Lesson Overview

The Lesson Overview is basically an outline . . . Think of it as the "nuts and bolts" of each lesson.

Biblical Passage While other passages often find their way into a lesson, the biblical passage is the main focus.

Supporting Scripture The supporting scripture often provides context to, gives additional insight to, or reiterates the message of the biblical passage in additional places of Scripture.

Memory Verse The memory verse is a key verse that illustrates the biblical truth of the lesson. It usually originates from the biblical passage but may be from an additional passage.

Biblical Truth The biblical truth is the central foundation of the lesson. It comes directly from the biblical passage and drives the formation of learning goals.

Context The context section gives the context of the current lesson in regards to its surrounding lessons. It may also provide a glimpse of the historical or literary context of the biblical passage.

Learning Goals The learning goals help teachers understand what the lesson seeks to accomplish. The first learning goal is the driving purpose of the Explore section of the teaching plan and is concerned with biblical knowledge. The second learning goal pertains is the Transform section and is concerned with life application.

Prayer Suggestions The prayer suggestions provide specific ideas for the teacher to pray during the week for his or her students. These ideas are based on the goals and truths of the lesson.

Biblical Passages

Isaiah 7:14-16, Matthew 1:21b-23

Supporting Passage

Galatians 4:4-5

Memory Verse

Galatians 4:4

Table Talk Question

What future event could be so important that you would make detailed plans years in advance?

Biblical Truth

God demonstrated His love for us by intentionally planning to send His Son to be with us.

Context

Ahaz, the king of Judah, faced the worst of times. The armies of Aram and Israel, both part of an Assyrian coalition, had come up to Jerusalem to conquer it. Ahaz was so afraid that his knees were literally shaking. However, God sent His prophet Isaiah to give Ahaz hope. Isaiah promised that two kings would not conquer the city, and that these two kingdoms would be vanquished soon. God even promised a sign in order to reassure Ahaz––the promise of baby who would be conceived and born by a virgin. This promise was fulfilled when Jesus was born some 800 years later, when the time was right, according to God’s plan.

Learning Goals
  • Learners will examine God’s intentional plan for sending His Son to be with us.
  • Learners will describe the depth of God’s love for us shown in the preparation for the birth of His Son.
Prayer Suggestions

As you prepare to teach this lesson, pray for your learners.

  • Pray that learners will understand that God intentionally planned to send His Son, Immanuel, to be with them.
  • Pray that learners will search the Scriptures to discover what it means for Jesus to be Immanuel.
  • Pray that learners will share with others what the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, means to them.

Acknowledgments