Life of ChristLesson 11

Miracles and HealingsRead Matthew 14.13-36; Mark 6.31-56; Luke 9.10b-17; John 6.1-71

1. How was Jesus affected by the surrounding crowd? (Matthew 14.14, Mark 6.34)

2. How is Jesus’s emotional response to the crowd of people (Matthew 14.14; Mark 6.34) helpful for us as we look on the lost? In what ways do you show compassion (or not) for the lost? Are there people whom you view as deserving your compassion more than others? How is this different than Jesus and even displeasing to the Lord? See James 2.1-7.

3. Read all three accounts of the narrative of the feeding of the 5000, what do you think the expectations and perspectives of the people involved were? Jesus, the crowd and the disciples?

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4. 5000 plus people, can you picture this scene? What details stand out to you? What do you think Jesus was trying to teach his disciples? Did they understand?

5. The Kingdom of God was on display and functioning here. Where else have we seen God provide for His people? See Exodus 16, 1 Kings 17 and 2 Kings 4.

6. What do the people observe about Jesus? (John 6.14)

7. Peter was so bold in asking Jesus for proof and so willing to step out of the boat. Why then did Peter react the way he did once he saw the waves? Can you relate to him? Can you recall a time when you doubted your circumstances after taking your eyes off Jesus? What caused your eyes to stray? How does Jesus respond to Peter?

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8. Mark tells us that the disciples did not understand the loaves and their hearts were hardened. What do you think this has to do with their reaction to Jesus walking on the water?

9. Who does Jesus claim to be? Why was this difficult for the people to understand? How did they react? (John 6.31-60)

10. What is the nature of the gospel in terms of its power according to John 6.35-40? Does this indicate that the gospel can lose its power or is the power eternal?

11. Jesus’s words in John 6.41-46 would have reminded the Jews of Isaiah. Read through Isaiah 53 to recall what the Jews would have remembered and then read Isaiah 54 and note the original quote that Jesus used. For what reasons did Jesus use this quote in his own context?

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12. What does Jesus say about His authority in John 6.32-40 and John 6.47-51?

13. What kind of food was Jesus referring to in John 6.22-71? How does one get that food? What else does He say about it? What role do we play in it?

14. Read John 6.52-60 and 1 Corinthians 11.17-33. How do the two passages affirm each other? What are they saying?

15. Jesus not only promises life after resurrection, but he also describes life in the present tense. What is continual feeding? What is abiding? How does this play out in your own life?

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16. How is one saved according to John 6.64-65? How is this encouraging in the midst of evangelizing? How does this reminder of Jesus’s mission from beginning to end encourage you?

17. According to the end of John 6, we learn that not only did the Jews, but even many of the disciples found Jesus’s teaching hard. What were the reasons they found it hard? How might people today (we) find Jesus’s teaching hard for some of the same reasons?

Yeast of Sadducees and Pharisees Read Matthew 15.1-16.12; Mark 7.1-8.26

1. How does Jesus characterize the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 15.7?

2. What significant claims was Jesus making about the Pharisees in Matthew 15.1-9 and Mark 7.1-13 by quoting from the Old Testament?

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3. What do you learn from the Matthew and Mark passages about what defiles a person? What added insight can we gain from James 3?

4. How does Jesus demonstrate Gospel hope for ALL according to Matthew 15.22-28 and Mark 7.24-30?

5. Praise the Lord, that He came not only to the Jews but to the Gentiles too. Spend some time in prayer this week thanking Him for calling you to be one of His own.

6. How is this feeding of the four thousand similar to the previous feeding according to Matthew 15 and Mark 8?

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7. How does Jesus characterize those who seek signs? (Matthew 16)

8. This week we have seen Jesus talk about bread and perform miracles with bread many times, and yet the disciples still struggle. Spend some time thanking the Lord for His lovingkindness and mercy that He has shown you when He repeatedly teaches you the same thing over and over so that we may understand Him more clearly.

9. Digging Deeper (Optional) Read Ezekiel 33.30-33. What is this saying and how does Jesus connect it to Himself?

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Jesus

There is a truth older than the agesThere is a promise of things yet to come

There is one born for our salvation

Jesus

There is a light that overwhelms the darknessThere is a kingdom that forever reigns

There is freedom from the chains that bind us

Jesus, Jesus

Who walks on the watersWho speaks to the sea

Who stands in the fire beside me

He roars like a lionHe bled as the Lamb

He carries my healing in His hands

Jesus

There is a name I call in times of troubleThere is a song that comforts in the night

There is a voice that calms the storm that rages

He is Jesus, Jesus

Who walks on the watersWho speaks to the sea

Who stands in the fire beside me

He roars like a lionHe bled as the Lamb

He carries my healing in His hands

MessiahMy Savior

There is power in Your nameYou're my rock and my Redeemer

There is power in Your nameIn Your name

You walks on the watersYou speaks to the sea

You stands in the fire beside me

You roars like a lionYou bled as the Lamb

You carries my healing in Your hands

Jesus, there is no one like YouJesus, there is no one like You

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Life of ChristLesson 12

Suffering Messiah RevealedRead Matthew 16.13-17.13; Mark 8.27-9.13; Luke 9.18-36b

1. Use the notes in your Bible or other source to determine: a. The meaning/connotation of the term “Christ”

b. The meaning/connotation of the phrase “Son of the living God”

c. Why did Jesus say that Peter was blessed? Who blessed him?

2. Re-read Matthew 14.22-33. Write down and meditate on the attributes of the Lord you see on display in this passage.

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3. First Peter acknowledges Jesus’s identity and after this, what does Jesus begin teaching His disciples according to Matthew 16.21?

4. Matthew’s account of the 1st foretelling of His death says “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things… “What does that tell you about Jesus’s mission from this point in his life?

5. How does Jesus say his disciples can “set their minds on the things of God?”

6. When Peter was rebuking Jesus after the foretelling of his death, Peter in essence was saying that he did not agree with or trust in God’s plan for Jesus’s life and mission on earth. Peter thought that he had a better way to accomplish God’s purposes. Are there any areas where you not agreeing with or trusting in God’s plan for your life? In what areas of life do you feel like your way is better? Take some to confess your lack of faith and ask God to help you trust and walk in His ways in faith.

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7. All three passages make specific mentions of how long after the previous conversation the transfiguration occurred. Why do you think this is?

8. Summarize the things the disciples experienced during the transfiguration: How did Jesus change? What/who did they see? What did they hear?

9. What is spoken in the meeting at the Transfiguration, according to Luke 9.31? What do Moses and Elijah represent in the scope of Biblical history?

10. What is Jesus’s command about the vision of the Transfiguration?

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11. What connection do the disciples make that Jesus redirects re. Elijah and the Transfiguration (Matthew 17.10; Mark 9.11-13)?

12. What was the purpose of the transfiguration for Christ? For the disciples?

13. What lessons did the disciples learn in Luke 9.28-36 about the real character and mission of Jesus? Is there any connection with the truths they had been taught in verse 20-27?

Putting Other FirstRead Matthew 17.14-18.35; Mark 9.14-59; Luke 9.37-50

1. What does a man need to do to be great in the Kingdom (Matthew 18.1-6; Luke 9.46-48)?

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2. In what specific ways are you dealing with pride and should rather, begin to demonstrate a humble spirit, as that of children?

3. What kind of forgiveness does God require of Believers? (Matthew 18.21-35)

Journey to JerusalemRead Matthew 8.19-22; Luke 9.51-62; John 7.1-10

1. How does the Centurion characterize Jesus? How does Jesus characterize the Centurion?

2. How did Jesus fulfill Isaiah 53.4 according to Matthew 8.16-17?

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3. What can we learn about wanting to follow Jesus if we are divided between that and the cares of the world?

4. Read Leviticus 23.33-43 and Deuteronomy 16.13-15 to learn the practices and purposes of the week-long celebration of the Feast of Booths.

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(Snippets from)

Lose My Soul Father God, I am clay in your hands

Help me to stay that way through all life's demands'Cause they chip and they nag and they pull at me

And every little thing I make up my mind to be

Chorus:I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul

Don't wanna walk away let me hear the people sayI don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul

Don't wanna walk away let me hear the people say

How do I sense the tide that's rising?De-sensitizing me from living in light of eternity

How do I sense the tide that's rising?It's hypnotizing me from living in light of eternity

Lord forgive us when we get consumed by the things of this world, That fight for our love, and our passion, As our eyes are open wide and on you.

Grant us the privilege of your world view, And may your kingdom be, what wakes us up, and lays us down.

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Life of ChristLesson 13

John 7.2 tells us that the following events happened during the Feast of Booths (7 days long). John gives us indications of what happened during the time of the feast. Read the Scripture passages and answer the following questions.

Feast of Booths Read John 7.11-52, John 8

1. When questioned about His authority to teach, what was Jesus’s response?

2. Why were the people surprised Jesus was speaking openly? They were seeking to seize Him, but no one touched Him. Why? How does this encourage you?

3. What two tests does our Lord suggest by which a man can discover whether Jesus’s teaching was true of divine origin? What will it cost you to apply these tests?

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4. What spiritual analogy does Jesus use on the last day of the feast? What is his invitation?

5. What does Jesus say about where He came from and where He is going? What is His relationship to the world? To God?

6. What prophetic statements does Jesus make in this section?

7. From Jesus’s interaction with the woman, what do we learn about His perspective on judging? What is the single instruction Jesus gives the woman?

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8. What does Jesus say is the connection between sin, truth, salvation and freedom?

9. In what ways is the promise of John 7.37-38 an advance on that of 4.13-14? What difference does the Holy Spirit make to your life?

10. What is Jesus claiming in John 8.58 and what is the response in John 8.59?

11. What did the Jews think would come with the Messiah according to Isaiah 42, 49, 50, 53? What were they misunderstanding in these chapters?

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12. What does Jesus offer the woman who is condemned by the Pharisees? Does this subsequent offer stand for every believer (John 8.9-11)?

13. Taking into account, John 8.31, how are we to “abide in the Word?” How is Jesus’s simple command to the prostitute to “go and sin no more” (John 8.11) Gospel-centered?

Lessons on Service and PrayerRead Luke 10-11

1. Read and summarize the instructions Jesus gave to the 72. What do these instructions and Jesus’s tone imply about the mission?

2. How do these verses show the urgency in both Jesus’s own concern for evangelism, and in the work he gives to His disciples? How should this provoke us?

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3. The 72 return, and what was their report? Despite this, how does Jesus instruct the 72? What does Jesus rejoice in? What does this prayer teach us about how the Father works and about Jesus’s unique relationship with His Father?

4. Summarize the parable of the Good Samaritan in your own words and the lesson Jesus was teaching.

5. The Parable of the Good Samaritan is in Luke 10.25-36. The lawyer asks Jesus what it is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” In answer to this, Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan. Without limiting yourself to your physical neighbor, in what ways are you better able to love your neighbor “as yourself”?

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6. Mary and Martha were both women who loved Jesus. Compare and contrast their actions and heart attitudes. What instruction does Christ give Martha? Who do you relate to? Why?

Mary Martha

7. What are the instructions that Jesus gives about prayer in Luke 11.1-13?

8. Luke 11 tells the story of Christ giving instructions on how to pray. What is Christ’s role now when it comes to us and prayer? See Hebrew 10.10-14, Hebrew 7.25, Romans 8.34, 1 John 2.1, Hebrews 7.25.

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9. We read about the instructions Jesus gave about prayer. Look back at other times in His life when He prayed. What do you learn about Him and His prayer life?

10. What is the difference between the prayer of the New Covenant (Luke 11.5-13) and the prayer of the Old Covenant? See Psalm 110 and Hebrews .)

11. After Jesus miraculously cast out the demon, what were the two responses of the people? What was Jesus’s answer?

12. Luke 11.29-32 talks about the evil of the generation seeking a sign to know that Jesus is who He claims to be. Have you ever erroneously sought for signs in making decisions (e.g., it rained today, so that must mean…)? How should you make decisions or come to conclusions instead of using signs?

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13. What is the analogy that Jesus uses with light and darkness? What warnings does he give? What does this spiritual analogy mean?

14. Read Luke 11.37-12.3. Read Christ’s words to the Pharisees and summarize his woes and criticisms. Translate these to modern life. What action or attitude does Jesus recommend? How can these sins be avoided?

Woes/Criticism Modern Life Explanations How to Avoid

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Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service

Lord, whose love through humble servicebore the weight of human need,

who upon the cross, forsaken,offered mercy’s perfect deed:

we, your servants, bring the worshipnot of voice alone, but heart,consecrating to your purpose

every gift that you impart.Still your children wander homeless;

still the hungry cry for bread;still the captives long for freedom;

still in grief we mourn our dead.As, O Lord, your deep compassionhealed the sick and freed the soul,

use the love your Spirit kindlesstill to save and make us whole.As we worship, grant us vision,till your love’s revealing light

in its height and depth and greatnessdawns upon our quickened sight,

making known the needs and burdensyour compassion bids us bear,stirring us to tireless striving,your abundant life to share.

Called by worship to your service,forth in your dear name we go

to the child, the youth, the aged,love in living deeds to show;

hope and health, good will and comfort,counsel, aid, and peace we give,

that your servants, Lord, in freedommay your mercy know, and live.

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Life of ChristLesson 14

WarningsRead Luke 12.4-59, Luke 13, John 9-10

Read Luke 12.4-591. According to these verses, what should our attitude be towards.

Persecution

God

Anxiety/fear

Material possessions

2. Luke 12.22-31 deals with anxiety over provision. Jesus says not to be anxious about “your life, what you will eat, nor your body, what you will wear.” What is the difference between being anxious about these things and seeking these things? How do you combat this anxiety?

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3. What should be the central motive in the life of a Christian? If this is taken seriously, what does Jesus promise with regard to material needs? How could this apply practically in your own situation?

4. Read Matthew 19.24-25, James 2 and Psalm 138.6. What about riches makes it more difficult for salvation to take? How are the wealthy called to respond in their soul?

5. What reason do these verses give us for being alert? In what ways can we be ready for our Master’s return? What are we warned about?

Read Luke 136. According to Christ, disasters and death, like these two events mentioned serve as a reminder to

do what?

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7. Answer the following questions about the parable of the barren fig tree.a) Who is the man?

b) Who is the vinedresser?

c) Who is the fig tree?

d) What are they looking for and did they find any?

e) How long did he wait before cutting down?

f) Summarize the meaning of this parable and what it teaches you about God and Jesus.

8. Trace the connection of thought between verses 1-5 and the parable verses 6-9. In light of the parable, what is meant by repent?

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9. What two things does Jesus compare the Kingdom of Heaven to? What potential meanings could this have?

10. In verses 18-21 what do these similes teach about the expansion of the Kingdom of God? What is the relevance of this to the evangelism? See also Mark 14.

11. According to Jesus, many will try to enter the narrow door but only a few will be able to. HOW do you get in through the narrow door?

12. What, in Jesus’s view, was wrong with the attitude of the ruler of the synagogue? Compare his reaction to Jesus’s miracle with that of the woman in the crowd. What made the difference?

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Opposition ContinuesRead John 9

1. What does the disciples’ question about the blind man reveal about their perspective of sickness? What did Jesus say was the cause of his blindness and for what purpose?

2. Summarize what Jesus said to the Pharisees regarding the difference between blindness and sight.

3. The disciples fall into a common trap in John 9.2 when they ask if the man born into blindness was bearing the consequence of his sin or his parents. Jesus gives great comfort by noting that it was neither the man’s sin, nor his parents’, but that God might be glorified. Are there times when you are tempted to judge the ailments that others might endure, thinking they might be suffering the consequences of sin (e.g. that child grew up and walked away from the faith because that parent did a bad job; that person has been suffering a lot and it’s probably because they haven’t been to church in so long, etc.)? Are there times people suffer the consequences of their sin in bodily ways?

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4. Just like the disciples asked “why” the blind man was blind, we often ask “why” when hard things in life happen. Based on Jesus’s response, what is the answer? How would you answer a friend, neighbor or child going through a trial or tragedy? What other verses can you use to help explain and give comfort?

5. Jesus said that he was the light of the world as long as he was in the world. Now that he is in heaven, who is the light of the world? (Matthew 5) How are you letting your light shine for the world?

6. Christ gives the command to be on guard against covetousness and to be unattached to wealth. Are you doing this? How? If so, how can grow in this area so that your treasure is in heaven, not in this temporary world? Get specific!

7. In what ways are you tempted (or guilty) of only outward obedience like the Pharisees? Take some time to confess your hypocrisy to God and ask him to help you walk in full obedience out of a heart of worship.

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8. The blind man was physically blind, but the Pharisees were spiritually blind as were all believers before God saved them. Read 2 Corinthians 4.4-6. What does it say about spiritual blindness? Take some time to thank God that He didn’t leave you in the darkness and blind in your sin, but sent Christ, our light to shine in your heart.

Read John 109. Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd and the door of the sheep. List all the things that the

Shepherd does for his sheep. What do the sheep do?

10. In verses 27 and 28, how is the sheep’s relation to the shepherd described, and how is the shepherd’s relation to the sheep described? On what grounds given in verses 28 and 29 can you be sure that you will never perish?

11. Why and by what did Jesus say that the Pharisees should know him?

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12. What did Jesus say that caused the Jews to want to stone him?

13. Look up Isaiah 35.6. We are all sheep who have gone astray, yet Christ, our Good Shepherd laid down his life for us to bring us into the fold! Read John 10 and list the blessings we receive from being in the flock of the Good Shepherd.

14. Compare and contrast the rewards of those who walk through the door of the false shepherds with the rewards of those who walk through the door provided from heaven. See Psalm 23

Earthly Door Heavenly Door

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15. Compare John 10 and Ezekiel 34. What seems to be the relationship between these two chapters?

16. Digging Deeper (Optional) By their attitude to the blind man, the Pharisees who claimed to be the spiritual guides of Israel as the people of God, had shown themselves to be “thieves and robbers”, like the false prophets of the Old Testament. See Jeremiah 23.1-4. Compare

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Good Shepherd of My SoulGood Shepherd of my soul

Come dwell within me.Take all I am and mould

Your likeness in me.Before the cross of Christ

This is my sacrifice:A life laid down

And ready to follow.

The troubled find their peaceIn true surrender.

The prisoners their releaseFrom chains of anger.

In springs of living graceI find a resting place

To rise refreshed,Determined to follow.

I'll walk this narrow roadWith Christ before me

Where thorns and thistles growAnd cords ensnare me.

Though doubted and deniedHe never leaves my side

But lifts my headAnd calls me to follow.

And when my days are goneMy strength is failingHe'll carry me along

Through death's unveilingEarth's struggles overcomeHeav'n's journey just begun

To search Christ's depthsAnd ever to follow.

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Life of ChristLesson 15

Background Note. This lesson and the next explore a 3 1/2 month period in Jesus’s life and ministry following the Feast of Dedication in December to Jesus’s final journey to Jerusalem at Passover.

Discipleship1. Read John 10.40-42; Luke 13.22-17.10

After being accused of blasphemy during His encounter with the Jews (John 10.22-39), where did Jesus go and how did the people respond to Him?

Read Luke 13.22-302. Summarize Jesus’s response to the person who asked, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?”

3. In verse 24, Jesus said that people are to “Strive to enter through the narrow door.” He made a similar statement in Matthew 7.13-14. How do Acts 16.30-31, Ephesians 2.4-9, and Titus 3.4-8 help us to understand that He was not promoting a works-based salvation? What then do you think He meant?

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4. Consider the warnings Jesus gave. Have you by grace entered by the narrow door? If so, praise Him for His grace to you. Or, if the Lord returned today, would you hear, “I do not know where you are from; Depart from me…”? If so, will you humble yourself right now, repent of your sins, and place your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, accepting His gift of salvation?

Read Luke 13.31-355. What does Jesus’s response tell you about a) His commitment to carrying out the work His

Father had prepared for Him, b) His feelings for the people of Jerusalem (Israel), and c) the impending judgment of Jerusalem?

Read Luke 14.1-146. What question did Jesus pose to the lawyers and Pharisees at the Sabbath meal? What was their

response?

7. Review the parable of the wedding feast in verses 7-11. To whom was it addressed? What lesson was Jesus teaching? How can you apply it to your life?

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8. Review verses 12-14. To whom was Jesus’s instruction addressed? What lesson was Jesus teaching? What phrase tells you that Jesus was talking about more than earthly rewards?

9. Review the parable of the great banquet in verses 15-24. Background. During Jesus’s day, it was customary for the host of a banquet to send out two sets of invitations to the invited guests. The first was sent well in advance to the invitees. The second invitation was sent to those who had previously responded to the initial invitation to announce that the banquet was ready to be enjoyed. a. What happened when the second invitation was sent out?

b. How did the host (master) respond when his servant told him that those he had previously invited had rejected his invitation?

c. When the invitation was extended to the outcasts of Jewish society (the poor, crippled, blind, and lame), how was it received? When there still was room at the table, to whom was the invitation extended?

d. How did Jesus conclude the parable in verse 24?

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e. How do you understand this parable in light of what Jesus came to do (Luke 19.10) and to whom His offer of salvation was extended? See Matthew 21.43 and Acts 13.46.

Read Luke 14.25-3510. Review verses 25-33. At first glance, the conditions that Jesus laid down for being His disciple

seem severe. What message do you think He was trying to convey? And, why was this important for those in the crowd to consider?

11. If you are a disciple of Christ, what sacrifices have you made in your walk with Jesus? How can you use these experiences and the blessings that have followed your faithful walk to encourage others to follow Him?

Read Luke 15.1-3212. Describe the parables of the Lost Sheep (vs. 4-7) and the Lost Coin (vs. 8-10). Who initiated the

search? What type of search ensued? What was the response when the lost items were found? What lesson was Jesus teaching with these two parables?

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13. Consider the younger son in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. a. What demand did he make to his father? How did this reveal what he valued?

b. Upon receiving his inheritance, what did he do? How did it turn out?

c. What happened to get him to reconsider the error of his ways? And what attitudes/actions demonstrated true repentance on his part?

14. Consider the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son.a. How did he respond to the younger son’s demand?

b. How did he react when he saw his son returning home? What does that reveal about his attitude toward his son?

c. How can you tell that the father forgave the younger son?

d. How did he react to the older son who was angry at his brother’s restoration?

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15. Consider the older son in the Parable of the Prodigal Son.a. What did his response tell you about the condition of his heart?

b. Do you think he loved his younger brother? Why or why not?

c. Do you think he loved his father? Why or why not?

16. What lessons were Jesus teaching in the Parable of the Prodigal Son? How is the Gospel on display in this passage?

Read Luke 16.1-3117. How does Jesus expect his disciples to handle money? What warning did Jesus give in verse 13?

See also similar teachings by Paul in 1 Timothy 6.9-10, 17-19.

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18. Consider Jesus’s teaching in verses Luke 16.19-31.a. How is the rich man portrayed? How should he have used his wealth? What judgment did

he receive?

b. What choice have you made concerning how you will spend the wealth entrusted to you by God? If you have mistakenly placed your trust in money and material possessions, it is not too late to change course. Take time to repent and ask for help to wisely use the resources the Lord has entrusted to you to further His kingdom for His glory.

Read Luke 17.1-1019. How serious does Jesus take sin? How are we to respond to sin in brother’s life? (See Matthew

18.15-17) How are we to forgive? (See Ephesians 4.32 and Colossians 3.12-14).

The Raising of LazarusRead John 11.1-44

1. What sort of relationship did Jesus have with Lazarus and his family? (See also Luke 10.38-42 and John 12.1-7).

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2. What did Jesus say was the purpose for raising Lazarus from the dead? (Note. there was more than one purpose) Which one do you think was primary? Why?

3. What does this passage reveal about the relationship between Jesus and his disciples? How does this encourage you in your relationship with the Lord?

4. After Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days, Jesus arrived in Bethany and Martha went out to meet Him. Summarize the encounter between Martha and Jesus. What significant statement did Jesus make about Himself? What confession did Martha make in response?

5. Upon hearing that Jesus had arrived, what did Mary do and how did Jesus respond? What does this tell you about Him? What conclusions did the Jews who followed Mary make?

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6. What did this miracle demonstrate about who Jesus is? How does this affect your faith in Him and His promises?

7. Digging Deeper (Optional). The raising of Lazarus was the ultimate sign presented in John’s Gospel to demonstrate that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His Name. (John 20.31). Review the other signs John presented and note how each causes your faith to increase. *Turning Water into Wine (John 2.1-11); Healing the Official’s Son (John 4..6-54); Healing the Lame Man (John 5.1-15); Feeding the Five Thousand (John 6.1-14); Walking on the Water (John 6.16-21); Healing the Blind Man (John 9.1-12)

The Plot to Kill JesusRead John 11.45-57

1. What two responses do you see to Jesus’s miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead?

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2. Summarize the Council’s debate over what to do about Jesus. What was significant about Caiaphas’ statement in verses 49-52? What did they ultimately plan to do? How did this affect Jesus? What time of the year was at hand? Why was this significant?

Devotion1. What attributes/character traits of Jesus were revealed in the above passages? How do they

cause you to love Him more? Take time to praise Him for who He is and what He has done so that sinners can be saved.

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In You Alone

This storm-tossed heartHas finally found a harbor

In You my heartHas finally found its home

And You will be my dwelling placeForever O my Lord

My shade and shelter and my song

In You alone my heart rejoicesIn You alone is all delight

In You alone is all my gladnessIn You alone my soul is satisfied

Satisfied in You alone

This wandering heartHas come back to its Shepherd

My wandering heartBy precious blood is healed

Oh sing the mercies ofOur mighty Savior and our King

Great love of God in flesh revealed

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Life of ChristLesson 16

Background Note. This lesson continues the exploration of the 3 1/2 month period in Jesus’s life and ministry following the Feast of Dedication in December to Jesus’s final journey to Jerusalem at Passover.

Jesus Heals Ten LepersRead Luke 17.11-19

1. What did the lepers ask of Jesus? What was His response? What did their obedience demonstrate and how were they blessed?

2. What was significant about the one who returned to Jesus? How did he show his commitment to Christ? What did Jesus say about the man’s faith?

3. Consider the nine healed lepers who did not return to thank Jesus. Who were they (Jew or Gentile)? How does their response mirror Israel’s attitude toward the Jesus, the Messiah?

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The Coming of the KingdomRead Luke 17.20-37

1. The Pharisees were mistakenly looking for a Messiah to overthrow Rome and set up a kingdom on earth. How did Jesus address this erroneous thinking?

2. What did Jesus tell His disciples about His second coming? What event must precede the second coming?

Two Parables on PrayerRead Luke 18.1-14

1. Who was the Parable of the Persistent Widow addressed to? What point was Jesus making? Notice the contrast between the unrighteous judge and God.

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2. The Apostle Paul, like Jesus, commands us to “always pray and not lose heart” (Ephesians 6.18, I Thessalonians 5.17) and he, like Jesus, provided himself as an example for us to follow (Romans 1.9, II Thessalonians 1.11). Why do you think this teaching is so often repeated in Scripture? Consider your own prayer life. What practical steps can you take to grow in grace in this area? How can you encourage others in their own prayer lives?

3. Consider the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. a. Who was the parable addressed to and why did they need to hear Jesus’s teaching?

b. What did the tax collector know about his spiritual condition? Who did he turn to for mercy? How is this a picture of the Gospel? Are you self-righteous like the Pharisee or are you humble like the tax collector? Will you humble yourself and cry out to God asking Him to be merciful to you, a sinner?

Kingdom CommunityRead Matthew 19.1-20.34, Mark 10.1-52; Luke 18.15-19.28

1. What question did the Pharisees pose to Jesus? What argument did Jesus make that skillfully avoided Him getting embroiled in the current controversy? (Note. “These questions were designed to trap Christ in a controversy that raged among the Jews.” J. Dwight Pentecost)

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2. To what did He attribute Moses’s instructions in Deuteronomy 24.1-4?

3. What exception did Jesus make to the requirement that marriage be for life? According to Matthew 19.9 and I Corinthians 7.15, 39, when is remarriage allowed?

4. Why did Jesus rebuke the disciples? What emotion did He express?

5. What did Jesus mean when He said, “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it”? What characteristics do infants/children have that are required for salvation?

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6. Compare the three passages. What can you learn about the man who asked Jesus, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Matthew Mark Luke

7. Mark 10.21 records Jesus’s love for the young man. What instruction did He give to the young man and why was this the loving thing to do? How did the young man respond? What did he end up forfeiting?

8. How did Jesus encourage His disciples? What difficulty did He not hide from His disciples? (Mark 10.30)

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9. Where was Jesus heading? Who was with Him? What did he tell His disciples would happen to Him?

10. What did James and John ask of Jesus? How did Jesus respond? How did the ten other disciples react?

11. What cup was ordained for Jesus that no mere man could drink? (See Isaiah 51.17, 22, Matthew 26.39, John 18.11)

12. How are Christ’s disciples to conduct themselves in contrast to Gentile rulers? How did Jesus set the supreme example of servant leadership? (See Mark 10.45, John 13.3-5, 13-15, Philippians 2.5-8).

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13. What did Bartimaeus understand about Jesus and what did he ask of Him?

14. What do you learn about the Jesus in the healing of Bartimaeus and his companion?

15. Who was Zacchaeus and what interest did he show in Jesus?

16. How did Jesus, in grace, reach out to Zacchaeus? How did Zacchaeus respond? What proof do you see that Zacchaeus’ conversion was genuine?

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17. How did the crowd respond? What did they not understand about who Jesus was and what He came to do?

18. Why did Jesus tell the Parable of the Ten Minas? What did He want His disciples to know?

Devotion1. Mark 10.45 tell us, “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life

as a ransom for many.” Look back at the passages from this lesson and list the ways Jesus served those in need. Take a moment to consider that He did all of this in the weeks leading up to His death on the cross. How does that make you love Him more?

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His Mercy Is More

What love could remember, no wrongs we have doneOmniscient, all-knowing, He counts not their sum

Thrown into a sea without bottom or shoreOur sins they are many, His mercy is more

What patience would wait as we constantly roamWhat Father so tender is calling us home

He welcomes the weakest, the vilest, the poorOur sins they are many, His mercy is more

What riches of kindness He lavished on usHis blood was the payment His life was the costWe stood ‘neath a debt we could never afford

Our sins they are many, His mercy is more

Praise the LordHis mercy is more

Stronger than darknessNew every morn’

Our sins they are many, His mercy is more

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