For adult study: "Elizabeth and Zacharias"
The story summary and questions were written in a way that makes it possible to use a New Testament reference in place of the Urantia reference. A selected chapter from a 1932 book, Treasure-House of the Living Religions, supports a spiritual theme that is found within the story. Children will use a one page handout that includes a coloring picture.
The Urantia Book
Students may read Paper 122:2.1-4 or entire section
Elizabeth and Zacharias were an older couple who lived in a city near Jerusalem. Elizabeth was a relative of Mary, the future mother of Jesus. Zacharias was a priest who worked in the temple at Jerusalem. They had been married a long time but had no children. In a surprise turn of events, they became the parents of John the Baptist. He would prepare the way for the coming of Jesus and the kingdom of heaven. Before the birth of John, Gabriel appeared to make the announcement.
Discussion Questions
When John and Jesus were born, the Jewish people had high hopes for the coming of the Messiah and the kingdom of God. When we feel hopeful, what does that do for us? What are people hoping for in the world today?
Procedure for using the PDF handouts with children
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Additional reading:
In this reading, Elizabeth and John visit the Nazareth family during Jesus' eighteenth year. Also, Jesus speaks words of hope to Mary after the death of little Amos.
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Re: Expectant Hope
135:5.3 ... There was present throughout all Jewry a lively hope and a keen expectation that the consummation of the desire of the ages would occur during the lifetime of that generation.
140:1.3 ... This kingdom, which you are so soon to go forth proclaiming, is the desire of the good men of all ages, the hope of all the earth, and the fulfillment of the wise promises of all the prophets.
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New Testament reference
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Chapter 12—Hope—p.51
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly
wait for the salvation of the Lord. (Judaism)
Center thy hopes in the one God alone,
The Giver, the Bountiful,
In Whose heart there is all treasure.
He will preserve thee at last. (Sikhism)
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