JEREMIAH'S TEACHINGS ON SUFFERING AND HOPE

Jeremiah's suffering and lamentations - Opposition and persecution

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Describe the plot against Jeremiah's life by his relatives
Explain Jeremiah's lament about isolation and loneliness
Analyze the people's mockery of unfulfilled prophecies
Evaluate God's encouragement to remain steadfast
Apply lessons about faithful service despite opposition

Bible readings: Jeremiah 11:18-23, 15:10-21, 17:14-18
Discussion: Jeremiah's hometown rejection
Character study: Jeremiah's emotional struggles
Q/A: Why relatives opposed him
Role play: Jeremiah's isolation experience
Reflection: Cost of speaking God's truth
Modern examples: Christian persecution today

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 95-96

JEREMIAH'S TEACHINGS ON SUFFERING AND HOPE

Jeremiah's suffering and lamentations - Physical persecution and imprisonment

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Describe Jeremiah's torture by Pashhur the priest
Explain his arrest and trial for blasphemy
Analyze his imprisonment and rescue by Ebed-melech
Evaluate Jeremiah's defense during trial
Assess the courage required for prophetic ministry

Bible readings: Jeremiah 20:1-6, 26, 37-38
Narration: Jeremiah's arrest and beating
Discussion: False charges of treason and blasphemy
Character study: Ebed-melech the Ethiopian's courage
Q/A: Jeremiah's three-point defense
Debate: Speaking truth vs keeping peace
Prayer session: For persecuted Christians worldwide

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 96-97

JEREMIAH'S TEACHINGS ON SUFFERING AND HOPE

Symbolic acts related to hope and restoration - Vision of two baskets of figs

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Describe the vision of good and bad figs
Explain good figs representing faithful exiles
Interpret bad figs as those who remained in rebellion
Analyze God's surprising perspective on exile
Evaluate God's promise of restoration for the faithful

Bible reading: Jeremiah 24:1-10
Visual demonstration: Two baskets with different fruits
Discussion: God's presence beyond Jerusalem
Q/A: Why exiles were considered "good"
Analysis: God's universal sovereignty
Map work: Babylon and surrounding regions
Reflection: Finding God in difficult circumstances

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 99

JEREMIAH'S TEACHINGS ON SUFFERING AND HOPE

Symbolic acts related to hope and restoration - The ox yoke, letter to exiles and buying land

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Explain the dual symbolism of the wooden yoke
Describe Jeremiah's letter of encouragement to exiles
Analyze Jeremiah's symbolic buying of land
Interpret God's plans for their welfare
Evaluate the call to seek God wholeheartedly

Bible readings: Jeremiah 27-28, 29, 32:1-14
Discussion: Yoke as symbol of both oppression and hope
Letter writing exercise: Encouraging exiled believers
Q/A: Buying land during siege as sign of hope
Analysis: 70 years as period of purification
Group work: Modern applications for difficult times

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 99-100

JEREMIAH'S TEACHINGS ON SUFFERING AND HOPE

The New Covenant - Characteristics and significance
Fulfillment and relevance of Jeremiah's teachings for Christians

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Define the term "new covenant" in Jeremiah's context
Explain characteristics of the new covenant
Compare old covenant (Sinai) with new covenant
Analyze individual responsibility vs collective guilt
Evaluate God's promise to write law on hearts

Bible readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34, 32:37-41
Comparison chart: Old vs New Covenant
Discussion: Law written on hearts vs stone tablets
Q/A: Individual responsibility for sin
Analysis: God's initiative in forgiveness
Theological discussion: Internal vs external religion
Personal reflection: Covenant relationship with God

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 100-101

NEHEMIAH

Background to Nehemiah - Political context

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Outline the political situation during Nehemiah's time
Explain the Persian conquest of Babylon
Describe the three waves of return from exile
Identify key Persian kings and their policies
Analyze the impact of Persian rule on Judah

Bible reading: Nehemiah 1:1-4, 2:1-10
Historical narration: Persian Empire expansion
Timeline study: Cyrus, Darius, Artaxerxes reigns
Map work: Persian Empire territories
Discussion: Return from exile in phases
Q/A: Persian policy toward subject peoples
Character introduction: Nehemiah as cup-bearer

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 106-109

NEHEMIAH

Background to Nehemiah - Socio-economic and religious context

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Describe the socio-economic conditions of exiles in Babylon
Explain the religious practices during exile
Identify challenges faced by returnees
Analyze the integration of exiles into Babylonian society
Evaluate the preservation of Jewish identity

Bible reading: Jeremiah 29:4-7, Psalm 137
Discussion: Life in exile vs life in Judah
Analysis: Economic opportunities for deportees
Q/A: How Jews preserved their faith in exile
Comparison: Exiles vs "poor of the land"
Study: Religious practices without Temple
Reflection: Maintaining faith in foreign land

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 109-113

NEHEMIAH

Nehemiah's call and mission

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Describe Nehemiah's position as cup-bearer
Explain the news that moved Nehemiah to action
Analyze Nehemiah's response to the crisis
Identify the king's permission and provisions
Evaluate Nehemiah's diplomatic skills

Bible reading: Nehemiah 1:1-2:10
Character study: Nehemiah's background and role
Discussion: The broken wall and gates of Jerusalem
Analysis: Nehemiah's emotional response
Q/A: Significance of cup-bearer position
Role play: Nehemiah approaching the king
Evaluation: Divine calling vs human initiative

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 113-117

NEHEMIAH

Prayer in the life of Nehemiah - Characteristics and occasions

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Identify occasions when Nehemiah prayed
Describe characteristics of Nehemiah's prayers
Explain the content of his confession prayer
Analyze the role of fasting in his prayer life
Evaluate prayer as preparation for action

Bible reading: Nehemiah 1:5-11, 4:4-9, 6:9
Analysis: Structure of Nehemiah's prayers
Discussion: Prayer and fasting combination
Q/A: Confession of national sins
Study: Praise, confession, petition in prayer
Comparison: Different types of prayers by Nehemiah
Personal reflection: Learning from Nehemiah's prayer life

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 113-116

NEHEMIAH

Importance of prayer in Christian life

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Explain the importance of prayer for Christians
Compare Nehemiah's prayers with Jesus' teachings
Identify different types of Christian prayer
Apply lessons from Nehemiah's prayer life
Encourage regular prayer practice

Discussion: Why Christians should pray
Comparison: Nehemiah's prayers vs Lord's Prayer
Q/A: Different types of prayer (praise, confession, petition)
Group work: Benefits of prayer in Christian life
Practical session: How to develop prayer life
Testimonies: Power of prayer in daily life
Action planning: Personal prayer commitment

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 116-117

NEHEMIAH

Nehemiah's leadership - Qualities and characteristics

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Identify Nehemiah's leadership qualities
Describe his diplomatic and organizational skills
Explain his ability to mobilize people
Analyze his courage and determination
Evaluate his selfless service

Bible reading: Nehemiah 2:11-20, 4:13-23
Character analysis: Leadership traits
Discussion: Nehemiah's inspection of the wall
Q/A: Mobilization techniques used
Case study: Dealing with opposition
Analysis: Division of labor in wall building
Comparison: Modern leadership vs Nehemiah's style

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 117-121

NEHEMIAH

Problems experienced by Nehemiah

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Describe opposition from external enemies
Explain internal conflicts among the Jews
Identify attempts to harm Nehemiah personally
Analyze socio-economic problems faced
Evaluate Nehemiah's solutions to these problems

Bible reading: Nehemiah 4:1-23, 5:1-13, 6:1-14
Character study: Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem
Discussion: External opposition and ridicule
Analysis: Internal exploitation and debt problems
Q/A: Plots against Nehemiah's life
Problem-solving study: Nehemiah's responses
Modern application: Handling opposition in leadership

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 121-125

NEHEMIAH

Lessons Christians learn from Nehemiah's experiences and leadership

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Apply Nehemiah's faith and courage to modern Christian life
Explain lessons about prayer and planning
Identify qualities needed for Christian leadership
Evaluate Nehemiah's example for contemporary leaders
Encourage commitment to faithful service

Discussion: Nehemiah's example for modern Christians
Group work: Leadership lessons for church and society
Case studies: Modern leaders following Nehemiah's example
Q/A: How to combine prayer with action
Personal reflection: Areas for leadership development
Action planning: Serving God in modern context
Commitment session: Faithful leadership pledge

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 125-127

THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

Renewal through the Mosaic Law - Ezra reads the law

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Describe the gathering for reading the law
Explain the community's response to the law
Identify the role of Ezra in restoration
Analyze the significance of public law reading
Evaluate the people's emotional response to God's word

Bible reading: Nehemiah 7:72b-8:12
Discussion: Importance of the seventh month in Jewish calendar
Character study: Ezra as teacher and scribe
Q/A: Why people wept when hearing the law
Analysis: Community participation (men, women, children)
Reflection: Response to God's word today
Demonstration: Public reading of scripture

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 128-130

THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

The Feast of Booths and community response
The Renewal of the Covenant - Prayer and confession

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Explain the observance of the Feast of Booths
Describe the construction of temporary shelters
Analyze the historical significance of the feast
Identify the connection to wilderness wandering
Evaluate the revival of ancient practices

Bible reading: Nehemiah 8:13-18
Discussion: Symbolism of living in temporary shelters
Historical study: Feast of Booths in Leviticus 23:42-43
Q/A: Why this feast had not been observed for so long
Analysis: Restoration of genuine ancient practice
Comparison: Harvest festivals in different cultures
Activity: Planning community celebration

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 130

THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

Agreement and provisions of the covenant

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Identify who entered into the covenant agreement
Explain the specific provisions of the agreement
Describe obligations regarding marriage with foreigners
Analyze Sabbath and holy day observance requirements
Evaluate temple support and tithing commitments

Bible reading: Nehemiah 10:1-40
List study: People who signed the agreement
Analysis: Specific covenant obligations
Discussion: Separation from foreign marriages
Q/A: Temple support and firstfruits offerings
Comparison: Old covenant vs New covenant obligations
Modern application: Christian commitment and dedication

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 131-132

THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

Dedication of the wall and community celebration

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Describe the wall dedication ceremony
Explain the procession and musical celebration
Identify the role of priests and Levites
Analyze the community's joy and thanksgiving
Evaluate the significance of completing the wall

Bible reading: Nehemiah 12:27-43
Description: Grand procession on the wall
Discussion: Purification of people, gates, and walls
Q/A: Why two processions moved in opposite directions
Analysis: Role of music and singing in worship
Study: Participation of women and children
Celebration planning: Modern dedication ceremonies

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 133

THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

Nehemiah's reforms - Separation from foreigners and temple reform

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Explain the policy of separation from foreigners
Describe the reform of temple administration
Identify the expulsion of Tobiah from temple
Analyze the restoration of proper tithing system
Evaluate the need for exclusive community identity

Bible reading: Nehemiah 13:1-14
Discussion: Reading of Deuteronomy 23:3-5
Analysis: Genealogical enrollment for community membership
Q/A: Why Tobiah was given temple rooms
Study: Restoration of Levites and singers
Debate: Exclusivism vs inclusivism in religious community
Historical context: Threats to Jewish identity

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 133-135

THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

Nehemiah's reforms - Sabbath observance and marriage policies

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Describe violations of Sabbath observance
Explain Nehemiah's measures to protect the Sabbath
Identify problems with mixed marriages
Analyze the language issue in mixed marriages
Evaluate Nehemiah's enforcement methods

Bible reading: Nehemiah 13:15-31
Discussion: Commercial activity on Sabbath
Analysis: Nehemiah's warning about God's wrath
Q/A: Why children couldn't speak Hebrew
Study: Solomon's example regarding foreign wives
Debate: Cultural preservation vs integration
Modern application: Sabbath observance for Christians

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 134-136

THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

Comparison with Jesus' life and contemporary application

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

Compare Nehemiah's prayerfulness with Jesus' prayer life
Contrast Nehemiah's exclusivism with Jesus' inclusiveness
Analyze similarities in reforming temple worship
Evaluate differences in handling opposition
Apply lessons for modern Christian leadership and community

Bible readings: Luke 6:12, 11:1-13, Matthew 21:12-13
Comparison chart: Nehemiah vs Jesus
Discussion: Prayer as preparation for ministry
Analysis: Temple cleansing by both leaders
Q/A: Different approaches to community boundaries
Case studies: Modern Christian leadership challenges
Action planning: Building inclusive Christian communities
Commitment: Faithful leadership in contemporary context

The Bible

KLB BK III Pg 136-139