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Private Notes
The Righteous Judge recreates the events that surround Jesus in teaching the principles of love, forgiveness and righteous judgment. In the story of the adulteress Jesus confronts the Pharisees with the simple phrase, “let him without sin cast the first stone,” and thereby teaches us of God’s immense mercy and grace. Caiaphas, who unrighteously judges a blind man sinful, is contrasted against the gratitude of the blind man when Jesus freely heals him.
Forgive Us Our Debts combines a classic parable with the teachings of Jesus to His disciples. Jesus teaches that forgiveness comes from God as He instructs Peter to catch a fish that contains a coin to pay Peter's debt. Jesus also teaches about a man who is forgiven by his king of an enormous debt. Yet, the forgiven man leaves and immediately casts a man, who owes him almost nothing, into prison. The king then rescinds his forgiveness. To receive forgiveness we must also forgive.
Mortals' greatest fear is the fear of death. Lazarus Lives gives assurance that Jesus has all power over death. Jesus mourns Lazarus' death and His friends witness the deep love He has for His friends. Martha and Mary’s tears of sorrow change to joy when their brother Lazarus’ life is restored and they understand the Savior's promise of eternal life to all who believe in Jesus.
The Kingdom of Heaven is a series of short stories called parables. As Jesus teaches the people each parable, some begin to understand what the “Kingdom of Heaven” is like. Some have “ears that will not hear” and are not willing to become followers of the Savior. At the Second Coming they will not be counted as His own.
Jesus uses the parables of the King’s Wedding Feast and the Thief in the Night to teach His disciples to have to repent and to be prepared for the day He comes again. Jesus teaches His disciples to patiently watch for the signs of His Second Coming. You’ll see how the disciples misunderstood the meaning of His parables. Even with these insights, will we also misunderstand the signs of His coming today?
In His final days, Jesus cleanses the Temple, but He cannot cleanse the hearts of the people. Even His disciples struggle to understand Him and His mission. Following Jesus’ death, He visits His disciples on the road to Emmaus. Afterwards they finally gain understanding: Jesus delivers all from the bondage of sin and death, giving hope of eternal life through His atonement.
Experience the Passion of Christ. Witness the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. Pray with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will, but thy will be done.” Feel the betrayal of Judas’ kiss. Endure the trial and crucifixion as Jesus willingly submits. Rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus’ death and resurrection provides pardon for our sins.
He is Risen is the story of the greatest miracle of all, the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Sorrow and despair at the Lord’s crucifixion become complete joy and love as the disciples behold their resurrected Master three days later. The events of the real story of Easter teach of the atonement and resurrection, providing hope to Christians around the world.
In the years following Jesus' resurrection, the disciples learn to practice His teachings. While working at the salt mine, James witnesses two fellow prisoners fighting to be number one. He remembers being with Jesus as He embraced the children and humbly kneeled to wash the disciples’ feet. Through this we learn that the way to greatness in His kingdom is not found in how many serve you, but in how many you serve.
Jesus taught His disciples the power of prayer through parables and example. After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into Heaven, Peter is arrested and cast into a Roman prison. As Herod plots Peter’s death, the believers gather together and follow the example that Jesus taught. Through faith and prayer, Peter’s chains are broken and the Angel of the Lord opens the prison gates.
Saul of Tarsus is one of the most dramatic stories of repentance found in the Bible. Rabbi Gamaliel is unable to convince his friend Saul, the arch-enemy and persecutor of Christians, to mend his ways. Saul is changed forever when the resurrected Lord miraculously appears to him on the Road to Damascus. Saul becomes reborn as Paul, one of the greatest missionaries and apostles ever for Jesus Christ’s gospel.
The Ministry of Paul is a dramatic story of adventure, faith and endurance. From his encounter with King Agrippa to his terrifying shipwreck, Paul’s powerful preaching and example bring amazement and conversion as persecution is answered, again and again, with the gospel of love. Paul’s timeless example beckons each Christian to faithfully witness for Jesus.
