God Works through Prophets and Kings
Old Testament 4
Weekly Bulletin Notes
Help parents and others stay connected to your Sunday School with these weekly bulletin summaries of the Bible lesson for the week. An electronic version for placement in your church bulletin is also available online: www.cph.org/sundayschool. 

Lesson 1
“The Wisdom of Solomon” serves as the focus of the Sunday School lesson for today. Solomon, though wise, needed what we and all sinners need: Christ, Wisdom Himself, and the forgiveness He brings. Consider discussing, “Tell me an example of Solomon’s wisdom. How has God shown you His wisdom?”

Lesson 2
The Sunday School lesson today focuses on “Solomon Builds the Temple.” Though God resided within the Old Testament temple, He was hidden behind the veil in the Most Holy Place. Jesus is the unveiled Most Holy Place, accessible to all, enfolding believers in the arms of His Word and Sacraments. Parents might ask, “What kinds of things would you have seen in Solomon’s temple? Where do we see Jesus today?”

Lesson 3
This Sunday, the Sunday School lesson studies “God Provides for Elijah.” Just as God provided food and life for Elijah, the widow, and her son, so He provides food, forgiveness, and life eternal for us in Christ. Consider asking, “How did God provide food for Elijah? In what ways does God provide for us today?”

Lesson 4
“Elijah and the Prophets of Baal” serves as the lesson focus for Sunday School. Just as the true God revealed Himself on the altar of Mount Carmel, so on the cross-shaped altar of Mount Calvary Jesus revealed, once and for all, that He alone is the real God who loves us enough to die for us. Parents could ask, “How did God demonstrate His power on Mount Carmel? How does God reveal Himself to us?”

Lesson 5
Today in Sunday School, we study “Elijah Is Taken to Heaven.” Elijah, like Enoch before him, was taken into heaven alive. Jesus, who is our great Elijah, ascended alive into heaven for us and our salvation. You might discuss, “Why was Elisha concerned about Elijah’s departure from earth? In what way was Jesus’ ascension into heaven different from Elijah’s?”

Lesson 6
In Sunday School today, students learn the story of “Naaman and Elisha.” The Word of God spoken by the prophet was in and with the water of the Jordan to restore the flesh of Naaman. The Word of God spoken by the pastor is in and with the water of Baptism to cleanse us of our sin and restore us as children of the heavenly Father. Consider discussing, “What was Elisha’s unusual ‘prescription’ for Naaman’s condition? How have you been healed with water?”

Lesson 7
The story of “Jonah” serves as the focus of our Sunday School lesson. Just as Jonah was swallowed up in the belly of the fish for three days, so Jesus, in His crucifixion, was baptized into the sea of death, drowned in our sin, devoured by the grave, and spewed forth alive again on the third day so that He might save us all. Questions for discussion include, “Why did Jonah try to run away from God? What does God do when sinful people repent?”

Lesson 8
The Sunday School students study the story of “Hezekiah Prays” today. Hezekiah prayed in faith to God and was delivered. Jesus, our mediator and advocate with the Father, intercedes for us, granting us deliverance from sin, death, and the devil. Parents could ask, “Why did Hezekiah go to God in prayer? In what ways does God answer our prayers today?”

Lesson 9
The Bible account for Sunday School this week is “Jeremiah and God’s New Covenant.” God promised to restore His wayward people, pointing them to a new covenant and a righteous Branch of David. Jesus, the promised Branch, fulfilled this covenant of righteousness for Jeremiah, Israel, and all believers. Consider discussing, “What challenges did Jeremiah face in life? What promises did God make to faithful Jeremiah?”

Lesson 10
The account of “The Three Men in the Fiery Furnace” serves as the focus of Sunday School today. Just as Jesus was with the three men in the fiery furnace and saved them, so our Savior is with us in His Word and Sacraments, sustaining us when we suffer for His name. Questions for discussion include, “Who appeared in the fiery furnace with the three men? How has God rescued us from the fires of hell?”

Lesson 11
The Sunday School students study the account “Daniel in the Lions’ Den” today. Jesus, who saved Daniel, would Himself be given over to the satanic lion to save the world. Parents could ask, “Who did God use to keep Daniel safe? How does God keep us safely with Himself?”

Lesson 12
“God’s People Go Home” is the focus for this week’s Sunday School lesson. God used unbelieving kings to restore His exiled people to Jerusalem according to His will. God sent Jesus, the King of kings, to Jerusalem to restore His wayward people to Himself forever. As a family, discuss, “What preparations did the people need to make before they returned to Jerusalem? How can you prepare for worship each week?” 

Lesson 13
This week, Sunday School students study “Esther.” In the actions of Esther, we see the pattern of deliverance that God sketches throughout the story of Israel, a pattern that finds its fulfillment in Jesus, our Savior. Consider discussing, “How did Esther preserve the Jewish people? Why is the story of Esther important?”

Growing in Christ® Old Testament 4 Director CD © 2017 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV®. Reproduced by permission.