ADULT CHURCH SCHOOL LESSONS

OPEN TO EVERYONE!

JOIN US EVERY SUNDAY AT 8:30AM HERE
  • Read the assigned scriptures before class.
  • Reflect on the provided questions.
  • Be ready to share your thoughts during our discussion.

Journey through the book of Matthew, chapters 1–13.

June 1: Matthew 1

* Scripture: The genealogy of Jesus.

* Reflection Questions:


    1. How do family stories and histories shape who we are today?

    2. What does the inclusion of women like Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth in Jesus’ genealogy teach us about God’s kingdom?

    3. Can you think of a lesser-known Black historical figure whose story has shaped their community?


June 8: Matthew 2

* Scripture: The visit of the Magi and the escape to Egypt.

* Reflection Questions:

    1. Why do you think God chose Egypt as a place of refuge for Jesus?

    2. How has Africa played a role in Biblical and Black history?

    3. What lessons can we learn from the faithfulness of the Magi in following the star?


June 15: Matthew 3

* John the Baptist prepares the way.

* Reflection Questions:


    1. How does John’s message of repentance apply to our lives today?

    2. Can you think of a Black historical figure who spoke out boldly like John?

    3. What does it mean to “prepare the way for the Lord” in today’s world?


June 22: Matthew 4:1–17

* Scripture: The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness.

* Reflection Questions:


    1. How does Jesus’ example help us overcome temptation?

    2. Can you think of a Black historical figure who overcame great trials and temptation?

    3. What role does scripture play in resisting challenges?


June 29: Matthew 4:18–25

* Scripture: The calling of the first disciples.

* Reflection Questions:


    1. What does it mean to be “fishers of people”?

    2. How can we apply this calling in our daily lives?

    3. Can you think of someone in Black history who was a great “fisher of people”?


July 6: Matthew 5:1–16

Reflections Questions:


1. Which Beatitude resonates most with you and why?

2. How can we be the 'light of the world' in challenging times?

3. What role has faith played in the civil rights movement and Black history?


July 13: Matthew 6:5–15

Reflections Questions:


1. How does the Lord’s Prayer shape our relationship with God?

2. Why is forgiveness so central to this prayer?

3. What lessons can we learn from Black leaders who embodied forgiveness and faith?


July 20: Matthew 7:1–12

Reflections Questions:


1. Why is it important to 'remove the plank from your own eye' before judging others?

2. How does the Golden Rule guide our relationships?

3. Can you share an example from Black history where the Golden Rule was practiced in adversity?


July 27: Matthew 8:1–13

Reflection Questions:


1. What do these healing stories teach us about faith?

2. How has faith been a source of healing in Black communities?

3. What can we learn from the humility of the centurion?


August 3: Matthew 9:1–13

Reflection Questions:


  1. How does Jesus demonstrate forgiveness in these stories?
  2. What does the calling of Matthew teach us about inclusion?
  3. Can you think of a Black historical figure who worked for inclusion?

August 10: Matthew 10:1–31

Reflection Questions:


  1. What does it mean to 'take up your cross'?
  2. How can we boldly share our faith like the disciples?
  3. Can you think of a Black leader who lived boldly for their faith?

August 17: Matthew 11

Reflection Quesitons:


  1. Why do you think John questioned Jesus’ identity?
  2. How does Jesus' response to John’s doubt encourage us?
  3. What role has doubt and perseverance played in Black history?

August 24: Matthew 12:1–21

Reflection Questions:


  1. What does it mean that Jesus is 'Lord of the Sabbath'?
  2. How do we balance rest and service in our lives?
  3. What lessons about rest can we learn from Black history and culture?

August 31: Matthew 13:1–23

Reflection Questions:


  1. What type of soil best describes your heart today?
  2. How can we nurture our faith to grow strong?
  3. Can you think of an example of fruitful faith in Black history?

September 7: Matthew 14:13–36


  1. What does this miracle teach us about God’s provision?
  2. How does Peter’s walk on water inspire us?
  3. What Black leader showed faith in fearful times?

September 14: Matthew 15:1–20


  1. Why did Jesus confront the Pharisees
  2. How can we avoid empty rituals?
  3. How have traditions shaped Black churches?

September 21: Matthew 16:13–28


  1. Why is Peter’s confession important
  2. What does ‘take up your cross’ mean
  3. Who in Black history bore a cross for justice?

September 28: Matthew 17:1–23


  1. What does the Transfiguration reveal
  2. How do mountaintop moments sustain us?
  3. What examples from Black history echo this?

October 5: Matthew 18:1–20


  1. Why must we become like children?
  2. What does forgiving ‘seventy times seven’ mean?
  3. How has forgiveness shaped Black history?

October 12: Matthew 19:16–30


  1. Why was wealth a challenge for the young man?
  2. What does it mean to follow Jesus fully
  3. How have Black leaders balanced faith and success?

October 19: Matthew 20:1–28


  1. What does the parable of the laborers teach?
  2. Why is service central in the Kingdom
  3. How has service shaped Black churches?

October 26: Matthew 21:1–17


  1. What does Palm Sunday mean for us
  2. Why did Jesus cleanse the temple?
  3. How should the church stand for righteousness today?

November 2: Matthew 22:15–46


  1. How do we balance faith and civic duty
  2. Why is love central?
  3. How have Black Christians modeled this balance?

November 9: Matthew 23:1–36


  1. Why does Jesus denounce hypocrisy
  2. How do we avoid hypocrisy today?
  3. What Black voices spoke against religious hypocrisy?

November 16: Matthew 24:1–35


  1. What hope does Jesus give in hardship
  2. How should we live in expectation?
  3. How did enslaved Christians hope in Christ’s return?

November 23: Matthew 25:31–46


  1. What does this parable teach about service?
  2. Why does Jesus identify with ‘the least’
  3. How have Black churches served the marginalized?

November 30: Matthew 26:17–46


  1. What does the Lord’s Supper mean?
  2. How does Jesus’ prayer model obedience?
  3. How has communion strengthened Black faith?

December 7: Matthew 27:11–66


  1. Why is Jesus’ suffering central?
  2. What does the cross mean for you?
  3. How does Black suffering deepen cross understanding?

December 14: Matthew 28:1–20


  1. What does the resurrection mean today
  2. Why is the Great Commission urgent
  3. How have Black missionaries lived this call?

December 21: Matthew 1:18–25 (Christmas)


  1. Why is Jesus called Emmanuel?
  2. How does Christmas bring hope?
  3. How has Christmas been cultural survival in Black history?

December 28: Reflection Sunday


  1. What lesson from Matthew stood out
  2. How has scripture + Black history shaped your faith?
  3. How will you carry these lessons into the New Year?