John 11 describes one of the most dramatic incidents in the life of Jesus. Read Verses 1-6. What is most surprising to you about the words and actions of Jesus?
I am obviously most surprised that Jesus didn't run to his friends side. But the flip side of this is the confidence that he displayed in his words. He starts out by saying "this sickness will not end in death." Jesus knows what will happen so why say this? I think this is really a display of compassion. Jesus is telling Mary and Martha to be comforted. I also think Jesus shows further compassion by saying the sickness is for God's glory. He is telling the sisters "this seems really bad, but God is awesome! Sisters take heart!"
How many times have we faced a circumstance that to our minds seems like it can't be overcome? Do you hear Jesus in that circumstance saying "it will not end they way you think it will. This is for God's glory because He can overcome anything." Take Heart! God is waiting to turn your desperate situation into a miracle.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Session 5: Day 5
Hi all! Here's one last question to think about over the weekend in preparation for our study on Sunday. We are scheduled to meet at the Draayer's.
What would you say are the overall lessons of faith that we can learn from what happened on the day and night described in Matthew 14:13-31?
Well, I feel like there's so many lessons packed in to these few verses. These verses are full of miracles, and proof that Jesus is looking out for us and will provide for us in our time of need - we just need to have faith.
But time and time again, as humans, we fall short of having that faith. Often times we need more and more proof - like Peter did when Jesus appeared on the water. Or we try to handle things ourselves, or we say, "it's impossible, I can't do that." Like the disciples said about feeding the people.
Friends, nothing is impossible with God on our side. And we don't always need more proof to know that He's working in and around us, and that He'll provide what we need. We just need to get out of the boat and walk towards Jesus, and He'll take care of the rest.
What would you say are the overall lessons of faith that we can learn from what happened on the day and night described in Matthew 14:13-31?
Well, I feel like there's so many lessons packed in to these few verses. These verses are full of miracles, and proof that Jesus is looking out for us and will provide for us in our time of need - we just need to have faith.
But time and time again, as humans, we fall short of having that faith. Often times we need more and more proof - like Peter did when Jesus appeared on the water. Or we try to handle things ourselves, or we say, "it's impossible, I can't do that." Like the disciples said about feeding the people.
Friends, nothing is impossible with God on our side. And we don't always need more proof to know that He's working in and around us, and that He'll provide what we need. We just need to get out of the boat and walk towards Jesus, and He'll take care of the rest.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Session 5: Day 2
Here's another question to think about as we prepare for the study this Sunday:
Look again at the incidents of one evening described in Matthew 14:15-21. How would you summarize the actions taken by the disciples?
Look again at the incidents of one evening described in Matthew 14:15-21. How would you summarize the actions taken by the disciples?
Monday, November 7, 2011
Session 5: Day 1
Here's the Day 1 quesstion to prepare us for session 5. I've also sent you all invites to become authors of this blog, so you don't have to wait for Ron and I to post something each week. For the time being, I'm leaving this particular post "open", so feel free to comment below.
Look at a busy day of ministry for Jesus as described in Matthew 14:13-14. Verses 15-21 go on to tell us what happened later that day. What do you think Jesus was trying to accomplish in the hearts and lives of his disciples?
Look at a busy day of ministry for Jesus as described in Matthew 14:13-14. Verses 15-21 go on to tell us what happened later that day. What do you think Jesus was trying to accomplish in the hearts and lives of his disciples?
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