Source: Jerry Smith / Jerry Smith
THIS SUNDAY SCHOOL OVERVIEW FEATURES HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LESSON EACH WEEK. BIBLICAL TRANSLATIONS WILL VARY, BUT THE MAIN RESOURCE WILL BE THE TOWNSEND PRESS SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMENTARY, 98th EDITION. THIS FEATURE IS DESIGNED TO BE OF HELP TO THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND THEIR LOCAL CHURCH AND/OR SUNDAY SCHOOL.
LESSON TITLE: JESUS TEACHES ABOUT TRANSFORMING LOVE
Adult/Young Adult Topic: ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE
Printed Text: Matthew 5:38-48
KEY VERSES: Matthew 5:43-44(NIV) You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Source: Townsend Press Sunday School Commentary – 98th Edition, 2018-2019
UNIFYING LESSON PRINCIPLE: Many people believe that retribution is justified when they are mistreated. What is the appropriate response when people are mistreated? Jesus taught His disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them.
CONCLUDING REFLECTION: Although it is often difficult for us to love the unlovable, through Christ it is indeed possible. Nowhere in the Old Testament are the covenant people instructed to hate their enemies. In the current social and political climate, we can learn much from the lessons of Jesus regarding loving the unlovable. God’s expectation is perfection. Through commitment to a life of spiritual discipline, we will eventually be able to accept Jesus’ call to a higher standard than the world’s, hate evil but not evildoers, and imitate God by showing unconditional love.
PRAYER: LORD, thank you for calling us to a higher calling and for equipping us with the power to reach spiritual maturity. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
Sunday School Review “All We Need Is Love” was originally published on 955thelou.com
