Unifying Lesson Principle: An unexpected encounter with someone we’ve never met before can result in a transforming experience. What is it about a new relationship that opens up the possibility of transformation in our lives? When Zacchaeus opens up his home to Jesus as his special guest, he is transformed by the experience and becomes a follower of Jesus who does more than the law required.”

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to 1. Compare our “yes” with Zacchaeus’ enthusiastic response to Jesus. 2. Celebrate trial and error as a learning tool for saying yes to Jesus. and 3. Practice enthusiastic and generous responses to Jesus.

Unifying Lesson Principle: It often seems impossible to overcome one’s failures and regain respect. How might one be restored from the shame and dishonor of personal failure? Aware of Peter’s shame and remorse for his betrayal of him, Jesus forgave Peter and commissioned him to “feed my sheep”.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to 1. Discover from Peter’s life that saying “yes” to Jesus is full of ups and downs. 2. Celebrate trial and error as a learning tool in saying yes to Jesus. and 3. Claim our shortcomings as opportunities to say yes to Christ.

Unifying Lesson Principle: We do not expect our enemies to trust us and ask for our help. How do we respond when someone we previously considered our enemy asks for help? Jesus responds favorably to the centurion’s extraordinary faith, made even more remarkable by his ties to the evil Roman government.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to 1. Analyze the assertion that God’s peaceable wisdom is revealed through Jesus Christ. 2. Practice open-hearted listening in dialogue with others. Develop a peace plan for a specific context where unresolved conflict exists (e.g., home, workplace, school, or community).

Unifying Lesson Principle: We may experience intimidation when speaking truth to those in positions of authority. How can we be bold to speak the truth even if people are not inclined to receive our message? Amos was a lowly shepherd who faced rejection when God called him to speak truth to powerful kings and priests.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to 1. Analyze Amo’s speaking truth to power as his faithful witness to God’s justice. 2. Cultivate a heart for truth and a passion for justice. and 3. Speak truth to power as a faithful witness to God’s justice.