Lesson 2
The disciples of Jesus were completely devastated. All of their hopes and dreams for the new kingdom of God had been nailed to a cross the previous Friday. Reeling with grief and confusion, Cleopas and his companion slowly made the seven-mile trip from Jerusalem down to their home in the little town of Emmaus. As the sun was setting that Sunday afternoon and they trod their way down the bumpy road, a stranger drew near to journey with them. Little did they know that this new traveling companion was the resurrected Lord Himself. Paying little heed to their fellow pilgrim, the two dejected disciples rehearsed the staggering events of the weekend, feeling more despondent with every step.
As Jesus silently listened, He desperately longed to reveal Himself to His downcast friends. But the Lord deliberately shielded His true identity because they needed now, more than ever, to understand the Scriptures. If Christ had allowed these two faithful followers to recognize who He was, they would have been far too excited to listen to the important truths He had to share.
Even after three and a half years of listening to His teaching and preaching, they still did not comprehend the nature of His mission. He had plainly told them, "The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day. But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him." Mark 9:31, 32. Jesus gently interrupted their sad conversation, and for the next two hours He gave them the keys for understanding all Scripture and prophecy.
1. How much of the Scriptures are we commanded to believe?
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NOTE: The complete oracles (sacred truth) of God are contained in the writings of the Old and New Testaments. The keys to understanding the prophecies of Revelation are found primarily in the stories of the Old Testament. For example, of the 404 verses found in the book of Revelation, 278 of them are echoes from other stories and prophecies in the Old Testament.2. Whom did Jesus say the Scriptures and prophecies reveal?
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NOTE: The central figure in all of Scripture and prophecy is Jesus. This captivating series will cover many themes of prophecy, but keep in mind that the primary focus of Daniel and Revelation is Jesus Christ and His kingdom.3. What is another name used in the Bible for Jesus?
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4. What kind of people did God use to write the Bible?
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5. Eternal life comes from knowing Jesus (John 17:3). How was Jesus known to His disciples?
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NOTE: In the Bible, bread is a symbol of the Word of God. Jesus said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4. As we read, digest, and follow the Scriptures, we will find strength, joy, peace, and everlasting life.6. How important should Bible study be to the Christian?
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NOTE: The devil hates the Bible and will do almost anything to prevent people from reading it. He knows that its prophecies expose his plans to deceive the human race. So don't be surprised if Satan attempts to distract you from this series of lessons or tries to get you preoccupied with other things. God will make a way for those who seek to know the truth to find it.7. Who helps us understand the Bible?
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8. What must I do to be certain the Holy Spirit is guiding my Bible study?
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NOTE: Part of the work of the Holy Spirit is to help us understand the truth of the Scriptures. This is why we should always ask the Holy Spirit to guide us before we open God's book. I can be certain the Holy Spirit is guiding my Bible study if (1) I ask Him to guide me, and (2) I am willing to accept and follow truth as He reveals it to me.9. How does prayerful study of the Word help us?
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10. What method of Bible study do the Scriptures recommend?
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NOTE: We must lay aside our own ideas and study the Bible by reading everything in the Scriptures on any given subject ("here a little, and there a little") and by comparing all the verses for input. We should let the Bible speak for itself. When this is done, the truth always comes through clearly. This is how Jesus convinced the two disciples on the road to Emmaus that He was indeed the Messiah (Luke 24:27).11. What will studying the Scriptures do for us?
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NOTE: The Scriptures help us understand God's great plan of salvation--the most important information ever given to mortals.12. According to Jesus, where do we find the truth?
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NOTE: We find the truth in God's Word--the Bible. Truth is a scarce commodity in today's world, and all the people of earth suffer as a result. The truth about everything that really matters is found in Scripture. Studying and following its counsel sets people free (John 8:32) and brings them happy, abundant living (John 15:11).13. What warnings regarding Bible study are given in the Scriptures?
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NOTE: "Rightly dividing the word of truth" means to interpret it correctly and truthfully. There is great danger in twisting Scripture to make it say what we want it to say. What I say about the Bible matters little. What counts is what Scripture says about itself.14. How should we test all religious teachings and doctrines?
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NOTE: All religious teachings should be checked by the Bible. If any teaching does not clearly agree with the Scriptures, it is false and should be abandoned.15. What happened when Jesus explained the Scriptures to His two discouraged disciples on the road to Emmaus?
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16. After these two disciples knew that Jesus was alive and heard Him explain the prophecies, what did they do?
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NOTE: One of the first reactions these disciples had after hearing Jesus explain the Scriptures was a burning desire to share the good news with others. We hope it is also your desire to invite your friends to join you in this dynamic series of Bible studies.17. Do you wish to fully understand and follow the Scriptures?
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