To begin the session:
Download the “Follow the Directions” puzzle here. Make copies for each class member. As class members begin to arrive, allow them to work individually or in groups to complete the puzzle.
After class members have had time to complete the puzzles, ask them to reveal the final phrase that results from following the directions. They should have gotten the phrase, “MY PRIORITIES.”
Discuss the activity briefly. Ask them to tell activities they must prioritize. (For example, what bills to pay first or what household chore needs to be done before others.) Ask them how one determines his or her priorities.
Lead into Bible study by saying, “We have lots of things on which to spend our time or money. Yet we cannot treat them all equally, since our resources are limited. The Bible explains how to put first things first by using the term ‘first fruits.’ Let’s examine that today.”
To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Introduce the theme of our lesson text by writing the final words from Leviticus 23:22 on the board: “I am the Lord your God.” Explain that this statement formed the basis for how the people of Israel were to order their priorities.
Divide your class into groups, giving each paper and pen and one of the following Scripture passages: Leviticus 23:12, Leviticus 23:14; Leviticus 23:22. Ask each group to write a brief explanation of why the priority of their verse exists. Each explanation should begin with the words, “Because the Lord is God . . . “
Give groups about ten minutes to work, and then have them share their explanations. The explanations should be similar to these:
Leviticus 23:12 group:Because the Lord is God, only the most perfect offerings are worthy of him. A perfect God deserves only perfect offerings. Therefore, the best animals must be given to God, not to the owner for his own use.
Leviticus 23:14 group:Because the Lord is God, he gets the first crops, before the farmer who grew those crops gets to eat. A growling stomach may not be pleasant, but it is a reminder of who comes first. The one who gave the seed and caused it to grow is the true owner and deserves the first serving at the table!
Leviticus 23:22 group:Because the Lord is God, his people must care for those unable to care for themselves. The needy belong to the Lord every bit as much as do the wealthy! Instead of harvesting fields with total efficiency and hoarding the excess, a landowner must make a first pass of the fields for himself and allow the poor to harvest the rest for themselves.
Refer to the Scripture commentary as needed to give further explanation of these main ideas.
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