of God’s people.

Do you know where in Africa you live? What is the name of your country? And do you happen to know how far your country is from the Middle East?

For example, the most southern country in Africa — South Africa — is about 9,890 kilometres from the city of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is the capital of the country called Israel today. It’s a very important city in the Bible. It was once the city of King David, and it’s also the place where Jesus died on the Cross.

Creation

Genesis 1:1-25

In the very beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. At first, the earth was formless and empty. Everything was dark, and deep waters covered the surface. But the Spirit of God was there, hovering over the waters.
Then God spoke. He said, “Let there be light,” and light appeared. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. He called the light “day” and the darkness “night.” That was the first day.
On the second day, God said, “Let there be a space to separate the waters.” And so He made the sky, separating the water above from the water below.
On the third day, God gathered the water below the sky into one place so that dry ground could appear. He called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters He called “seas.” Then God made plants grow—seed-bearing plants and fruit trees of every kind. And God saw that it was good.
On the fourth day, God created lights in the sky to separate day from night. These lights would help mark time — days, seasons, and years. He made the sun to rule the day and the moon to rule the night. He also made the stars. And God saw that it was good.
On the fifth day, God filled the sea with living creatures — all kinds of fish and sea animals. He also made the birds that fly across the sky. God blessed them and told them to fill the seas and the skies.
On the sixth day, God said, “Let the land produce living creatures.” So, He made all the animals — wild animals, farm animals, and creatures that crawl on the ground. Each one was made according to its own kind. And God saw that it was good.
God created all these things just by speaking. He said, “Let it be,” and it happened exactly as He said. He made the sky, the land, the sea, the sun, the moon, the stars, the birds, the fish, and all the animals. And God was pleased with everything He had made. It was all very good.
There is only one God. He is Spirit. He knows everything, and He is everywhere. In the beginning, only God existed — there were no people, animals, or anything else. The world as we know it today did not exist.
Then God began His creation. First came the light. Then He made the sky, the clouds, and the earth. He separated the sea from the land, and plants began to grow. Then He made the sun, moon, and stars. He created every living creature — first those in the water, then the birds in the sky, and then all the animals on the land.
But God saved the most special part of His creation for last.
God made the first human. He formed him from the dust of the earth and breathed life into him. This man became the first person to ever live. God gave him the greatest honour of all — He made him in His own image. God made man to know Him, and to live in close friendship with Him. The man’s thoughts and desires were in full harmony with God’s. He walked with God and was completely at peace.
God named this first man Adam.

Adam and Eve in the Garden

Gen. 2:15-25

God placed the first man, Adam, in a beautiful garden called Eden. This garden was full of life, with trees of every kind — including the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God told Adam to take care of the garden, and He gave him permission to eat from any tree — except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God warned Adam that if he ate from that tree, he would surely die.
God also gave Adam an important task: to name all the animals and birds. Every kind of creature came to him — male and female — and Adam gave each one a name. But none of them was a suitable companion for Adam. He was still alone.
So God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep. While he was sleeping, God took a part of Adam’s side and used it to create the first woman. Then God brought her to Adam.
Adam was overjoyed. He said, “This one is like me — made from my own flesh and bones!” God had created a companion just right for him. From that moment, the two were united as one.
This is why, even today, a man leaves his father and mother and joins with his wife, and the two become one. At that time, Adam and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame. They were completely at peace with each other and with God.
God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and take care of it. Rule over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and every living creature on the earth.” God also gave them every seed-bearing plant and fruit tree to eat from.

What Does This All Mean?
In this part of the story, we see something amazing: God made humans in His own image, and He invited them into a relationship with Him. This relationship was based on love — real love that is freely given and freely received. God, who is all-powerful, chose to love people. But He didn’t force them to love Him back. Instead, He gave them the freedom to choose. That way, their love for God could be real and meaningful. God also invited people to work alongside Him. He gave them the honour of helping to take care of the world He had made. Humans were called to look after nature in a way that reflected God’s love — so that the plants, animals, and the whole earth could experience God’s goodness through the way people lived.
This means people had an important task: to build up the world, to care for creation, and to bring everything more deeply into God’s life and love. Their job was to help the whole of creation worship God in the right way. So, in short - God invited humans to be His co-workers in sharing His love and helping to keep life full and beautiful. What an incredible honour! To help them in this task, God gave Adam and Eve the perfect place to live — the Garden of Eden. In the garden, God, people, and nature could live together in perfect harmony. It was a place full of life and peace, where everything worked as it should.
But because God wanted their love to be real, He gave them the freedom to choose. That means God's relationship with people — and even the fullness of life He wanted to give them — depended in part on their choice to keep loving and trusting Him.
God gave humans a great responsibility because He loved them deeply. He trusted them to care for His creation and to stay close to Him in love.

The Fall of Man

Gen 3:1-7

harmony. It was a place full of life and peace, where everything worked as it should.
But because God wanted their love to be real, He gave them the freedom to choose. That means God's relationship with people — and even the fullness of life He wanted to give them — depended in part on their choice to keep loving and trusting Him.
God gave humans a great responsibility because He loved them deeply. He trusted them to care for His creation and to stay close to Him in love.


 
Picture 6: The Fall of Man
(Genesis 3:1-7)

One day, a snake came into the garden. But this was no ordinary snake — it was Satan, God’s enemy, disguised in the form of a serpent. Satan used to be one of God’s angels, but he rebelled against God and wanted to be greater than his Creator. Because of this, God threw him out of heaven, and from then on, Satan worked against everything good that God had made. The serpent was very clever and came to speak to the woman. He said to her, “Did God really say that you must not eat from any tree in the garden?”
The woman replied, “We can eat fruit from the trees in the garden. But God said we must not eat from the tree in the middle of the garden, and we must not even touch it, or we will die.” Then the serpent told her a lie. He said, “You will not die. God knows that if you eat that fruit, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like Him — knowing good and evil.”
The woman looked at the fruit. It looked tasty and beautiful. And it seemed like it would make her wise. So she took some and ate it. Then she gave some to Adam, who was with her, and he also ate it. As soon as they had eaten, everything changed. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they realised they were naked. For the first time, they felt shame. They were no longer at peace with each other, with creation, or with God.

What Went Wrong?
God had given Adam and Eve everything they needed — and more. They were allowed to eat from every tree in the garden, except one: the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. God didn’t say this because He didn’t want them to learn or understand things. Not at all. God wanted them to use knowledge in a good and loving way — to honour Him and to help others. But knowledge used for selfish or proud reasons brings harm, not life. It turns people away from God and makes them think they can live without Him.
Satan tricked Eve by making her doubt God's goodness. He made her think God was holding something back from her — that she could be like God without God. So she ate the fruit and gave it to Adam. At that moment, everything changed. Instead of trusting and honouring their Creator, Adam and Eve chose to follow their own desires. They tried to become their own gods — deciding for themselves what is right and wrong. This was the beginning of human selfishness. And from selfishness, sin quickly grew into hatred, destruction, and even murder.
When Adam and Eve sinned, they broke the harmony between themselves, God, and the whole of creation. They no longer lived in perfect peace. Their relationship with nature was damaged, and they became vulnerable — even afraid. This was a terrible moment in the story of the world. It is called The Fall or The Great Fall of Mankind.
Adam and Eve’s choice was not just a small mistake. It was a turning away from God. They failed to lead creation in worship and love for God. Instead, they pointed it back to themselves. They stopped loving others and started thinking only of themselves — even if it hurt the world around them.

What Now?
Because of this Great Fall, the world became broken. Nature suffered too, like a branch cut off from the tree that gives it life. Without God, everything started to fade. Sin entered the world, and with it came sickness, death, and pain.
But the story doesn’t end here. Even though people turned away from God, God did not turn away from them. Fixing what was broken would take more than just effort — it would take a miracle. In fact, it would take God Himself stepping into the story to bring life back to a dying world.
But that part of the story… is still to come.

Fig leaf coverings

Gen 3:7-10

Hiding from God
As soon as Adam and Eve had eaten the fruit, their eyes were opened. They suddenly realised they were naked. They felt exposed and ashamed. So, they quickly sewed fig leaves together and made clothes to try and cover themselves.
Later that day, as the sun cooled and the evening breeze came, Adam and Eve heard the sound of God as He was walking in the garden. But instead of running to Him, they ran away. They tried to hide among the trees.
God called out, “Where are you?”
Adam replied, “I heard You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked — so I hid.”

What Went Wrong?
Rather than turning to God for help, Adam and Eve tried to fix everything on their own. They used leaves to make clothing, but not to honour God — they used nature to hide their shame. Instead of leading creation to glorify God, they began using creation for selfish reasons.
But things got even worse. Adam and Eve became afraid of God — the very One who had made them and loved them. When God came to walk with them, they chose to hide from Him. Their fear showed how far they had turned away from their Creator. Even when God called to them, they couldn’t face what they had done. They didn’t ask for help. They kept trying to cover up their shame, instead of coming back to God.
Let’s see what happens next…

Consequences of the fall - Adam and Eve driven from the garden

Gen 3:11-24

God asked Adam, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree I told you not to eat from?” Adam didn’t take responsibility. Instead, he said, “The woman you gave me — she gave me the fruit, and I ate it.”
Then God asked the woman, “What have you done?” And she replied, “The serpent tricked me, and I ate.” So God first turned to the serpent and said, “Because you have done this, you are cursed. You will crawl on your belly and eat dust all your life. There will be hatred between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers. One day her descendant will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
God then told the woman, “You will now experience great pain when giving birth. And though you will desire your husband, he will rule over you.”
To Adam God said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree I commanded you not to eat from, the ground is now cursed. You will have to work hard for your food all your life. Thorns and weeds will grow, and you’ll struggle to survive. You will return to the ground one day, because from dust you were made, and to dust you will return.”
God had warned Adam: “If you eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you will surely die.”

A Broken World
Adam and Eve could no longer hide — not from God, and not from the consequences of their actions. But even then, they didn’t take full responsibility. They started blaming each other, the snake, and even God.
Because of their sin, everything changed. Sin entered the world, and with it came fear, pain, selfishness, and death. Even nature was affected. Everything was no longer working in harmony with God’s love and life. To help Adam and Eve, God made clothes for them — not from leaves, but from animal skin. For this to happen, part of nature had to suffer. Nature, which was made to glorify God, now became something to be used to cover human shame. God then said, “The man must not eat from the tree of life and live forever in this fallen state.” So, for their own good, He sent them out of the Garden of Eden. He placed angels and a flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life.
From that moment on, Adam and Eve — and all their children — would no longer live in the perfect peace and abundance God had originally planned. The fullness of life was now lost. Their relationship with God was broken, and their unity with nature was shattered.

Why It Matters
Adam and Eve’s sin was not just about disobeying a rule. It was about dishonouring God and turning away from His love. Instead of choosing what was good for others, they chose what was good for themselves — even if it hurt everything around them.
This is the story of how our world became broken, full of suffering and death. It is called The Great Fall or The Fall of Mankind.
Because of Adam and Eve’s selfishness, sin began to grow. And sin grew into hatred. As we’ll see later in the Bible, it eventually led to murder, destruction, and people openly rebelling against God.
Mankind had forgotten why they were created — to love God and lead creation in praising Him. Their actions broke the world. All relationships were damaged: between God and people, between people and each other, and between humans and nature. It was as if all of creation had become like a branch that had been cut off from the tree that gave it life.

A Glimmer of Hope
God didn’t leave things that way. He had a plan. He promised Adam and Eve that one day, one of their descendants would come and defeat Satan. This person would crush the serpent’s head and bring people back to God. Over time, God began to show how this great plan would unfold — a plan to save the world and realign both people and nature with Himself. A plan to bring humans back into His family, to give them new life, and to restore everything. This plan is not just about fixing things. It’s about making everything new — a full recreation. And to do that, God would have to give more than commandments. He would have to give Himself.
In the next sessions, we will hear more about this plan — the greatest rescue story the world has ever known.

Cain and Abel bring offerings to God

Gen 4:2-5

Adam and Eve had two sons — the older one was Cain, and the younger one was Abel.
Abel looked after flocks of animals, while Cain worked the land and grew crops.
One day, both brothers brought an offering to God. Cain brought some of the fruits he had grown, and Abel brought the best parts from the firstborn of his flock.
God was pleased with Abel and his offering, but He was not pleased with Cain and his offering. We don’t know exactly why, but the Bible makes it clear that Abel brought his gift with the right heart, while Cain did not.
Cain became angry. His face dropped, and his heart grew dark.
But God came to him and said:
“Why are you angry? Why is your face down?
If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted?
But if you refuse to do what is right, be careful!
Sin is waiting at your door, ready to take control of you.
But you must rule over it.”

The first Murder - Cain kills Abell

Gen 4:8-15

In Genesis 4, we find the sad story of how the sin of Adam and Eve began to affect their children.One day, Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were there, Cain suddenly turned on Abel and killed him. It was the first murder in history — one brother killing another out of jealousy and anger.
Later, God spoke to Cain and asked, “Where is your brother Abel?”
Cain answered, “I don’t know. Am I supposed to look after my brother?”

But God said, “What have you done? Your brother’s blood is crying out to Me from the ground! Now you are cursed. The ground that received your brother’s blood will no longer give you crops. You will become a restless wanderer, moving from place to place.” Cain was overwhelmed. He said, “This punishment is too much for me! You are sending me away from the land, and I will be hidden from Your presence. I will have no home, and anyone who finds me might try to kill me.”
But God showed mercy. He said, “No — if anyone kills you, they will be punished seven times over.” Then God placed a special mark on Cain to protect him from harm.
So Cain left the presence of the Lord and went to live in a land called Nod, which was east of Eden.

Noah's Ark

Gen 6:1-22

After Adam and Eve, their children and grandchildren had many more children, and soon the world was filled with people from many nations. But as time went on, people began to turn away from God. They became wicked and violent, doing what was wrong in God's eyes. This made God very sad, and He regretted that humans had chosen such a path.
But there was one man who still listened to God and tried to live rightly. His name was Noah. God was pleased with Noah. One day, God spoke to him and said: “I am going to bring an end to all people because the earth is full of violence. But I will save you and your family. I want you to build a large boat, called an ark.”
God gave Noah clear instructions. The ark had to be made of cypress wood and coated inside and out with pitch (a kind of waterproof tar). It needed to be big—about 135 metres long, 22 metres wide, and 13 metres high. God also told Noah to make three decks, a roof with a small opening for air, and a door on the side.

Then God said: “I will send a great flood to cover the earth and destroy all life. But I will make a covenant—a special promise—with you. You, your wife, your sons, and their wives will go into the ark and be kept safe.”
God also told Noah to bring into the ark two of every kind of animal and bird, a male and a female, so they could survive the flood.
“They will come to you,” God said. “And you must take every kind of food and store it for yourselves and for the animals.”
Even though Noah had never seen a flood before, he trusted God and did everything exactly as he was told.

The Great Flood Begins

Gen 7:1-24

When Noah had finished building the ark, he and his family got ready to enter. They took with them all the animals, just as God had said. Then God Himself closed the door of the ark.
Seven days later, the rain began to fall. It wasn’t just a light rain — it poured down heavily for forty days and forty nights. At the same time, springs burst open from under the ground, and water rose up everywhere. Soon, the whole earth was covered with water. Everything outside the ark — all people and animals — drowned in the great flood.
Before the flood started, God had said to Noah: “Go into the ark with your whole family, because I see that you are the only righteous one in this generation. Take with you seven pairs of every clean animal, and two of every unclean animal. Also take seven pairs of every kind of bird, so they can survive and live on after the flood. In seven days, I will send rain for forty days and forty nights, and everything that lives on the earth will be wiped away.”
Noah listened carefully and did everything exactly as God had commanded. At that time, Noah was 600 years old. He, his wife, his three sons — Shem, Ham and Japheth — and their wives all entered the ark. The animals came to him in pairs, just as God had said: clean and unclean animals, birds, wild animals, and creatures that crawl on the ground. Two by two they went into the ark — a male and a female of each kind — and then the Lord shut the door behind them.
Then the flood began.
For forty days, the rain poured down and the waters kept rising. The ark floated on the surface of the water, and the flood grew deeper and deeper. Even the highest mountains were covered, with water rising more than six metres above their peaks.
Every living thing on land died — birds, animals, people, and everything that breathed air. The entire surface of the earth was wiped clean. Only Noah and those with him in the ark survived.
The waters continued to cover the earth for 150 days.

God Lee[s His Promise - Noah's sacrifice and the Rainbow

Gen 8:1-22 & 9:1-3

Noah, his family, and all the animals stayed in the ark for an entire year. They waited patiently while the floodwaters slowly went down. Then God sent a wind over the earth to help the water dry up. The rain stopped, the deep springs were sealed, and little by little the earth became dry again.
After 150 days, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. As time passed, the water kept going down, and by the first day of the tenth month, the tops of the mountains became visible.
Forty days later, Noah opened a window in the ark and sent out a raven. It flew back and forth until the ground was dry. Then he sent out a dove, but it couldn’t find a dry place to rest, so it returned to the ark. Noah gently brought the dove back in.
A week later, he sent the dove out again. This time, when it came back, it had a fresh olive leaf in its beak! Now Noah knew that the land was starting to dry. After waiting another seven days, he sent the dove out one last time — and it didn’t return. That meant it had found a home in the world again.
By the first day of the first month of Noah’s 601st year, the ground was dry. And by the twenty-seventh day of the second month, the whole earth was ready for life again. Then God spoke to Noah and said: “Come out of the ark — you and your family. Bring out all the animals with you. Let them go and fill the earth again.”
So Noah, his wife, his sons and their wives came out of the ark. All the animals followed — birds, wild animals, and crawling creatures — one kind after another. The first thing Noah did was to build an altar to the Lord. He took some of the clean animals and birds and made a burnt offering, a special gift to thank God. The smell of the offering pleased God, and He made a promise in His heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of people, even though they often choose evil. And never again will I destroy all living things as I did. As long as the earth lasts, there will always be planting and harvesting, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.”
Then, as a sign of His promise, God placed a rainbow in the sky — and even today, it reminds us of God’s faithfulness and His loving commitment to all of humanity.

The Tower of Babel

Gen 11:1-9

After the flood, God gave Noah and his three sons a clear command: “Have many children and spread out across the earth.”
But the people didn’t listen. Instead of filling the world, they chose to stay in one place. They began to build a great city with a tower that reached high into the sky. They wanted to make a name for themselves — to become important and powerful — rather than giving glory to God.
They were proud and thought they could live without God. They didn’t want His help, His protection, or His guidance. They believed they could do everything on their own. God saw what they were doing. He saw their pride and disobedience.
In the Bible, God says: “If they are doing this as one people who all speak the same language, then nothing they plan will be impossible for them. Let us go down and confuse their language so they can no longer understand one another.”
And that is exactly what happened. Suddenly, people began to speak different languages, and they could no longer understand each other. Confusion followed. There were arguments and misunderstandings, and people could no longer work together. So they stopped building the city.
The people then spread out across the world, just as God had originally told them to do.

Where the stories of the Bible happened - Map of the Middle East

Most of the stories in the Bible took place a very long time ago, in lands that were very different from the countries we live in today.
This picture shows the modern-day countries of the Near East and Northeast Africa. Nearly all the events of the Old Testament happened in this region. Libya, Egypt, and Ethiopia were all part of the ancient Egyptian kingdoms.
This is where Jacob and his sons went to find food during the great seven-year drought—the one Pharaoh dreamed about. It was in Egypt that Joseph, also known as Joseph the Dreamer, was first a slave in Potiphar’s house, and later became a powerful leader in the land.
Turkey is where the ancient Kingdom of the Hittites was.
Iran was the home of the ancient Persian Empire.
Iraq is where Babylonia once stood, with its famous capital city Babel.
The city of Nineveh, where the prophet Jonah was sent, was also in what is now Iraq.
Syria has kept the same name since ancient times. It was often an enemy of Israel.
A famous general named Naaman came from Syria to the prophet Elisha to be healed of his sickness.
In the New Testament, Syria became the base from which the Apostle Paul set out on his missionary journeys to Europe.
Israel is known in the Bible as the Promised Land—the land that God promised to Abraham and his descendants, the Israelites.
Jesus was born in Israel, in a town called Bethlehem, not far from the capital city of Jerusalem. It was in Jerusalem where Jesus was later crucified. After Jesus rose from the dead, the Apostles stayed in Jerusalem, and from there they began to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and salvation to the whole world.
In this way, God’s promise to Abraham was fulfilled — that through Abraham’s family, He would bless all the nations of the world.
It doesn’t matter where you live — whether in Africa, Europe, Asia, or on any island or continent — God’s plan of salvation is also meant for you.

The Land of Israel

This is a map of Israel. Some people may also call it Palestine. It’s a small part of the world, but it is a very special place in the Bible.

Out of all the countries and lands in the world, God chose this one to give to a group of people called the Israelites. According to the Bible, God had a special reason for choosing this land.

God’s plan was that Israel, with its people, would become like a living temple — a place where God’s ways were known and lived out. It would be like a kingdom, a nation that followed God’s commandments and worshipped Him with their whole hearts.
By living in this way, the people of Israel were meant to be an example to the rest of the world — showing others who God is and how to worship Him.

Abraham leaves Haran

Genesis 12:1-5

God’s Covenant with Abram
To truly bring God and His fallen creation back together in peace and harmony, something much greater was needed — a kind of total re-creation. But this couldn’t happen by simply destroying everything and starting over. It would take an act of God Himself — the Creator — to bring new life without wiping everything out.
You see, in order to restore life to a broken and dying world, the power of sin and death had to be overcome. And this is not something human beings could do. Only the One True God, who is the source of all life, could defeat death.
In the next part of the Bible’s story, we meet a man named Abram. This is where we begin to see how God continued to carry out His great plan of salvation — a plan to bring life and healing to all people and all creation.

Abram’s Journey of Faith
In Genesis 12, we read about a man named Abram, who had great faith in God. Because of his trust and obedience, many people have been blessed through him.
In the picture, you can see Abram with his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and their servants. They are preparing for a long journey. Why? Because God spoke to Abram and said: “Leave your country, your people, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
So Abram obeyed. He packed up all his belongings and set off with his family and servants on a long journey to a new and unknown land.

A New Relationship with God
With Abram, God made a special promise — a covenant. This covenant was a sacred agreement between God and Abram. God promised that He would use Abram and his descendants to bring blessing and new life to the whole world. The goal of the covenant was to rebuild the relationship between God and humanity. It gave people a way to turn back to God — to live by His promises, follow His ways, and walk in harmony with Him again. By living according to the covenant, people could begin to realign their lives — with God, with each other, and with creation. The covenant was the first step in God’s great rescue plan for the world.


Arriving in the Promised Land
Abram trusted God’s word and did exactly as he was told. He and his companions travelled for many days until they arrived in the land of Canaan. When they got there, God appeared to Abram and said: “To your descendants I will give this land.”

Abraham, Sarah and the heavenly visitors

Gen 18:1-15

God’s Promise to Abraham and Sarah
God stayed faithful to His promise.
One day, three men came to visit Abraham at his tent. But these were no ordinary visitors — one of them was the LORD God Himself. Abraham immediately bowed down before them as a sign of deep respect. He hurried to call Sarah, his wife, and asked her to prepare some food. Then Abraham served the guests himself. The fact that God shared a meal with Abraham was a powerful sign of peace and friendship between them.
While they were eating, the men asked: “Where is your wife, Sarah?”
Abraham replied: “She’s in the tent.”
Then the LORD said something very surprising: “I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son.”
Sarah was listening from inside the tent — and when she heard this, she laughed quietly to herself. She was already very old, far past the age when most women can have children. The idea seemed impossible to her.
But then the LORD spoke again and asked Abraham: “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child now that I am old?’
Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will come back at the right time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

The Creator God Gives Life
For God to promise a child to Sarah, who was too old to have children, was like bringing life out of something lifeless. In a way, it was similar to the story of creation, when God made life out of nothing.
By giving a child to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, God was showing them who He truly is — the Creator, the One True God who brings hope, life, and blessing, even when it seems impossible.

Lot and his daughters escape

Gen 19:1-22

Abraham Pleads for Sodom
After the three visitors had finished their meal, they got up to leave. Abraham walked with them for a while to say goodbye. As they looked down toward the city of Sodom, God told Abraham that He was going there — and that He planned to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, because the people were so wicked and were doing many evil things.
Abraham thought about his nephew Lot, who was living in Sodom, and he began to plead with God. He asked: “Will You really destroy the good people along with the wicked? Surely the Judge of all the earth will do what is right?”
Abraham kept asking God if He would spare the city if there were 50, or 40, or even 10 good people living there. Finally, God promised that He would not destroy Sodom if only ten righteous people could be found.
When the conversation was finished, God went on His way, and Abraham returned home.
But sadly, there were not even ten faithful servants of God in the whole city.

God Rescues Lot
Later, two of God’s messengers arrived in Sodom. They saw just how wicked the people truly were. But God showed mercy to Lot and his family. The messengers warned Lot and told him: “Take your family and flee the city at once. Do not look back!”
Lot obeyed. He and his family ran away from Sodom just in time. But as they were escaping, Lot’s wife looked back — and in that moment, she turned into a pillar of salt.

The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

Gen 19:23-29

Then the LORD sent burning sulphur down from the sky onto the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
The fire came from the heavens, and God completely destroyed those cities, along with the whole plain around them. Everyone who lived there died, and even the plants and trees in the land were burned up.
Early the next morning, Abraham got up and went back to the place where he had spoken with God.
He looked down toward the land where Sodom and Gomorrah had been. All he could see was thick smoke rising into the sky — like smoke from a large furnace.
Although the cities were destroyed, God remembered Abraham and showed kindness to Lot.
Because of Abraham’s prayers, God rescued Lot from the disaster that struck the cities where he had lived.

Abraham offers Isaac

Gen 22:1-19

When Sarah was 90 years old, she gave birth to a son — just as God had promised Abraham. Abraham was already 100 years old when the child was born. They named the boy Isaac, which means “he laughs”.
Some time later, when Isaac was still a young boy, God tested Abraham’s faith. He said: “Take your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and offer him to Me as a sacrifice.”
This was a very hard command, but Abraham trusted God completely. He prepared everything for the sacrifice. Isaac carried the wood, and Abraham carried the fire and the knife. As they walked together, Isaac asked: “Father, where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
Abraham replied: “God Himself will provide the lamb, my son.”
When they arrived at the place, Abraham built an altar, placed the wood on it, tied up his son, and laid him on the altar. Just as Abraham raised the knife to sacrifice Isaac, an angel of the Lord called out: “Do not hurt the boy! Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you truly respect and trust God, because you were willing to give Him your only son.”
Then Abraham saw a ram caught in a bush. He took the ram and offered it as a sacrifice instead of Isaac.
God said to Abraham: “Because you did not hold back your son from Me, I promise to bless you. You will have many descendants — as many as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Through your family, all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you obeyed Me.”
This moment showed that Abraham truly trusted God and was fully committed to Him.

A Wife for Isaac

Gen 24:1-25:11

When Abraham became very old, he called his trusted servant and said: “Promise me that you will go back to my country and my relatives, and find a wife for my son, Isaac.”
Abraham didn’t want Isaac to marry a woman from the land of Canaan, and he didn’t want Isaac to leave the land God had promised. So, the servant agreed, and he travelled to the city of Nahor.
When he arrived, the servant prayed to God and asked for help to find the right woman for Isaac. Then a beautiful young woman named Rebekah came to the well to draw water. She offered to give water not only to the servant, but also to his ten camels. The servant saw this as a sign from God. When he found out that Rebekah was the granddaughter of Abraham’s brother, he knew this was the right woman. He bowed down and worshipped God, thanking Him for answering his prayer.
And so, Rebekah became Isaac’s wife.

The Death of Abraham
Abraham lived to be 175 years old.
He spent his whole life trusting in God’s promises, and because of his faith and obedience, God blessed him and accepted him as a friend.

Esau and Jacob - A story of rivalry

Gen 25:21-34

Isaac, the son of Abraham, married Rebekah. For many years, they had no children. But finally, God blessed them, and Rebekah became pregnant with twin boys. Even before the babies were born, God gave Rebekah a message. He said: “There will be rivalry between your sons. The older son will serve the younger one.”

Esau Sells His Birthright
The older son was named Esau, and the younger was Jacob. Esau grew up to be a strong hunter, and he often went out into the open countryside. Jacob, on the other hand, preferred staying at home and cooking. One day, Esau came home exhausted and starving. He saw that Jacob had made some tasty food, and he asked for some.
But Jacob said: “First, sell me your birthright — your right as the eldest son.”
Esau replied: “I’m about to die from hunger. What good is a birthright to me?”
So, Esau traded his birthright for one meal. In doing so, he gave away something very important — the special honour and inheritance that came with being the firstborn.

Jacob Takes the Blessing
Years later, when Isaac was old and nearly blind, he knew he would die soon. He called Esau and said: “Go and hunt a wild animal, prepare a meal for me, and then I will give you my blessing as the firstborn.”
Rebekah overheard this and came up with a plan to help Jacob receive the blessing instead. She cooked some goat meat, dressed Jacob in Esau’s clothes, and even covered his arms and neck with goat skin so that he would feel hairy like Esau.
Jacob brought the food to his father and said: “I am Esau, your firstborn.”
Isaac was unsure, so he touched Jacob’s arms. Because of the goat skin and the smell of Esau’s clothes, he thought it really was Esau. Isaac ate the food and gave Jacob the blessing meant for the firstborn son.

Esau Finds Out
Soon after, Esau returned, ready with the meal he had prepared. But it was too late. He discovered that Jacob had already received the blessing. Esau was heartbroken. He cried out loudly, filled with sorrow and anger.

Jacob's dream and God's Promise

Gen 271-28:22

After Jacob had tricked his father and taken the blessing meant for Esau, Esau was furious. He held a deep grudge against his brother and wanted to kill him. So Jacob had to run away from his home to save his life.
As Jacob fled, we read in Genesis 27–28 that something amazing happened. One night, as the sun went down, Jacob stopped beside the road, found a stone for a pillow, and fell asleep. That night, Jacob had a dream.
He saw a stairway reaching from the earth up to heaven, and angels of God were going up and down on it. At the very top of the stairway stood God, and God spoke to Jacob. He said: “I am the LORD, the God of your grandfather Abraham and your father Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land you are lying on. Your descendants will be as many as the dust of the earth. Through you and your family, all the peoples of the earth will be blessed. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. I will bring you back to this land, and I will never leave you until everything I have promised is done.”

God’s Love and Authority
Even though Jacob had made mistakes, God loved him deeply — even before he was born. God had chosen Jacob, and He gave him this beautiful promise, not because Jacob had earned it, but simply because God wanted to.

God has the power and authority to do whatever He chooses. But He is not a harsh ruler so that we could call Him a tirant. No, God always uses His power in a loving and fatherly way, precisely because He is a Father. God’s goal is always to heal and restore our world that has been broken by sin.

Joseph sold into slavery

Gen 37:12-36

Joseph and His Brothers
Jacob, the son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham, had twelve sons. But of all his children, Jacob loved one son the most — Joseph. To show his special love for Joseph, Jacob gave him a beautiful coat made of many colours. This made Joseph’s brothers feel very jealous and angry. They didn’t like how much attention Joseph received.
Joseph also had a special gift from God — he could see the future in his dreams.
One time, during harvest season, Joseph dreamed that his brothers’ bundles of grain bowed down to his.
On another night, he dreamed that the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing to him.
Joseph didn’t yet understand what these dreams meant, but when he told his family, his brothers became even more upset.

The Brothers Betray Joseph
One day, Joseph’s brothers had taken their flocks far away to find grass. Jacob said to Joseph: “Go and check if your brothers and the flocks are well, and come tell me how they’re doing.”
So, Joseph went out to find them. When his brothers saw him coming, they made a terrible plan. They said to each other:
“Let’s kill him and say a wild animal attacked him!”
They grabbed Joseph, tore off his colourful coat, and threw him into a dry well.
But then one of the brothers said: “What do we gain by killing him? Let’s rather sell him.”
Just then, a group of traders came by on their way to Egypt. The brothers sold Joseph for twenty pieces of silver.
To cover up what they had done, they dipped Joseph’s coat in goat’s blood and took it home to their father. When Jacob saw the blood-stained coat, he thought a wild animal had killed Joseph.
Jacob was heartbroken. He mourned deeply for his son, thinking he was gone forever.

Joseph in Egypt

Gen 39:1-20

After being sold by his brothers, Joseph was taken to Egypt. There, the traders sold him as a slave to a man named Potiphar. Potiphar was an important official who worked for the king of Egypt, also known as Pharaoh. Even though Joseph was far from home and in a difficult situation, God was with him. Everything Joseph did went well, and Potiphar soon noticed this. He trusted Joseph and put him in charge of his whole household. Joseph was also a good-looking young man, and one day Potiphar’s wife began to take notice of him. She wanted Joseph for herself and tried to tempt him.
But Joseph knew it would be wrong to do what she asked. He refused and stayed away from her.
One day, she grabbed him by his cloak and said: “Come to bed with me!”
But Joseph ran away, leaving his cloak in her hand. He didn’t want to sin against God or betray Potiphar’s trust.
Angry and embarrassed, Potiphar’s wife told a lie. She took Joseph’s cloak to her husband and accused Joseph of trying to attack her.
Potiphar believed his wife’s story and had Joseph thrown into prison.

Jospeh in Prison

Gen 39:21 - 40:23

Even in prison, God stayed close to Joseph and showed him love and kindness. Before long, Joseph was put in charge of all the other prisoners. Around that time, two of the king’s servants were also sent to prison — the king’s cupbearer (the one who served the king his wine) and the king’s baker. One night, both of them had strange dreams. They were worried because they didn’t know what the dreams meant.
Joseph saw they were upset and said, “God is the one who knows what dreams mean. Tell me your dreams.”
The cupbearer spoke first. “In my dream, I saw a grapevine with three branches. I took the grapes, squeezed them into the king’s cup, and gave it to him.”
Joseph listened carefully and then explained, “This is what your dream means: in three days, the king will let you out of prison and give you your job back.”
The baker then shared his dream - “I was carrying three baskets of bread on my head. The top basket was full of food for the king, but birds were eating it.”
Joseph told him the meaning too. “In three days, you will be put to death.”
And that’s exactly what happened. Three days later, the cupbearer was released and got his job back, and the baker was executed — just as God had shown Joseph through the dreams.
Before the cupbearer left prison, Joseph asked him, “Please remember me when you’re back with the king.” But the cupbearer forgot about Joseph, and two more years passed before Joseph was finally set free.

The King's dream

Gen 41:1-40

Joseph stayed in prison for another two years. Then, one night, the king of Egypt had a strange dream. In his dream, he saw seven fat cows standing beside the river. Then seven thin, sick-looking cows came out of the river and ate the fat cows. But no one in the whole kingdom could explain what the dream meant.
That’s when the king’s cupbearer remembered Joseph — the man who had explained his dream back when he was in prison. He told the king about Joseph, and the king quickly sent for him.
Joseph was brought out of prison and stood before the king. The king told him the dream, and Joseph said, “God is showing you what is going to happen. There will be seven years of good harvests and plenty of food in Egypt. But after that, there will be seven years of famine, when food will be very hard to find.”
Joseph gave the king some advice. “Choose a wise and trustworthy man to be in charge of Egypt. During the seven good years, let him collect and store grain from across the land. Then, when the seven years of famine come, there will be enough food for the people.”
The king could see that God’s Spirit was with Joseph, so he made Joseph the ruler over all of Egypt. He gave Joseph the job of organising the whole country to get ready for the famine.
So, during the seven good years, Joseph gathered grain from every part of Egypt. He stored it away, so that when the years of famine arrived, the people would still have food to eat.

Jospeh rules in Egypt - How his brothers bowed before him

Gen 41:47 - 42:28

During the seven years of good harvest in Egypt, Joseph stored up huge amounts of grain. Then, when the seven years of famine began, he opened the storehouses and sold grain to the people so they wouldn’t starve. The famine also reached the land of Canaan, where Joseph’s family lived. His ten older brothers came to Egypt to buy grain. They didn’t recognise Joseph, but Joseph knew exactly who they were.
Instead of revealing himself, Joseph tested them. He accused them of being spies and put them in prison. After three days, he said, “If you are honest men, prove it. Bring your youngest brother here — the one you told me about.” Joseph kept one of the brothers in prison and sent the others home with grain for their families.
The brothers were frightened. They didn’t want to return to Egypt, but soon their food ran out again. This time, they brought their youngest brother, Benjamin, with them, just as Joseph had asked. Still, Joseph didn’t tell them who he was. He sold grain to them, but secretly told one of his servants to hide the brothers’ money back in their sacks — and to place his own silver cup inside Benjamin’s sack.
After they left, Joseph sent his servants to chase after them. When they found the silver cup in Benjamin’s sack, the brothers were shocked and terrified. They returned to Joseph’s house and bowed before him, just like in Joseph’s dream many years earlier — the one where his brothers’ bundles of grain bowed down to his. The moment was too much for Joseph. He could no longer hold back his emotions. He broke down in tears and finally told them, “I am your brother Joseph — the one you sold into Egypt!”
Joseph hugged Benjamin and wept with all his brothers. He forgave them and showed them great kindness. Then he gave them many gifts and said, “Go back to Canaan. Bring our father and your families here to Egypt so I can care for you during the famine.”
The brothers returned home with amazing news: “Joseph is still alive! And he is ruler over all of Egypt!”

Jacob and Joseph in Egypt

Gen 45:28 - 50:26

Jacob took his whole family and everything he owned and moved to Egypt. When he saw his son Joseph again after so many years, he ran to him, hugged him tightly, and they both wept with joy.
Later, Jacob laid his hands on Joseph’s two sons and gave them a special blessing. These boys would go on to become great leaders in the tribes of Israel.
Jacob lived the rest of his life in Egypt and died when he was very old.
After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers became afraid. They thought Joseph might still be angry with them for what they had done to him long ago. But Joseph spoke kindly to them. He said, “Don’t be afraid. You planned to harm me, but God used it for good. He brought something wonderful out of it — the saving of many lives. So, I will take care of you and your children.”

The Israelites become slaves to the Egyptian rulers

Exodus 1:7-22

The Israelites lived in the region of Goshen in Egypt. Over time, their families grew larger and larger, just as God had promised. We learn this in the book of Exodus. About 300 years after Joseph had brought his family to Egypt, a baby boy named Moses was born. By then, the Israelites had become a great nation. But this made the king of Egypt, the Pharaoh, very nervous. He was afraid that if war broke out, the Israelites might join Egypt’s enemies and escape the land. So instead of honouring them for their hard work and peaceful living, Pharaoh decided to shame and control them. He made them slaves. He forced them to build large cities for him, including places called Pithom and Rameses. The Egyptians put cruel slave masters over the Israelites, treating them with no mercy. They made them work long hours with bricks and mortar, and also made them do hard labour in the fields. Life became bitter and harsh for the Israelites.
But even though Pharaoh tried to break them, the Israelites continued to grow in number. The more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied. This made the Egyptians even more afraid, and they treated the Israelites even more harshly.
Then Pharaoh tried something even worse. He secretly told the Hebrew midwives—two women named Shiphrah and Puah—to kill every baby boy born to the Israelites. "If it's a boy, kill him," he said. "But if it's a girl, let her live."
But Shiphrah and Puah respected and feared God more than they feared Pharaoh. They would not do such an evil thing. They let the baby boys live. When Pharaoh heard what had happened, he called the midwives and asked angrily, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” They replied, “Hebrew women are strong. They give birth so quickly that the babies are born before we even arrive.”
God was pleased with these midwives because they honoured Him. He blessed them with families of their own, and the Israelite people kept growing in number.
But Pharaoh didn’t give up. He then gave a terrible order to all his people: “Every Hebrew boy who is born must be thrown into the Nile River. But let the girls live.”
The shame and injustice were now affecting every Israelite family. The king of Egypt was trying to destroy their future by killing their sons. But even in these dark times, God was watching, and He was preparing someone to save His people.

The Story of Moses

Exodus 2:1-10

The Birth of Moses
A man from the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, and they had a baby boy. When the mother saw how beautiful and special her son was, she hid him for three months. She was trying to protect him, because Pharaoh had ordered that all Hebrew baby boys be killed. But after three months, she couldn’t hide him anymore. So she made a basket out of papyrus, covering it with tar and pitch so it wouldn’t sink. She carefully placed her baby inside the basket and set it among the reeds along the edge of the Nile River. His older sister stood nearby, watching to see what would happen.

Baby Moses Rescued
Then something unexpected happened. Pharaoh’s daughter came down to the river to take a bath. While her servants were walking along the riverbank, she noticed the basket in the reeds and sent one of her attendants to fetch it. When she opened the basket, she saw the crying baby and felt sorry for him. “This must be one of the Hebrew babies,” she said.
Just then, the baby’s sister stepped forward and asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Would you like me to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby for you?”
“Yes, please,” the princess replied.
So, the girl went and brought back the baby’s own mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” The woman agreed and cared for her own son. When the boy grew older, his mother brought him back to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her adopted son. She named him Moses, which means “I drew him out of the water.”
Moses was now living in the Egyptian palace as the son of the king’s daughter. He was raised with honour and given the best Egyptian education. He learned their language, their customs, and their ways. He became a powerful man in Egypt. But deep down, Moses knew he was still one of the Hebrew people. One day, when he was a grown man, he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. Moses was filled with anger and wanted to protect his fellow Israelite. So he attacked and killed the Egyptian.
When Pharaoh heard what Moses had done, he became very angry and wanted to kill him. Moses had gone from honour to shame in the eyes of the Egyptians. So, Moses fled to the desert of Sinai, where he lived as a refugee for forty years, far away from the palace he once called home.

God speaks to Moses from the burning bush

Exodus 3:1-13

One day, while Moses was looking after the sheep of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, he led the flock far into the wilderness. There, he came to Horeb, the mountain of God. Suddenly, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire, coming from a bush. Moses looked carefully and saw that even though the *bush was on fire, it was not burning up. (*The burning bush was one shrub, like it shows in the picture it doesn't refer to a forest - (check translations).
He thought to himself, “I must go and see this strange sight—why doesn’t the bush burn?”
When the Lord saw Moses coming closer, He called to him from inside the bush, “Moses! Moses!”
Moses replied, “Here I am.”
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
Then God said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face. He was too afraid to look at God. Then the Lord said, “I have seen the suffering of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries because of their cruel slave masters, and I care deeply about their pain. So, I have come down to rescue them from the hands of the Egyptians and to lead them out of that land into a rich and spacious land—a land flowing with milk and honey. It is the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live.
“I have heard the cry of the Israelites, and I have seen how badly the Egyptians are treating them. So now, I am sending you, Moses, to Pharaoh. You must bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”
But Moses said to God, “Who am I to go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt?”
God replied, “I will be with you. And here is the sign that I am the one who sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship me right here on this mountain.”
Moses then said, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me,’ and they ask, ‘What is his name?’ What should I tell them?”
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. Tell them, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
God also said, “Say to the Israelites: ‘The Lord—the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name you must use for all generations.”
Then God gave Moses a clear task: “Gather the elders of Israel and tell them: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, appeared to me and said: I have been watching over you and I know what has been done to you in Egypt. And I promise to bring you out of your misery in Egypt and into a land flowing with milk and honey.’” God continued: “The elders will listen to you. Then you and the elders must go to Pharaoh and say to him: ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the Lord our God.’ “But I know that Pharaoh will not let you go unless he is forced by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with powerful wonders. After that, Pharaoh will let you go.
“And when you leave, you will not go empty-handed. I will make the Egyptians treat you kindly. Every Hebrew woman must ask her Egyptian neighbour for silver, gold, and clothing. You will give these things to your sons and daughters. In this way, you will leave Egypt with honour, not shame—you will plunder the Egyptians.”

God shows his power in Egypt

Exodus 5:1 - 10:29

Even though Moses was afraid, he trusted God and went back to Egypt. His brother Aaron went with him. Together they went to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and said, “The LORD—the God of Israel—says, ‘Let my people go, so that they may hold a special festival for me in the desert.’”
But Pharaoh answered proudly, “I don’t know this LORD, and I will not let the Israelites go.”
After this, Pharaoh became even more cruel. He increased the Israelites’ suffering and gave them even harder work to do. He wanted to shame them and show his power over them.
But God told Moses, “The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I stretch out my hand against them and bring my people out of Egypt.” God was not only rescuing His people—He was also revealing His name and His honour to the whole world. God also told Moses what to do when Pharaoh asked for a sign. “When he says, ‘Show me a miracle,’ tell Aaron to throw his staff down in front of Pharaoh. It will become a snake.”
Aaron did exactly what God said. He threw his staff down, and it turned into a snake. But then the Egyptian magicians came forward and did the same thing using their secret arts. Their staffs also became snakes. However, Aaron’s snake swallowed all of theirs—showing that God’s power was greater. Yet Pharaoh ignored this sign. He saw God’s power, but he refused to let the Israelites go.
So God began to send powerful signs, called plagues, to Egypt. First, He turned all the water in Egypt into blood, even the water in jars and pots. Then He sent frogs everywhere, followed by swarms of gnats and flies. After that came painful boils on the skin of people and animals, and then a huge storm with hail that destroyed crops. God sent thick darkness over the land and then clouds of locusts that ate whatever was left.
Some of these signs the Egyptian magicians could copy—but only at first. Soon they had to admit that these miracles were far beyond their power. God was showing that He, not Pharaoh, was the true King. He was showing that no magic or pride could stand against Him. But even though the LORD had proven His strength again and again, Pharaoh kept hardening his heart. He chose his pride over obedience, and he refused to let God’s people go free.

The first Passover - God saves his people

Ex 11:4-8, 12:1-28

Moses gave Pharaoh a final warning: God was going to bring the worst of all the plagues. Every firstborn son in Egypt would die—from Pharaoh’s son to the son of the poorest worker. This would be a terrible judgment on Egypt for refusing to listen to God and for shaming His people. But God didn’t forget His promise to Israel. He made a way to save them and their children. God gave Moses special instructions for the people. Each family had to prepare a sacred meal called the Pesach, or Passover. This would become one of the most important moments in Israel’s story.
God said, “Each family must take a perfect lamb, kill it, and put some of the lamb’s blood on the doorposts of their house. That night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn male. But when I see the blood on your doorposts, I will pass over your house. No harm will come to you.”
The blood was a sign. It showed that the family trusted God and belonged to Him. God honoured that trust and protected them. This night would become more than just a memory. God told the Israelites: “This must be a day you remember forever. Celebrate it every year as the Passover. Remember how I passed over your houses and rescued you from slavery in Egypt.” In other words, this was not just about the past—it was also about each new generation sharing in God's redemption.
By keeping the Passover, the Israelites showed their loyalty to God's covenant. It was a way for each person to make God's promise personal. Each time they celebrated it, they remembered with honour what God had done for them.
The Passover meal had two main parts:
1) The sacrifice of a lamb – Each family offered a lamb to God as a sign of faith and obedience.
2) The sacred meal – They ate the lamb together, along with unleavened bread (bread made without yeast) and bitter herbs. The bread reminded them of their quick escape from Egypt, and the bitter herbs reminded them of the bitterness of slavery.
Later, after God led His people out of Egypt, He gave them more instructions about sacrifices. All of these sacrifices were connected to the meaning of the Passover. They helped the people understand more deeply how God saves, forgives, and brings them into relationship with Him.

Pharaoh's firstborn son and all other firstborns in Egypt died

Ex 12:29-36

God did exactly what He had said. At midnight, the Lord passed through Egypt and struck down every firstborn son. From the palace to the prison cell, no family was left untouched. Even the firstborn of the animals died. From Pharaoh’s own son—heir to the throne—to the son of the lowliest servant, every Egyptian household was filled with sorrow.
That night there was loud crying and wailing across Egypt. In every home, someone had died. But not in the homes of the Israelites. The Lord had kept His promise. Where He saw the blood of the lamb on the doorposts, He passed over, and no one in that house was harmed.
Pharaoh, whose heart had been so proud and hard, was now broken. In the middle of the night, he sent a message to Moses: “Get up and leave! You and all the Israelites—go! Worship the LORD as you asked. Take your people and go!”
Pharaoh had finally recognised God’s power, and in his shame and grief, he let the Israelites go free. God had saved His people and brought honour to His name by keeping His covenant.

Crossing through the sea

Ex 13:17 - 14:31

Moses led the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. But they were not alone. God was with them—like a guide and protector. During the day, He went ahead of them in a tall pillar of cloud, and at night, He was a pillar of fire, lighting the way.
When the king of Egypt heard that the Israelites had truly gone, he and his officials were furious. They had just lost all their slaves—the people who worked for them. This was a great shame to them. So, the king gathered his army and chased after the Israelites, determined to bring them back.
The Israelites travelled until they came to a huge sea. They couldn’t cross it. And when they looked behind them, they saw the Egyptian army coming fast. There was nowhere to run. They were trapped - sea in front of them, soldiers behind them. Panic and fear spread through the people. Many felt helpless and ashamed. Had they come all this way just to die in the desert?
But Moses stood up and said, “Don’t be afraid! Stand still and watch what God will do to save you. The Egyptians you see today—you will never see them again.”
Then God told Moses to lift his staff over the sea. When he did, a strong wind from God began to blow. The waters of the sea pulled back, and a path opened up—dry ground right through the middle of the sea! The people walked across safely, with walls of water on each side of them. But when the Egyptian army tried to follow, God let the water return. The sea crashed down on them, and every single one of the Egyptian soldiers was drowned.
God had rescued His people. He had saved them from their enemies and removed their shame. And now, they knew—they truly belonged to Him.

Food in the desert/Bread from heaven

Ex 16:1-16

After God rescued the Israelites from Egypt, Moses led them further into the desert. But life in the desert was hard. There was not enough food, and before long, the people began to complain. They grumbled against Moses and Aaron—and even against God.
They said, “Why did you bring us out here? In Egypt, at least we had food to eat. We sat around meat pots and had bread whenever we wanted. But now we’re starving out here in the desert!”
Their words were not just complaints—they were a kind of shameful protest, as if they had forgotten God’s power and kindness. They were blaming Moses, but the real complaint was aimed at God. But instead of punishing them, God showed mercy. He wanted to remind them who He was—and that He had not left them. He said to Moses, “I will send bread from heaven. Each day the people must go out and gather just enough for that day. This will test their trust in Me. On the sixth day, they must gather twice as much so they can rest on the seventh.”
Moses and Aaron gathered the people. “This evening,” they said, “you will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of Egypt. And in the morning, you will see His glory, because He has heard your complaining. But remember—you are not grumbling against us. You are grumbling against the LORD.” As Aaron spoke, the people looked out toward the desert, and there, in the cloud, the glory of God appeared. He had heard them. That evening, a flock of small birds called quail flew in and covered the camp. The people had meat to eat. And in the morning, when the dew lifted, something strange was left on the ground—thin flakes like frost, covering the desert floor. The people were confused. “What is it?” they asked one another.
Moses said, “This is the bread the LORD has given you to eat.”
The people called it manna, which means “What is it?”—and for years to come, it reminded them that God had fed them with His own hand. Even when they were ungrateful, He did not turn away. He stayed with them and kept His promise.

Water from the rock

Ex 17:1-7

As the Israelites continued their journey through the desert, they once again faced trouble. This time, there was no water. The sun was hot, their mouths were dry, and fear began to grow in their hearts. Instead of trusting God, the people turned on Moses. They argued and accused him, saying, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt—to die of thirst?”
Moses felt the weight of their anger and cried out, “Why are you quarrelling with me? Why are you testing the LORD?”
The people were not just complaining—they were shaming Moses, and in doing so, they were doubting God’s care for them. They were acting as if God had forgotten them, even though He had already saved them, fed them, and walked with them day and night.
So Moses prayed, and God gave him a clear instruction: “Take the staff—the same one you used at the Red Sea—and strike the rock. Water will flow out of it, and the people will drink.”
Moses obeyed. He stood before the people, raised his staff, and struck the rock. Just as God had promised, fresh water poured out—enough for everyone. Once again, God had shown mercy. Even though the people doubted Him and brought shame upon their leader, He still cared for them.
And so, for forty years, God looked after the people of Israel in the desert. Day after day, He gave them food and water. He showed them that He was their faithful God, even when they struggled to trust Him.

God gives his covenant laws

Ex 19:1-25

The Israelites finally arrived at Mount Sinai. There, something amazing happened. God Himself came down onto the mountain in a storm of thunder, lightning, thick clouds, and fire. The whole mountain shook, and the people were filled with fear and wonder. Moses climbed the mountain to meet with God. And there, God spoke to him and gave him His holy laws.
“I am the LORD your God,” He said. “You must not have any other gods besides Me. Do not bow down to idols or worship them. Do not misuse My name.
“Remember the seventh day of the week and keep it holy. Work for six days, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On that day, you must not do any work. This is because in six days I made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them—but on the seventh day, I rested. So I blessed that day and made it holy.
“Honour your father and your mother. Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not tell lies or give false testimony against others. Do not desire or be jealous of what belongs to someone else.”
God wrote these Ten Commandments and other laws on tablets of stone, and Moses carried them down the mountain to teach the people. These laws were not just rules—they were part of God’s covenant with Israel. They were a way for the people to show that they truly belonged to God. By following these commandments—by resting on the Sabbath, by being truthful, by honouring parents, and by not stealing or hurting others—the Israelites could honour God in their daily lives.
Earlier, God had given them the Passover feast, a special celebration where a lamb was sacrificed and eaten with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. That meal reminded them of how God had saved them from slavery in Egypt. Now, with the Ten Commandments, God gave them something just as important—a way to live every day in faithfulness to Him. The Passover was a sacrificial way to remember the covenant. The commandments were a practical way to live the covenant.
Even today, we find these laws in God’s Word, the Bible. They remind us that our relationship with God is not only something we believe in our hearts—it is something we live out with our actions, choices, and attitudes.

The LAw of God - the Ten Commandments

Ex 20:1-26

These were God's Words to His People:
God said:
“I am the LORD your God.
You must not have any other gods before Me.Do not make idols or bow down to them. Do not worship anything or anyone as if they were Me.
Do not misuse My name or speak it in a careless or disrespectful way.
Remember the seventh day of the week, and keep it holy. Work for six days and do all your tasks, but the seventh day is a day of rest, a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On that day, you must not do any work—neither you, your children, your servants, or even your animals. For in six days, I made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, but on the seventh day, I rested. That’s why I blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
Honour your father and your mother. Respect them and treat them with care.
Do not murder.
Do not be unfaithful in marriage.
Do not steal.
Do not tell lies about others or accuse someone falsely.
Do not be jealous or greedy for what belongs to someone else.”

The Golden Calf - a story about foretting and forgiveness

Ex 32:1-20

While Moses was still up on the mountain, spending time with God and receiving His law, the people at the bottom began to grow impatient. Days turned into weeks, and still Moses had not returned. The people gathered around his brother, Aaron, and complained, “We don’t know what’s happened to Moses—the man who led us out of Egypt. Make us some gods to lead us now.”
Instead of standing firm, Aaron gave in. “Take off your gold earrings—yours, your children’s, your wives’. Bring them all to me.”
They did as he asked, handing over their treasures. Aaron melted the gold, shaped it with tools, and made a statue in the form of a young bull—a calf. Then the people declared, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you out of Egypt!”
When Aaron saw how excited the people were, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to the Lord.” The next morning, they woke up early, offered sacrifices, then feasted, drank, and danced wildly. They were celebrating—but not in a way that honoured God. They had forgotten Him. Far above them, on the mountain, the Lord said to Moses, “Go down. The people you brought out of Egypt have already turned away from My commands. They’ve made themselves a golden idol, bowed to it, and said it rescued them. They are stubborn and rebellious. Leave Me now. I will destroy them and start again with you, Moses.”
But Moses pleaded with the Lord. “O Lord, why should Your anger burn against the people You saved with mighty power? Don’t let the Egyptians say You brought them out just to destroy them in the mountains. Please turn away from Your anger. Remember the promises You made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—that their descendants would be as many as the stars and inherit this land forever.”
And the Lord listened. He had mercy and chose not to destroy the people. Then Moses came down the mountain, carrying the two stone tablets that God had written Himself. As he got closer, his assistant Joshua heard the noise from the camp and said, “It sounds like a battle!”
But Moses replied, “It’s not the sound of victory or defeat—it’s singing.”
As Moses reached the camp, he saw the golden calf... and the dancing. His heart burned with anger. In that moment, he threw down the tablets and shattered them at the base of the mountain. He grabbed the idol, burned it in the fire, crushed it to dust, and scattered it into the water—then made the people drink it. He turned to Aaron: “What did these people do to you, that you led them into such a great sin?”
Aaron answered weakly, “Don’t be angry, my lord. You know how determined these people are to do wrong. They asked me to make gods for them since they didn’t know what happened to you. I told them to give me their gold, and... well, I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!”
Moses looked around and saw chaos. The people were completely out of control—and because of Aaron’s weakness, they had shamed themselves before their enemies. So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and called out, “Whoever is on the Lord’s side, come to me!” All the men from the tribe of Levi came to him.
Moses said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: each of you must go through the camp with a sword. You must show no favouritism—not even to family.” So the Levites obeyed, and about three thousand people died that day. Moses then said, “Today you have shown your loyalty to the Lord, even above your families. He will bless you for this.”
The next day, Moses told the people, “You have committed a terrible sin. But I will go back to the Lord and try to make things right for you.”
So Moses went back up the mountain. He said, “O Lord, these people have done something dreadful. They made gods of gold for themselves. But please... forgive them. And if You won’t, then erase my name from the book You have written.”
The Lord answered, “I will remove from My book only those who have sinned against Me. Now go, lead the people to the land I promised. My angel will go ahead of you. But when the time comes for judgement, I will punish them for this sin.”
Then the Lord sent a plague on the people, because of the golden calf Aaron had made.

God's tent among his people - The meaning of the Tabernacle

Ex 36 & 40

Because human beings often struggle to fully trust God and take Him at His word, God gave Israel special signs—visible reminders of His promises, His presence, and His deep commitment to His people. Two of the most important signs were the Passover and the Tabernacle. Both were symbols of God’s covenant—a sacred agreement—between Him and Israel. These signs were not just religious traditions; they were living pictures of who God is and how He stays close to His people. The word Tabernacle means “dwelling place.” It was also called the Tent of Meeting or the Tent of the Congregation, because it was where the people would gather, and where God would meet with them. Every time the Israelites saw the Tabernacle, they were reminded of two very important truths: God is with us, and God is holy. God wasn’t just watching from far away—He had chosen to live among His people. But even though He was near, He was still different. He was not like them. He was pure, powerful, and completely without sin. The Tabernacle showed that God could be known, yet never fully understood, because He is far greater than the human mind can grasp. The Tabernacle was a special place where God made it possible for His people to come near Him in a visible way. In Exodus 27:9–19, God gave Moses detailed instructions about how to build it. It wasn’t as grand or fancy as King Solomon’s Temple, which would come much later. But even in its simplicity, it was sacred—because God Himself had designed it.
The Tabernacle Layout
The Tabernacle stood inside a rectangular courtyard, surrounded by a linen fence. Inside the courtyard—but outside the actual tent structure—there were two key items: The Bronze Altar, where animals were sacrificed, and the Bronze Laver, a large basin filled with water where the priests would wash before serving. These objects were not just practical tools—they were symbols with deep meaning. In fact, many Christians believe the whole Tabernacle is one of the clearest pictures in the Bible of God’s plan to save people through Jesus Christ. The second half of the book of Exodus tells the story of how it was built, and other parts of the Bible refer to it again and again. Some Christians have noticed that the seven main items inside the Tabernacle seem to represent the spiritual journey a believer makes—from first coming to Jesus to living in the full joy and presence of God.



The Three Main Areas
The Tabernacle had three parts:
1) The Courtyard – an open space under the sun, where the first steps of worship happened.
2) The Holy Place – the inner tent where only priests could go.
3) The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) – the innermost room, where God’s presence was most intense, and where the Ark of the Covenant stood.

Let’s look at the first two furnishings found in the Courtyard:

1. The Bronze Altar (Altar of Burnt Offering)
This was the first thing you saw when you entered the Courtyard. It was made of bronze, and it was where the priests burned animal sacrifices. It pointed forward to something far greater: the death of Jesus on the cross. Just as animals were sacrificed to take away guilt, Jesus gave His life to take away our sins. This altar reminds Christians of the Cross, and of the gift we remember at Communion—Jesus, our Passover Lamb.

2. The Bronze Laver
This was a large basin filled with water, placed between the altar and the entrance to the Tabernacle tent. Priests had to wash their hands and feet before they could go further. It was a sign of cleansing, purity, and obedience.
For Christians, the Laver represents the washing away of sin through repentance, confession, and the Word of God. It also reminds us of our baptism—dying to our old life and rising to new life in Christ. But even after baptism, we still need daily washing from the world’s dirt: through prayer, through Scripture, and by turning back to God again and again. The Tabernacle was more than just a tent. It was a powerful sign that God had chosen to live with His people, even though they were weak, and often doubted Him. It showed that God is holy, but He still wants to be known. Through each piece of the Tabernacle, God was teaching Israel—and us—about forgiveness, trust, and how to walk closely with Him

Inside the Tabernacle - A picture of God's presence and plan

Ex 36 & 40

Behind the outer courtyard of the Tabernacle stood a wooden structure, carefully covered with four layers of cloth and skins—linen, goat’s hair, red-dyed ram’s skins, and tough badger hides. This made it both beautiful and strong, while also completely hiding the sacred space inside from ordinary eyes. Only the priests, chosen and set apart by God, were ever allowed to enter. The wooden building was divided into two special rooms: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, also called the Holy of Holies. These two areas were separated by a heavy, richly woven curtain called the Veil. This Veil acted as a firm barrier between God’s presence and the people—only the high priest could pass beyond it, and only once a year.
But something extraordinary happened when Jesus died on the cross. The Veil in the Temple was torn open—from top to bottom—as if by invisible hands. This powerful moment showed that, through Jesus’ sacrifice, every believer can now come into the very presence of God the Father. The way into the Most Holy Place is no longer blocked (see Hebrews 6:19–20; 10:19–20).

The Holy Place: A Room of Daily Worship:
The first room, the Holy Place, was about 4.5 metres wide, 4.5 metres high, and 9 metres long. Inside were three sacred objects, each filled with deep meaning.
The Table of Showbread – This table, made of acacia wood and covered in gold, held twelve special loaves called “Bread of the Presence.” These loaves reminded the Israelites that God was always with them, providing for them and welcoming them into fellowship.
The Golden Lampstand – Also known today as the menorah, this lamp had one central stem and six side branches, all made from a single piece of pure gold. At the top of each branch was an oil lamp that burned olive oil, giving light to the Holy Place, especially at night. The Lampstand symbolises the light of the Holy Spirit, who fills Christ’s Church with wisdom, guidance, and power. It reminds us of the gifts and ministries God gives His people to serve others, and the light that Christ brings to a dark world.
The Altar of Incense – Standing just in front of the Veil, this golden-covered altar was used to burn sweet-smelling incense. This rising smoke represented the prayers and worship of God’s people—offered through lives transformed by Jesus. It teaches us that true worship involves dying to selfishness and becoming more like Jesus, whose own life was a perfect offering to the Father.

The Most Holy Place: The Heart of God's Presence:
The second room, the Holy of Holies, was a perfect cube—4.5 metres in every direction. No lamp burned here, because it was lit by the very glory of God.
In the centre stood the most sacred object of all: the Ark of the Covenant, a wooden chest covered in gold. Inside the Ark were three holy items:

• The Ten Commandments – representing God’s law written not only on stone, but also on the hearts of those who love Him.
• A jar of manna – reminding the people of how God fed them in the desert, and pointing forward to Jesus, the true Bread from Heaven, who gives us daily strength.
• Aaron’s rod that budded – a sign of God’s power to bring life out of death, and of His choice of a priest who brings His people near.

The Ark’s lid was called the Mercy Seat—a solid slab of pure gold, with two golden cherubim (angel-like creatures) on top, their wings stretching over the middle. This was the very place where God’s presence appeared. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat, asking God to forgive the sins of the nation. The Mercy Seat shows us the glory and love of God revealed in Jesus. It is a picture of how Christ now sits as King and Mediator, full of power, mercy, and authority. Through Him, we are welcomed not only as servants—but as children of God, filled with His Spirit, and called to carry His glory into the world.

A Living Picture
Everything in the Tabernacle was a symbol—a living picture of who God is, how holy He is, how deeply committed He is to His people, and how He would one day bring salvation through Jesus Christ. It also shows the journey of a believer: starting from a distance, drawing nearer through worship and transformation, until finally being united with God in His presence. God was not ashamed to dwell among His people. But He called them to honour His holiness. And now, through Christ, we are invited into that same holy presence—not with fear, but with awe, gratitude, and deep respect.

Sacrifice for sin - The Lamb who took the blame

Leviticus 4:27-35, John 1:29`

Back in the time of Moses, when someone broke God’s law, they couldn’t simply say “sorry” and move on. Sin was a serious matter—it brought shame and separation from God. But God, in His love and mercy, provided a way for people to be forgiven. The person had to bring a lamb—one without any defects—and offer it as a sacrifice. They would place their hand on the lamb’s head, as if to say, “This innocent creature is taking my place.” Then, the lamb was killed. Its blood was shed instead of theirs. It was the lamb that paid the price for their sin, not the person. This may sound harsh to us today. But it was deeply meaningful to the people of Israel. It showed them that forgiveness is not cheap. Someone—or something—must bear the cost of sin. But it also showed God’s grace. He didn’t reject them. He gave them a way to come back to Him.
Why Sacrifice?
God required these animal sacrifices to provide a temporary covering for sin, and more importantly, to point ahead to something far greater: the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). This theme runs throughout the whole of Scripture. Right at the start, when Adam and Eve sinned, God Himself killed animals to clothe them with skins (Genesis 3:21). It was the first sign that sin brings death—but also that God provides. Later, after the great flood, Noah built an altar and sacrificed animals to God. The Lord was pleased with his offering and made a promise never to destroy the earth in that way again (Genesis 8:20–21).
How It Worked
In the book of Leviticus, we read detailed instructions about how sacrifices were to be done. For example, if someone sinned and brought a lamb, it had to be a male without any defect. The person would:
• Lay their hand on the lamb’s head, identifying with it.
• Kill the lamb themselves—sin involved personal responsibility.
• The priest would then take the blood, touch the horns of the altar with it, and pour the rest at the base.
• Certain parts of the animal were burned on the altar, as an offering to God.
This whole process made atonement—it repaired the broken relationship between the person and God. It was a moment of both shame and honour. Shame, because the sin had to be dealt with. Honour, because God received the sacrifice and forgave.
The Day of Atonement: A Bigger Picture
Once a year, something even more dramatic happened. It was called the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and it was a national event. The high priest would take two goats to represent the sins of all Israel.
• The first goat was sacrificed—its blood brought forgiveness.
• The second goat was not killed. Instead, the priest laid his hands on it, confessed the sins of the people over it, and then the goat was sent far away into the wilderness. This was called the scapegoat. It carried the sins away from the people, never to return (Leviticus 16:15, 20–22).
Together, these two goats painted a powerful picture: God not only forgives sin, but He removes it.

A Lamb That Was Promised
But all these sacrifices were only temporary. They had to be repeated over and over, year after year. Deep down, they were only shadows—signposts pointing forward. God had a greater plan. He would one day send a perfect Lamb—Jesus Christ, without sin or defect. He would take on Himself the sins of the whole world. And like the sacrificial lambs of old, He would suffer in our place, so that we could be truly and fully forgiven.
When Jesus died on the cross, it was the ultimate act of honouring God’s justice and love. It was the end of animal sacrifices, because now the true sacrifice had come. And through Him, we are no longer covered in shame—we are made new, clean, and welcomed back into God’s presence.

The snake on a pole

Numbers 21:4-0, Deuteronomy 18:18

After all they had seen—after the rescue from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the water from the rock, and the daily bread from heaven—the people of Israel still grumbled. In the middle of the desert, their hearts grew hard. Again, they turned against Moses and against God. “Why did you bring us out here to die?” they shouted. “There’s no bread! There’s no water! And we can’t stand this miserable food!”
They were not just complaining about hunger. They were insulting God’s care. What He had provided—His daily manna—they now called disgusting. It was a deep shame, not only because of their words, but because they had forgotten the kindness of the God who walked with them.
Then the Lord acted. He sent poisonous snakes into the camp. They slithered in among the tents and bit the people. Many died. Fear spread like fire. Only then did the people realise what they had done. They ran to Moses, no longer shouting, but confessing.
“We have sinned,” they said. “We spoke against the Lord and against you. Please pray for us!”
Moses, though hurt by their words, once again stood in the gap. He prayed on their behalf.
And God, in His mercy, gave him a strange instruction: “Make a bronze snake and lift it high on a pole. Anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.”
So Moses did exactly as God commanded. He made a serpent from bronze and raised it on a tall pole in the middle of the camp. And it worked. Everyone who had been bitten, when they looked at the bronze snake, was healed. They lived.

What Did It Mean?
This moment was more than just a rescue. It was a sign. A lesson. The people had to look up in faith to the very image of what had harmed them—the snake. It wasn’t magic. It was obedience and trust in God’s word that saved them.
Centuries later, Jesus would refer to this exact moment. He said: “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.” (John 3:14–15)
Jesus, like the bronze serpent, would be lifted up—on a cross. And everyone who looked to Him in faith would be saved from the deadly poison of sin. The shame that had bitten into the soul could be healed by trusting the One God had sent.

Moses and the Promise of Another Prophet
Moses was one of the greatest leaders Israel ever had. For forty years he guided them through the desert. He taught them, led them, and interceded for them—even when they turned against him. But Moses knew his time would come to an end. Just before he died, God made a promise: “I will raise up for my people a prophet like you, from among their own brothers. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will speak everything I command.”
That promise looked ahead—far beyond Joshua or the later prophets. It pointed to Jesus, the true and final Prophet, who would not just speak God’s word but be God’s Word made flesh. And just like in the desert, God would again provide a way for His people to be healed—not from snakes, but from sin, shame, and death itself.

The Spies and the people's fear

Numbers 13:1 - 14:35

When the Israelites came close to the land God had promised, Moses chose twelve leaders to secretly explore it. Among them were two faithful men—Joshua and Caleb. For forty days they walked through the land of Canaan. They saw how beautiful and rich it was—filled with good soil, flowing water, and fruit so large they had to carry it on poles.
When the spies returned, they spoke to all the people. “The land is truly good,” they said. “Look at the fruit we brought back! But... the people who live there are powerful. Their cities are large and well protected. Some of them are giants!”
The people listening began to panic. Fear started to spread like wildfire. But Caleb stepped forward and quieted the crowd. He said, “We must go up and take the land! We can do it! If the LORD is pleased with us, He will give it to us. Don’t be afraid of them.”
But the other ten spies refused. “No!” they cried. “We can’t win. We felt like grasshoppers compared to them! And that’s how we looked to them too.”
The people were overwhelmed by fear and shame. They cried loudly all night. Then they turned against Moses and Aaron—and even against God. They said things like, “Why did God bring us here just to die? Let’s go back to Egypt!”
Then something terrifying happened. The glorious presence of the LORD appeared before everyone. And God said, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe, even after all the signs I have shown them?”
God was deeply dishonoured by their lack of trust. He wanted to wipe them out completely. But Moses stepped in and pleaded for mercy. He reminded God of His promises and His kindness. Because of Moses’ prayer, God forgave the people. But for the sake of His holy name and honour, He made a decision: None of those who had refused to trust Him would enter the promised land. Instead, He led them back into the desert. They would wander there for forty years—one year for each day the spies had explored the land. In the end, all the grown-ups who had doubted God died in the wilderness. Only Joshua and Caleb—who had trusted and honoured God—would one day enter the land of promise.

Joshua leads Israel into the promised land

Joshua 1:1-9, 3:1-17

After Moses died, God chose Joshua to be the new leader of Israel. Joshua had served Moses faithfully for many years, and now it was his turn to guide the people. Then God spoke to Joshua: "Now you and all the people must get ready to cross the Jordan River. I am about to give you the land I promised to your ancestors. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead my people to receive this land as their own."
God gave Joshua clear instructions. At the heart of those instructions was the Ark of the Covenant. This was a sacred box, carefully made, which held the stone tablets of God’s law. But it was more than just a container. The Ark was a powerful symbol—it stood for the very presence of God among His people, like a royal throne. Wherever the Ark went, it showed that God Himself was leading.
The Jordan River was full and flooding its banks. It seemed impossible to cross. But God told Joshua that the priests, who were holy servants of the LORD, should carry the Ark right into the river. This would be a sign to all Israel that God was going ahead of them—to lead and protect them. So the priests lifted the Ark and walked towards the water. As soon as their feet touched the edge of the river, something amazing happened. The water stopped flowing! It piled up far away, and the rest of the river dried up completely. The priests walked into the middle of the dry riverbed and stood there holding the Ark. Then, with courage and trust, all the people of Israel walked across the Jordan on dry ground. Not one of them got wet. It was clear to everyone that God was with them—faithful to His promises and worthy of their honour and obedience.

The fall of Jericho and Achan's secret sin

Joshua 6:1-27

After crossing the Jordan River, the people of Israel set up camp near a great city called Jericho. Its walls were high and strong, and it seemed impossible to conquer. But then God spoke to Joshua and said: "I have already handed Jericho over to you. This is what you must do: For six days, march once around the city with all your fighting men. Let seven priests walk in front of the Ark, each carrying a trumpet. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, and let the priests blow their trumpets. Then, when all the people hear the long blast, they must shout loudly. The walls will fall, and you will go straight in and take the city."
Joshua trusted God and obeyed every detail. For six days they marched quietly around the city once a day. On the seventh day, they circled it seven times. Then, as the trumpets blew, the people gave a mighty shout.
And just as God had said—the walls of Jericho came crashing down! Israel went in and conquered the city.
But God had given them a strict command: nothing from Jericho was to be taken for personal use. The city was to be devoted to God—set apart as holy. Only the silver, gold, bronze, and iron were to be taken, and they were to be placed in the treasury of the LORD. This was a matter of great honour—what belonged to God was not to be touched or taken for selfish reasons.
But one man, Achan, secretly disobeyed. He stole some gold and hid it in his tent. No one else saw—but God did. This was not just a small mistake. Achan had taken what was holy and treated it like ordinary treasure. By dishonouring God in this way, Achan brought shame and trouble not only on himself, but on the whole nation. His secret sin had consequences for all of Israel.

The defeat at AI - and God's warning

Joshua 7:1-12

After their great victory at Jericho, the people of Israel faced another enemy city nearby—Ai. Joshua knew that they had to conquer it as well, so he sent a few men to spy it out. The spies came back and said, “Ai is small. We don’t need the whole army. Just send a few thousand men, and we’ll easily defeat them.”
So Joshua believed them and sent only a small group of soldiers. But something unexpected happened. The men of Ai fought back fiercely. They defeated the Israelites, killed some of them, and chased the rest away. It was a humiliating defeat. When the news reached Joshua, he was devastated. He and the other leaders tore their clothes, fell on their faces, and cried out to God in deep distress. They were confused and ashamed. “O Lord,” Joshua prayed, “why did You let this happen? Why did we cross the Jordan, only to be defeated and disgraced by our enemies?”
Then God gave a very clear answer. "Israel has sinned," He said. "I told you to destroy everything in Jericho—to set it all apart for Me. But someone has taken what was meant to be devoted to Me. They have stolen, lied, and hidden what does not belong to them. That is why you were defeated. You are running from your enemies because I am not with you. Unless you remove the stolen things and deal with the sin, I will no longer be with you."
The shame of one man’s secret sin had now become a stain on the whole nation. God’s presence—their greatest protection—was withdrawn because His honour had been ignored. Israel had to take this seriously, or they would lose far more than a battle—they would lose the presence of God Himself.

Achan's sin revealed - and Victory at Ai

Joshua 7:14 - 8:29

After the painful defeat at Ai, Joshua gathered all the people of Israel before the LORD. He knew that someone had brought shame on the whole nation by disobeying God’s command. They had to find out who it was. God showed Joshua that the guilty person was a man named Achan.
So Joshua called Achan forward and said, “Honour the LORD, the God of Israel, and tell the truth. What have you done?”
Achan did not try to hide anymore. He said, “It is true—I have sinned against the LORD. When we conquered Jericho, I saw a beautiful robe from Babylon, some silver, and a bar of gold. I wanted them, so I took them and hid them in the ground beneath my tent.”
Joshua sent men to Achan’s tent, and they found everything just as he had said—buried and hidden away.
Achan had taken what belonged to God alone. His actions had brought defeat, dishonour, and danger to all of Israel. And now, because the sin had to be dealt with seriously, Achan and his whole family were put to death—just as God had commanded. It was a painful moment, but it reminded the people that God’s holiness must be respected, and that hidden sin brings real consequences.
After this, God’s anger turned away from Israel. Then God spoke to Joshua again: “Now take the whole army and go attack Ai. Don’t be afraid. I will give the city into your hands.”
This time, Israel obeyed completely. With God once again on their side, they went up and defeated Ai.

The day the sun stood s till

Joshua 10:1-14

As the people of Israel continued to take the land God had promised them, the wicked tribes of Canaan began to grow afraid. They had heard how Jericho had fallen and how Ai had been defeated. So five of the Canaanite tribes joined forces to fight back. They hoped that by uniting their armies, they could stop Israel.
But God said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them. I will help you win. Not one of them will be able to stand against you.”
With that promise, Joshua led the Israelite army into battle. When the enemy saw them coming, they panicked and ran. God sent a powerful storm, and huge hailstones fell from the sky, striking down many of the enemy soldiers. In fact, more men died from the hail than from Israel’s swords. The battle raged on all day. But Joshua trusted that God would keep His word, and he wanted to make sure the enemy would not escape in the dark. So in bold faith, Joshua prayed a daring prayer for all to hear: "Sun, stand still over Gibeon! And moon, stay in place over the valley!"
And something truly extraordinary happened. God answered. The sun stopped moving across the sky, and the moon stayed where it was. Daylight remained, giving Israel enough time to defeat their enemies completely. It was a miracle—a sign that God fights for His people and listens to those who trust Him. The Bible says that never before and never again has the LORD answered a human prayer in quite that way.
That day, both Israel and their enemies learned who truly rules the heavens and the earth.

Joshua instructs the people

JJosohua 23:1 - 24:29

After many years of peace, God had given Israel rest from war. The people were living in the land He had promised, and their enemies no longer threatened them. Joshua had led them faithfully, but now he was an old man. Knowing that his time was coming to an end, Joshua called all the people of Israel together. They stood before him—young and old, leaders and families—listening closely. Joshua reminded them of everything the LORD had done: how He had rescued them from slavery in Egypt, led them through the wilderness, given them victory in battle, and brought them safely into the land of Canaan. He reminded them that it was God—not their own strength—who had fought for them.
Then Joshua gave them a final challenge. "Be strong. Obey everything that is written in the Book of the Law of God. Do not turn away from Him. Love the LORD your God, and stay loyal to the covenant—the sacred agreement He made with you. If you remain faithful, He will continue to drive out the remaining nations before you, and you will inherit all of this land."
"But," he warned, "if you turn away and worship other gods, you will perish. You will lose the good land the LORD has given you."
Then Joshua looked at the people and said something direct and powerful: "Choose today whom you will serve. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
The people answered with one voice. They solemnly promised, “We will worship and serve the LORD our God.”
After this, Joshua died. But his words remained in their hearts—a final reminder that loyalty to God brings blessing, and turning away brings loss.

The faithfulness of God and the forgetfulness of his people

Judges

After Joshua died, things began to change. The people of Israel slowly drifted away from God. They no longer stayed faithful to the One who had rescued them, provided for them, and given them the land.
Idol Worship
Instead, they began to follow the gods of the Canaanites—the people who had lived in the land before them. These false gods, made of wood and stone, had no power, but the Israelites still chose to bow to them. Because they turned their backs on Him, God allowed the Canaanites to overpower them. The people of Israel were treated harshly, and their lives became full of fear and shame. Again and again, they realised too late that they had walked away from the only true God. And in their distress, they cried out to Him for help.
But God, rich in mercy, did not turn His back on them. Every time they called out to Him, He sent a leader—a Judge—to rescue them. These Judges weren’t like kings or warriors from other nations. They were chosen by God to bring justice, lead the people, and remind them who they really belonged to. There were many Judges over the years—Deborah, Gideon, Samson, and others. Each time, God used someone to bring the people back to Him.
Let’s look at Gideon.
Gideon’s own family had fallen into idol worship. They had an altar to Baal and a pole for Asherah—false gods of the Canaanites. But one day, God spoke to Gideon and gave him a clear command: “Tear down your father’s altar to Baal. Cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Then, in its place, build a proper altar to Me, the LORD.”
Gideon was afraid. He knew that if he destroyed those idols, the whole town would be furious. This wasn’t just about wood and stone—these idols had become part of people’s honour, their identity. To touch them was to challenge the way people lived and what they trusted in. Gideon knew it would bring shame and anger upon him. But still, he wanted to obey God.
So, during the night, he took ten of his servants and quietly tore down the idols. By morning, the damage was done. When the people saw it, they were outraged. They demanded that Gideon be put to death for dishonouring their gods.
But Gideon’s father stood up. He said something wise: “If Baal is really a god, then let him defend himself.”
Of course, nothing happened. The idol was just a lifeless thing. And through this moment, the people were reminded: God is real. God is alive. God is powerful. He is not made by human hands—and He alone is worthy of our worship. Even when His people forget Him, He doesn’t forget them. He calls them back. He raises up leaders. And He proves, again and again, that He is greater than any idol, stronger than any enemy, and more faithful than any heart that turns away.

Israel asks for a king

1Samuel 8:1 - 10:1

When the Israelites first entered the land of Canaan, they were different from all the other nations around them. The Canaanites had many gods and many kings. But Israel was unique. They worshipped only one true God, and they had no earthly king. God Himself was their King, and He led them through His chosen prophet, Samuel. But over time, the Israelites began to look around at the other nations. They saw their kings—men with crowns, soldiers, and thrones—and they began to feel ashamed that they had none. They didn’t want to seem weak or different. So, they came to Samuel and said, “Give us a king, just like all the other nations have.”
Samuel was deeply upset. He had spent his life leading the people on God’s behalf, and now it felt like they were rejecting both him and the Lord. But when Samuel prayed, God answered him gently: “It is not you they have rejected, but Me. They no longer want Me to be their King. Still, listen to them, and give them what they ask for.”
So Samuel obeyed.
There was a young man named Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin. He was tall, handsome, and strong—exactly the kind of man people would admire. One day, Saul came to visit Samuel, not knowing what awaited him. And as soon as Samuel saw him, God said: “This is the one. He will rule over My people.”
Then Samuel did something sacred: he took a flask of oil and poured it over Saul’s head. This was the sign that God had chosen Saul to be the king. Saul became Israel’s first king, and he ruled for 40 years. But even though Saul looked like a king, he did not always act like one. He often disobeyed God. He trusted in his own ways instead of listening to God's commands. And eventually, God said: “Saul has turned away from Me. I have rejected him as king.”
God then chose someone very different—a young shepherd boy named David, from the tribe of Judah. David was not tall or impressive on the outside, but his heart was full of love and courage. He trusted God completely, and God saw in him a king who would lead with faith. David grew up to be one of Israel’s greatest heroes. He won many battles for the Lord and never forgot who gave him victory. Even when David made terrible mistakes—and he made more than a few—he always came back to God. He repented, asked for forgiveness, and tried to live in obedience again. David wasn’t perfect, but he was humble, and he loved God deeply. That’s why God made a promise to David—a covenant. He said: “Your throne will last forever. One of your descendants will always sit on the throne of Israel.”
It was a powerful promise. Even long after David died, his kingship became the standard by which other kings were measured. People remembered him as “a man after God’s own heart.” Every future king of Israel would be measured against David. But God’s promise wasn’t just about David’s family ruling a country. It pointed to something far greater—to a future King, born from David’s line, who would rule with perfect justice and love. That King is Jesus, the Son of God and the true King of all.

David's desire to build a temple fo God

1Chronicles 22:1-19)

David loved God with all his heart. Even though he was a sinner—just like all of us—he longed to honour God with his life. One of David’s greatest dreams was to build a magnificent temple in Jerusalem—a holy place where the people of Israel could gather to worship the Lord. He wanted to give God a house of glory. But God had other plans. One day, the Lord spoke to David and said: “You must not build a house for My Name. You have fought many battles and shed much blood. The temple must be a place of peace, and you are a man of war.”
This was not a punishment—David had done what was needed to protect Israel. But the house of the Lord would be built during a time of rest, not war. So, God made a promise: “Your son, Solomon, will be a man of peace. He will rule in quietness and safety, and he will build My temple. I will give him rest from his enemies, and I will establish his throne in Israel forever.” (See 1 Chronicles 22:8–10)
Even though David couldn’t build the temple himself, he didn’t become bitter or jealous. Instead, he began to prepare. He gathered the best materials—gold, silver, wood, stone—and made plans for the building. He wanted to make sure his son had everything he needed to do the work well. David knew that honouring God sometimes means preparing the way for others to serve.
After David died, Solomon became king, just as God had promised. Solomon ruled in peace, and under his leadership, the temple was built in Jerusalem. It took seven years to complete. The building was breathtaking - covered in gold, filled with carved decorations, and designed exactly as God had instructed. It became the spiritual heart of Israel.
For hundreds of years, the people of Israel came to worship God at this temple. They remembered David with great honour—not only as a mighty king and warrior, but as the man who loved God so deeply that he dreamed of building Him a house.
Though Solomon built the temple, it was David’s faith, obedience, and devotion that helped make it possible. And both father and son became part of God’s great story—a story that pointed forward to another temple, not made with hands: the presence of God among His people in Jesus Christ.

Solomon's Temple

1Kings 6

As Solomon built the great temple in Jerusalem, God spoke to him with both a promise and a warning: “If you follow My decrees, obey My laws, and keep all My commands, then I will keep the promise I made to your father David. I will live among the Israelites and will never abandon My people.”
So, Solomon built the temple, just as God had instructed. And when it was finished, it stood tall and glorious in the heart of Jerusalem—a place unlike any other. To the people of Israel, the temple wasn’t just a beautiful building. It was holy. It was where Heaven and Earth met. This was where God’s presence came down to live among His people. It was a sign of God’s deep desire to dwell with humans—not far away, but right in their midst. It was also a sign of partnership: God wanted to rule the world with His people, guiding them, teaching them, and blessing the nations through them.
The temple was called the “Heykāl” in Hebrew—a word that can mean sanctuary, palace, or temple. It showed that God, the true King, had made His home among His people.
But this wasn’t just a place for Israel alone. Solomon prayed something remarkable when he dedicated the temple. He asked that this house of God would not push the nations away, but draw them in. He prayed that foreigners—people from distant lands—would come to this place and discover the living God of Israel.
“May all nations know that You alone are God,” Solomon prayed. He hoped that the temple would become a light to the world, a teaching place, a meeting point between God and all humanity.
For Israel, the temple became the centre of the nation's life—a place where they could re-orient themselves toward God. It reminded them of who they were: a people chosen not to keep God for themselves, but to share Him with the world.

Elijah and the prophets of Baal

1Kings 18:16-46

After King David and his son Solomon, many other kings ruled over Israel. Sadly, not all of them followed God. One of the worst was a man named Ahab. He did many things that were evil in the eyes of the Lord. He built an altar to the false god Baal, and he worshipped him instead of the true God of Israel. Ahab also married a foreign woman named Jezebel. She was just as wicked as Ahab—maybe even worse. Jezebel hated God’s prophets and had many of them killed. She forced the people of Israel to worship Baal, and under her influence, the land turned away from God.
But God was not silent. He sent a bold prophet named Elijah. One day, Elijah stood before King Ahab and declared: “As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives—there will be no rain or even dew in this land until I say so.”
And just as Elijah said, the skies closed. No rain fell. The crops failed. A famine spread across Israel. But God cared for Elijah, providing food and water in miraculous ways. Three years later, God told Elijah it was time to act. Elijah went to Ahab and told him to gather all the people of Israel and all the prophets of Baal to the top of Mount Carmel. There, Elijah challenged the people with a clear question: “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is god, then follow him.”
The people stood in silence. They didn’t know what to say. So, Elijah gave them a challenge. He said: “Bring two bulls. Let the prophets of Baal prepare one, and I will prepare the other. But no one must set fire to the sacrifice. You call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by fire—he is the true God.”
The people agreed. From morning until evening, the prophets of Baal called out. They danced and shouted. They even cut themselves with knives, hoping to make Baal respond. But nothing happened. Elijah mocked them: “Shout louder! Maybe your god is asleep… or on a journey… or in the toilet!”
Still—no fire came. No voice. No power.
Then Elijah stepped forward. He rebuilt the altar of the LORD, which had been broken down. He placed the wood on it, cut up the bull, and laid it out for the sacrifice. But he did something more - he told the people to pour water all over the sacrifice. Not once, not twice, but three times—until everything was soaked and water filled the trench around the altar. Then Elijah prayed: “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—let it be known today that You are God in Israel, and that I am Your servant.”
Immediately, fire fell from Heaven. It burned the sacrifice, the wood, the stones—even the water in the trench. Nothing was left. The people fell to the ground and shouted: “The LORD—He is God! The LORD—He alone is God!”
Elijah had made it clear -have no power. The true God hears, answers, and shows His glory. After this, Elijah prayed again—this time for rain. And the skies, which had been closed for years, finally opened. The rain came down, and the famine was over.

Jonah runs from God

Jonah 1:1-7

After the time of the prophet Elisha, there was another prophet in Israel named Jonah. But unlike most prophets, Jonah received a mission that shocked him. God said to him: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it. Their wickedness has come to My attention.”
This was no ordinary task. The people of Nineveh were not Israelites. They were foreigners. Worse than that, they were enemies of Israel—people who worshipped idols and lived in rebellion against God. They were known for cruelty and violence. So, when Jonah heard God’s command, his heart was torn. He didn’t want to go. He didn’t believe they deserved a second chance. Why should they, of all people, receive God’s message?
So, Jonah decided to run.
Instead of going east to Nineveh, Jonah went in the opposite direction. He found a ship heading far away—to a distant land across the sea. He paid for a ticket, climbed aboard, and tried to forget what God had said.
But you can’t outrun God.
Soon after they sailed, a great storm broke out over the sea. The wind howled. Waves crashed over the sides of the boat. The sailors—strong men used to sea travel—were terrified. Each one cried out to his own god, but nothing helped. The storm only grew worse. They knew something was wrong. So, they said: “Let’s cast lots to find out who is to blame for this disaster.”
In those days, casting lots (like throwing dice) was a way of seeking divine guidance. And when the lots were cast, the answer pointed clearly to one man - Jonah.

Jonah and the big fish

Jonah 1:8 - 2:10

The sailors looked at Jonah in disbelief. “What have you done?” they asked him.
Jonah told them the truth: he was running away from the Lord—the God who made the sea and the land. The men were shocked. Now they understood why the storm was so fierce.
“What should we do to you,” they asked, “so that the sea will become calm again?”
Jonah looked out at the raging waves and said something remarkable: “Throw me into the sea. It’s my fault this storm has come. If I go, the sea will grow calm.”
At first, the sailors refused. They didn’t want Jonah’s blood on their hands. Instead, they tried to row back to shore. But the storm only grew worse. So finally, with heavy hearts, they lifted Jonah and threw him overboard.
Immediately, the wind stopped. The waves died down. The sea grew still.
But Jonah did not die.
Instead, something completely unexpected happened—a great fish came and swallowed him whole! Deep inside the belly of the fish, Jonah found himself still alive. For three days and three nights, he remained in that dark, strange place.
And there, from the depths of the sea, Jonah cried out to God. He prayed with sorrow, with hope, and with faith. He admitted his disobedience and turned back to the Lord. And God, who is full of mercy, heard his prayer.
Then, the great fish swam to the shore and vomited Jonah out onto dry land.
God had saved him.

God's mercy for Nineveh - and for us

Jonah 3:1-10

After Jonah had been rescued from the belly of the great fish, God spoke to him again.
“Go to Nineveh,” God said, “and give them the message I will tell you.”
This time, Jonah obeyed.
He travelled to Nineveh—a vast, noisy city filled with people who didn’t know the Lord. When he arrived, Jonah walked through the streets and gave God’s warning: “In forty days, Nineveh will be destroyed!”
But something amazing happened. The people listened. They didn’t laugh or chase Jonah away. Instead, they felt deeply ashamed of their sins. Even the king of Nineveh stood up from his throne, removed his royal robes, and sat in ashes to show sorrow and humility before God. The king sent out a message across the land: “Let everyone turn from their evil ways. Let us cry out to God. Perhaps He will forgive us and spare our city.”
And God saw their hearts. He saw that they had turned away from evil, and so He chose not to destroy them. Because God is good. He is kind and compassionate, slow to anger and quick to forgive. He longs to save—not to destroy.
This story isn’t just about Jonah or Nineveh. It’s also about all of us.
Like Jonah, we sometimes run from God. Like the people of Nineveh, we’ve all done wrong. We’ve dishonoured God. We’ve followed our own way. And we deserve judgement. But God loves us.
That’s why He sent Jesus, His Son—not to condemn the world, but to save it.
Just as Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days, so Jesus was in the grave for three days. But then, He rose from death to life—breaking the power of sin and opening the way back to God. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, our broken relationship with God can be restored. Jesus gives us a chance to start again. To all who turn from sin and trust in Him, God promises forgiveness and everlasting life.

Rejection of the prophets

Matthew 21:33-45

Over many years God sent a number of prophets to Israel, to direct them, instruct them, correct them, warn them and educate them in God's ways, to bring them back when they slid back into their sinful ways and forgot all about God. The people didn't always listen to the God's prophets. Instead, the prophets sometimes received harsh, unjust treatment. (Hebrews 11:36-37). Many prophets died at the hands of Israel’s leaders (Luke 13:34). They sometimes stoned them, not necessarily to death. It was later written in the Book of Mark: “At him they cast stones and wounded him in the head, and sent him away.“ God's servants had experienced all these things.

In the Book of Matthew, Jesus referred to this harsh treatment the prophets received over many years. He once told a parable of a landowner who planted a vineyard and leased it to tenants. When the time came to collect the fruit, he sent his servants to gather what was owed. But the tenants turned violent. One servant they beat—a word that means to whip so harshly that the skin is torn. Another they killed. A third they stoned, wounding him in the head before sending him away.
Yes, these servants represent the prophets God sent to Israel. The fruit they came to gather symbolises the people who listened to God’s message communicated to them by the prophets, and some turned back to God.
But most of God’s servants were mistreated, rejected, or even murdered by those in power. As it says in Hebrews 11:36–37, many prophets were mocked, flogged, chained, and put to death. And in Luke 13:34, Jesus Himself cries out: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you!”
The actions of the wicked tenants were not just an attack on the messengers—they were an outright rejection of the landowner, who is God. As God once said to Samuel: “They have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me” (1 Samuel 8:7).
For centuries, God had sent His prophets to call His people back to the truth. But they were ignored, persecuted, or silenced—just like in the days of King Saul, when even the priests were slaughtered (1 Samuel 22:18).
There was no purpose in continuing to send more prophets to the people.
So finally, God made one last move.
He planned to sent His Son. But first, we want to share with you about a few more things had to happen before the time was right for his Son to come to earth. We will learn more about that next.

The fall of Jerusalem - When God's people wouldn't listen

2Sam 24:16 & 2Chron 36:15-22

As we said in the previous lesson, Israel had to be warned again and again. God had sent prophets—His messengers—to call His people back. “Turn away from your sins. Come back to Me,” they said. But the people of Israel refused to listen. Their hearts were hard, and their leaders proud. Even their kings, who were supposed to lead with humility and justice, became arrogant and careless with God's commandments. God had been patient for a long time. He loved His people and had chosen to live among them, with the Temple in Jerusalem as the great sign of His presence. But finally, their stubbornness and shameful dishonour of His word left no other way. God allowed something unthinkable to happen: He gave them over to their enemies—the powerful Babylonians.
The army of Babylon swept through the land. They stormed into Jerusalem, showing no mercy. Young men were killed, even in the sacred Temple. The elderly, the weak, and the women were not spared. It was a time of horror, as God's judgement fell. The soldiers looted the Temple, stealing its treasures—gold, silver, even the sacred objects used for worship. They tore down the walls of the city, burned the palaces, and destroyed everything of worth. Worse still, the Temple of God—the very place that symbolised God's covenant with His people—was set on fire and reduced to ruins. It was the end of an era. The Ark of the Covenant disappeared and was never seen again. Some believe it was hidden, perhaps to protect it from being defiled by the enemy.
The survivors of Jerusalem were taken far away from their homeland, carried off into exile in Babylon. They were no longer a proud people. Now they were servants, living under foreign rule, strangers in a strange land. But the land of Israel, now empty and desolate, was allowed to rest—like a sabbath for the earth itself—just as the prophet Jeremiah had foretold. For seventy years, the land lay silent.
The prophet Jeremiah mourned the fall of Jerusalem in a heartbreaking book called Lamentations. He wept for Zion—the holy mountain where God's Temple once stood. It was a time of deep shame and sorrow. The people had lost everything that made them a nation: their city, their king, their Temple, and their honour.
But God had not forgotten them. Many years later, something unexpected happened. We will learn about this next.

The Temple that rose again

Ezra 5-6

Even though the Temple of God had been destroyed by the Babylonians, the story didn’t end there. God had not abandoned His people forever. He had promised to bring them home—and He did. Even though it was many years after Jerusalem’s fall.
A new empire rose to power: the Persian Empire. A new king came to power—Cyrus, the king of Persia. Though he was not an Israelite, God stirred his heart. In the first year of his reign, Cyrus made a royal announcement. He said that the God of heaven had given him authority over the nations and had chosen him to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. And he invited the Jews—who had been living in exile for seventy years — to return to their homeland and take part in this holy task. “Go back,” he said, “and may the LORD your God be with you.”
This was more than just a political move; it was a turning point in the story of Israel’s honour. For a people who had lost everything—their land, their temple, their dignity—this was a sign that God had not forgotten them. The shame of exile would not be their final identity.
It was a message of hope. After all the shame and pain, God was showing His people mercy. Exile was not the end. He still had a plan to restore their honour, rebuild their city, and renew their hearts.

Two key leaders rose up: Zerubbabel, a descendant of King David, and Jeshua, a high priest. Together they led the people in beginning the great work of rebuilding the Temple. God also sent prophets like Haggai and Zechariah to encourage them.

Slowly but surely, the Temple rose from the ruins. This new Temple was known as the Second Temple, and it became the heart of Jewish life once again. Though not as glorious as Solomon’s original Temple, it was still the place where God’s name was honoured and sacrifices were made.

Exra reads the Law

Nehemiah 8:1 - 10:39

After the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt, the people of Israel gathered together inside the city. It was a moment of great meaning—like waking up after a long, dark night. They had returned from exile. They had rebuilt what was broken. But something deeper still needed rebuilding: their hearts. The people asked Ezra, the priest and teacher of God’s Law, to read to them from the Holy Scriptures. So he stood before the crowd and began to read aloud the words of God. As they listened, something powerful happened. The people began to weep. They realised just how far they had fallen. These weren’t just ancient words—they were reminders of the life God had called them to live: a life of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. But they hadn’t lived that way. Their ancestors had ignored God’s Law, and they themselves had followed in their footsteps. Now they saw the truth clearly. It was their sin, their dishonour, that had led to the destruction of their city and their exile. Their grief ran deep.
But Nehemiah, the governor, stood up and said something surprising: “Do not be sad. The joy of the LORD is your strength.”
God had not brought them back just to shame them. He had brought them home to restore them. Yes, it was right to be grieved by sin—but it was also time to rejoice in God's mercy. The people dried their tears and began to praise God. A great celebration followed. They shared food, rejoiced together, and gave thanks. God was still their God—and they were still His people. But that wasn’t the end.
The people wanted to hear more of God’s Word. So, Ezra kept reading, day after day, and the people kept listening. Then came a moment of deep humility. They met again—but this time in fasting, wearing sackcloth, with dust on their heads—a traditional sign of sorrow and repentance. They confessed their sins and even the sins of their ancestors. They bowed down before God in worship and made a serious promise: from now on, they would follow His ways.It was a moment of restored honour. What had once been a story of shame was being rewritten. And the same is true for us today. When we are honest about our sin, when we bring our sorrow to God, He does not reject us. He forgives. He gives us joy instead of shame. He gives us strength to live differently—to honour Him with our lives. Just like the people in Jerusalem, we are invited to return to God with all our hearts.

The Roman Empire/rule

Daniel 2:40

After the 2nd restoration of the temple, many, many years passed. Different world powers came, ruled and were replaced by others who ruled. A man named Alexander the Great from Macedonia conquered Persia about 180 years later. It was the end of Persian rule and the beginning of the Hellenistic period in the history of the world. A few hundred years later the Romans conquered the land where the Jews lived, and the Romans ruled over Judea.
This Roman empire would be as strong as iron. Just like iron smashes and breaks everything in its path, this kingdom would crush and destroy all the others before it. That’s how the prophet Daniel in the Old Testament once described a mighty empire still to come. And centuries later, it happened—just as he said. The Roman Empire rose like iron, fierce and unbreakable, and it ruled over much of the known world.
The Roman Empire began after the time of the Roman Republic. No longer ruled by elected leaders, Rome was now under the control of emperors—men who held absolute power. Rome’s influence stretched far and wide: across Europe, North Africa, and into Western Asia, circling the great Mediterranean Sea like a crown of power. It officially began in 31 BC when a man named Augustus Caesar became Rome’s first emperor. The Empire lasted for more than a thousand years—a civilisation so powerful and long-lasting that its effects can still be felt today. Even though the Roman Empire no longer exists, its heartland—Italy—is still known as the land where Rome once ruled.
Among the farthest parts of the Roman Empire was a small region called Judea. It was a land rich in ancient traditions and full of people deeply devoted to God. But Roman rule had brought tension. Heavy taxes, pagan practices, and harsh treatment stirred anger and resentment. The people longed for freedom — not just from political control, but also to live in a way that honoured their God and their identity.
It was in this corner of the empire, under Roman occupation, that Jesus was born. He came from a small village called Nazareth, near the Sea of Galilee. He entered a world where honour and shame were powerful forces, where the weak were easily forgotten, and where many had lost hope. And yet, through His life, something far stronger than iron would be revealed. We will learn about this next.

A message from heaven: The birth of John the Baptist foretold

Luke 1:5-25, 57-80

It was during this time of Roman rule, one day, that something remarkable happened. God sent a messenger from heaven to the land of Israel. This heavenly messenger was an angel, and he was sent to the great city of Jerusalem. Now, Jerusalem was home to the temple—the sacred place where the people came to worship the one true God. In that temple served a faithful priest named Zechariah. He and his wife, Elizabeth, were both honourable people who loved God and kept His commandments. But there was sadness in their lives—they were growing old, and they had never been able to have children. In their culture, this brought deep sorrow and shame, especially for Elizabeth. Yet still, they remained faithful.
One day, while Zechariah was alone in the temple offering prayers and incense, the angel Gabriel suddenly appeared before him. Zechariah was overwhelmed with fear. But the angel said, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to name him John.”
The angel went on: “He will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will bring you joy and gladness, and many people in Israel will rejoice because of him. Even before he is born, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many hearts back to the Lord their God. He will prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah.”
This was an extraordinary promise. And Zechariah found it hard to believe the promise, and so it happened that he was unable to speak from his encounter with the angel.
And then it happened just as the angel had said to Zechariah. Elizabeth, despite her old age, became pregnant.
We will see what happened next.

Mary and the Angel

Luke 1:26-38

Not long after the angel had spoken to Zechariah, the angel was sent again, this time to a small town in Israel, to visit a young woman named Mary. Mary was unmarried and still a virgin. She lived a quiet, faithful life and was engaged to a man named Joseph, from the family line of King David. But God had chosen her for something far greater than she could have imagined. Suddenly, the angel appeared before her and said, “Mary, you will have a son. You must name Him Jesus. The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High God will cover you. For that reason, the child to be born will be holy—He will be called the Son of God. The Lord will give Him the throne of His ancestor David. He will reign over Israel forever, and His Kingdom will never end.”
Mary was astonished. She asked, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered gently, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.”
In that sacred moment, Mary responded with humble trust.
She said, “Here I am, the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.”
And then, the angel left her.
Through her deep faith and courageous yes, Mary became like a new Eve—a woman through whom God would bring new life into a world darkened by sin. She carried in her womb not just any child, but the very Son of God.
Just think about it: the God who created the entire universe, who cannot be contained by heaven or earth, chose to dwell within her.
For nine months, Mary became the living dwelling place of God. Her body became a holy space—like the Tabernacle in the wilderness, or the Tent of Meeting where God’s presence once rested among His people. She was the new Ark of the Covenant, carrying not stone tablets or manna, but the Living Word Himself.
In Mary, heaven and earth were united. God and man were no longer separate. Through Mary, God truly became one like us.

The birth of John teh Baptist

Matt 1:18-21; Lk 1:57-66

Back at Zechariah and Elizabeth's home, Elizabeth gave birth to a son. They named him John, just as the angel had instructed. John would grow up to become a powerful prophet—bold, humble, and filled with the Spirit of God. He would live a simple life, calling people to repentance, preparing their hearts for the One who was coming after him. His life would restore honour not just to his family, but to all those who longed for hope.
When the time came, Elizabeth gave birth to a baby boy, just as the angel had promised. Her neighbours and relatives were thrilled. They could see that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared in her joy. For a woman once thought to be barren and shamed, this moment was one of deep honour and celebration.
Eight days later, friends and family gathered for the child’s circumcision, as was the custom. Everyone assumed he would be named after his father—Zechariah. That was the expected thing to do. Naming a son after his father would preserve family honour and tradition. But Elizabeth spoke up clearly and firmly, “No! He is to be called John.”
The people were surprised. “But none of your relatives has that name,” they said. In their minds, this was unusual—almost disrespectful. Why break with family custom?
So they turned to Zechariah, who still hadn’t been able to speak since his encounter with the angel months before. They made signs to ask him what he wanted the boy’s name to be. Zechariah asked for a writing tablet. Everyone leaned in to see what he would write. To their astonishment, he wrote: “His name is John.”
In that very moment, Zechariah’s mouth was opened, and his tongue was loosened. He began to speak again — and his first words were praises to God!
A sense of awe swept over everyone who witnessed it. Word of these events spread quickly throughout the hill country of Judea. People were amazed and began to ask one another, “What is this child going to be? Surely the Lord’s hand is upon him.”
They didn’t yet know how true that would be. But already, God's plan was unfolding—and it was clear this child was chosen for something extraordinary.

Joseph and the Angel

Matthew 1:18-25

At that time, Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph. He was a kind and honourable man, faithful to God and respected by his community.
But then Joseph discovered something deeply troubling—Mary was pregnant. He knew the child wasn’t his. In their culture, this brought not only confusion and hurt, but public shame. People would assume the worst, and Mary’s reputation—and his—was at risk.
Joseph didn’t want to embarrass her or bring disgrace upon her, so he decided to end the engagement quietly. It was a painful choice, but he thought it was the right one. Then something remarkable happened.
One night, an angel of the Lord appeared also to Joseph in a dream.
The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The child growing inside her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”
The name Jesus means Saviour—because that is exactly what He came to be.
Joseph woke up with his heart changed. He believed the angel and chose to honour Mary and obey God.
In doing so, he protected her from shame and stood faithfully beside her, as part of God’s great plan.

Jesus is born

Luke 2:1-7

So, Joseph did as the angel told him. He took Mary as his wife, standing by her in faith and love.
Not long after that, the two of them had to travel to a town called Bethlehem. It was Joseph’s family’s hometown, and they had to go there, because the Roman emperor had ordered a census—everyone had to return to the place their family came from to be registered.
Bethlehem was full of people. Travellers from all over had come for the census, and every guest room was taken. Joseph and Mary searched for somewhere to stay, but there was no space for them. In the end, they had to spend the night in the place where the animals were kept. And while they were there, Mary gave birth to her son—Jesus. He wasn’t born in a palace. He didn’t come with fanfare or riches. But something far greater was happening. In that humble place, the Saviour of the world entered into our world.
Jesus was no ordinary baby. He was not just a great teacher or, a just a holy man. Jesus is truly God—conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit - holy and blameless.
And at the same time, He is truly human — born of His mother Mary.
In Jesus, God became Man. That means something breathtaking - in His very person, heaven and earth are united. God and humanity are no longer far apart.
Jesus Himself is the true dwelling place of the Most High God—not in a temple made by human hands, but in a living, breathing person who walked among us.
That night in Bethlehem, the world changed forever. Light had come into the darkness. God had come to be with us. That is why He was also called Emmanuel - God with us.

The Shepherds and the Angels

Luke 2:8-18

That very night, just outside the little town of Bethlehem, a group of shepherds were out in the fields. They were keeping watch over their sheep, as they did every night. These were ordinary men—often overlooked by society, living simple, quiet lives under the stars. But something extraordinary happened. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of God lit up the darkness around them. The shepherds were terrified. But the angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news—news that will bring great joy for all people. Today, in the town of Bethlehem, a Saviour has been born for you. He is Christ the Lord.”
The angel continued, “Here’s how you’ll recognise Him: You’ll find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth, lying in a manger.”
And just as the angel finished speaking, the sky was filled with a great host of heavenly angels. They joined together in a song of praise, saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to those who live in His favour.”
It was a message of hope, of peace, and of joy—for everyone, even the lowliest. The God of heaven had come to earth, not in power and pride, but in gentleness and love. And He had made His arrival known not to kings or nobles, but to humble shepherds.

The Shephers visit Jesus

Luke 2:15-20

As soon as the angels left, the shepherds didn’t waste a moment. They hurried off to Bethlehem, eager to see what God had told them. And just as the angel had said, they found Mary and Joseph—and there, wrapped up warmly, was the baby. He was lying in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. Not in a palace, not even in a cradle—yet somehow, everything felt holy.
The shepherds gazed at the baby in wonder. This tiny child, so small and poor, was the Saviour the angel had spoken about. The promised one. The Messiah. They couldn’t keep it to themselves. After seeing him, they went out and told everyone what the angel had said about this child. People were astonished. Could it really be true? That God had chosen to reveal such news to simple shepherds? That the King had come in such a humble way?
But the shepherds weren’t ashamed of the story. They had seen it with their own eyes. And their words carried a quiet honour, because they had been trusted with heaven’s secret.

Jesus presented in the Temple

Luke 2:21-39

Not long after Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph took Him to the Temple in Jerusalem. They went to thank God for their child and to offer Him back to God, as the Law of Moses taught. They were honouring an ancient tradition—one that showed how every child belongs first to God.
While they were there, an old man named Simeon was also in the Temple. He had waited many years for something very special. God had promised him that he would not die before seeing the One who would rescue His people—the Christ. As soon as Simeon saw Jesus, something stirred in his heart. He knew. This tiny baby was the promised one. He gently took the child in his arms and praised God: “Now I can die in peace. My own eyes have seen Your salvation—a light for all nations, and the glory of Your people Israel.”
At that very moment, a prophetess named Anna came near. She was an old woman who had spent her whole life worshipping God in the Temple, praying and fasting day and night. When she saw the child, her face lit up with joy. She began telling everyone around her: “This is the one who will save us!”
Simeon and Anna both knew—this child was the Christ. In ancient Israel, “Christ” meant “Anointed One” — someone chosen by God for a sacred task. Kings and priests were anointed with holy oil as a sign that God had set them apart. But this child was more than a king or a priest. Jesus was the One God had sent to save not just Israel, but the whole world.
This visit to the Temple wasn’t just a tradition—it was filled with meaning. According to the Old Testament, when a child was presented to God, a sacrifice had to be made in the Temple. Mary and Joseph followed this law. But something deeper was happening too.
The Temple was the great symbol of God’s presence among His people. And now, in this quiet moment, God Himself had come into His Temple — not in power and fire, but in the arms of a poor couple, carrying a baby. God came, not to frighten His people, but to meet them in their weakness. He came in gentleness, not glory. In poverty, not pride. In this child, God was drawing near to His people — choosing not to shame them for their sins, but to walk among them in love and mercy.

The visit of the wise men

Matthew 2:1-12

Some time after Jesus was born, a group of wise men arrived from faraway countries in the East. These men studied the stars and understood signs in the heavens. They had seen a strange and beautiful star rise, one that told them a great king had been born—the King of the Jews. So, they packed their things and travelled a long, hard journey to find Him.
When they reached Bethlehem, they asked around, “Where is the child who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
At last, the star led them to the place where Jesus was. When they saw Him, they were filled with joy. They bowed down and worshipped Him—not just as a king, but as someone far greater. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him precious gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts were not random—they were full of meaning.
Gold was the kind of gift you gave to a king. It showed that Jesus was truly a king, and not just any king, but the promised King from the royal line of David.
Frankincense was a sweet-smelling incense used in the Temple. It was burned as part of sacrifices offered to God. So, the gift of frankincense showed that Jesus was born to offer His life to God — a holy sacrifice for others.
Myrrh was used to prepare a body for burial. It had a strong, bitter scent and was part of funeral customs. Giving myrrh to a baby may seem strange, but it pointed to the future. It showed that Jesus had come to die — His death would not be a shameful accident, but part of His saving mission.
These wise men had travelled across deserts and mountains to honour Jesus. Though they were strangers from far away, they recognised His greatness. And in doing so, they reminded everyone: Jesus did not come only for one group of people. He came for all nations — for the poor and the rich, the near and the far, the outsider and the broken.

Jjoseph and Mary flee to Egypt

Matthew 2:13-15

At the time Jesus was born, the king of Israel was a man named Herod. But Herod wasn’t a descendant of King David—the royal line that God had chosen. Long ago, God had made a promise to David: someone from his own family would always sit on the throne of Israel. Herod knew that, and it made him insecure. He ruled with fear, not honour. So when Herod heard about the wise men’s visit, and how they were searching for a newborn “King of the Jews,” he became deeply troubled. He was jealous, and afraid of losing power. He didn’t care about God’s promises—he only cared about protecting his throne. Secretly, he began planning to kill the child.
But God was watching over Jesus. One night, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. The angel said, “Get up! Take the child and His mother, and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you. Herod is looking for the child to kill Him.”
Joseph didn’t hesitate. That very night, he got up, took Mary and baby Jesus, and fled the country. They travelled south into Egypt—a foreign land where they would be safe. There they stayed, far from home, until King Herod died. Only then did the angel tell Joseph it was safe to return. So Joseph brought his family back to Israel, but not to Bethlehem, where Herod's son now ruled. Instead, they settled in the northern town of Nazareth—a small and humble place. It was there that Jesus grew up, away from the centres of power.
This part of the story shows something very important: Jesus, though He was the true King, didn’t begin His life in palaces or politics. From the start, He shared the life of the poor, the exiled, and the hunted. God’s chosen King entered the world not in pride, but in humility—and even as a child, He bore the weight of rejection and danger.

But even in the shadows, God was guiding everything—protecting His Son and preparing the way for the world’s salvation.

The boy Jesus at teh Temple

Luke 2:39-52

Every year, Joseph and his whole family would travel to Jerusalem. It was a long journey, but they went to honour God and to remember how He had rescued their ancestors from slavery in Egypt. This special time was called the Passover Feast. It was one of the most important celebrations for the people of Israel — a time to show God thanks and to remember His faithfulness.
When Jesus was twelve years old, Mary and Joseph took Him along with them to the great city. It was a meaningful age — the age when a Jewish boy began to take on the responsibilities of becoming a man. In Jerusalem, they went to the Temple, the most sacred place for their people — the house of God.
After the feast was over, Mary and Joseph started the journey home. But after a day of travelling, they realised Jesus was not with them. Filled with worry and shame — as parents in their culture would feel when a child went missing — they hurried back to Jerusalem, searching for Him everywhere.
Three days later, they found Him — sitting in the Temple, talking with the teachers and priests. But He wasn’t just listening. He was asking questions and giving answers that amazed everyone who heard Him. These were not just clever thoughts — His words carried deep understanding. The teachers were astonished. How could a boy know so much about God?
Mary and Joseph were both relieved and confused. “Why did you do this to us?” Mary asked. “Your father and I have been terribly worried, looking for you everywhere!”
But Jesus gently answered, “Didn’t you know I had to be in My Father’s house?” They didn’t understand what He meant — not yet. But Jesus already knew who He truly was. God was His real Father, and the Temple was His Father’s house.
This story is more than just about a missing child being found. It carries a deeper meaning. Long ago, the Temple had been built so people could come close to God, learn about Him, and grow in wisdom. But now something far greater was happening - God Himself had come — in the person of Jesus — and was sitting in His own house, teaching His people.
As Jesus grew older, He continued to live in a way that honoured His parents, respected others, and pleased God. People noticed something special about Him. There was grace in the way He lived, and the favour of God was upon Him.

John the Baptist tells people that Jesus is the lamb of God

Matt 3:1-12,, Mark 1:2-8, Lk 3:3-18

Do you remember the old priest Zechariah — the one who couldn’t speak until his son was born? That son was John, and as he grew up, it became clear that God had given him a special mission. John would become one of the greatest prophets in Israel, preparing the people for something — or rather, someone — far greater.
John didn’t live in the cities like other teachers or priests. Instead, he went to the desert — a wild, dry place where few people lived. But even there, crowds came looking for him. People walked long distances to hear him speak, because deep down they knew something was wrong — not just in the world, but in their own hearts.
John spoke with boldness. He didn’t flatter or try to impress anyone. He said, “God is coming to save His people — but you must be ready. Turn away from your sins. Don’t just act good on the outside — change your heart. Walk in God’s ways.”
For many, this was a hard message. It touched their shame and exposed what they had tried to hide. But instead of running away, people humbled themselves. They wanted to start again — to live with honour before God. So, they stepped into the River Jordan, and John baptised them. Baptism was a powerful sign: they were washing away their old, shameful lives and choosing a new path — one that honoured God.
John’s voice in the desert was like the sound of a trumpet calling people to wake up. He wasn’t the Saviour, but he was preparing the way. The One who would truly take away their shame and rescue them was coming soon — and John was helping the people get ready.

Jesus is baptised

Matt 3:13-17, Mk 1:9-11. Lk 3:21-22

One day, while John was baptising people in the River Jordan, something unexpected happened. Jesus came to him — the very One John had been preparing the people for. At first, John was confused. “You want me to baptise You?” he asked. “I should be the one coming to You!” John knew that baptism was for sinners — people who wanted to turn from their shameful ways. But Jesus had never sinned. He had nothing to be ashamed of. His heart was completely pure.
Still, Jesus insisted. “Let it be this way for now,” He said. “I want to do everything that is right in God’s eyes.”
So, John agreed and baptised Him. And in that moment, something beautiful and powerful happened. Jesus, the Son of God, stepped into the muddy waters — not because He needed cleansing, but because we did. He chose to stand with us — shoulder-to-shoulder with broken, sinful people — right in the middle of our mess.
It was as if God Himself had come down to join us in our guilt and shame, not to accuse us, but to lift us up and make us clean. Long ago, at the beginning of the world, God’s Spirit moved over the deep waters of chaos and brought life (Genesis 1). Now, at the Jordan River, that same Spirit came again — but this time to a world wounded by sin. With Jesus’ baptism, God began something new: He was breathing life into a broken creation.
As Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens opened. The Spirit of God came down like a dove and rested on Him. Then a voice from heaven spoke — strong and full of love:
“This is My Son, whom I love. I am very pleased with Him.”
It was a moment of deep honour — not just for Jesus, but for all of us. In Jesus, God was saying, “I am not far away. I have come to walk with you — to make you new.”

Jesus tested by Satan

Matt 4:1-11. Mk 1:12-13, Lk 4:1-13

Right after Jesus was baptised, something surprising happened. The Spirit of God — the same Spirit who had just rested on Him like a dove — led Him away from people and into the desert. There, in the lonely silence of the wilderness, Jesus spent forty days and nights. He didn’t eat anything. He prayed. He waited. He prepared Himself for the great mission He had come to fulfil — to save the world. But the desert wasn’t just a quiet place. It became a battlefield. Satan came to tempt Him.
The first temptation was simple, but powerful. Jesus was hungry — terribly hungry. Stones lay all around Him, and Satan said, “If You are really the Son of God, turn these stones into bread.”
But Jesus didn’t come to use His power for selfish reasons. He answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Next, Satan took Jesus to Jerusalem, to the top of the Temple — the most honoured place in Israel. “Throw Yourself down,” Satan said. “Didn’t God promise to send His angels to protect You?”
But Jesus knew the truth: twisting God’s words to test Him is not faith — it’s pride. So Jesus said, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Finally, Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world — their power, their glory, their riches. “All of this can be Yours,” he said, “if You bow down and worship me.”
It was the ultimate test of loyalty and honour. But Jesus did not hesitate. He stood firm and replied, “Away from Me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
At that, Satan left. The battle was over — for now. And then something beautiful happened. Angels came to Jesus, not with glory or riches, but to care for Him, to comfort Him after His trial.
In that quiet desert, Jesus had shown what true strength looks like — not power for its own sake, not pride or fear, but faithfulness to God, even when no one else is watching.

Jesus teaching in the synagogue and driving out an evil spirit

Mk 1:14-34, Lk 4:16-37

In the town of Capernaum, Jesus went into the local house of prayer and taught the people about God. The people were amazed because Jesus spoke with authority. He was speaking with confidence, because His authority was from God and people believed Him.
In the house of prayer there was a man with an evil spirit. He suddenly cried out, “Jesus of Nazareth! What do you want with us? Did you come to destroy us? I know who You are - the Holy One of God!“
Jesus commanded that evil spirit, “Be quiet! Come out of the man!” The evil spirit screamed, threw the man to the ground in front of everyone and left without harming him.
The people were amazed that Jesus has power over evil spirits.

Jesus teaches Nicodemus

John 3:1-21

As Jesus began to perform many miracles, news of Him spread far and wide. People talked about the amazing things He did — healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and helping those who were suffering. One of those who heard about Jesus was Nicodemus, an important religious leader. But Nicodemus was cautious. He didn’t come during the day when others could see him. Instead, he visited Jesus secretly, late at night.
That night, Jesus taught Nicodemus something very important.
Jesus said, “Nicodemus, there is nothing that we sinful people can do to fix the brokenness caused by sin. We cannot make ourselves right with God by trying harder or being good enough. What we truly need is help — a miracle from God. We need God’s salvation.”
Jesus explained that when humans turned away from God, something terrible happened. First, they died spiritually — meaning their connection with God was broken. Then, because of this brokenness and sin, physical death came into the world.
Jesus said, “When something or someone is dead, it cannot bring itself back to life. It needs God’s power to come alive again — a miracle. It needs to be born again, a new beginning.”
Jesus told Nicodemus, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter God’s kingdom unless they are born again. This means being born of water and the Spirit of God.”
Jesus was saying that to enter God’s kingdom, people must receive the Holy Spirit. They must leave their old way of life behind and begin a new life under God’s rule. Jesus promised, “Whoever believes in Me will have eternal life in God’s kingdom. But whoever rejects Me will perish and never see true life.”
This promise is for everyone — a hope of new life, no matter how broken we feel inside.

Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well

John 4:1-26

Jesus was travelling through the countryside of Samaria. One day, He was very tired and sat down by a well to rest. His disciples had gone into the nearby town to buy food. While Jesus was sitting there, a Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well.
Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”
The woman was surprised. She said, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (You see, Jews and Samaritans didn’t usually speak to each other.)
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
The woman said, “Sir, you don’t have anything to draw water with, and the well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well and drank from it, along with his children and animals?”
Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. But whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. The water I give will become a spring inside them, welling up to eternal life.”
The woman said, “Please, give me this water so I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”
Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”
She replied, “I have no husband.”
Jesus said, “You’re right when you say that. You’ve had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband.”
The woman said, “Sir, I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshipped on this mountain, but you Jews say the place to worship is in Jerusalem.”
Jesus said, “Believe me, a time is coming when you won’t worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you don’t fully understand. We worship what we know, because salvation comes from the Jews. But the time is coming — and has now come — when true worshippers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth. That is what the Father wants. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
The woman said, “I know the Messiah (called Christ) is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.”
Jesus said to her, “I am He — the one speaking to you.”
Excited, the woman went to tell others to come and hear Jesus. Many Samaritans believed in Him because of what she said.
Living without God is like being very thirsty — a thirst that no water can quench. The living water Jesus offers is Himself. God gives His Spirit to everyone who believes in Jesus, and this Spirit brings eternal life.

The man lowered through the roof

Mk 2:1-12, Matt 9:1-8, Lk 5:17-26

Jesus returned to the town of Capernaum and went into a house. Soon, word spread that He was there, and many people came to listen to His teaching. The house quickly became crowded with people eager to hear Him.
One day, four men brought their friend to see Jesus. This man was paralysed — he couldn’t walk. But when they arrived at the house, there were so many people inside that they couldn’t get through the door.
They didn’t give up. Instead, they came up with a clever plan. You can imagine it — they climbed up to the roof of the house, made a hole in it, and carefully lowered their friend down right in front of Jesus!
When Jesus saw their faith — their belief that He could heal — He spoke to the paralysed man. “Son,” He said, “your sins are forgiven.”
The man must have been surprised. Then Jesus said, “Get up, take your mat, and go home.”
Immediately, the man was healed. He stood up, took his mat, and walked away!
The people were amazed. But some religious teachers were not so sure. They said, “Who can forgive sins except God alone?”
But the people saw the power of Jesus — not only to heal bodies, but also to forgive sins. They praised God, amazed at what they had witnessed.

Jesus chooses his twelve disciples

Mark 3:1-9

One day, Jesus went up a mountainside and called to Him the people He wanted to follow Him. When He called, they came.
Jesus chose twelve special men to be His closest followers. He wanted them to be with Him, to learn from Him, and to help Him by going out to tell others about God’s kingdom.
He gave them an important job: to preach the good news and to have the power to cast out evil spirits.
These twelve men were:
• Simon, whom Jesus gave the name Peter
• James, the son of Zebedee, and
• his brother John (Jesus called them “Sons of Thunder”)
• Andrew
• Philip
• Bartholomew
• Matthew
• Thomas
• James, the son of Alphaeus
• Thaddaeus
• Simon the Zealot
• Judas Iscariot — the one who would later betrayed Jesus

The parable of the sower's seed

Mk 4:1-9, Matt 13:1-9, Lk 8:4-8

One time, Jesus was teaching a large crowd beside the lake in Galilee. To help them understand, He told them a story about a farmer.
The farmer went out to plant seeds in his field.
As he scattered the seeds, some of them fell on the path. The birds quickly came and ate those seeds, so nothing grew there.
Some seeds fell on rocky ground. The soil was thin and shallow. When the hot sun came up, those seeds dried up because their roots couldn’t grow deep.
Other seeds fell among thorns. The thorns grew fast and choked the young plants, so they couldn’t grow strong or produce fruit.
But some seeds fell on good, fertile soil. These seeds grew well and produced a big harvest — many grains from just a few seeds.

The parable of the sower's seed explained

Mk 4:10-20, Matt 13:18-23

The story of the seeds has a hidden meaning. The seed represents the Word of God — the message God wants to share with us.
The ground is like the people who hear God’s Word.
The birds are like Satan. Some people hear God’s Word, but Satan quickly takes it away from their hearts, so they do not believe it.
Some people hear God’s Word and think it is good at first, but when life becomes hard or difficult, they lose faith. They blame God and go their own way.
Other people hear God’s Word, but the worries and pleasures of this world — like thorns — choke it. They hear the message but do not live according to it.
But some people hear God’s Word and accept it. They live according to it. They stay close to God and grow more and more like Jesus every day.

Jesus calms the storm

Mk 4:35-41, Matt 8:23-27, Lk 8:22-25

After Jesus finished teaching, He told His disciples to take Him across the lake in their boat. As they were sailing, a great storm suddenly arose. The wind howled, and the waves crashed into the boat, filling it with water.
The disciples were terrified. They thought they were going to drown and die.
But Jesus was asleep in the boat.
Panicked, the disciples woke Him up. “Lord! Save us! We’re about to die!” they shouted.
Jesus stood up and said to the storm, “Quiet! Be still!”
Immediately, the wind stopped, and the waves became calm.
The disciples were amazed. They asked each other, “Who is this man? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!”
When we hear this story, it reminds us of the very beginning — in Genesis 1. There, God spoke to the deep waters, and by His powerful word, He created the whole world. Jesus is not just any man. He is God who came to renew and restore a broken world.

Jesus heals a demon possessed man

Mk 5:1-20, Matt 8:28-34, Lk 8:26-39

After the storm was calmed, Jesus and His disciples reached the other side of the lake. There, they met a man who was very troubled. He was possessed by many demons, and he was so wild that no one could tie him up.
When the man saw Jesus, he fell on his knees before Him.
Jesus spoke with authority and commanded the demons to leave the man.
The demons obeyed and left the man, but they went into a herd of pigs nearby. The pigs then rushed down into the lake and drowned.
The man was completely changed. He went to tell many people about the amazing thing Jesus had done for him.
Everyone who heard the story learned that evil spirits must obey Jesus, because His power is greater than all of them put together.

The death of John teh Baptist

Mark 6:14-29

King Herod had heard about Jesus. Jesus’ name was becoming very well known. Some people said, “John the Baptist has come back to life, and that is why Jesus can do such miracles.”
Others said, “He is Elijah, the great prophet from long ago.”
And some said, “He is a prophet, like the ones God sent before.”
But Herod himself said, “John, whom I had beheaded, has come back to life!”
Here’s why: Herod had John arrested and put in prison because of a problem with his wife, Herodias. Herodias was married to Herod’s brother Philip before, but Herod had taken her as his own wife. John had boldly told Herod, “It is wrong for you to be married to your brother’s wife.”
Herodias was angry with John and wanted to kill him, but she couldn’t do it right away. Herod was afraid of John, because he was a good and holy man. He respected John and even liked to listen to him, but he was confused by him too. One day, during Herod’s birthday celebration, he gave a feast for his important officials and soldiers. During the feast, Herodias’ daughter came in and danced, and she pleased Herod and his guests very much. Herod said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I will give it to you.”
He even promised her, “Whatever you ask, I will give you — even up to half my kingdom.”
The girl went out and asked her mother, “What should I ask for?”
Her mother answered, “Ask for the head of John the Baptist.”
Without hesitation, the girl went back to the king and said, “I want you to give me John the Baptist’s head on a platter right now.”
Herod was very upset, but because he had made a promise in front of his guests, he did not want to refuse.
So, he sent a soldier to the prison with orders to behead John.
The soldier carried out the order, cut off John’s head, and brought it on a platter.
The girl gave it to her mother.
When John’s followers heard what had happened, they came to take his body and laid it in a tomb.

Jesus feeds five thousand people

Lk 9:10-17, Mk 6:30-44, Matt 14:13-21, Jn 6:1-35

The disciples had just come back from their travels. They were exhausted, so Jesus took them away to a quiet place to rest. But when the people saw where Jesus was going, they followed Him. In fact, more than five thousand people gathered there!
Even though Jesus and His disciples were tired, Jesus had compassion for the crowd. He spent the whole day teaching them.
As the day wore on, the people became hungry. The disciples suggested sending them away to find food, but Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.”
One of the disciples, Andrew, said, “There’s a boy here who has five small loaves of bread and two small fish — but that’s not nearly enough for this crowd.”
Jesus took the bread and fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God. Then He began to break the food and give it to the disciples to hand out to the people.
Amazingly, everyone had enough to eat — not just a little, but until they were completely satisfied! And when it was all over, the disciples collected twelve baskets full of leftovers.

Jesus confronts the hypocrisy of the Pharisees

Mk 7:1-13, Deut 27

The Pharisees were a religious group among the Jewish people. They were known for following the Law of Moses very strictly. They also made a big effort to avoid anything or anyone that wasn’t Jewish. On the outside, they appeared very religious and righteous. But Jesus saw deeper. He knew that many of them were full of pride, greed, and selfishness on the inside. They tried to act holy in front of others, but in truth, their hearts were far from God.
Jesus often criticised the Pharisees. He didn’t do this to be mean, but because their hypocrisy was leading people away from true faith. In Matthew 22:15–46, the Pharisees and scribes try to trap Jesus with clever questions so they can discredit Him. But Jesus answers with great wisdom. In the next chapter, Matthew 23, He speaks directly against their hypocrisy, calling them out for pretending to be good while hiding evil thoughts and actions.
This false kind of honour also shows up in how some people treated their parents. In the Old Testament, God gave a clear command: “Honour your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12). He warned that anyone who cursed their parents deserved serious punishment (Exodus 21:17). In Deuteronomy 27:16, God says that dishonouring your parents brings a curse. And dishonour doesn’t always mean openly disobeying—it can also mean pretending to respect them while secretly rejecting or resenting them.
Jesus brings up this very point in Mark 7:1–13. Some Pharisees travelled from Jerusalem to question Him. They asked why His disciples didn’t follow the traditions of the elders—extra rules added on top of God’s Law. These traditions were known as the halakha. But Jesus saw that these rules had become a burden, not a blessing. Peter later described them as “a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we could bear” (Acts 15:10).
Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites. He said, “You honour God with your lips, but your hearts are far from Him.” They followed human traditions while ignoring God’s commandments. One of the worst examples was this: some people claimed that if they gave money to the Temple, they no longer needed to support their ageing parents. Jesus said this was a sin. It broke the fifth commandment. Giving to the Temple is good—but not if it’s used as an excuse to dishonour your parents. That kind of religion, Jesus said, makes God’s Word meaningless.

The parable of the Good Shepherd

John 10:1-21; 14:6

One day, Jesus told a story about the religious leaders. He said they were like workers who were only looking after the sheep for money. They didn’t really care about the sheep, because the sheep didn’t belong to them.
Jesus said, “I am not like them. I am the Good Shepherd. The sheep belong to Me, and I love them. I have come so that My sheep can have life—full, happy life! I will even give My life to save them.”
He also said, “I am like the door of the sheepfold.” In those days, shepherds slept at the gate of the sheepfold to keep the sheep safe. No wild animal or thief could get past the shepherd. Jesus was saying that anyone who comes in through Him will be safe and saved from sin and death.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He watches over us and keeps us safe. He calls us His sheep, and we know His voice. We can trust Him always.

Jesus raises Lazarus from death

John 11:1-48

This picture shows something amazing that really happened.
Jesus had two good friends named Mary and Martha. They had a brother named Lazarus. One day, Lazarus became very sick. Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus, but Jesus was far away. Before Jesus arrived, Lazarus died.
The family wrapped Lazarus’ body in cloth and buried him in a cave. In those days, people were buried like that, and they rolled a big stone in front of the cave.
Four days later, Jesus came. Mary and Martha were very sad. They said, “Lord, if You had been here, our brother would not have died.”
Jesus said to them, “Your brother will rise again.” He told them to believe in Him, even now.
Jesus went to the cave and said, “Take away the stone.” Then He prayed out loud so that everyone could hear. He said, “Father, I thank You that You always hear Me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”
And Lazarus came out—alive! He was still wrapped in cloth, but he was breathing and walking. Everyone was amazed! Many people believed in Jesus after they saw this miracle. But the religious leaders became even more angry. They started making plans to kill Jesus.
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even if he dies.” Jesus was showing that He has power over death. And everyone who believes in Him will live with God forever.

The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ

Mk 9:1-13; Matt 17:1-8; Lk 9: 28-36

One day, Jesus told His disciples something very serious. He said, “I must suffer and die.” But the disciples didn’t understand what He meant. They couldn’t believe that something like that could happen to Jesus.
A few days later, Jesus took three of His disciples—Peter, James, and John—up a high mountain. When they reached the top, Jesus began to pray.
Then something amazing happened!
As Jesus was praying, His face began to shine like the sun, and His clothes became bright white like light. The disciples were shocked!
Then they saw two men standing with Jesus. It was Moses and Elijah! These men had lived a very long time ago, but now they were alive and talking with Jesus. They were speaking with Him about His suffering and death that would happen soon.
While the disciples were still watching, a bright cloud came over them. Then they heard a voice from the cloud. It was God’s voice! He said, “This is My Son. I love Him very much. Listen to Him!”
The disciples were so afraid that they fell face down on the ground. But Jesus came and gently touched them. “Don’t be afraid,” He said.
When they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone. Only Jesus was standing there.
As they walked back down the mountain, Jesus kept teaching them. The disciples began to understand more about who Jesus really is.
This moment on the mountain is called the Transfiguration. It showed the disciples that Jesus is not just a man—He is God’s Son! A long time before, God appeared on a mountain to speak to His people. Now, on this mountain, Jesus shows that He is God Himself, who came to save us from sin and death and to bring us back (into a relationship with) to God.

Jesus and the children

Matt 18:1-6; 19:13-15

One day, something surprising happened. A group of parents brought their little children to Jesus. They wanted Him to place His hands on them, pray for them, and bless them. But before they could reach Him, the disciples stepped in.
"Go on now," they said, turning the families away. "The Teacher is busy. This isn’t the right time."
But Jesus saw what was happening, and He wasn’t happy at all.
“Let the children come to me,” He said firmly. “Don’t stop them! The kingdom of heaven belongs to ones like these.”
Then He looked at His disciples and said something that must have surprised them even more:
“I’m telling you the truth: unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of God.”
What did He mean? Children back then weren’t seen as very important. They had no status, no voice, no power. But Jesus was saying that these very qualities—being humble, trusting, and not full of pride—are exactly what God values.
In God’s kingdom, those who lower themselves, like little children, are the truly great ones. But those who act as if they’re better than others, who are proud and want to be first, are not really following Jesus.

Jesus and teh Rich Young Man

Mk 10:17-27; Matt 19:16-22; Lk 18:18-23

There was once a wealthy young man who lived during the time of Jesus.
He was not only rich, but also respected—a leader in his community, looked up to by many. And he wasn’t a bad person. In fact, he tried hard to obey God’s commandments and live a good life.
One day, this young man came to Jesus with a sincere question.
“Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to receive eternal life?”
Jesus looked at him with love and listened as the man explained how he had tried to keep all of God’s laws since he was young.
Then Jesus said something unexpected:
“There is still one thing you lack. Go, sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. After that, come and follow Me.”
The words hit hard. The young man’s face fell. He walked away, deeply saddened.
Why? Because his heart was tied to his wealth. His riches gave him honour and security among people—but he couldn’t let go of them, not even to gain eternal life. He didn’t trust that what Jesus offered was greater than what he already had.
Jesus was sad, too. He truly loved that young man. But He also knew that real happiness and true treasure are not found in money or status. They are found in Jesus Himself.
To follow Jesus means trusting Him completely — even when it costs us everything.

The parable of the rich fool

Luke 12:13-23

Jesus often warned people about the danger of greed. He once told a powerful story to help them understand.
“There was a rich man,” Jesus said, “whose land produced an excellent harvest. His crops grew so well that he didn’t have space to store them all.”
The man thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I’ve got too much food and not enough room.’
Then he came up with a plan: ‘I know! I’ll tear down my old barns and build much bigger ones. Then I’ll have enough space to store all my grain and all my goods. After that, I’ll relax, eat, drink, and enjoy myself. Life will be easy for years to come.’
But God said to him, ‘You fool! Tonight your life will be taken from you. Then who will get all the things you’ve stored up for yourself?’
Jesus ended the story with a warning: “This is what happens to people who pile up treasures for themselves but are poor in God’s eyes.”
This man thought he was wise and secure. In his world, wealth gave him honour and comfort. But in God’s kingdom, what matters is generosity, not greed.
God wants us to be rich in love, mercy, and kindness—treasures that last forever. Keeping everything for ourselves might impress people, but it doesn’t impress God. True wealth is found in living for Him, not in storing up things we can’t take with us.

The beggar and the rich man

Luke 16:19-31

The Pharisees were known for taking great pride in how strictly they followed the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. But even though they claimed to honour God’s Word, they rejected Jesus — God’s own Son. So, Jesus told them a parable:
“There was a rich man,” He said, “who lived in great luxury. He wore fine clothes made of purple and linen, the kind only the wealthiest could afford. Every day he enjoyed the best food, feasting without worry.”
But just outside his gate lay a beggar named Lazarus. Lazarus was poor, sick, and hungry. His body was covered in sores, and he longed to eat the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his wounds. One day, Lazarus died. But he was not forgotten — angels came and carried him to the side of Abraham in heaven. Later, the rich man also died. But instead of comfort, he found himself in Hades—the place of the dead—where he was in agony. From afar, he saw Lazarus next to Abraham and cried out, “Father Abraham! Have mercy! Send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool my tongue. I’m suffering in this fire!”
But Abraham replied, “Son, remember, in your lifetime, you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. Now he is being comforted, and you are in torment. Besides, there is a great chasm between us. No one can cross from here to you, or from you to us.”
The rich man begged again, “Then please, Father Abraham, send Lazarus to my family. I have five brothers — warn them, so they don’t come to this awful place!”
But Abraham answered, “They have Moses and the prophets. They should listen to them.”
Still the rich man pleaded, “But surely if someone comes back from the dead, they will believe!”
Abraham said, “If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”
Jesus told this story not only to warn about greed and selfishness — but also to reveal something deeper. The Pharisees said they loved the Scriptures, but when Jesus — the very one the Scriptures pointed to — stood before them, they refused to believe. Even when Jesus rose from the dead, many still hardened their hearts. This story reminds us that our status, wealth, or religious reputation cannot save us. What matters is whether we truly listen to God and believe in His Son.
Whether we are rich or poor, honoured or forgotten by others — God looks at our hearts. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. He alone can give eternal life.

Blind Bartimaeus receives his sight

Mark 10:46-52

One day, Jesus was passing through the city of Jericho. As He and His disciples were leaving the city, a large crowd followed along. By the roadside sat a blind man named Bartimaeus, which means “son of Timaeus.” He was begging—he had no sight, no job, and no status. But when Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was walking past, something inside him stirred. He began to shout, “Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!”
The crowd didn’t like it. They told him to be quiet, to stop making a scene. After all, who was he to cry out like that? He was just a blind beggar—someone people usually ignored.
But Bartimaeus wasn’t ashamed. He cried out even louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
And Jesus stopped. “Call him,” Jesus said.
So, the people turned and called Bartimaeus, “Cheer up! Get up—He’s calling you!”
Bartimaeus threw off his cloak, jumped to his feet, and came straight to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Rabbi,” Bartimaeus said, “I want to see.”
Jesus said, “Go. Your faith has healed you.”
And just like that, Bartimaeus could see. His eyes were opened—physically and spiritually. But he didn’t just go back to his old life. No, he followed Jesus down the road.
Bartimaeus wasn’t afraid to cry out to Jesus—even when others tried to silence him.
In a world where he had no honour or status, he still believed that Jesus would hear him—and heal him. And Jesus did.
This story reminds us that God listens to those the world overlooks. Faith isn’t about how important you seem to others. It’s about trusting that Jesus sees you, loves you, and will stop for you.

Jesus enters Jerusalem

Mk 11:1-11; Matt 21:1-11, 14-17; Lk 19:29-44; Jn 12:12-19

Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. As they approached the city, He told two of His disciples to find a young donkey—a colt that had never been ridden. They brought it to Him, and Jesus climbed onto its back.
This might seem like a simple moment, but it meant something very important. Long before Jesus was born, the prophet Zechariah had spoken a promise from God. He told the people of Israel that one day, a new king would come—a king from the family line of David. This king would not come riding a war horse, but humbly, on a donkey. He would come to bring peace and salvation (see Zechariah 9:9).
Now, as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey, the people watching remembered Zechariah’s words. Many of them believed Jesus was the promised king—the one sent by God to save His people.
Excited and full of hope, they spread their cloaks on the road before Him. Others cut down palm branches and laid them on the path. This was how people in the ancient world welcomed a royal figure—with honour and celebration.
As Jesus passed by, the crowd began to shout joyfully: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!”
It was a moment of great honour for Jesus. Many welcomed Him as the Messiah, the chosen King.
But not everyone understood what kind of king He truly was. Jesus hadn’t come to take power through force or to defeat enemies in battle. He came to bring peace—peace with God, peace between people, and peace within the heart.
This story shows us that Jesus is the true King—gentle, humble, and full of love. He came not to be served, but to serve.
Will we honour Him like the crowd did that day? And more importantly, will we follow Him in the way of peace?

Jesus teaches about the 2nd destruction of the Temple and the End Times

Matt 24:1-14, Mk 13:1-13, Lk 21:5-19

The buildings of the Temple in Jerusalem were very beautiful. The disciples admired the great beauty of the temple. Since the time of Ezra when it was rebuilt (pic 64), no one has disturbed the temple.
In fact, King Herod the Great, the ruler over Judea, had decided to renovate and expand the Second Temple earlier during his reign. Around the year 20 Before Christ was, he began a massive building project that would last for decades. He doubled the size of the Temple Mount, built high walls, magnificent gates, and made the Temple itself a wonder of the ancient world. It became a place of beauty and pride.
But sadly, though the building was grand, the people didn’t truly understand the kind of Kingdom God wanted — one built not just with stones, but with justice, mercy, and faith. And yes, neither did they understand why He came to earth.

As they were looking at the architecture, Jesus said, “Do you see all these great buildings? Not one stone will be left on another, everyone will be thrown down.” This meant that the temple would soon be destroyed.
He was predicting an attack on Jerusalem that would occur 70 years later. In the year 70 AD, Roman armies attacked Jerusalem during the First Jewish-Roman War. After a long siege, they broke through the city’s walls. Fire and violence swept through the city. And once again, the Temple—this magnificent house of worship—was destroyed. Not one stone was left upon another. The Romans tore it down completely. This was a moment of deep trauma. For the second time, Israel’s Temple was gone. The center of Jewish worship was lost. And although synagogues and scriptures would continue the Jewish faith, the Temple — once the symbol of God's presence — was never rebuilt.

Jesus knew that this would happen - and for a good reason.
Jesus also taught them what was going to happen before the end time on earth. That there will be wars and famines and earthquakes. Many people who believe in Jesus will be persecuted and killed. The Good News about God's Kingdom will be preached through all the world.

After Jesus told his disciples about the future of the temple and how his followers would be persecuted, Jesus and his disciples prepared themselves for the coming Passover.

Jesus washes the disciples' feet and teaches what true greatness looks like

Lk 22:7-30, Jn 13:1-17

It was nearly time for the Jewish festival of Passover – the feast where families remembered how God had rescued their ancestors from slavery in Egypt. The disciples found an upstairs room in Jerusalem, just as Jesus had said. There they got everything ready for the meal. This was not just any meal – it was a moment to remember how God had saved His people and brought them into the land He had promised them.
As the meal began, something surprising happened. Instead of focusing on the meaning of Passover, the disciples began to argue. They weren’t talking about God’s mercy or freedom from Egypt. Instead, they were quarrelling about something very human – which one of them was the greatest. Who was the most important? Who should be honoured the most?
Then Jesus did something that none of them expected.
Quietly, He stood up from the table. He took off His outer robe, poured water into a basin, and picked up a towel. Without saying a word, He began to wash the feet of each disciple. One by one. Dusty, tired feet. The kind of job only a servant would normally do.
When He had finished, He looked at them and said gently, “You call me Teacher and Lord – and rightly so, because I am. But if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, then you should also wash one another’s feet.”
He wasn’t just teaching them good manners. He was showing them what real greatness looks like in God’s Kingdom. It’s not about status, power, or being admired by others. It’s about being willing to serve – even in small, humble ways. That’s what brings honour in God’s eyes.
Later, they would remember His words: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
In a world where many chase after honour and recognition, Jesus turned everything upside down. The most honoured person in God’s Kingdom is not the one who demands respect, but the one who quietly kneels to serve.

Teaching at the Last Supper - Jesus Presents Himself as the New Passover Lamb

Mark 14:12-26; Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:17-20

While they were still gathered in the upstairs room for the Passover meal, Jesus gave His disciples something new – something they would never forget.
He picked up a piece of bread, gave thanks to God, broke it, and handed it to them. Then He said: “This is my body, given for you. Do this to remember me.”
After the meal, He took a cup of wine and said: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
The disciples listened, but they didn’t fully understand what He meant.
For centuries, Jewish families had remembered the great rescue from Egypt by eating this special meal. They sacrificed a lamb, remembering how God had saved their ancestors and made a covenant with them – a sacred promise that they were His people. The blood of the lamb had once marked their homes and protected them from death.
Now, at this same meal, Jesus was saying something radical. The bread and wine no longer just pointed back to Egypt. These now pointed to Him. He would be the Lamb. His body would be broken. His blood would be poured out. This wasn’t just about remembering the past – it was about a new beginning. A new covenant. A new relationship between God and His people, sealed not with the blood of an animal, but with the blood of God’s own Son.
But the disciples still couldn’t grasp it. It all seemed mysterious and strange. They loved Jesus, but they didn’t yet see the whole picture. Peter, always bold and passionate, blurted out, “Lord, I’m ready to die for you!”
Jesus looked at him with sadness and love. “Peter, I tell you the truth,” He said softly, “before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
Peter must have felt confused, even a little ashamed. He meant what he said. But Jesus knew Peter’s heart better than Peter knew it himself. And yet, even knowing that His closest friend would soon pretend not to know Him – Jesus still shared the bread, the cup, the promise.
That’s what love is like.

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

Mk 14::32-42, Matt 26:36-46, Lk 22:39-46

Jesus knew the time had come. The moment was drawing near when He would suffer and die. But before that, He wanted to pray. He prayed for His disciples – that they would be strong, even when things became very hard. Then He walked with them to a quiet garden just outside Jerusalem. It was called Gethsemane. The night was still and heavy. Jesus took three of His closest friends – Peter, James, and John – and asked them to keep watch and pray with Him. Then He moved a little further away to be alone. There, in the darkness, Jesus fell to the ground and began to pray.
He was deeply troubled. His heart felt crushed with sadness. He knew that terrible suffering was about to come. He would be betrayed, arrested, mocked, beaten, and nailed to a cross. He would carry the full weight of human sin. He would face death.
He cried out to His Father: “If it is possible, take this suffering away from me. But not what I want – let Your will be done.”
He prayed the same thing again. And again. While Jesus struggled, His friends – the ones He had asked to stay awake with Him – fell asleep. Not just once, but again and again. In His hardest hour, they could not stay awake.
Still, Jesus did not walk away. He chose to obey. His love for the Father – and for us – held Him steady.
Christians often see Gethsemane as a mirror of Eden. In the Garden of Eden, the first humans, Adam and Eve, chose their own will instead of God’s. They took what was forbidden, and their choice brought sin and death into the world. But in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus – the new Adam – did the opposite. Even in fear and agony, He surrendered to God’s will. He chose the path of obedience and trust.
Then He returned to His disciples and said: “Get up. Let’s go. The one who will betray me is here.”
The hour had come. And Jesus was ready.

Jesus is betrayed and arrested

Mark 14:43-50; Matthew 26:47-56; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-12

Jesus had just finished speaking to His disciples in the quiet of the garden, when suddenly the stillness was broken. Torchlight flickered among the trees. A crowd of men appeared—some with swords, others with clubs. They were led by one of Jesus’ own disciples: Judas Iscariot. Judas had already made an agreement with the religious leaders. He told them: “The man I kiss – He’s the one. Arrest Him.”
Now, under the cover of darkness, Judas stepped forward. He walked straight up to Jesus and greeted Him like a friend. Then he kissed Him.
This kiss, meant to be a sign of love or respect, became a sign of betrayal. Jesus didn’t resist. He knew what was happening. He had already chosen to follow the Father’s will, no matter the cost. The soldiers grabbed Jesus and arrested Him.
The disciples – the ones who had promised never to leave Him – were suddenly filled with fear. Everything was happening so fast. The crowd was angry, the swords were real, and Jesus didn’t fight back. Panicked and confused, they ran. Every one of them fled into the night.
Jesus was left standing alone – betrayed by a friend, abandoned by His followers, yet still choosing to walk the path of love and sacrifice.

Jesus on trial before Pilate

Mark 15:1-15; Matthew 27:11-26; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28 - 19:15

After Jesus was arrested, He was taken to the Jewish religious leaders. They had already made up their minds – they believed Jesus was dangerous and must be put to death.But there was a problem. The Jewish leaders were not allowed to carry out executions. Only the Roman governor could do that. So they took Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Roman ruler in Jerusalem.
Pilate listened to the accusations. He questioned Jesus. But something didn’t feel right.
“I find no reason to kill this man,” Pilate said.
Still, the crowd grew louder. The religious leaders stirred up the people. They demanded that Jesus be crucified. While Pilate hesitated, the Roman soldiers began mocking Jesus. They whipped Him and beat Him. Then, to make fun of the idea that He was a king, they twisted a crown out of sharp thorns and shoved it onto His head. Blood ran down His face. They threw a purple robe around His shoulders and bowed to Him in mock worship, laughing cruelly.
“Hail, King of the Jews!” they jeered.
Pilate brought Jesus out, beaten and bleeding, hoping it would be enough. But the crowd only shouted louder: Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. But he also saw that the people were angry and restless. A riot was beginning. He feared losing control.
So, trying to escape responsibility, Pilate called for water. He washed his hands in front of everyone and said,
“I am innocent of this man’s blood.”
But he gave in. He handed Jesus over to be crucified.
The innocent one was condemned. The true King was rejected. And yet, through this injustice, God’s plan of salvation moved forward – a plan born out of love, even in the face of cruelty and shame.

The Soldiers mock Jesus

Matt 27:27-31, Ml 15:16-20

After Pilate gave the order, the Roman soldiers took Jesus into their fortress – a place called the Praetorium. There, a whole group of soldiers gathered around Him.They stripped off His clothes, leaving Him exposed and ashamed. Then they threw a scarlet robe over His shoulders – the kind a king might wear. But this wasn’t to honour Him. It was to humiliate Him.
They twisted a crown out of thorn branches and pressed it into His head. The sharp thorns dug into His skin, and blood trickled down His face. They placed a wooden staff in His hand like a royal sceptre.
Then they knelt before Him in mockery and shouted: “Hail, King of the Jews!”
But it wasn’t worship. It was cruel laughter.
They spat on Him. They snatched the staff from His hand and struck Him on the head – again and again. Each blow drove the thorns in deeper. When they had finished mocking Him, they pulled off the robe and gave Him back His own clothes. Then they led Him out to be crucified. This was how the world treated its true King – with shame, violence, and laughter. But Jesus did not fight back. He accepted the pain, the insults, and the humiliation.
He was walking the path of love, all the way to the cross.

Jesus led out to be crucified

John 19:16-17; Luke 23:26-33; Mark 15:20-23; Matthew 27:31-34

The soldiers led Jesus away to be killed. They placed a heavy wooden cross on His back and forced Him to carry it through the streets. Step by painful step, He walked – bruised, bleeding, exhausted. Crowds gathered to watch. The journey led outside the city walls to a place called Golgotha, which means “the place of the skull.” It was a place known for death.
Along the way, some women from Jerusalem stood weeping. Their hearts broke as they saw what was being done to Jesus – a man who had healed the sick, shown mercy, and spoken with power and love.
But Jesus, even in His suffering, turned to them and said: “Don’t weep for me. Weep for yourselves and for your children. If this is what happens when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
His words were strange and sorrowful. He was warning them – if such terrible injustice could happen while He, the living and faithful One, was among them, then darker days might still lie ahead.
Jesus was not only carrying a cross. He was carrying the weight of a broken world – a world full of violence, fear, and shame. Yet even as He walked toward death, He remained full of love and truth.

Jesus dies on the cross

Mark 15:24-39; Luke 23:33-46; Matthew 27:35-50; John 16:19-30

When they reached Golgotha, the soldiers took Jesus’ clothes and divided them among themselves – as if He were already dead. Then they nailed Him to the cross. Thick iron nails were driven through His hands and feet. And there they left Him – wounded, bleeding, hanging between heaven and earth.
Two other men were crucified alongside Him. They were criminals – men who had done real wrong. But Jesus had done nothing wrong. As the crowd watched, one of the criminals mocked Jesus, shouting: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself – and us!”
But the other criminal spoke up. Even in his pain, he saw something different in Jesus.
“Don’t you fear God?” he said. “We’re getting what we deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he turned to Jesus and said: “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
And Jesus, full of mercy even in His dying breath, replied: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”
As the hours passed, a strange darkness covered the whole land – from midday until three in the afternoon. It was as if creation itself was grieving.
After six long hours on the cross, Jesus lifted His head and cried out: “It is finished.”
Then He gave up His spirit and died.
At that moment, the earth shook. Rocks split. And the Roman officer standing nearby – a man who had seen many deaths – was struck with awe.
“This man was truly the Son of God,” he said.
Jesus had remained faithful to the very end. His total obedience to the will of His Father had led Him to this moment – the most shameful and painful death the world could offer. And yet, in this death, something powerful was happening.
Christians believe that this was the moment when the ancient curse from the Garden of Eden was fulfilled. In Genesis, God had said that a child of Eve would crush the serpent, but the serpent would strike His heel. Now, Jesus – the promised One – had allowed Himself to be struck.
He took upon Himself the curse of death that entered the world through Adam and Eve’s shameful choice. He bore it fully. Not just for one person, or one people, but for the whole world.
This was not the end of hope. It was the beginning of redemption.

Jesus is buried

Mark 15:42-47; Matthew 27:57-66; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42

After Jesus died, one of the soldiers came and pearsed His body with a spear, in His side, to make sure that He was truly dead. He confirmed that Jesus had died.
A man named Joseph of Arimathea came forward. He was a follower of Jesus, but also a rich and respected man. He had prepared a new tomb in a garden close to the place where Jesus was crucified. Another man, Nicodemus – the one who had once come to Jesus secretly at night – helped Joseph. Together, they gently took Jesus’ body down from the cross. They treated His body with care and wrapped it in linen cloth, as was the custom. They laid Jesus in the new tomb. It was cut out of solid rock. Then they rolled a large stone in front of the entrance to seal it.
Everything seemed quiet. Jesus was dead. His followers were in hiding, afraid and confused. And yet, even now, Jesus was being honoured by these two men who had once been afraid to speak openly.
But not everyone was at peace.
The religious leaders went to Pilate, the Roman governor. “This man said He would rise again after three days,” they told him. “We don’t believe it – but His disciples might try to steal the body and lie about it.”
So Pilate agreed to guard the tomb. He ordered soldiers to stand watch, day and night. The stone was sealed, and the grave was guarded.
No one could get in. No one could get out.
The world waited in silence.

The Women at the empty tomb

Matthew 29:1-7

It was the third day after Jesus died. Early in the morning, just as the sun was beginning to rise, a few women who had followed Jesus went to His tomb. They had brought spices to care for His body – a sign of love and respect. But as they approached, something amazing happened. Suddenly, the ground shook with a great earthquake! The huge stone covering the entrance of the tomb was rolled away – not by human hands, but by an angel. The angel sat on the stone, shining with bright light.
The soldiers guarding the tomb were so frightened that they fell down, motionless – like dead men.
The angel spoke kindly to the women: “Don’t be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, Who was crucified. He is not here – He has risen, just as He said He would. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples that He is alive again!”
The women were filled with joy and amazement. Jesus, who had died on the cross, was alive!
This was the moment that changed everything – the proof that Jesus truly was the Son of God, and that death had been defeated forever.

Peter and John at the empty tomb

John 20:1-9; Luke 24:1-12; Matthew 28:11-15

The women hurried to tell Jesus’ disciples everything that had happened, but the disciples found it hard to believe them. So, Peter and John ran quickly to the tomb to see for themselves. When they arrived, they saw that Jesus’ body was gone. The cloths that had wrapped Him were still there, neatly folded, but Jesus was not there.
No one had disturbed the grave clothes. When John saw this, his heart believed the truth — Jesus was not dead anymore. He had risen back to life!
Afterwards, Peter and John went home, still trying to understand why Jesus had to rise from the dead.
Meanwhile, the guards who had been watching the tomb, reported to the religious leaders what had happened. These leaders then gave the soldiers a large amount of money and told them to spread a lie — that Jesus’ followers had come during the night and stolen His body while the guards were sleeping.

Jesus appears to his disciples

John 20:10-18, Luke 24:13-35; Mark 16:12-13, John 20:19-23; Mark 16:14; Luke:24:

After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to His disciples several times. He showed Himself to them clearly and gave many proofs that He was truly alive. For a period of 40 days, Jesus met with them and spoke about the Kingdom of God, teaching them and preparing them for what was to come.

After the women, and Peter and John, saw the empty tomb, Mary Magdalene stayed at the tomb (John 20:10-18, below, left picture).
Mary was crying. When she looked into the tomb, she saw two angels. They said to her, "Why are you crying?" She said, “They have taken the body of my Lord Jesus away, and I don’t know where they have put him.” Suddenly Jesus Himself appeared. Mary did not recognize Him. She thought He was the gardener, and that he had taken the body of Jesus. She said, "Sir, if you took him away, tell me where you have put Him". Then Jesus said to her, "Mary!" Immediately she knew His voice. She knew it really was Jesus.

That same day two disciples left Jerusalem to walk to a place called Emmaus. They were very sad. They talked about the death of Jesus. Suddenly Jesus was walking beside them. But they did not recognize Him. He talked with them and explained what was predicted about him by all the prophets who had come before, and why the Christ had to die. The men asked Him to stay with them. Later at the table Jesus took bread, broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly their eyes were opened and they recognized Him. Then He disappeared out of their sight. (Luke 24:13-35; Mark 16:12-13, above right picture.

The two disciples ran back to Jerusalem. They told the other disciples "We have seen Jesus!" While they were still talking, Jesus suddenly stood among them. They were all amazed and very afraid. He said, "Peace be to you." They thought they saw a ghost. But Jesus said to them, “Why are you troubled and why do you doubt? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see. A ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” He showed them the nail marks in His hands and feet. He also asked for some food and ate it. They knew for certain that this man was Jesus and they could all see that He was alive again. (John 20:19-23; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36-43 (bottom picture).

Jesus appears to Thomas

John 20:24-31

When Jesus first appeared to His disciples, Thomas was not with them. Later, the others told Thomas that Jesus was alive, but he did not believe their story. A week later, the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. All the doors were locked because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus appeared once more.
Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. See the nail marks in my hands. Reach out your hand and place it where the spear went into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Then Thomas believed. He knelt before Jesus and said, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus replied, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. How happy are those who have not seen me and yet still believe.”
Praise be to God! Jesus did not remain dead. According to the Scriptures, He was raised from the grave on the third day after His burial. As the Risen Lord, Jesus ended the power of death and, in a powerful way, crushed the head of the snake — Satan himself.
Jesus defeated Satan and death, and because of His victory, death no longer has control over creation. Thanks to Jesus’ work of redemption, all creation can look forward to being restored in relationship with God.
For us humans, death is no longer something to fear. On the contrary, because of Jesus’ resurrection, we can hope for our own victory over death. The apostle Paul expresses this hope in 1 Corinthians 15:55 by boldly asking, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” This confidence can be yours too. If you accept Jesus as your personal Saviour and fully commit your life to God according to His will, you can share in Paul’s joy and boast in Jesus Christ’s victory over death.
The story from Genesis 3 — about the Fall of Man and God’s promise — comes full circle in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Son of God born of the virgin Mary, is the promised Offspring of Eve who, in the end, crushed the head of the snake, Satan.

Jesus Ascends into Heaven

Acts 1:6-12; Luke 24:50-53

One time, while Jesus was eating with His disciples, He said to them, “Do not leave Jerusalem. Wait there for the gift my Father promised, the one I have spoken about. John baptized with water, but in just a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
At that moment, He also told them, “It is not for you to know the exact times or dates that the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. Then you will be my witnesses—not only in Jerusalem but also throughout all Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.”
After He said this, Jesus was taken up into the clouds before their very eyes. The disciples stood there, staring intently into the sky as He disappeared.
Suddenly, two angels appeared and said to them, “Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”

The Living Christ (and God’s Amazing Plan to Restore Creation Through Jesus Christ - a summary)

God did not abandon His creation after the Fall. Instead, He came down from heaven and took on human nature, becoming one of us and fully sharing in our humanity. This happened through the second Person of the Trinity — the Son — who became a Man: Jesus Christ, born of the virgin Mary. Jesus is both fully God and fully man at the same time. He is God from God and man from man.
It’s important to remember that God’s presence does not compete with or destroy life; rather, His presence fills life with fullness and meaning. As John 3:16-17 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but to save it through Him.”
By becoming man, God the Son did not just take on humanity; He also made it greater. In Jesus Christ, God and creation are united. Ephesians 1:10 tells us that God’s plan was “to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head … Christ.” Through Jesus, humanity enters a deeper, higher relationship with God.
In 2 Peter 1:3-4, we learn that God’s divine power gives us everything we need to live a godly life and that through His promises, “you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” This means that through Jesus, we can share in God’s own life and goodness, just as God originally intended.
Jesus not only realigns creation with Himself but also gives new life to all creation. Creation is recreated in Him. Jesus Christ died the death that all humans deserved because of sin. He died on the cross, but because He is God, He conquered death itself. This is why Christians believe, following the Bible, that Jesus rose from the dead three days after His death.
But there is more: after His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven, taking His glorified human body with Him to sit at the right hand of God the Father. This means that a part of human nature—our flesh and creation itself—has been brought into the life of the Triune God.
This is the ultimate goal of God’s plan of salvation: not just to restore creation or to save us, but to bring us into full communion with God. God’s plan is for us to become more than just good — He wants us to become perfect sharers in His divine nature.
Imagine a ship in a story. Even after it is damaged and repaired, it is not meant to stay in the harbour. Its purpose is to continue its journey and reach its intended destination. In the same way, humanity’s true destination is to become one with God.
Through His covenant and through Jesus, God restores and recreates us. By this new life, we are invited to be co-workers with God, helping to restore and improve creation as His kings and priests. And this, truly, is the miracle of God’s salvation.

The Holy Spirit comes wtih fire

Acts 2:1-13

After Jesus returned to heaven, His disciples went back to Jerusalem. They stayed out of sight because they feared what the Jewish leaders might do to them.
A few days later, they were all gathered in one house, praying together. Suddenly, a sound came from the sky — it was like the roar of a mighty wind rushing through the room. Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire. These flames separated and came to rest on each believer.
At that moment, they were filled with the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus had promised before He left. The Spirit gave them courage and power. They began speaking in other languages—languages they had never learnt—telling everyone about the mighty works of God.
The fear that had once kept them behind closed doors was gone. Now, with boldness and honour, they stepped out into the streets, proclaiming Jesus openly. People from many nations heard the message in their own tongue, and many believed. They were baptised, marking their new life with God.
This was the beginning of the Christian Church—a community built on the truth of Jesus, unashamed and full of the Spirit’s power.

Peter preaches to the people

Acts 2:13-41

When God’s Holy Spirit came to the disciples, they were in the city of Jerusalem, in the heart of the Jewish homeland. At that time, Jews from many different countries had travelled there to celebrate one of their great feasts. They spoke a wide variety of languages.
Then something remarkable happened: the Holy Spirit enabled Jesus’ disciples to speak all these different languages. Each visitor heard the message about the Lord Jesus in their own mother tongue—a sign of honour and welcome, as if God Himself was speaking directly to them.
Yet not everyone understood. Some mocked the disciples, saying they must be drunk. In that culture, such an accusation was deeply shameful. But one of the apostles, Peter, stood up boldly with the other eleven. He addressed the crowd: “These men are not drunk, as you suppose. They are filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Peter then told them the good news about Jesus — how He had died, risen, and now offered forgiveness and new life. That day, thousands believed his words. They were baptised as a public sign of turning away from sin and received the Holy Spirit themselves.
From that moment, they began to follow the way of Jesus, no longer outsiders, but part of His family.

The Final Sacrifice - The Good News of the Bible summed up

John 1:12

In the time before Jesus came, God commanded His people to offer animal sacrifices. These sacrifices reminded everyone how serious sin was. An innocent animal died in the sinner’s place so that the person could be forgiven. But the forgiveness was only temporary, which is why sacrifices had to be made again and again.
All of that changed with Jesus Christ. He is the reason we no longer need to offer animal sacrifices today. Jesus was the ultimate and perfect sacrifice—once for all time. John the Baptist understood this when he saw Jesus coming to be baptised. He pointed to Him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
Just like the animals in the Old Testament had done no wrong, Jesus also lived a perfect, sinless life. But unlike the animals, Jesus willingly gave Himself to die—not just for one person’s sin, but for the sins of all humanity (1 Timothy 2:6). The Bible says: “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Through faith in what Jesus accomplished on the cross, we can be completely forgiven. The sacrifices in the Old Testament were only shadows pointing forward to this reality. Their power to forgive came only from the sacrifice Jesus would one day make.
Now that Christ has given His life for us, offering any animal sacrifice would be a deep insult to God. It would be rejecting the only sacrifice that truly saves. It would be dishonouring Christ’s act of grace—stepping on the gift He gave at the cost of His own blood.
But for those who accept Jesus and what He has done, something glorious happens: they are welcomed into God’s family. As John 1:12–13 says: “To all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”


ALTERNATIVE TO: THE FINAL SACRIFICE - THE GOOD NEWS OF THE BIBLE SUMMED UP (1 JOHN 1:12)
In the time before Jesus came, God commanded His people to offer animal sacrifices. These sacrifices reminded everyone how serious sin was. An innocent animal died in the sinner’s place so that the person could be forgiven. But the forgiveness was only temporary, which is why sacrifices had to be made again and again.
All of that changed with Jesus Christ. He is the reason we no longer need to offer animal sacrifices today. Jesus was the ultimate and perfect sacrifice—once for all time. John the Baptist understood this when he saw Jesus coming to be baptised. He pointed to Him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
Just like the animals in the Old Testament had done no wrong, Jesus also lived a perfect, sinless life. But unlike the animals, Jesus willingly gave Himself to die—not just for one person’s sin, but for the sins of all humanity (1 Timothy 2:6). The Bible says: “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Through faith in what Jesus accomplished on the cross, we can be completely forgiven. The sacrifices in the Old Testament were only shadows pointing forward to this reality. Their power to forgive came only from the sacrifice Jesus would one day make.
For Jewish believers in the first century, this was not just good news—it was an honour beyond measure. No longer did they have to bring animals to the Temple year after year. They could now stand before God clean and accepted because of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice. To trust in Jesus was to be lifted to the highest honour—welcomed as God’s children and heirs of His promises.
But rejecting Christ after knowing this truth was deeply shameful. It was like turning your back on the King after He had paid your ransom. It meant treating His death as worthless, stepping on His act of grace, and disowning the very One who brought forgiveness.
For those who accept Jesus and what He has done, something glorious happens: they are welcomed into God’s family. As John 1:12–13 says: “To all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”

A crippled beggar is healed

Acts 3:1-10

One afternoon, Peter and John were on their way to the Temple to pray. At the gate sat a man who had been crippled from birth. He had never walked a single day in his life. As worshippers passed by, he begged for coins—his only hope of survival.
When Peter and John came near, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him and said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but I will give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!”
Peter reached out and took the man’s right hand. As he pulled him up, the man’s feet and ankles suddenly grew strong. For the first time in his life, he stood—then walked—then began jumping for joy. He followed Peter and John into the Temple, walking, leaping, and praising God with a loud voice.
It was not Peter’s own power that healed him. It was faith in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. The man had been given something far greater than money—he had been restored, both in body and in honour.
In the first-century Jewish world, being crippled carried deep social shame. People often assumed such suffering was the result of sin, either by the person or their family. Because he could not enter the Temple courts in the same way as others, he lived at the edge of worship, always at the gate but never fully inside. This healing changed everything. He could now stand among God’s people as an equal, his honour restored before both the community and God Himself.
What happened to this man was another sign of what began at the day of Pentecost - the day the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples of Jesus after his Ascension (pic. 116): God’s Spirit was breaking down barriers. Just as people from many nations were brought into God’s family that day, this man — once left outside — was now brought inside. The Spirit was showing that no one who trusts in Jesus needs to remain an outsider.

Stephen stoned to death

Acts 6:1 - 8:3

Look there is a crowd of people throwing stones at a man named Stephen. He was one of the leaders in the early church, caring for the poor in Jerusalem and teaching God’s Word with courage. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Stephen also worked miracles.
But some Jews opposed him. They dragged him before the religious court, accusing him falsely of insulting God and speaking against His Word. In their eyes, this was the ultimate shame. Yet Stephen was not afraid, because the Holy Spirit filled him with power and peace.
Stephen boldly told them the truth: they had killed the One who came to bring eternal life—Jesus. Then Stephen looked up and saw something that few on earth have ever seen. Heaven opened, and he saw God with Jesus standing at His right hand, the place of highest honour. “Look,” Stephen cried, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!”
The crowd was furious. They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. As the rocks struck him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then, with his final breath, he cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And with that, he died.
The men who stoned Stephen, laid their coats at the feet of a young Jewish leader named Saul, who approved of Stephen’s death.
In the culture of the time, public stoning was the most humiliating and shame-filled way to die. But Stephen’s vision of Jesus standing for him before the Father transformed that shame into eternal honour.
This courage to face death without fear came from the same Holy Spirit given at Pentecost—the Spirit who gave boldness to speak and act for Jesus, even when it meant suffering. Just as the Spirit brought the early church out of hiding, it gave Stephen strength to stand firm and die with honour in Christ.
Even today, those who seek to serve and honour Jesus may face hatred and persecution. But God’s Spirit will never abandon them — even if the world takes their life, He will give them life that never ends.

The day Saul met the risen Jesus

Acts 9:1-9

You might remember a man named Saul. He was there when Stephen was killed, and he even agreed with what was done. After Stephen’s death, Saul set off on a journey to the city of Damascus. His purpose was to find the followers of Jesus there and drag them back to Jerusalem as prisoners — a public way of shaming them and showing his loyalty to the religious leaders.
As Saul was travelling along the road to Damascus, a sudden light from heaven blazed around him. It was so bright that he fell to the ground. Then he heard a voice calling, “Saul, Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
Shaken, Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?”
The voice replied, “I am Jesus — the one you are persecuting. Now get up, go into the city, and there you will be told what you must do.”
The men travelling with Saul, heard the sound of the voice but saw no one. When Saul got up, he realised he was blind. The men had to lead him by the hand into Damascus — a humiliating sight for the proud man who had once marched with authority. For three days he could see nothing. He did not eat or drink during that time.

Peter's Vision and teh Gentile believers

Acts 10:9-18; 19-48

Peter was staying in the coastal town of Joppa, in the home of a leather worker. One day, he went up onto the flat roof of the house to pray. While he was there, he became hungry and wanted something to eat. Then, God gave him a strange vision. He saw a huge sheet being lowered from heaven, and inside of it were all kinds of animals, birds, and reptiles. A voice said to him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
Peter was a Jew, and according to the Jewish law, many of these animals were considered unclean. To eat them would make a person ritually impure, bringing shame and dishonour before God and the community. So Peter replied, “Certainly not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
The voice spoke again: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This happened three times, and then the sheet was taken back up into heaven.
While Peter was still trying to work out what the vision meant, three men arrived at the house, asking for him. They said, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous, God-fearing man, respected by all the Jewish people. An angel told him to invite you to his house so that he could hear your message.”
Peter invited them in as guests — something unusual for a Jewish man to do with Gentiles. The next day, he set off with them, taking some believers from Joppa along. When they arrived in Caesarea, Cornelius was waiting. He had gathered his relatives and close friends to meet Peter. As Peter entered, Cornelius came to him and fell at his feet in respect. But Peter quickly helped him up, saying, “Stand up. I’m only a man myself.”
Inside, Peter saw a large group of people. He said, “You all know that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit their home. But God has shown me that I must not call anyone impure or unclean. Now I understand that God does not show favouritism, but accepts people from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.”
Peter then told them the Good News about Jesus. While he was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came upon everyone who heard the message. The Jewish believers with Peter were amazed — they saw that the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. They heard them speaking in different languages and praising God.

God's love for every nation

Acts 10:1-8, 19-48

Three men arrived in Joppa from another town. They had been sent by a man named Cornelius, a commander in the Roman army. Cornelius was not Jewish, yet he honoured God and wanted to serve Him. One day, an angel of God appeared to him and told him to send for Peter.
In those days, Jews considered Romans to be unclean outsiders. To enter their homes or share a meal with them could bring shame in the eyes of Jewish society. But God had already shown Peter in a vision that he must not call any person impure. In God’s eyes, the old barriers were breaking — honour was no longer measured by race or ritual law, but by trust in Him and doing what is right.
So, Peter went with the men to the house of this Roman officer. When Cornelius saw Peter, he fell at his feet in deep respect. For a proud Roman commander to bow before a travelling Jewish preacher was an extraordinary act of humility. But Peter quickly helped him up, saying, “Stand up. I am only a man myself. Why have you sent for me?”
Cornelius told Peter about the angel’s message. Then Peter declared, “Now I understand clearly that God shows no favouritism.” He began to tell Cornelius and his household about Jesus — the One who reveals God to all people.
As they listened, Cornelius and his family believed in Jesus. At that very moment, God poured out His Holy Spirit on them, just as He had on the Jewish believers. In the sight of everyone present, God publicly honoured these Gentiles as members of His family.
It was a shocking moment — the Holy Spirit was not bound by race, language, or heritage. God’s love reached every language, every tribe, and every skin colour. Jesus had not come only for the Jewish people — He came to bring everlasting life to the whole world. He calls every nation to trust in Him and to serve Him.

Peter rescued from prison

Acts 12:1-11

King Herod, ruler of the Jews, began to attack the followers of Jesus, the Christian church. To please the crowds, he had the apostle James put to death. When he saw that this pleased the people, he had Peter arrested and thrown into prison, guarded by soldiers.
One night, Peter was sleeping between two guards, bound with heavy chains. It seemed that his fate was sealed. But suddenly, a bright light shone in the prison cell, and an angel of the Lord appeared. The angel nudged Peter awake and said, “Quick, get up!” Immediately, the chains fell from his wrists.
The angel led Peter past the guards and through the prison gates. The great iron gate swung open by itself, and no one stopped them. At first, Peter thought it was all a vision or a dream. But when they reached the street outside, the angel disappeared — and Peter realised that God had truly rescued him.

The Church sends out its first missionaries

Acts 11:25-26; Acts 13:1-3

In the bustling city of Antioch, a group of believers gathered regularly to worship God. This community was known as the church in Antioch — and it was here that the followers of Jesus were first called Christians.
Antioch was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire and a crossroads of many cultures. It was a place where Jews and Gentiles lived side by side, which made it an ideal base for sharing the God News about Jesus Christ across ethnic and cultural boundaries.
This good news is also called the *gospel: the record of Christ's life and teaching in the first four books of the New Testament.
Well, Saul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch for a time, teaching and encouraging the believers. One day, the church leaders came together to fast and pray. As they worshipped, the Holy Spirit spoke clearly: “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
God was sending them to people who had never heard about Jesus before. In those days, travelling to distant lands was costly and dangerous, and going to foreign nations often meant stepping into cultures where one’s own people might consider you unclean or foolish. But Saul and Barnabas were ready to obey.
The leaders of the church called them forward. As Saul and Barnabas knelt, the others placed their hands on them — a sign of blessing, unity, and shared responsibility. They prayed for them with earnest hearts, asking God to guide and protect them. Then they sent them out to carry the good news of Jesus to faraway places.
For as the Scriptures teach: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15).


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In the honour–shame culture of the time, being publicly prayed over and sent out by the church was a sign of trust and respect. Barnabas and Saul were not just leaving — they were being honoured as official messengers of the church and representatives of Jesus Himself.

Paul and Barnabas sailing the Mediterranean with the Gospel (the Good News of Jesus)

Acts 13:4

Led by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul travelled down to the port of Seleucia. From there, they boarded a ship bound for the island of Cyprus. It may have looked like the kind of sturdy wooden vessels that crossed the Mediterranean Sea in those days — built to carry both people and goods between the great cities of the Roman world.
Rome was the heart of the vast Roman Empire, the most powerful kingdom of its time. It was not just a city, but the centre of political power, law, and culture for millions of people. For Paul, reaching Rome meant bringing the message of Jesus to the very seat of authority.
The Mediterranean Sea connected the empire’s many provinces, making sea travel the fastest way to reach distant lands. But sailing was risky — storms could strike without warning, especially in winter. Despite these dangers, Paul’s commitment to his mission shows how deeply he trusted God’s call to spread the gospel everywhere, even to the empire’s capital.
The Mediterranean was alive with trade. Ships carried grain from Alexandria to Rome, goods from Jaffa to Cyprus, and passengers all along the coast of Asia Minor (what we now call Turkey). For the Apostle Paul, the sea was more than a trade route — it was a highway for the gospel. He longed to tell as many people as possible about Jesus Christ, so it was natural for him and his companions to sail from port to port, city to city.
The Bible tells us about three long and important journeys Paul made to share the Good News in the Roman Empire (a group of states or countries under one ruler or government). Each journey took Paul further and further from his home base.
But not all his travels were safe or easy. After Paul was later arrested for his preaching, he was taken by ship to Rome — the capital of the Roman Empire and home to the emperor, or big ruler, himself. Along the way, they were caught in a fierce storm. The ship was wrecked on the island of Malta, where they had to wait for three months before setting sail again.
The Mediterranean was famous for sudden storms, especially in the winter. Sailors usually avoided sea travel in those months, knowing how quickly a journey could turn into a disaster. Yet even storms and shipwrecks could not stop Paul — because his mission came from God Himself.

Paul Shares the Good News in Jewish Synagogues

Acts 13:5-52

Saul and Barnabas travelled to many towns and villages far from home. Around this time, Saul began to be called by his Roman name, Paul. Wherever they went, they met with people in the Jewish synagogues or prayer houses — places where Jews gathered each week to read the Scriptures and pray, just like you see here. Paul and Barnabas taught the people about God’s plan. Paul said, “The God of Israel chose our ancestors and made them a great nation. He gave them prophets, leaders, and teachers who spoke about someone who would come to save them from sin. That person is the Lord Jesus.
When Jesus came, many of the Jewish people did not believe in Him. They didn’t understand who He really was, and they refused to worship the one God had sent. Listen carefully — the message of salvation has now been given to us. The people in Jerusalem and their leaders did not understand the words of the prophets they read every Sabbath. So, they condemned Jesus, just as the prophets had predicted. Even though they could find no good reason to put Jesus to death, they pressured Pilate, the Roman governor, to have Him killed. After Jesus died, He was taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb. But God raised Him from death! For many days, Jesus appeared to His followers. Now they are telling everyone about Him.”
Then Paul urged, “Brothers, listen! We are here to bring you this message: through Jesus, your sins can be forgiven. Everyone who trusts in Jesus is accepted by God and set free. Their relationship with God is made right. But those who doubt and laugh at the truth of God will face God’s judgment.”
Some of the Jewish people believed this message, and many others from different nations did too. New churches were formed in these towns. But others refused to believe.
It’s important to know that not everyone will accept the message of Jesus when we tell them. Still, God wants everyone to hear the good news and to be saved.

Paul and Barnabas in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe

Acts 14:1-19

Paul and Barnabas travelled as usual to the Jewish synagogue in the city of Iconium. There, they spoke so powerfully that many Jews and Greeks believed their message. But not everyone was happy. The Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles, poisoning their minds against Paul and Barnabas. Despite the opposition, Paul and Barnabas stayed in the city for a long time. They spoke boldly for the Lord, and God showed His approval by allowing them to perform miracles — signs and wonders that proved His grace was with them.
The city became divided. Some people sided with the Jewish opponents, while others stood with the apostles. Trouble was brewing. Both Gentiles and Jews, along with their leaders, began planning to mistreat Paul and Barnabas, even to the point of stoning them. But the apostles learned of the plot and escaped. They fled to the nearby Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding countryside, where they continued to preach the gospel.
In Lystra, there was a man who had been lame from birth and had never walked. He listened carefully as Paul spoke. Seeing his faith, Paul looked straight at him and said, “Stand up on your feet!” At once, the man jumped up and began to walk. The crowd was amazed. In their Lycaonian language, they shouted, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” They called Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes, because Paul was the chief speaker.
The priest of Zeus, whose temple stood just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates, planning to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas.
In the culture of the time, honour and shame were very important. When the people called Paul and Barnabas gods, they were giving them the highest honour possible — offering sacrifices to show their respect and gratitude.
This was a huge misunderstanding because Paul and Barnabas knew they were only humans, servants of the one true God.
So, when Paul and Barnabas heard about this, they were shocked. Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes, they were showing deep distress at being mistaken for gods and wanted to turn the people’s attention to the living God, who alone deserves worship. Tearing one’s clothes was a powerful sign of grief, shock, or protest.
They rushed into the crowd shouting, “Friends, why are you doing this? We are only human, just like you! We have come to bring you good news.
We tell you to turn away from these worthless idols and worship the living God — the Creator of the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in it. In the past, God allowed all nations to go their own way. But He has never left Himself without a witness. He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven, crops in their seasons, plenty of food, and filling your hearts with joy.”
This story shows how easily honour could be given wrongly, but also how Paul and Barnabas used the moment to bring glory back to God.
But even with these words of Paul and Barnabas to the crowd, they struggled to stop the crowd from offering sacrifices to them.
Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium. They convinced the crowd to turn against Paul, and the angry mob stoned him and dragged him outside the city, leaving him for dead.
But the followers of Jesus gathered around Paul, and he got up and went back into the city.
The next day, he and Barnabas left for Derbe, continuing their mission.

Paul and Silas in prison

Acts 16:16-35

Paul and Silas followed God’s leading and travelled to Philippi, a city in Macedonia. There, they taught the people about Jesus. One day, in the name of Jesus, they cast an evil spirit out of a young girl. This made some people very angry. The girl’s fortune-telling had made them a lot of money, and now their hope of profit was gone. So, they grabbed Paul and Silas and took them before the city authorities. The officials ordered that Paul and Silas be beaten and thrown into prison.
That night, at midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to God inside the dark prison cell. The other prisoners listened quietly as their voices filled the room. Suddenly, a powerful earthquake shook the prison. The doors flew open, and everyone’s chains fell off! The jailer woke up and thought all the prisoners had escaped. In the Roman world, a jailer was responsible for keeping prisoners locked up safely. If anyone escaped, the jailer would be punished just as severely as the prisoners. This created enormous pressure — the jailer’s honour, reputation, and even his life was at stake.
When the earthquake freed the prisoners, the jailer was terrified. His first thought was to take his own life to avoid shame and punishment.
Terrified, the jailer pulled out his sword, ready to take his own life. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”
The jailer called for lights, rushed into the cell, and fell trembling at Paul and Silas’ feet. Then he asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
When Paul reassured him that everyone was still there, the jailer’s fear turned into awe and respect. Falling at Paul and Silas’ feet showed deep humility and honour — he recognised that their God was powerful and life-changing. This moment of shame and fear became one of joy and salvation for the jailer and his whole family.
Paul and Silas answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your whole family.”
The jailer and his family trusted in Jesus, and joy filled their hearts. The jailer cared for Paul and Silas, treating them kindly. The next morning, the judges released Paul and Silas, and they walked out as free men.
This story reminds us that even when life is hard, we can still praise God and trust in His power.

Paul and the altar to an unknown god

Acts 4:12; 17:16-34

Paul stood in the great city of Athens, surrounded by statues and shrines to many gods. As he walked through the marketplace, he saw an unusual altar. On it were carved the words: “To an Unknown God.” It was a sign that, despite all their learning and culture, the Athenians knew there was still a god they did not know — a gap in their worship, a mystery they could not name.
When the city’s thinkers and philosophers heard that Paul was speaking about new ideas, they brought him to the Areopagus — the place where important matters were discussed. Paul stood before them and said: “Men of Athens, I can see that you are very religious. I have walked through your city and examined your places of worship. And I found this altar with the words, ‘To an Unknown God.’ The God you worship without knowing — He is the one I am here to tell you about.”
Paul explained that the true and living God is the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. He is the Lord over all nations, and He cannot be contained in temples made by human hands. He does not depend on people to serve Him, as if He needed anything from us. Rather, it is He who gives life and breath to all.
Then Paul spoke words that touched the honour of his hearers: “We are His offspring.” This meant that to live in ignorance of God was to live below the honour for which we were made. Paul urged them to turn away from false gods and return to the one true God, because the day was coming when He would judge the whole world with perfect justice through Jesus — the man He had chosen and proved by raising Him from the dead.
Some of the men laughed at Paul. In their culture, mocking could strip a speaker of honour, but Paul stood firm in the truth. Others, however, were curious and wanted to hear more. And some believed, finding in Jesus Christ the Saviour they had long been seeking. Paul made it clear: no other god, no religion, no wisdom of men could save people from their sins — only Jesus Christ, the risen Lord.

Paul's letters to the churches

Acts 14-20

During his journeys — and even while he was in prison — Paul wrote many letters, known as epistles, to the Christian communities he had started. We know for certain that at least seven of the New Testament epistles were written by Paul. However, in Church tradition it is usually held that Paul was the author of fourteen of the twenty-seven books and letters in the New Testament.
Sometimes Paul wrote these letters with his own hand. But more often, he dictated them to a trusted friend or student who wrote down every word. Whether Paul penned the words himself or a helper acted as his scribe, the message came from God. These epistles were inspired by the Holy Spirit, which is why Christians receive them as the Word of God.
In those days, receiving a letter from Paul was a great honour. It meant that the apostle himself — chosen by Jesus Christ — had taken the time to speak directly to your church. To ignore such a letter would bring shame, for it would mean turning away from the voice of God’s messenger. These letters were often read aloud in the gatherings of believers so that the whole community could hear and respond.
It is remarkable to think that Paul’s letters are almost two thousand years old — and yet, because they are God’s Word, they remain fresh and relevant to our lives today and to the life of the whole Church. Paul did not only write to churches; he also sent personal letters to individual believers such as Timothy and Titus, giving them guidance, encouragement, and instructions for leading God’s people.

Burning of the Ephesians' magic books

Acts 19:13-20

Ephesus was a major city in the Roman Empire, famous for trade, learning, and its temple to the goddess Artemis. It was also known for its magical practices.
In the city of Ephesus, some travelling Jewish exorcists went from place to place, trying to drive out evil spirits.
They had heard how Paul used the name of Jesus with great authority, so they began to copy him. Standing over those who were demon-possessed, they would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out!”
Among these were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest. One day, as they tried this, the evil spirit inside a man spoke back to them: “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about — but who are you?” Then the man with the evil spirit leapt on them and attacked them so fiercely that all seven were beaten, stripped of their clothes, and fled from the house bleeding. In their culture, to be driven out naked was the ultimate public shame — a sign that they had no real authority. In the ancient world, losing your clothes in public was deeply humiliating, especially for men. For the seven sons of Sceva, it was a sign that they had been completely defeated.
News of what happened spread quickly among both Jews and Greeks in Ephesus. Fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was honoured more than ever before. Many believers came forward and openly admitted the wrong things they had done. Those who had been involved in magic or sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them in public.
Remember, we said That Ephesus was a major city in the Roman Empire, famous for trade, learning, and its temple to the goddess Artemis. It was famous for its magical practices, which is why the burning of the scrolls was such a dramatic public statement.
When the value of the scrolls was added up, it came to about fifty thousand drachmas. A drachma was an ancient silver coin used in Greece and across the Mediterranean world. Fifty thousand drachmas would have been a fortune — roughly equal to many years of wages for a labourer — worth several thousand US dollars today.
Through all this, the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. People saw that Jesus’ name was not to be used as a trick or a charm, but honoured as the name of the true and living Lord.

Paul's final days in Rome

Acts 28:16-31; Romans 8:38-39

Paul spent his last years in the great city of Rome, the centre of the Roman Empire, where the emperor ruled over lands stretching from Britain to the Middle East. There Paul lived as a prisoner under guard. For two years he stayed in his own rented house, with a Roman soldier assigned to watch over him. Yet his chains did not silence him. He welcomed anyone who came to visit, speaking to them about the kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. During this time, Paul also wrote letters to the churches he had visited before his arrest. The letters Paul wrote from prison include Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon — sometimes called the “Prison Epistles.” These letters were filled with encouragement, teaching, and reminders to stay faithful. They are now part of the Bible, given so that people everywhere can learn God’s ways.
Paul had suffered greatly for the sake of Jesus and the gospel. He had been beaten, stoned, left hungry, and without a home. Finally, the Romans put him to death. Yet his earlier words to the believers in Rome still shine with courage: “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
In the honour–shame world of the Roman Empire, execution was meant to strip away a person’s dignity. For Romans, execution was a public way to disgrace a person. But Paul’s faith turned what looked like defeat into a victory of eternal honour. He died with the hope of everlasting life, certain that nothing could break God’s love for him. In God’s eyes, Paul’s steadfast faith brought him eternal honour.
God gives strength to all who believe in and serve Jesus Christ. As His people, we are part of the household of God — the visible Body of Christ in the world today. We are His hands and feet in our communities. By living like Jesus, we show God’s love to a broken and fallen world. We bring hope when we forgive, restore, and lift others up. And by helping people experience that hope, we lead them towards true faith in the One True God who made us for Himself.

Witnessing - Following the Great Commission

Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8

Paul gave his life to follow what Jesus had told His disciples in His last speech, known as the Great Commission. In the first-century world, public recognition of authority and teaching brought honour. But Paul and the disciples risked shame and persecution to proclaim Jesus’ truth, yet their obedience brought eternal honour. Jesus’ command to His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptising and teaching them, is the foundation for all Christian mission.
Jesus said to His followers: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18b-20)
Anyone who believes in Him is saved from sin, shame, punishment, and death. As John 3:16 explains: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
In other words, those who believe in Jesus, become God’s children. They enjoy His presence and love now, and one day they will spend eternity in great joy in heaven. God’s plan to restore creation led Him to become a man — Jesus Christ, born of Mary. In Jesus, God united His divine nature with human nature. Through this, He began to lift creation out of its fallen state, restoring it to glory and offering everlasting life. This is the foundation of hope for our broken world. Despite the chaos and suffering around us, disciples of Jesus can boldly confess their faith: “I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through Him all things were made. For us humans and for our salvation He, the Son of God, came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the virgin Mary, and became man; for our sake He, Jesus, the Son of God, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, He suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.”
Incarnate or incarnation means: Jesus, fully God and fully human, united divine and human nature to redeem creation and restore it to life everlasting.
Believers are called to help others understand this Good News. God’s Holy Spirit gives us courage to live faithfully and to speak boldly for Him. In a world where shame and fear can silence people, sharing Jesus’ message brings honour — honour to God and to those who live in His truth.

Jesus is the powerful one

Acts 19:18-20; Psalm 115:1-8; 1 John 3:8; 1 John 4:4

In this scene, the men are burning their idols and fetishes, those small objects or charms believed to hold power, often worshipped in ancient religious practices. These men had once worshipped Satan and followed false spirits, but now they have turned to Jesus. Publicly burning idols demonstrated courage and honour for God, while rejecting Satan and false gods showed a decisive break from past shameful practices. Jesus’ followers must never worship idols or evil spirits. We do not need to fear them or serve them, for the Lord — the Living Sacrifice — is far more powerful than Satan, evil spirits, or any idol. The Living Sacrifice: Jesus’ death and resurrection give believers victory over sin, evil, and spiritual oppression.
Believers are called to remove anything that binds them to evil, whether objects, habits, or false beliefs. When we rely on Jesus, He protects us from the forces of darkness. Choosing to turn away from idols and evil is not only an act of faith — it is also a public act of honour for God. In the culture of the first century, destroying your idols would have been a dramatic, even shocking, statement. By doing so, believers declared before all that their loyalty belonged entirely to the true God.

Sickness & Healing under God’s Care

Philippians 4:6-7; James 5:13-16

What should God’s people do when they become sick? First, they should pray to God and trust Him to do what is best. They must not pray to other gods or spirits, and they should not rely on charms or fetishes for help. Believers can also ask the leaders of the church to come and pray for them. In the early Church, believers often asked elders to pray over the sick, following the teaching of James 5:14–15. Relying on charms or false spirits was common in many cultures; choosing to pray to God alone showed courage and public loyalty to the true God. God is able to heal the sick, for He loves us and is in control of all that happens. He even works through doctors and medical treatments, so we can pray for them as they care for the sick. Christians can see doctors and use medicine as instruments God provides for healing. Jesus is always with us, giving peace and strength in times of illness. Choosing to trust God rather than turning to false powers is both an act of faith and an act of honour — honouring God publicly by showing that He alone is our true healer and protector.

Jesus frees a possessed man

Mark 5:1-20; James 4:7

Once there was a man who was possessed by many evil spirits. Even in the time of Bible, evil spirits could control people, causing fear, harm, and isolation. Jesus demonstrated His authority by freeing them. No ropes or chains could hold him, for the spirits inside him were incredibly strong. Then Jesus commanded the spirits to come out — and they obeyed! The man was freed from their power and went to tell all his friends what Jesus had done for him. Being possessed often brought public shame. When Jesus delivered the man, it restored his honour and dignity. Jesus has far more power than any evil spirit. He delivered many people from bondage, showing that Satan and his forces must obey Him. Perhaps you are a believer who feels troubled by evil spirits. Remember that you belong to God. Satan has no right to control your life. Resist him and ask the powerful Lord Jesus to cast those spirits away. You can also ask other believers to pray with you. Christians, as children of God, have authority over evil through Jesus and can support one another in prayer. Choosing to follow Jesus publicly is an act of honour — honouring God and declaring that evil has no place in your life.

Death and Eternal Life

1 Thess 4:13-18; Hebrews 2:14-15; Rev 14:13

In this picture, we see people burying their dead, as was the custom in their culture. We all know that one day we will die. But what happens after death? In first-century culture, death often brought public grief. For Christians, hope in eternal life transforms mourning into honouring God’s plan. Believers are comforted by the promise of resurrection and victory over death through Jesus. The Bible, God’s Word, tells us that when a believer dies, their spirit goes to be with the Lord Jesus in heaven. There is no need to fear death. God loves us and has saved us from sin and eternal death. For a believer, death is not the end — it is the gateway to new life in heaven with God. Unbelievers, however, do not have this hope. The Bible says they go to a place of destruction, separated from God forever. Revelation 14:13 contrasts the peaceful rest of the faithful with the ultimate loss for those who reject God. This truth reminds us to honour God in our lives and choose to follow Him, so that when our time comes, we enter His presence with joy rather than fear.

Remembering Jesus in Holy Communion

Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Cor. 11:23-34; Colossians 3:15-17

Believers meet together regularly to worship God. When they gather, they learn from the Bible, pray, and praise Him through song. They also bring gifts to support God’s work. In this picture, we see believers eating and drinking together. Holy Communion / Eucharist is one of the sacraments or religious ceremony or ritual of the Church, instituted by Jesus Himself as a lasting reminder of His death and resurrection. Remember lesson and picture 102?

The bread they share reminds them of Jesus’ body, broken on the cross. The drink reminds them of His blood, shed to save them from sin. This sacred meal, called Holy Communion or the Eucharist, allows Christians to remember Jesus’ sacrifice, participate in it and proclaim it to the world.
Participating in communion publicly honours Christ’s sacrifice and affirms our obedience to God, while ignoring it or returning to old sacrifices would bring spiritual shame.
When we participate in the holy communion, we recall, that after Jesus’ death and resurrection, there is no need to sacrifice animals to atone for sin. Because, bringing our own sacrifices deny the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Christ and bring shame, because it rejects what He has already accomplished on the cross.
Instead, believers celebrate Jesus’ sacrifice by taking part in this holy meal. Communion is a remembrance, a celebration, a way Christians can experience Christ sacrifice as if they were there when He sacrificed Himself. Also, it is a proclamation that Christ died for us and is now alive, working in and through His people. Jesus Himself instituted this sacred meal the night before He was betrayed, giving His disciples a way to remember His death and the salvation it brings (Mark 14:22–25; Matthew 26:26–29; Luke 22:17–20).

Jesus will return

John 14:1-3; 1 Thess 4:13 - 5:4

One day, the Lord Jesus will return to earth from heaven, just as He promised. Only God the Father knows when this will happen. Jesus will come suddenly, at a time when people do not expect Him.
Believers who have died will rise from their graves to meet Him, and those who are still alive will join them. Together, they will meet the Lord Jesus in the air and be with Him in heaven forever.
Unbelievers will be left behind and will face God’s judgment. We do not know the exact time of Jesus’ return, but we must always be ready and watchful. Would you be ready to meet the Lord Jesus if He returned today?
By sharing this story with others, or using this picture book to teach what you have learned, you can help many people come to know the truth about God and our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Living faithfully and proclaiming His message publicly honours God and demonstrates courage in a world that often ignores Him.