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Summer 2026: The Testimony of Faithful Witnesses
Unit 2: Faithful Witnesses Say “Yes” to Jesus

This quarter will look at the examples of faithful witnesses from Scripture. These were people who heard the call of God, responded in faith, and testified to God’s mercy and fidelity to his promises through their words and deeds.

Faithful Witnesses Say “Yes” to Jesus
In the New Testament, we see many examples of faithful witnesses who encounter Christ and respond with a resounding “Yes!” An unnamed centurion, a servant of the hated Roman Empire, demonstrates “great faith” by trusting that Jesus will heal his servant (Matthew 8:5–13; see lesson 5). A despised tax collector named Zacchaeus subverts expectations by following Jesus and repenting of his wrongdoing (Luke 19:1–10; see lesson 7).
Even those closest to Jesus had to make their own commitments of faith. Simon Peter recognizes Jesus more clearly than any other, but that disciple still falters and needs restoration (Mark 8:27–29; Luke 22:31–34; John 18:25–27; 21:15–17; see lesson 6). Another disciple, Thomas, although known for his doubts, nevertheless expresses a faith that empowers him to share the gospel (20:24–29; 21:1–2; see lesson 9). Even Jesus’ mother says “Yes” to him; she is chosen to bear the Son of God and demonstrates persistent faithfulness to her son throughout his life (Luke 2:15–19; John 2:1–5; 19:25–27; see lesson 8).

Lesson 5  The Believing Centurion. Matthew 8:5–13
Today’s lesson comes shortly after the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5–7, Jesus gives an authoritative interpretation of the Torah (or Jewish Law), explaining the ethics of God’s kingdom.  The sermon includes Jesus’ self-identification as “Lord,” to whom everyone owes obedience and allegiance (7:21–23). Jesus compares his teachings to a foundation stone (7:24). His words are like the ground on which one might stand; they ensure the stability of whoever lives by them (7:24–27).  As Jesus descends from the mount, a “leper” approaches him (Matthew 8:2). The Torah—which Jesus just showed authority to interpret—contains purity laws that regulate contact with those who are sick. Anyone with visible disease struggled day-to-day, facing the prospect of making others ritually impure. The man’s request for cleansing reveals faith in Jesus’ authority over sickness and death. Thus, when Jesus responds by cleansing the man with a touch, Jesus accepts ritual impurity (8:3). Simultaneously, he displays the capacity to heal the diseases that the Law of Moses carefully regulated. Jesus demonstrates healing with a touch, setting the stage for a second healing without physical contact.

Lesson 6  Simon Peter, the Restored Disciple   Mark 8:27–29; Luke 22:31–34; John 18:25–27; 21:15–17
Peter was a fisherman from Bethsaida, a village on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee (John 1:44). Here, Peter worked with his brother Andrew (Mark 1:16). While fishing on the Sea of Galilee, Peter and his brother are called by Jesus to follow him and “fish for people” (Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11; John 1:35–42).  We also know that Peter was married (Mark 1:30; 1 Corinthians 9:5). At some point, Peter, his wife, and at least one other family member moved to Capernaum (Matthew 8:5–14), a town approximately five miles southwest of Bethsaida.  The New Testament notes three names for Peter.  His Hebrew name is Simon or the variant Simeon (Mark 1:16; Acts 15:14). Later, Jesus calls him Peter, a designation based on an ancient Greek word meaning “rock” or “stone” (Matthew 16:18; Mark 3:16); this is his most frequently occurring name in the New Testament, found over 160 times. The third name is Cephas, an Aramaic word for “stone” (John 1:42; 1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:22; etc.).

Lesson 7  Zacchaeus, the Repentant Tax Collector. Luke 19:1–10
Jesus and his disciples journeyed to Jerusalem for the final Passover that they would observe together (Luke 9:51; 18:31–33). Along the way, Jesus taught (17:22–37; 18:31–34), told parables (18:1–8; 18:9–14), handled questioning people (17:20–21; 18:18–30), and healed (17:11–19; 18:35–43). Jericho was their last stop before reaching the capital city. It was only about 15 miles northeast of Jerusalem and situated in the Jordan River valley. It had a warm climate and freshwater springs; Jericho was an oasis for weary travelers.  Luke groups together three special encounters with Jesus—a “certain ruler” (Luke 18:18–30), a blind beggar (18:35–43), and Zacchaeus (19:1–10). Each of them sought out Jesus as he traveled.  In the first scenario, the man was wealthy and privileged but went away unfulfilled. The crowd who witnessed the exchange questioned, “Who then can be saved?” (18:26). In the second, the man had nothing but audacity and perseverance.  Jesus was moved on his behalf, and his faith healed him—he received his sight and followed Jesus (18:43)! Zacchaeus’s story is the third encounter in this sequence.
Zacchaeus was a “chief tax collector” in Jericho (Luke 19:2). As such, he led those who implemented taxes, collected tolls, and performed customs duties. Lead tax collectors hired other collectors and set collection policies. Tax collectors held a position of prominence or authority, but with this came hard feelings from the general populace. Tax collectors frequently overcharged to make a profit. They were despised and mistrusted, seen as collaborators with oppressive Rome, and considered dishonest (Mark 2:15–16). Roman authorities auctioned contracts to the highest bidders—groups or individuals—to collect local tolls and tariffs. Whoever won the contract was on the hook for the contracted amount. Therefore, collections officers often took bribes and passed overages onto ordinary citizens, protecting themselves while ensuring contracts were paid.

Lesson 8  Mary, the Loyal Mother. Luke 2:15–19; John 2:1–5; 19:25–27
Luke
Luke 2:1 sets Jesus’ birth narrative during the reign of Caesar Augustus (27 BC–AD 14). Augustus was a powerful ruler, and his supporters heralded him as the “savior of the world” because he brought peace to the Roman Empire. Luke tells us that Caesar Augustus decreed a census. The purpose of such a decree was to determine who was subject to taxation and military service. The census required that people return to their familial hometowns. It also served as a reminder that Rome ruled the world, especially for those who lived in small, far-off provinces like Palestine.  Thus, Mary and Joseph journeyed the 90 miles from Nazareth in north Galilee southward to Bethlehem. There, they had a baby!  Luke’s Gospel provides many details about Mary and her experience—more than any other Gospel. Luke records the angel Gabriel’s visit and Mary’s miraculous conception (Luke 1:26–38). He also describes Mary’s visit to her relative Elizabeth’s home and the special reception she received (1:39–45). Luke records Mary’s worshipful song of praise to God (known as the Magnificat) and her example of faithful trust in God’s plan (1:46–55).

John
Today’s texts from the Gospel of John act as bookends to Jesus’ life and ministry. They focus on two times that Jesus’ mother is mentioned. The first is at a wedding in Cana, and the second is at Jesus’ crucifixion. The first passage has no parallel texts in the synoptic Gospels. Parallel texts for the second are found in Matthew 27:55–56; Mark 15:40–41; and Luke 23:49.

BIBLE STUDY

Adult Bible Study |  Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. To join virtual Bible Study please visit Zoom.us and enter Meeting ID: 802 973 031  To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 and enter Meeting ID: 802-973-031

What if Jesus wrote a letter to your church? This eight-session Bible Study helps us engage with the words of Jesus in the seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation.

Studying this Scripture allows us to ask some hard questions — of ourselves, of our leaders, and of the Lord. Jesus is pointedly honest with us. Whether we respond with a yawn or with a renewed pursuit of obedience is up to us

This bible study will run from 7/22/2026 – 9/9/2026

• 9/16 – No bible study

Click title to access lesson.

1. The Lord Who Speaks – Revelation 1:9-20

2. Lost Love – Revelation 2:1-7

3. The Attractiveness of Suffering – Revelation 2:8-11

4. Defending Truth in a Culture of Lies – Revelation 2:12-17

5. Finding a Moral Compass – Revelation 2:18-29

6. Reviving a Dead Church – Revelation 3:1-6

7. Find Us Faithful – Revelation 3:7-13

8. The Church That Makes Jesus Sick – Revelation 3:14-22

God’s love is stronger than the forces of hate and injustice that shape our broken world. Throughout Scripture, we see a God who draws near to the hurting and stands with the vulnerable.

This twelve‑session Bible study invites you to reflect that same heart. You’ll uncover God’s vision for justice and discover practical ways to live it out in your daily life. Each session challenges you to love what God loves, resist what harms His image in others, and live as a sign of His justice and compassion.

• 7/8 – No bible study
• 7/15 – VBS

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1. Does God Care About Injustice? – Habakkuk 1–2; 3:16-19         LESSON 1 REPLAY

2. Acceptable Worship – Isaiah 58             LESSON 2 REPLAY

3. No Partiality – Acts 10            LESSON 3 REPLAY

4. Caring for Our Enemies – Jonah 1–4        LESSON 4 REPLAY

5. A Kingdom of Service – Mark 6:17-44          LESSON 5 REPLAY

6. The Lesser Become Greater – Mark 14:1-11          LESSON 6 REPLAY

7. Prejudice in the Early Church – Acts 6        LESSON 7 REPLAY

8. Challenging Nationalism – Acts 7        LESSON 8 REPLAY

9. Cultural Identity – Exodus 3–4         LESSON 9 REPLAY

10. Choosing the Better Role – Luke 10:38-42        LESSON 10 REPLAY

11. The Temptation of Materialism – Revelation 18         LESSON 11 REPLAY

12. Putting People Before Products – Matthew 12:1-21        LESSON 12 REPLAY