Sunday School Lesson January 9, 2022

Subject: The Ruler Who Cares for His People

The Point: Jesus leads and cares for His people.

The Passages: Micah 5:2-5a: Matthew 2:1-6,9-11

Study The Bible: Micah 5:2-5a

1). Micah prophesied the coming King who would shepherd His people.

2. Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; one will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me. His origin is from antiquity, from ancient times.
3. Therefore, Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of the ruler’s brothers will return to the people of Israel.
4. He will stand and shepherd them in the strength of the Lord, in the majestic name of the Lord his God. They will live securely, for them his greatness will extend to the ends of the earth.

5a. He will be their peace.

Lasting truths from: Micah 5:2-5a

* Jesus humble beginnings set the stage for His powerful redemptive ministry.

* Jesus came to serve as our Good Shepherd, caring for our needs and our security.

* Jesus alone can bring the peace that we are trying to achieve on our own.

2). The wise men were led to seek out the messianic: King of the Jews.

Matthew 2:1-6

1. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem,
2. saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.”
3. When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
4. So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born.
5. “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they told him, “because this is what was written by the prophet:
6. And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah: Because out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”

Lasting truth from: Matthew 2:1-6

* Jesus pointed the way since the beginning.

*  Jesus is our Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep.

*  The world of Herod and Jesus clashed when the wise men announced Jesus’ birth.

3). A recognition of who Jesus is should lead us to worship Him.

Matthew 2:9=11

9. After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was.
10. When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy.
11. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Lasting truth from: Matthew 2:9-11

* All signs pointed to Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy of the Messiah.

*  Finding Jesus brought the wise men joy; it also brings us joy.

* Worship comes from the heart and is often expressed with the hands.

Live It Out

As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:

1. How would you describe the difference between Herod’s leadership and Jesus’ leadership?
2. What created a yearning in the wise men to find Christ? What created that yearning in you?
3. The wise men were overjoyed and presented their gifts to Christ. What has the joy of finding Jesus produced in you?

Closing Prayer:

“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”