[PSST: Awake Daily to the Happy Easter Reality that “He Is Risen!”]
Possible Sunday School Topics for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on
“Reality” for the week of March 25th-31st
Prepared by Tom and Amy Evans, former CedarS Counselors
P.S.S.T. for the Golden Text and Responsive Reading
Is it wrong to have an Easter Egg hunt today? (No.) Just remember, this day is about resurrection, not bunnies and chocolate eggs. We can enjoy celebrating different fun traditions while cherishing the Christ and Jesus’ resurrection. What does Easter Sunday mean for us as Christians? As Christian Scientists?
The Golden Text reads, “…Christ is real!” What else is real? The Bible Lesson committee has prepared this week’s GT and RR in translations other than the King James Version. Taking a fresh look at the Bible through modern translations and versions of the text in plain English can help us find new insights.
Look at 1 Corinthians, 15:12-14 in the Responsive Reading. How important is Jesus’ resurrection? Look at Colossians 3:12 and 14. What does it look like when you “clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience”? How about Love which, according to Colossians we are supposed to clothe ourselves with “above all” else? This is how we should act all of the time, right?
P.S.S.T. Section 1
This week’s My Bible Lesson reminds us that John the Baptist was an ascetic, one who rejects mortal comforts. Think through your knowledge of the four Gospels. Who was John the Baptist? What was his role? Why is baptism important?
What is the role of a fan in the Bible (B3)? What does it take to reach the point where we no longer desire the “chaff” of material comforts (B3)? Hint: Look to citation S4 for guidance. Once a proof is recognized, the lies have no feet to stand on. What do we need to separate in our thought (S2)? Give examples of “chaff and wheat” in your life. Read Mrs. Eddy’s definition of “Fan”. Do you have “Fan” moments in your life? As the “separator of fable from fact” does this spiritual fan draw a clear line for you?
Compare citations B5 and S6. What do these passages have to do with preparing thought? How are we preparing for the reign of Spirit (S6)?
P.S.S.T. Section 2
What is the reason Jesus gives for teaching with parables (B9)? Do we always understand these stories (S7)? Are you progressing in your understanding of Christ through your study and application of the concepts in the Bible? Consider the false claims of sin, disease, and death trying to stake a claim in your week. How do “the great facts of Life, rightly understood, defeat this triad of errors…” in your life (S8)?
As citation S10 says, often it feels challenging to move beyond the “testimony of the corporeal senses.” Look back at Matthew 13:15 and 16 in another version of the Bible. Why was Jesus so happy about his disciples’ ability to see and hear (B9)? What are the “treasures of Truth” (S10)?
P.S.S.T. Section 3
What do you think was going on in Jesus’ thought while he was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane (B10)? He knew what was going to happen. Why did he stay when he could have escaped easily? Why did Jesus say to his disciples twice, “pray that you do not fall into temptation” (Luke 22:40, NIV)? Read Luke 22:50-51 in another translation. Talk about the incredible forgiveness on Jesus’ part. Was he only forgiving and healing the soldier? Who else might he have been forgiving in the garden (hint: disciples, especially Peter)
How was Jesus meek in Gethsemane (S11)?
P.S.S.T. Section 4
What’s going on as Jesus is crucified (in Jerusalem, in Jesus’s innermost circle of followers, legally)? Who betrays him? Who fails to stand up for him? Remember that the crucifixion had to take place in order for Jesus to be resurrected. What decisions were made that lead to Jesus being crucified? How did Jesus respond to each of these decisions?
What are your thoughts on citation S16? Discuss the concept Mrs. Eddy shares if Jesus had not taught any followers.
Are we willing to take up the cross (S20)? How are you carrying a cross this week?
P.S.S.T. Section 5
In citation B13 how do you think the Marys felt? They came to the tomb in order to mourn, but were instead overcome with joy, hope, faith. Instead of weeping, they were spreading the good news! “He is risen!”
Apply citation S22 to B13. In citation S23 what is the significance of Jesus’ unchanged form when he was resurrected? Why is the resurrection so important? Read citation S24 and then look back at citation B9: “Blessed are your eyes for they see…”
P.S.S.T. Section 6
B15: This time the disciples were able to continue with Jesus’ teaching.
B16: What is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and virtuous in your experience?
How is Jesus’ resurrection our resurrection (S26)? Are you actively separating chaff from wheat (S29)? Think back to your discussion from section 1.
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Assignment for Sunday School teachers and other adults reading this PSST:
After citation reading S26 (S&H 34:18-26),
- Describe in your own words the growth process of the disciples. Use whatever parables, healings, and other passages from the Gospels that you can remember.
(B) What events in your life have led you to become more spiritual and understand better what the Master taught?
Have a discussion with someone else about your revelations. Maybe even someone who does not attend a Christian Science church.
