Tag: healing

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Five

Believe in Him or Not

The Pinewood Estate at Bok Tower Gardens, FL

Week 62 | Sections 68, 69

The Pinewood Estate at Bok Tower Gardens, FLFrom one house to another and then into his home town, Jesus continues to heal, teach and inspire people with the Gospel. Over and over people’s encounter with Jesus teaches us that faith can: set us free, move mountains, raise the dead, heal the sick, and allow us to more than we can ask or imagine   – but what is to come from a lack of faith?  What is the cost of unbelief?

Scripture:

Section 68 | Matthew 9:27-34
27 As Jesus passed by from there,1 two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, “Have mercy on us, son of David!”2  28 When he had come into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”They told him, “Yes, Lord.”3  29 Then he touched their eyes, saying,“According to your faith be it done to you.” 30 Their eyes were opened.4 Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, “See that no one knows about this.” 31 But they went out and spread abroad his fame in all that land.5  32 As they went out,6 behold, a mute man who was demon possessed was brought to him.7¯8  33 When the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. The multitudes marveled, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!”9  34 But the Pharisees said, “By the prince of the demons, he casts out demons.”10

Section 69 
[one_half last=”no”]Matthew 13:54-58
54 Coming into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom, and these mighty works?

 

55 Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers, James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? 56 Aren’t all of his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all of these things?” 57 They were offended by him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and in his own house.” 58 He didn’t do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Mark 6:1-6a
1 He went out from there. He came into his own country,11 and his disciples followed him. 2 When the Sabbath had come, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things?” and, “What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such mighty works come about by his hands? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judah, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” They were offended at him.12 4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own relatives, and in his own house.”13¯14 5 He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people, and healed them. 6a He marveled15 because of their unbelief. [/one_half]

Group Dialog:

  1. What is the difference between faith, belief, and understanding?
  2. When considering what God has done in your life, for what are you most thankful, and how have you expressed that in your life and ministry?
  3. For which Christian topics would you say you have faith but not understanding?
  4. Are there experiences, issues or problems that undermine your faith?
  5. Should one’s character or moral failings interrupt our faith in God?
  6. What hope does Mark 9:23-24 offer those who doubt and question Jesus’ identity, teachings, and ability to perform miracles?
  7. In our exhaustion, how do you find energy and joy to continue in ministry to others?
  8. What should our reaction be to the godly-results seen in the ministry of others?
  9. If you are experiencing success in ministry, how do you avoid vanity, pride, self-importance and other sins that detract from God’s work among you?
  10. God does not promise every member of your family will believe because you do. In fact Jesus said that some families will divide over him (Matthew 10:34-39). What are we to do when those we love do not yet believe?

Learning Objectives: faith, doubt, prayer of faith, healing, diligence, investment of time, witness, prayer, prophet, welcome, when to move on

Photo: The Pinewood Estate at Bok Tower Gardens, FL

Study Notes:

Categories
Five

Just Believe

Victoria Lilypads at Bok Tower Gardens, FL

Week 61 | Section 67

Victoria Lilypads at Bok Tower Gardens, FLOne of the name’s used to describe God is Jehovah Shammah which when translated is “The God who is there”. In today’s study we see to miraculous events among those who believe – the woman who touched his cloak and those from the house of Jarius. Despair had struck them both but faith in Jesus delivered them in an instant.  Yes, the purposes and power of God reach far beyond what we can grasp or imagine.

Scripture

[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 9:18-26

18 While he told these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.”1 19 Jesus got up and followed him, as did his disciples. 20 Behold, a woman2 who had a discharge of blood for twelve years3

came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; 21 for she said within herself, “If I just touch his garment, I will be made well.”4

22 But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, “Daughter, cheer up! Your faith5  has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.

23 When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd in noisy disorder, 24 he said to them, “Make room, because the girl isn’t dead, but sleeping.” They were ridiculing him.

25 But when the crowd was put out, he entered in, took her by the hand, and the girl arose.

26 The report of this went out into all that land.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 5:21-43
21 When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side,6 a great multitude was gathered to him; and he was by the sea. 22 Behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came; and seeing him, he fell at his feet, 23 and begged him much, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Please come and lay your hands on her, that she may be made healthy, and live.” 24 He went with him, and a great multitude followed him, and they pressed upon him on all sides. 25 A certain woman, who had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things by many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better, but rather grew worse, 27 having heard the things concerning Jesus, came up behind him in the crowd, and touched his clothes. 28 For she said, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be made well.” 29 Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. 30 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in himself that the power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd, and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 His disciples said to him, “You see the multitude pressing against you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’ ” 32 He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done to her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be cured of your disease.”

35 While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler’s house saying, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?” 36 But Jesus, when he heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.”7 37 He allowed no one to follow him, except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 He came to the synagogue ruler’s house, and he saw an uproar, weeping, and great wailing. 39 When he had entered in, he said to them,

“Why do you make an uproar and weep? The child is not dead, but is asleep.” 40 They ridiculed him. But he, having put them all out, took the father of the child, her mother, and those who were with him, and went in where the child was lying. 41 Taking the child by the hand, he said to her, “Talitha cumi!” which means, being interpreted, “Girl, I tell you, get up!” 42 Immediately the girl rose up and walked, for she was twelve years old. They were amazed with great amazement. 43 He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and commanded that something should be given to her to eat.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 8:40-56
40 When Jesus returned, the multitude welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.8 41 Behold, a man named Jairus came. He was a ruler of the synagogue. He fell down at Jesus’ feet, and begged him to come into his house, 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.9

But as he went, the multitudes pressed against him.10 43 A woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her living on physicians and could not be healed by any11

44 came behind him, and touched the fringe of his cloak.12 Immediately the flow of her blood stopped.

45 Jesus said, “Who touched me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes press and jostle you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone did touch me, for I perceived that power has gone out of me.” 47 When the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared to him in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 48 He said to her, “Daughter, cheer up. Your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” 49 While he still spoke, one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house came, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Don’t trouble the Teacher.” 50 But Jesus hearing it, answered him, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe, and she will be healed.” 51 When he came to the house, he didn’t allow anyone to enter in, except Peter, John, James, the father of the child, and her mother. 52 All were weeping and mourning her, but he said, “Don’t weep. She isn’t dead, but sleeping.” 53 They were ridiculing him, knowing that she was dead.

54 But he put them all outside, and taking her by the hand, he called, saying, “Child, arise!” 55 Her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately. He commanded that something be given to her to eat.13

56 Her parents were amazed, but he commanded them to tell no one what had been done.[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  1. From this passage, what should learn about our response to our emotions and situations of life?
  2. Do you think you are aware of your surroundings, as Jesus was, and the need of those around you?
  3. Are miraculous healing possible today? (The answer is yes.) What then does it take to be healed?
  4. What is it that you desire the Lord to do in your life today (this week, this month, this year)?

Learning Objectives:

Faith in Jesus, humbled, humility, humility of Christ, the compassion of Christ, power of Christ, healing, godly reaction to our own emotions and situations, spiritual attentiveness, God’s desire to heal us, intercessory prayer, prayer,

Photo: Victoria lily pads at Bok Tower Gardens, FL These water lilies are almost unbelievable – 5-9 feet in diameter and strong enough to hold up 150lbs.

Study Notes:

Categories
Five

Such Great a Faith

Such Great a Faith

Week 47 | Section 55, 56

Such Great a FaithWe open to sections 55-56 for our study in week 47 Harmony Bible Radio. This week we read two healing stories and hear the witness of Jesus’ power and authority over  sickness, time, space, and even death as such our lesson hones in on the nature of faith – not of our own accord but faith in Jesus.

Categories
Four

The Miracle at Bethesda

Week 35 | Section 49a,b | Phase 4

Summary: Today’s study demonstrates the mercy of God through Jesus’s healing of a man lying beside the pool of Bethesda. The man who had been sick for thirty-eight years became well in an instant.  In his response to the Jewish elders who questioned his labor on the Sabbath, Jesus gave the response that most certainly caught their attention, inasmuch as he claimed he and God the Father were equal. Now that certainly raises two most fascinating questions for today’s disciple: ‘Do you want to be well?’ and ‘Will you honor him as the Lord?’

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Today’s Gospel Reading

(There is no record from Matthew, Mark or Luke)

John 5:1-9; 10-18
1 After these things[i], there was a feast[ii] of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now in Jerusalem by the sheep gate[iii], there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew, “Bethesda”[iv], having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, or paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; 4 for an angel went down at certain times into the pool, and stirred up the water[v]. Whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. 5 A certain man was there, who had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew[vi] that he had been sick for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want[vii] to be made well?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I’m coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Arise, take up your mat, and walk.”[viii] 9 Immediately, the man was made well, and took up his mat and walked. Now it was the Sabbath on that day. 10 So the Jews said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath. It is not lawful for you to carry the mat.”[ix] 11 He answered them, “He who made me well, the same said to me, ‘Take up your mat, and walk.’” 12 Then they asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your mat, and walk’?”[x] 13 But he who was healed didn’t know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a crowd being in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “Behold, you are made well. Sin no more, so that nothing worse happens to you.”[xi] 15 The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16 For this cause the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill him, because he did these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is still working, so I am working, too.”[xii]

[i] After this – Jesus had been in the region of Galilee and had passed through Samaria into Judea. It was back in section 32 (Week 21, Phase 2) that Jesus was last in Jerusalem for the Passover feast (John 2:23).  This section marks the beginning of Phase 4. 80% of the verse of Jesus’ life and ministry have yet to be explored in the Harmony of the Gospels. Phase 4 is time of ministry development.  In this time phase he will name a few of his disciples to become Apostles, overseers of the ministry. See Field Guide for ministry Discernment and Discipleship, by Greg Troxell.

[ii] This feast was probably that of Passover feast but may have been the Feast of Tabernacles (in memory of the period of wandering Lev 23:33). Either case the law obliged all the males to appear there.  John does make an effort to anchor his Gospel in the context of the Passover feasts.

[iii] Sheep gate – during this time the sheep and oxen that were sold in the temple were brought through the sheep gate (Nehemiah 3:1; 3:32; 12:39).

[iv] Bethesda – As translated in the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions to mean a “house of mercy, grace or goodness”. Sometimes confused with Bethsaida one of two cities/towns in Galilee.

[v] Tradition has it that many were healed here. Of angels Hebrews 1:14 says, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? See other thoughts on Angels.

[vi] Foreknowledge or familiarity – The Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions specific a long time and the Arabic version says 38 years. Was it his intemperance that led to his condition? It does not say what sin but certainly some conditions are brought on by our emotional, mental and physical care or disregard.

[vii] Do you wish to be well? Jesus used this question as a manner to raise the man’s expectation of a cure.  The apostle James speaks to this attitude and says “you have not because you ask not” (James 4:2-3).

[viii] At his word – again and again

[ix] Duet law –

[x] Now they were concerned not only that this man was breaking the Sabbath but that someone told him to do so.

[xi] This is a common Jewish teaching and interesting that Jesus refers to it here. What reason might there be that sin would cause such an infirmity?

[xii] My father – the father and I are one, and I am the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). Gk. ergázomai work. We too have our work to do and that by the aid of the Holy Spirit working through us.

 

 

Copyright©: Bible text is from the World English Bible which in public domain. Bible text is from the World English Bible which in public domain. You may download and reproduce this study guide in its entirety so long as you do not remove the footer of Harmony Bible Radio. If you would like to obtain a complimentary copy of Thomas & Gundry’s Harmony of the Gospels (NIV) in our exclusive letter-size, loose-leaf PDF, then please contact us via email or phone to schedule training.

Categories
Three

Forgiving & Healing of a Paralytic

Week 32, Section 46

Summary: This week we step into the room where a crowd had gathered around Jesus to hear him teach. Over the past few months Jesus has gained many followers and disciples so many that on this day some very determined friends chose to tear open the room in order to place their friend at the feet of Jesus.  This is the kind of story that challenges me, making me ask, ‘what extent am I going to bring those in need to Jesus?’

Harmony Bible Radio

Matthew Mark Luke John
1 He entered into a boat, and crossed over, and came into his own city. 2 Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven you.” 3 Behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man blasphemes.” 4 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5  For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk?’ 6  But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins-” (then he said to the paralytic), “Get up, and take up your mat, and go to your house.” 7 He arose and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such authority to men. 1 When he entered again into Capernaum after some days, it was heard that he was in the house. 2 Immediately many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even around the door; and he spoke the word to them. 3 Four people came, carrying a paralytic to him. 4 When they could not come near to him for the crowd, they removed the roof where he was. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on. 5 Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” 6 But there were some of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak blasphemies like that? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you reason these things in your hearts? 9  Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?’ 10  But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11  “I tell you, arise, take up your mat, and go to your house.” 12 He arose, and immediately took up the mat, and went out in front of them all; so that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” 17 On one of those days, he was teaching; and there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every village of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was with him to heal them. 18 Behold, men brought a paralyzed man on a cot, and they sought to bring him in to lay before Jesus. 19 Not finding a way to bring him in because of the multitude, they went up to the housetop, and let him down through the tiles with his cot into the middle before Jesus. 20 Seeing their faith, he said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” 22 But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, “Why are you reasoning so in your hearts? 23  Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you;’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk?’ 24  But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (he said to the paralyzed man), “I tell you, arise, and take up your cot, and go to your house.” 25 Immediately he rose up before them, and took up that which he was laying on, and departed to his house, glorifying God. 26 Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today.” No Record Provided

** Our online text is from the World English Bible, rights to use this format are granted by Michael Johnson. If you would like to obtain a copy of Thomas & Gundry’s Harmony of the Gospels (NIV) in our exclusive letter-size, loose-leaf PDF, then please contact us via email or phone.    

Study Notes:

a Notes
b Notes
c Notes
d Notes
e Notes

Watch 2 minute clip
https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/EyoVqtIG5yk

Song:  Healer, Hillsong 
https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/EyoVqtIG5yk?rel=0

Categories
Three

Gratitude and the Gospel

Gratitude and the Gospel

Week 31, Section 45

Gratitude and the GospelA year since Jesus was baptized his public ministry now includes more healing as he shows his compassion to others and the number of followers and disciples is increasing.  Our study today reveals something more about Jesus’ purpose, his manner of ministry, and his concern for our own physical condition.

Scripture:

[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 8:2-4
2 Behold, a leper came to him1  and worshiped2 him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.”3¯4 3 Jesus stretched out his hand,5 and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be made clean.” Immediately6 his leprosy was cleansed.

 

 

4 Jesus said to him, “See that you tell nobody, but go, show yourself to the priest,7 and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 1:40-45
40 A leper came to him, begging him, kneeling down to him, and saying to him, “If you want to, you can make me clean.” 41 Being moved with compassion,8 he stretched out his hand, and touched him, and said to him, “I want to. Be made clean.” 42 When he had said this, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was made clean.

 

43 He strictly warned him, and immediately sent him out, 44 and said to him, “See you say nothing to anybody, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.” 45 But he went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was outside in desert places. People came to him from everywhere.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 5:12-16
12 While he was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man full of leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face, and begged him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.”9  13 He stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy left him. 14 He commanded him to tell no one, “But go your way, and show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing according to what Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.”10

15 But the report concerning him spread much more, and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.11 16 But he withdrew himself into the desert, and prayed.[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  1. Why does the leper come to Jesus? By doing so, he breaks the rules of Lev 13-14 (Lev 13: 45-46)
  2. How might our perspective of what God wants and what he’s able to do affect the way we approach Him in prayer, worship, and service?
  3. In the midst of serving in ministry, has your prayer life become stronger or less frequent?
  4. What is stopping you from being His witness, sharing your testimony of what God is (and has) done in your life?
  5. Pray for one another’s healing, well-being, and ministry.

Learning Objectives: obedience, compassion toward others,  Character of Christ, healing, God’s will, gratitude, testimony, prayer in success, no shame, ask, worship, reverence.

Image: An armadillo seen in a land preserve in Orlando, FL. In America leprosy is most often transmitted by contact or consumption of armadillos.

Study Notes:

Categories
Three

The Embrace of Community

The Embrace of Community

Week 29 | Section 43

The Embrace of CommunityThis week we read of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law and learn about the nature of community, compassion, and care. In this passage we see the compassion of Christ as the consolation of Jerusalem. Jesus’ attention to the Sabbath, care of the Peter’s mother-in-law and the others gathered provide us a worthy model that would transform cultures and communities around the globe.

Scripture:

[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 8:14-171
14 When Jesus came into Peter’s house,2 he saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever. 15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her. She got up and served him. 16 When evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick;3 17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, “He took our infirmities, and bore our diseases.”4[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 1:29-34
29 Immediately, when they had come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 He came and took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them. 32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick, and those who were possessed by demons. 33 All the city was gathered together at the door. 34 He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. He didn’t allow the demons to speak, because they knew him.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 4:38-41
38 He rose up from the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a great fever, and they begged him for her. 39 He stood over her, and rebuked the fever;5 and it left her. Immediately she rose up and served them. 40 When the sun was setting,6 all those who had any sick with various diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. 41 Demons also came out of many, crying out, and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” Rebuking them, he didn’t allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  1. Why do you think Matthew, Mark, and Luke include the story of Jesus healing Simon’s mother-in-law?
  2. What is different about the way Jesus handles this situation verses the demoniac earlier that day?
  3. Why did Jesus forbid the demons to speak of his nature.
  4. From this story, what can we extrapolate about Jesus’ attitude, priorities and character (humility, recognition, community, love, charity, etc.)? How does this compare to your own attitude, character, and priorities?

Learning Objectives:

community, compassion, and care, Jesus’ authority over illness,

Image: Close up of a large stone worn by the wind, waves, and pebbles at Bean Hollow State Park, CA. The image reminds us of unity, cell groups, and community.

Other media: Video clip of this passage; song: The Final Word, Michael Card

Study Notes:

Categories
Three

Power and Authority

Power and Authority

Week 28 | Section 42

Power and AuthorityJesus has gone to the Synagogue on the Sabbath but there encounters a demoniac. Astounding those present, he sets the demoniac free and word of Jesus’ authority spread throughout the region. The Good News is not limited to our salvation but our daily experience of God’s grace and power in our lives as we live Christ.

Scripture:

[one_half last=”no”]Mark 1:21-28
21 They went into Capernaum,1 and immediately on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue2 and taught.3¯4 22 They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.5    23 Immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit,6 and he cried out, 24 saying, “Ha! What do we have to do with you, Jesus, you Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us?7 I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!” 25 Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”8 26 The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!” 28 The report of him went out immediately everywhere into all the region of Galilee and its surrounding area.9 [/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Luke 4:31b-37
31b He was teaching them on the Sabbath day, 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority.10 33 In the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 saying, “Ah! what have we to do with you,11   Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!”12 35 Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” When the demon had thrown him down in the middle of them, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 36 Amazement came on all, and they spoke together, one with another, saying, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” 37 News about him went out into every place of the surrounding region.[/one_half]

Group Dialog:

  1. What kind of authority does Jesus have in the synagogue? In his teaching? And over evil spirits? How should this truth influence our daily lives?
  2. What is the source of (Jesus’/ of our) truth, authority, and power?
  3. What spiritual struggles do you face? How can Christ’s authority, truth, and power help you overcome these things?
  4. What is our role in relationship to the authority of Christ in our lives? In regards to truth at work within us? And in regards to the ministry to which we have been called?

Learning Objectives:

Jesus is all powerful, Jesus is Holy, Jesus is the Messiah,  submission, free will, Jesus is the source of truth, our authority in ministry comes from Christ and our association in him.

Image: The Old Veteran – The Old Veteran Cypress resides on the North Shore Trail of the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Naturalists at Point Lobos estimate the Old Veteran has already exceeded the 300 year lifespan of most Cupressus macrocarpa but he still rests through the fog, and rain, despite the eroding cliff from the waves crashing below.

Study Notes:

Categories
Two

The Spirit of the Lord is on Me

The Spirit of the Lord is on Me

Week 26 | Section 39

The Spirit of the Lord is on MeThough Jesus had already shown sufficient evidence and declared himself to be the Messiah, when Jesus reads from the scroll the prophetic words “The spirit of the Lord is upon me…” from the scroll of Isaiah – we catch another glimpse of God’s eternal purpose and his plan to see it accomplished.

Scripture:

Luke 4:16-31a
16 He came to Nazareth,1 where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom,2¯3 into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.4¯5 17 The book6 of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written, 18  “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news7 to the poor.8 and He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim release9 to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver10 those who are crushed, 19  and to proclaim the acceptable year11 of the Lord.” 20 He closed the book,12 gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him.13  21 He began to tell them,14 “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”15 22 All testified about him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth, and they said, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”16 23 He said to them, “Doubtless you will tell me this parable, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in your hometown.’ ”24 He said, “Most certainly I tell you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.17 25  But truly I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land. 26 Elijah was sent to none of them, except to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27  There were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed, except Naaman, the Syrian.”18 28 They were all filled with wrath in the synagogue, as they heard these things. 29 They rose up, threw him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill that their city was built on, that they might throw him off the cliff. 30 But he, passing through the middle of them, went his way. 31 He came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee.19¯20 

Group Dialog:

  1. What habits have you
  2. What is holding you back, what besets you?
  3. With which group do you identify most often (doubt, disdain or awe)?
  4. How and where are we to minister among unbelievers today?

Learning Objectives:

God’s eternal purpose, divine foreknowledge, Jesus’ mission, Fulfillment of prophesy, spiritual authority, spiritual disciplines, freedom, healing, wholeness, the value of traditions and customs, evangelism, witnessing, homily, sharing the good news, God’s plan of salvation for Gentiles and Jews.

Study Notes:

Categories
Two

Second Miracle in Galilee

Second Miracle in Galilee

Week 25 | Sections 36,37,28
(Broadcast on Nov 16, 2014)

Second Miracle in GalileeWhile Jesus was often performing miracles that were unmistakable divine, his teaching and presence as the Messiah was to evoke a change in heart and practice. Though some still wish to see miracles, salvation and belief come by faith – not signs. So what of our faith, what shall it yield? The answer will be limited to the power of the one in whom we put our trust.

Scripture:

Section 36 | John 4:43-45
43 After the two days he went out from there1 and went into Galilee.2   44 For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.3 45 So when he came into Galilee, the Galileans received him, having seen all the things that he did in Jerusalem at the feast,4 for they also went to the feast.

Section 37
[one_third last=”no”]Mathew 4:17
17 From that time, Jesus began to preach,5 and to say, “Repent!6 For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 1:14b-15
preaching the Good News of God’s Kingdom, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom7 is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 4:14b-15
and news about him spread through all the surrounding area. 15 He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.[/one_third]

Section 38 | John 4:46-54
46 Jesus came therefore again to Cana of Galilee, where he made the water into wine.8 There was a certain nobleman9 whose son was sick at Capernaum.10  47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to him, and begged him that he would come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.11 48 Jesus therefore said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will in no way believe.”12  49 The nobleman said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”13  50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way. Your son lives.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.14 51 As he was now going down, his servants met him and reported, saying “Your child lives!”15  52 So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. They said therefore to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour, the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” He believed, as did his whole house. 54 This is again the second sign that Jesus did, having come out of Judea into Galilee.16

Group Dialog:

  1. What is the buzz happening in you small group and church about what Jesus has said and done among you and throughout history?
  2. Discuss the importance of repentance and believing the Good News.
  3. Should we expect or pray for miracles to happen in this day and age?
  4. What must we learn of faith, trusting the word of God, the prayer of the righteous, and asking?

Learning Objectives:

Repentance, we are given grace through faith, trust in Christ, faith that heals, take Jesus at his word, promises of God, acting in faith.

Study Notes: