12 Ordinary Men
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened with a prayer for sister Dina Meyer, whose health concerns were laid before God. The teacher then revisited the previous week’s focus on Peter’s character, highlighting traits such as curiosity, initiative, diligence, and honesty, especially recalling Peter’s confession that Jesus was the Son of the living God. He examined the temple‑tax incident in Matthew 17:24‑27, showing how Jesus taught Peter about submission to civil obligations while also revealing divine provision through a miraculous coin found in a fish’s mouth. Moving forward, the lesson contrasted Peter’s early impulsiveness with the wisdom he expressed later in 1 Peter 2:13‑16, where he urged believers to submit to authority and not misuse their freedom as a cover for evil. The teacher underscored the need for restraint and self‑control in leadership, noting that many contemporary leaders struggle with anger and haste. He concluded that Peter’s growth—from a quick‑tempered disciple to a mature apostolic voice—illustrates how ordinary men can develop godly character through daily choices and reliance on Christ’s example.
Key Scriptures
After Jesus and his disciples arrived at Capernaum, the collectors of the two drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, "Does your teacher pay the temple tax?"... So that we may not cause offense, go to the lake, throw out your line, take the first fish you catch, open its mouth, and you'll find a four drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority...