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Lesson OneBethlehem: Birthplace of Salvation3 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson TwoInto the Wilderness: Baptism and Temptation3 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson ThreeTo Mount Moreh: Raising a Widow’s Son3 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson FourToward the Gihon Spring: The Coronation3 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson FiveTo the Decapolis: Casting Out Demons3 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson SixTo Mount Hermon: Son of the Living God3 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson SevenTo Mount Arbel: Sermon on the Mount and the Great Commission3 Activities1 Assessment
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Course Wrap-UpCourse Completion1 Activity1 Assessment
Participants 70
Discussion Questions
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Describe, in your own words, the significance of the meaning of the word “Bethlehem.”
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Beth means “House”, Lehem means bread. Bethlehem means the house of bread. Jesus being born in Bethlehem said <strong style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;”>“I am the bread of life” (John 6:35;48) and “I am the manna that came down out of heaven…” (John 6:51). He later broke bread and gave it to his disciples, saying: <strong style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;”>“Take, eat; this is My body.” (Matt 26:26). Throughout the Bible, bread carries great literal and symbolic significance. From manna to the boys fish and barley rolls, bread nourishes us. There can be no salvation story without the Messiah, who came unto us as a baby born in a manger in Bethlehem.
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The word “Bethlehem,” translated to “House of Bread” in Hebrew, holds significant meaning. In addition to being the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Jesus himself referred to Himself as the “Bread of Life.” This demonstrates a fascinating connection between the physical (bread as sustenance) and the spiritual nourishment that Jesus Christ offers.
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Bethlehem means house of bread. One of the Jesus “I am” statements is “I am the Bread of Life.” Jesus came from the house of bread geographically / physically, and is the bread of life to save our soul and redeem us to God the Father.
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Bethlehem, the House of Bread, is mentioned in the Bible in connection with Rachel and is the setting for most of the Book of Ruth. It later became the home of King David. The town would also be the birthplace of Jesus. Jesus said that, “I am the bread of life” and the broke bread with his disciples. Throughout the Bible, bread carries great meaning.
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House of Bread is referring specifically to how God provides through Jesus.
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How did the events that took place in Bethlehem related to Ruth, David, and Jesus compare to God’s provision for mankind?
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God has always provided for mankind, just as He did for Ruth, David, and Jesus. He set forth the events that protected and provided for Ruth and David, and sent Jesus to save mankind. Bethlehem was the home of Ruth and David, and the birthplace of Jesus. The events that took place in Bethlehem set the stage for the Jesus’ life and work.
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Each story reveals the God who provides salvation. Ruth and Naomi were saved from starvation through God’s intervention and provision in the form of their kinsman redeemer Boaz. This union would bring about the later birth of David who would be used by God to save Israel from its enemies. And because of God’s promise to David that a king would sit on his throne and ultimately bring salvation to the world, his heritage in Jesus would bring that salvation to mankind. All three stories have their beginnings in the small town of Bethlehem.
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They were a picture of a redeemer, of salvation for mankind. God was coming to meet the need the people had.
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The events relating to Ruth tell of economic salvation for a family.
The events relating to David tell of political salvation for a nation.
The events relating to Jesus tell of spiritual salvation for ‘whoever believes’.
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Prior events set the stage for God’s provision for mankind, the first coming of Christ at his birth, God saying you have nothing to fear since your Savior has come and is with us.
