BiblicalMastery Buddy's bible blog

Lesson 22

Patience is a virtue

Luke 8:40-56

Patience is a virtue.  I agree with the title of this lesson.  I will have to admit however is that it is not one of the qualities I possess.  Over the years I have used the term aggressive patience which means that to achieve a goal I would keep driving forward until someone began to buy into the idea as their own.  It is difficult for me to see how slowly we sometimes move in churches.

Over the years I have had an interest in trying to understand how people with different personalities relate to each other.  Hopefully this study has helped me reach the point that I do not need to push my own agenda but am willing to listen and respect what the other person is saying. It has not been easy but I am trying to work on it.

 Change does not bother me, as much as holding on to programs and traditions that have been in place for years and no one is willing to do anything about them.  When I read statistics, like it takes seven years to bring about a different culture in organizations, I wonder how we get anything done. Our unwillingness to recognize that society is changing and we in the church are not keeping up with the different attitudes of all age groups, we are missing out on the opportunity to reach these people for Christ.  There must be the proper tension between moving too fast and not changing at all.  Jesus always did the right thing at the right time.

Luke 8:40

After the episode with the demoniac and the people of Gerasenes, Jesus returned to Galilee.  There He found a crowd waiting for Him to return.  How different was their attitude from the one He found east of the Sea of Galilee.

1. Why were the crowds waiting for Jesus?
2. How was their attitude different than the one seen on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee?
3. Why did the people of Gerasenses miss out on what Jesus could do? (They were so caught up in their loss that they did not give Him a chance to speak to or heal the people.)
4. How can we miss out on what Jesus wants to do in the church?

Luke 8:41-42a

Among those who came to Jesus upon His return was Jairus.  He would not be a person that would have been expected to welcome Jesus.  He was an official of the synagogue.  As soon as he came to Jesus he fell down before Him as a sign of humility and reverence.  Desperation will often drive a person to do what he or she would not ordinarily do.  He had a twelve year old daughter at home who was dying.  He knew that her only hope lay with Jesus.

 

1. Why would it be unusual for a man like Jairus to approach Jesus? (He was a Jewish leader in the synagogue.)
2. What was his attitude as he came to Jesus? (One of humility and reverence.)
3. What are the things that happen to a person that will cause him to come to Jesus?
4. Why did Jairus come to Jesus?
5. What did he think Jesus could do for him?

Luke 8:42b

A significant fact is presented at the end of this verse. It would set the stage for what was to come next. Luke wrote that as Jairus started off with Jesus there was a crowd pressing in on Him.

Luke 8:43-44

Among the crowd was a woman who had been hemorrhaging for twelve years.  This condition made her unclean.  She was not to be among people who might touch her and become unclean themselves. Mark gives a picture of her desperate condition in Mark 5:25-26. She had spent everything she had but had not gotten any better in all those years. She seized the opportunity to be anonymous as a part of the crowd and came up to Jesus and touched His clothing.  Immediately, she was made well.

1. What was the condition of the woman who became part of the crowd?
2. Why was she not even supposed to be among the crowd?
3. What part did the crowd play in her willingness to approach Jesus?
4. Why did she just touch His garment and not come up to Him and ask for healing?
5. What was the result of her actions?
6. What did it show about her? (She had faith that Jesus could help her.)

Luke 8:45-46

Even though He had not seen the woman or even knew who she was He sensed that there had been a power drain from His body. Jesus stopped the trip to Jairus’ house to deal with the present situation.  As will be seen it was more than the act of healing about which He was concerned. There was a greater issue that involved the spiritual well being of the woman. He immediately wanted to know who had touched Him.  What He was really asking was where is the person who has been healed?  Peter’s answer is interesting.   He indicated that the people were pressing in very tightly about Him.  This is a telling statement.  Of all the people touching Him and getting close to Him only the woman received healing. Not receiving a satisfactory answer He emphatically stated, “Someone did touch Me, for I was aware that power has gone out of Me.”

1. How did Jesus know that someone was healed?
2. What did He do at that point? (He did not continue on to Jairus’ house until He had finished His dealing with the woman.)
3. Why was the woman the only one healed of all those crowding in around Him?
4. Why did the people miss out on the experience that the woman had? (They may have been following Him to see what He would do at the home of Jairus.  They were curious as the action He might take.
5. What had the woman hope to do? (Be healed and disappear.)
6. Why was Jesus so emphatic in His attempt to find out who had been healed? (There was more than just physical healing that needed to occur.)
7. What does this show about the feeling of Jesus for each of us?

Luke 8:47-48

When the woman found that she would not be able to get away from Jesus until she revealed herself, she came and fell down before Him.  There is no way to know what thoughts were going through her mind.  She may have even wondered if He would take away her healing because of her actions.  She had been disappointed so many times before she may have decided this one might end in the same way.

Immediately, she confessed what she had done and the reason for it.  Rather than condemning her He gave the greatest gift of all. He called her daughter and affirmed that it was her faith that had brought about her healing.  As He did with others He commanded her to go in peace with the realization that she truly was healed.

1. What did the woman soon realize?
2. Why would Jesus not let her hide?
3. Once she realized that she could not hide what thoughts may have gone through her head?
4. Why did Jesus wait until she had confessed before declaring her completely healed? (Without the peace and assurance from Him, she could never be sure if what had occurred was real and permanent.)
5. Why will Jesus not allow any of us to hide in the crowds of this world?
6. How does He deal with men? (One at a time)
7. What are the things that you need to confess that will free you and give you peace?

Luke 8:49

Luke then returned to Jairus who had to endure in agony and possibly patience the time that Jesus had taken with the woman.  Surely, he must have wondered, did Jesus not understand the urgency of the crisis that was taking place in the life of his daughter? To add to his angst, someone came to him with the news that his daughter was dead and he did not need to bother Jesus any longer.  One can only imagine what Jairus must have felt at that moment.  His daughter was dead and the One who may have helped her had spent precious moments with the other woman.

1. What was possibly going on in Jairus’ mind the whole time Jesus was dealing with the woman?
2.  How would Jairus’ thinking change when he found out his daughter had dead?
3. On what occasion have you anguished over a child and wondered why no one seemed to be able to help you?
4. What did Jairus not know about Jesus? (He had authority even over death.)
5. Why didn’t Jesus rush over to the home of Jairus like so many of us would have done?
6. What were the crowds expecting?
7. What would the news of the death done to the mindset of the crowds? (See John 11:37)

Luke 8:50

Two things that Jesus heard caused him to respond to Jairus. 

• The news of the death of his daughter.
• The words of the crowd telling him not to bother Jesus anymore because there was no hope.

Jesus then said to him directly and the crowd indirectly that he needed to continue to believe.  His faith would bring about her healing.  Her life would only be final if he gave up on the faith that brought him to Jesus in the first place.

1. Why did Jesus feel a need to speak to Jairus? (Jairus may have believed the messenger and given up.)
2. What part did the faith of Jairus play in the healing of his daughter?
3. Why did Jesus speak of her healing and not raising her from the dead? (Death would have been final.  The little girl was yet to live.)
4. If Jesus had agreed with the messengers and turned away what impact would His ministry have among the people?
5. What happens to the faith of the people when we do not follow through with our ministry to them?

Luke 8:51

Jesus did not turn away from Jairus but went on to his home. Only Peter, James and John and the parents were allowed to go into the room where the little girl was.  The action that was about to taken was for the benefit of the family and a learning experience for the three disciples. All of the professional mourners were kept outside.  His words to that group were to stop weeping and mourning for someone who was not dead but sleeping.  They of course did not understand what He meant and began to make fun of His remarks.  In their minds they knew that she was dead. Another valid reason to exclude them was their lack of faith. They could have easily caused Jairus’ faith to falter. His faith was to be instrumental in the healing of his daughter and must not lag.

1. What did the fact that Jesus continued on to his house say to Jairus?
2. Why did Jesus only allow the inner circle of disciples and the parents to enter the room with Him? (It was for the family and not meant to be like a circus.  They were the ones most affected by the little girl’s death.)
3. Why were the professional mourners kept outside? (They may have frightened the little girl as she awoke from her sleep.  To witness such a miracle would have stirred up the crowd to demand more and more from Jesus. Their lack of faith would be a hindrance to what He was about to do.)
4. Why did the crowd make fun of Jesus’ words? (They truly did not understand His authority over death.  They may have also concluded that He was not taking the death of the girl seriously and was only saying those words to placate the parents.)
5. How might their continual display of grief and ridicule of Jesus’ words affect the faith of Jairus?
6. How would a superficial regard for the things of God affect the faith of a non or new believer?
7. How do we keep that from happening?

Luke 8:54-56

Once they were alone, Jesus turned His attention toward the daughter. His words rang out with authority as He took her by the hand and commanded her to get up.  She did as she was told as she came back to life. Jesus immediately commanded that she be given something to eat. This act did two things.

• It proved to the parents that she was indeed allright.
• It also diverted attention away from Jesus.

Even though Jairus had displayed faith in going to Jesus, this was beyond what he expected.  He had gone to ask Jesus to heal a sick girl but ended with her being raised from the dead.  It would be expected that they would be full of amazement that such a thing could be done.  To keep what had occurred from being broadcast, they were told not to share it with anyone.  Jesus was not into promoting Himself as a miracle worker.  That was not His primary mission.

1. Why did He use such strong words to speak to the daughter? (It was to emphasize His authority over death.)
2. Why was Jairus amazed when Jesus healed his daughter? (He was only expecting Jesus to do what He had done before, heal the sick not to raise the dead.)
3. Why did Jesus not want the family to tell what He had done?
4. What has Jesus done in your life or those you know that has completely amazed you?
5. Why are we now to proclaim what Jesus has done rather than keeping it quiet?

 

• Read once again Galatians 5:22. Notice that patience is one of the fruit of the Spirit.
• See if you are trying to get ahead of God in a decision you are facing.
• Look at your life and see if the lack of faith is stymieing what Christ truly wants to do for you.
• Do not take your walk with Jesus lightly.  Let Him work deep into your heart to change you into one who loves Him with all your heart, soul and mind.
• Look at how Jesus had authority over the woman’s problem and death and believe He wants to do the same kind of work in you.
• Do not ever try to hide from God but come to Him and confess all that we have done to receive forgiveness and healing of our spirit.

Jairus set the example for all of us.  Even as a leader in the synagogue he became desperate enough that he was willing to forget all of the traditions of his religion and reach out to the one person he knew could help him.  Jesus was not popular among the Jewish leaders but Jairus did not care what others thought.  He needed help. The woman was so ashamed of her condition that she hoped she could just blend in with crowd and touch Jesus as so many others were doing and no one would ever know she had been there. For her to have to confess her past face to face with Jesus was a difficult thing to do.  We need to be so compassionate towards the Jairus’ and women of the world that they believe that there will be no condemnation when they do not know and rules and traditions.  As Jesus displayed patience with the woman and Jairus had to be patient to realize that Jesus would carry through with the healing of his daughter even though she was dead.

Jesus is patient with the church when we fail Him as we so often do.  He continues to call us to face Him and confess our wrong doings.  When we are willing to forget ourselves and turn everything over to Him He will bring healing to us and make us stronger to share His good news to those who need to hear it.

 

Lesson 21

A Man Set Free

Luke 8:26-39

There is one thing that I have learned over the years.  It is that things will not always turn out as I expected.  I have often tried to put myself in a position to get a particular job only to have it fall through or someone would get it.  Even in spiritual walk my plans have not always turned out the way I thought they would.  This is not to say there have not been special things take place.  They were usually however unexpected.

One of those is the privilege of writing the Bible study material for the church.  If someone had told me even five years ago that I would be sitting down right now putting words into the computer that would be used by the youth and adults, I would have thought they were joking.  For many years I have been writing, but never considered it going beyond being put in a desk drawer at home for my children to read someday.  God has done many things in my life that I would have never expected.  There is neither time nor space here to share them.

We in the church can make plans but sometimes God has other ideas.  Some new people come into the congregation which changes the dynamics of the way we do ministry.  They may well bring new ideas that will help us to get out of the status quo.  We need to be ready for change to come.  We need to be ready for the culture of the church to change.  With the changing of our community we can either expect the makeup of the church to change or we may find ourselves watching the church slowly die.  Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee to get some rest. Along the way He ran into a storm.  He landed on the other side not expecting to be confronted by a demon possessed man and a group of people who had hardened hearts who did not want Him there.  Probably we will not face challenges even close to those for drama, but there will opportunities thrust upon us.  We must learn to deal with the unexpected.

 

Luke 8:26-28

Having weathered the storm they sailed on until they arrived at their destination in the country of Gerasenes. The exact location of the city is not known today.  Upon their arrival they encountered a man possessed by many demons.  There are a number of things that Luke wrote about the man.

• The possession had been for a long period of time.
• He ran around without clothing
• He lived among the tombs and not in a house

All of these would indicate the depth to which this man had fallen.  He had no shame, obviously no job and no one with whom he could relate socially. Those who knew him would have been terrified to come out to where he was therefore he would have been totally isolated.

1. How bad was the condition of the man?
2. Why does Luke give us such a full description of him? (He wanted to let us know the affects of his possession.)
3. What would be the reaction of men towards someone like him?
4. How does his condition describe the state of a man without Christ? (We are just as lost unless we have been healed of sin which leads to death.)

Unlike his fellow countrymen, Jesus had no reason to fear of the man or the demons.  Just the opposite was true.  The fear in that the demons had of Jesus was evident.  This could be seen in their words as He approached the man.  Upon seeing Jesus the man, which meant the demons who had taken over his life, fell before Him in obedience.  They wanted to know what He planned to do to them. Notice their recognition of Him as the “Son of the Most High God.”  The disciples had just asked “Who then is this?” The demons knew without a doubt that they were in the presence of God.  Their second question related to their ultimate judgment.  They pleaded with Him, wanting to know if it was going to occur immediately or would He wait until the end times when the devil and all his minions would be cast into the lake of fire.  It appears they wanted to delay the time as long as possible.

1. In what way was Jesus different from the people who lived in the area? (They wanted no part of the demon possessed man.  They were as afraid of him as the demons were of Jesus.)
2. What was the initial reaction of the demon possessed man?
3. What did the words of the demons indicate about them?
4. Why did they find it necessary to beg Jesus
5. How is it that the demons could recognize the identity of Christ when so many have such difficulty doing so?
6. What was the significance of the title?
7. What brought fear into the voices of the demons?
8. In what ways are their actions like those of mankind today? (They want to delay making a decision to give up their secular lifestyles as long as they can?

Luke 8:29-31

Jesus had already begun to command the demons to leave the man.  Luke further describes the condition of the man.  He said

• The man had been seized many times by the demon.
• The people had tried to keep him chained up for protection.
• While possessed he had the strength to break the chains.
• The demons would drive him into the desert.

Since the demon refused to leave Jesus asked his name.  The demon, rather than the man, spoke telling Jesus his name was legion.  In the Roman army a legion would be six thousand men.  From that description the man was totally dominated by the demons.  Jesus now knew the enemy He faced.  Even in that large number they became cowards before Him.  They were still begging Him not to send them into the abyss, the place of eternal punishment.

1. Why was Jesus not able to cast the demon out of the man, immediately? (He did not realize the extent to which the man was possessed.)
2. Why did He ask the man his name?
3. Why did the demon speak rather than the man? (Indicates that the demons had taken complete control of the man.)
4. What did it mean for the answer to come back to Jesus that his name was legion?
5. What type of term was it? (A military term meaning six thousand troops.)
6. Even with that number of demons why were they still begging Jesus not to send them to their final judgment?

Luke 8:32-34

 The demons saw an alternative right before them.  There was a large herd pigs eating on the mountain side being tended by herdsmen.  The demons asked Jesus permission to enter the swine rather than being cast out into the abyss.  Notice that the demons had no power over the situation.  Jesus was in complete control.  He granted their request and allowed them to enter into the pigs.  Immediately, the swine became wild and ran down the hill and plunged into the water and drowned.  Someone wrote that the pigs would rather be dead than demon possessed.

The herdsmen who had witnessed the event went into town and surrounding country side to report the incident, most likely to the owners of the herd.

1. What was the alternative that the demons saw before them?
2. What does this show about their desperation to keep from entering the abyss?
3. If the demons feared the place what actions should we take to avoid going there?
4. Why did Jesus allow the demons to enter the swine?

Luke 8:35-37a

Upon hearing the news many of the people came out to see what had occurred.  The scene they found was much different than had previously been the case.  One thing there were no herds of swine, they had all drowned.  That one fact would have made the people angry because they had suffered a great economic loss.  What they found was Jesus, his disciples and the man.  Evidence of his healing was obvious.  He was

• Sitting at the feet of feet of Jesus.
• Clothed
• In his right mind.

The scene frightened the men of the city and rightfully so.  They were in the presence of One who had power over demons.  Their occupation would indicate they themselves had no regard for the ways of God.  To raise swine would have been an example of breaking the Mosaic Law.  What had been reported to them was an accurate account.  The response of the people to the healing was a strange one.  Rather than rejoicing that a man had been made whole again they were upset that the swine had been lost.  They wanted Jesus to go.  They had no desire to hear anything He might have said to them.  Like so many today they would rather live a life paralyzed by fear than to hear the message that could have brought freedom to them.

1. Why did the people come out to where Jesus was? (To see if what they had heard was true.)
2. What did they find?
3. What picture did Luke paint for us to show the complete healing of the man? (Everything about him was different.  He had been transformed.)
4. Why were the people frightened?
5. What did their request for Jesus to leave show about their priorities in life?
6. In what ways are we sometimes like those people?
7. What are the important things in our lives that might take precedent over the work of God?
8. Why does being confronted by God bring paralyzing fear into a person’s life?

Luke 8:37b

Seeing that He would not be able to bring spiritual of physical healing to them, He accommodated them.  The people had closed their minds and hearts to what God would have done for them.  Jesus will not stay where He is not wanted.  He and His disciples got right back into the boat to return back across the Sea of Galilee.  It would appear that Jesus had gone through the storm to touch one man’s life.

1. Why did Jesus agree to leave?
2. What did He not attempt to heal any of the people?
3. In what ways do we show that Jesus through the Holy Spirit is welcome in our midst?
4. What are some of the things we might do that would say to Him you are not welcome?
5. How does Jesus respond to those two scenarios?
6. Given the circumstances shared above why did Jesus go to the land of Gerasenes?
7. How much effort will He expend to bring about the spiritual healing of one person?

Luke 8:38-39

There was one individual out of all the people who was glad that Jesus had come.  His life had been totally changed from the inside out.  As Jesus was preparing to leave the man begged Him for the opportunity to go with Him.  Jesus however had another plan for the man’s life.  The task he was given was a difficult one.  He was to go to the people who were very familiar with his former life.  Jesus had him return home and tell everyone the great things that God had done for him. The man obeyed Jesus and went throughout the city and gave testimony to his new life in Christ. 

1. Why would the man want to go with Jesus?
2. What plan did Jesus have for the man?
3. Why would the command of Jesus possibly be difficult for the man?
4. Who are the most difficult people to whom you are called to witness?
5. What action showed that the man’s life had been completely changed by Jesus?
6. Where is the one place you would not want to be sent to witness for Jesus? Why?

 

• Be willing to reach out to the unlovely.
• Care more about God’s children than anything else on this earth.
• Be willing to obey Christ even when the thing you are being asked to do is difficult.

Sometimes God is going to bring into our presence those who are unlovely.  They may have faced the ravages of their own storms and are angry or hurt.  Jesus’ words to the man beyond the Sea of Galilee in Gerasenes still speak to us today.  In all the calmness of His own spirit because of His confidence of the Father, He freed the man from the prison in which he found himself.  Jesus stopped the wind and waves and then cast out the demons possessing the man.  Let us work to do the same to those who are in our midst.  We do not know what their past may have been but we can surely point them to a brighter tomorrow.  The man was given the difficult task of witnessing to those who knew him best and was willing to go and tell.  We as the church are not to allow any circumstance to keep us from doing the same.  Remember in Christ there is victory.

 

Lesson 20

Faith or Fear

Luke 8:22-25

All of us have had or do have things which we fear.  Up until my teenage years I had a fear of drowning.  I enjoyed being in the water as long as I could touch bottom. The thought of going in over my head caused me to panic.  It was the one thing that paralyzed me.  There is one instance that stands out in my mind, even to this day.  Neither of which I am particularly proud.   My dad and uncle took my cousin, one of her friends and me to a swimming pool. They had a float which allowed them to swim around.  I do not know how exactly it happened but somehow I grabbed hold of the float and was pulled out into deeper water.  The first thought I had was I was going to drown, which was not true because the float was able to keep us afloat.  In my panic I began to yell.  My dad came to the rescue.  There were consequences to my actions. We immediately had to leave the pool.  You can just imagine how my cousin felt about me.

It was not until my teenage years that I finally gained the confidence to go into deeper water.  It was one of the most freeing experiences I have had.  All those years my fear had kept me from doing some of the very things I enjoyed.  While others played and swam I had to watch from the sidelines so to speak.  I remember the day I finally got over fear and jumped into eight to ten feet of water.  From that point on I could go anywhere and join in with the others, no longer afraid.

What is it that paralyzes the church with fear?  We might say that we have no fear but our actions speak a different message.  We are pretty good at making excuses to mask what is really taking place in the life of the church.  If there is an opportunity that make impact the lives of many people and we fall back on budget or manpower shortages we are avoiding what the true underlying factors may be.  We are afraid of the commitment it will take for us to carry out such a daring plan.  It is easier to hang onto the status quo in the life of the church than to truly depend on God to carry out His purpose for us.  For the individual, he or she may have trouble making a decision to follow Christ with everything they have because of the possible cost that be incurred personally.  The leadership may be unwilling to confront an issue because they do not know what the reaction of the people may be.

God calls us to overcome our fears.  He wants us to let go of the float or lifeline and jump into the deep water of life.  We are to come to the point of trusting Him for the future.  This means to be a bold and courageous church which takes on the tough assignments and then leaves the results to Him.

Luke 8:22

It may well have been that Jesus needed a Sabbath’s rest from the constant pressure of having people demanding all of His attention.  Remember in His human body, He got tired, hungry and thirsty just like every other person.  One way to be free for a time was to take a boat ride.  After getting into a boat, Jesus indicated that He want to travel to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.  It will be seen how important His command was for the growth of the disciples.

1. Why would Jesus leave the people on the western side of the Sea of Galilee?
2. What does this say about Jesus?
3. What did the boat ride gain Him?
4. What important words did Jesus speak to the disciples? (They were going to the other side of the lake and would make it there safely.)
5. What is your reaction when Jesus gives you a command that you do not understand?

Luke 8:23

Everything was going smoothly until a storm suddenly appeared.  This was a common occurrence on the Sea of Galilee.  It is about six hundred feet below sea level and sits like a bowl surrounded by hills and mountains.  The wind would come down off the mountains and cause the sea to be stirred up. 

The problem for the disciples was the boat was being swamped by all of the waves crashing over the boat.  Luke said that they were in fact in great danger.

1. Why was a storm not an unusual event for the Sea of Galilee?
2. What kind of problems did it present for the disciples?
3. How do we know that this was problematic for the disciples? (Even though they were experienced seaman a storm of that magnitude was more than they could handle because the boat was being swamped.)

Luke 8:24a

The disciples did the natural thing and approached their leader, possibly to alert Him to the danger in which they found themselves. Like most of mankind the disciples probably attempted to take care of the problem by trying to bail out all of the water that was swamping them. Only when the situation was beyond their control and capabilities to deal with it did they turn to Jesus for help. 

They could not have possibly known what He could do about the problem.  Jesus was asleep in the midst of the storm and had to be awakened.  Their words to Him indicated how fearful they were. While Jesus calmly slept safe and secure in His Father’s hands, the disciples after waking Him, let Him know that they were afraid of dying. They were terrified by the storm and their situation. The idea that they might die meant all of their hopes and dreams that Jesus was the Messiah and they would be part of His kingdom would be gone. Added to their fear was the belief of the Jews of that day that to drown meant total destruction of the person. One who died by drowning had no hope of reaching heaven and would be lost forever.

1. How would the disciples initially try to do about their dilemma? (They would have tried to bail out the boat.)
2. At what point did they go to Jesus?
3. What could they have expected from Him?
4. How was Jesus handling the situation?
5. What example could this have been for the disciples? (If He was not concerned why should they be?)
6. How well do you handle situations that are completely out of your control?
7. What was the greatest fear for the disciples? (Complete and eternal destruction of the body and soul of the person who drowned.)
8. Can you name a time when you were as terrified as the disciples?
9. How did you handle the situation?
10. What was your first reaction?
11. Without total confidence in Jesus what hope do you have for solutions?
12. What would happen to all of their hopes and dreams if the boat sank?
13. Whose hopes and dreams were they thinking about?

Luke 8:24b

His demeanor and calmness would have gone a long way to calming the disciples.  He then rebuked the wind and the waves of the storm. Immediately they stopped and everything became calm once again.  What did it mean to rebuke the storm?  Other meanings might be to reprimand or condemn the storm. It is a picture of a parent disciplining a child for doing something wrong.

1. How would the demeanor of Jesus help the disciples?
2. How did Jesus handle the situation?
3. Why did He rebuke the storm before speaking to the disciples? (While the storm was going on they were in no condition to listen to Jesus.)
4. What did it mean to rebuke the storm?
5. How well do you listen when you are in the midst of a crisis situation?

Luke 8:25

Once Jesus had dealt with the crisis at hand He turned His attention to the disciples.  The question He asked was not in the form of a rebuke He simply wanted to know about their faith.  It is a valid question that has great meaning today. Once again it is important to hear what He said.  He wanted to know “Where is your faith.”  To be sure it took them by surprise.  It seems that all the trust they had in Him had evaporated with the storm. 

It was easy for the disciples to have faith when everything was going well.  To put His question another way it might be:

• Is your faith only for dry firm land where you are in your comfort zone?
• What happened to you when you got into the boat and pushed away into the deep water?
• Did your faith disappear or take a holiday when the going got rough and the storms of life assailed you?
• What kind of faith will you expect to find in yourself when you return to the shore?
• Did your faith become stronger or weaker having come through the storm?
• How well do you think that you will be able to handle the next situation over which you have no control?

Evidently they had forgotten that He had said that they were going to the other side of the lake.  With that one statement they should have been assured that no matter what happened that they were going to arrive safely on the other side.  They needed to understand that they were safe in His hands just as all of them could depend on the Father.  No harm would come to Jesus or them until His special hour in the future would come.

Their response was one of awe and amazement.  They could not quite understand who Jesus really was.  Even though He had healed many, they had just witnessed what no man had ever done before.  He had stopped a storm instantly with His command.  They wanted to know what kind of man Jesus truly was to be able to do such a thing.  The light should have come on that only God could perform such an act contrary to nature.

1. Why did Jesus wait until the storm had subsided before speaking to the disciples?
2. Why did He not rebuke them as He did the storm?
3. By asking them about their faith what was He trying to do? (Make them realize that they should trust in Him and His words.)
4. How would you answer the questions posed above in your own life?
5. What had He told them previously that should have given them assurance they would be safe?
6. Why was the stopping of the storm different from the miracles that they had seen Jesus perform?  (No one had ever shown control over nature in that way by stopping a storm from raging?
7. What kind assurance does this event give us about the times we find ourselves in the midst of the storms of life?
8. Why is the question, “Who is this” valid for us today? (We have to be sure that we know Him and can trust Him with all that we are.)
9. What should the answer tell us in light of what the disciples experienced? (Jesus is God.)

 

• Be confident that wherever Jesus may send you that He will be with you throughout the journey.
• Remember that you will experience storms in your life.
• When overwhelming circumstance come into your life go to Jesus.
• Keep your faith strong in the face of adversity.

The church is in the midst of a difficult time in history.  The world is doing everything in its power to destroy us.  All we have to do is to look around to see the moral decay and chaos taking place.  It is important to understand that no matter how bleak the situation that the ultimate victory belongs to God and His Son.  One of the reasons that God allows us to go through the storms of life is to be in the position to relate to those who so desperately need the healing of spirit, mind and the physical body that we have already experienced. 

 

 

Lesson 19

The Right Kind of Soil

Luke 8:1-21

If there is one parable that gives us a clear picture of the work of the gospel this one about the soils is definitely it.  I decided a long time ago that the word that I allowed to be planted would be the one factor that would change my life.  From the beginning the decision that I made to spend as much time in the Scriptures has led me on an exciting journey of discovery of the importance of God’s Word. Of course it has not been easy. I was reminded of the work that it takes by someone who plants a garden each year.  He shared how much he enjoyed the fruit of his labor, but would not put forth the effort unless he enjoyed what he does. I have tried to be the fertile soil in which God’s word can take root and grow.

Although I have been the one to spend time reading, meditating and studying His word, I know without a doubt that whatever fruit that has resulted from the effort is all produced by Him.  He is the One who brings about the harvest.  The more I submit to Him the greater the fruit.

What is true for the individual can also be said of the assembly of believers.  If we really look at ourselves it becomes obvious whether we are fertile soil in which God’s word can take root. All we have to do is look at the harvest that takes place in the body.  The fruit that should result from the sowing of God’s word is to result in transformed lives within the church.  There should also be new people coming into the body as we share the gospel with them.  When we do not see others coming to the Lord then we have to question whether we are serious about letting God’s word sink deep down into our soul.

Luke 8:1

Luke indicates that Jesus began to expand His ministry beyond Capernaum.  There is no mention of healing in this verse.  He was spending more time proclaiming and preaching about the kingdom of God. It is interesting that both the word proclaiming which means to herald forth the message and preaching which carries with it the idea of interpreting the Word of God.  In both instances the message was the same.  He spoke of the Kingdom of God.  Finally through Jesus the Father had come to rule in men’s hearts.

Jesus did not make the trip alone.  Some of the people who travelled with Him included His disciples.

1. Why did Jesus leave the confines of Capernaum? (His message was for all people.)
2. What is the difference between proclaiming and preaching?
3. What does it mean for the Kingdom of God to come to earth?  (The Kingdom of God indicates He has taken over and rules men’s hearts?
4. How does this statement relate to your life?
5. Who were some of the people who travelled with Him?
6. Why was it important for His disciples to travel with Him?

Luke 8:2-3

Besides the disciples there were a number of women who also made the trip. As Luke says they were those who had been healed by Jesus.  Some had been possessed by evil spirits and others had different types of sicknesses.  They were

• Mary Magdalene who had been demon possessed.
• Joanna the wife of Herod’s steward, Chuza.
• Susanna
• Others of which nothing is said.

All of these women were providing for the needs of Jesus from their own private means.  One could almost wonder if the woman forgiven by Jesus in Capernaum might be part of the entourage.  All of these women owed Jesus much and were willing to give what they had.

1. Why were the men following Jesus? (Out of gratitude for what He had done for them.)
2. Which of the women became the most prominent in the life of Jesus?
3. What did the support of the women say about Jesus? (Women were not excluded by Jesus as they were in the culture in which they lived.)
4. What did the support mean for the ministry of Jesus? (it could not continue without financial assistance.)
5. What does this say about the support we are to give to the ministries of the church?

Luke 8:4

Luke does not explain why Jesus spoke to the people by way of a parable.  He just said that a large crowd came to Him from various cities.  Whatever the reason, He chose that particular point to begin using a tool that would become His mainstay throughout the rest of His ministry.

1. What was beginning to happen in the ministry of Jesus? (He was beginning to draw larger crowds.)
2. How would the people from other cities have heard about Him?
3. In what ways do you encourage others to come to hear the message of the gospel?
4. Why do you think that Jesus began to use parables to teach the people?
5. What examples of parables have we already seen being used by Jesus to get a message across? (In the last chapter He spoke of the kind money lender.)

Luke 8:5-8

The parable was about a sower who went out to sow seed.  As he sowed the seed fell onto different soils.  The seed that

• Fell beside the road and was trampled underfoot and was eaten by the birds.
• Fell on rocky ground grew up quickly but because it did not have a good root system withered because of lack of moisture.
• Fell among the thorns and were choked out
• Fell on good soil grew up and produced a crop a hundredfold.

His last words to the crowd admonished them to hear what He was trying to tell them. 

1. Why did the sower sow the seed so indiscriminately? (He did not know which place would produce results.)
2. Why is it important for us to share the gospel with anyone who will listen?
3. What results might we expect? (The harvest may come from unexpected places?

Luke 8:9

It would appear that the disciples had no more discernment than any of the people in the crowd.  They began to ask Him to explain the parable to them.  Possibly they did not see themselves in any of the examples that Jesus had used.

1. Why did the disciples ask Jesus to explain the parable to them?
2. Why did they not understand what He had been saying to all the people?
3. What are the reasons that sometimes we missed the point of what a teacher or preacher is saying to us? (We may not think it applies to us.)

Luke 8:10

Before explaining the parable to them He told them of the special privilege available to them.  They would learn firsthand what God was trying to do in the world.  The mystery of God as can be seen in Colossians 1:27-28 is none other than Jesus Himself.  In others words He was going to completely reveal Himself to them.  This special privilege would be reserved for them only.

What the statement did not mean was that others would be excluded from learning what God was doing among men.  The reason they would have problem understanding was because they chose to close their ears and eyes to what God wanted to reveal to them.  See Isaiah 6:9 and Matthew 13:14.  If their hearts were receptive they would hear what He had to say.

Another reason for using parables was the fact that the stories would impact the life of at least one individual in a group of people.  He was able to touch on a person’s need without having to single them out before others.

1. What was to be the special relationship that the disciples would have with Jesus?
2. What was the mystery to which Jesus was referring?
3. How do we know that Jesus never intended to exclude anyone from the message He was sharing?
4. What did Jesus mean when He spoke of seeing but not seeing and hearing and not understanding?
5. What other reason is given for the use of parables? (Not having to single out an individual by name.)

Luke 8:11

Once Jesus had shared with the disciples His intentions, He began to break down the parable for them.  Notice there are two constants throughout the whole story.  Although not mentioned God is the sower of the seed.  This includes all of the books of the Old Testament and now those taught by Jesus.  After the life of Jesus the apostles would carry on the practice of spreading God’s word. The seed is the unchangeable word of God.

1. What are the two constants throughout the parable?
2. What do I call them constants?
3. Why is it important to have these two factors at play?
4. Who else besides Jesus had been and would be involved in spreading God’s word?
5. What is our part in the fulfillment of the parable?

Luke 8:12-18

The variable in the parable is not the soil, but its condition to receive and nourish the seed that has been sown.  As has been seen there are four different types of soil.  Jesus goes into much greater detail to show who each represents as they hear the word of God.  They are like the seed sown  

• On the pathway that has been packed hard by steady traffic.  These individuals hear and immediately their hearts are hardened by the devil.  They therefore have no hope for salvation.
• On the rocky places there were those who heard the word with great emotion but because of their shallowness the word does not become rooted in them.  Jesus said, they believe for a while until temptations overwhelm them and the fall away from the faith.
• In among the thorns.  Their faith is crowed out by all that the world has to offer in the ways of pleasure, wealth and even worries.  Of them it was said of them that their fruit never reaches maturity.
• In the good soil.  They hear because their hearts are honest, good and open to the word. This type of person holds fast to the faith because the word has become deeply rooted in him.

 

1. What is the variable in the different soils? (It was the condition to receive the word and have it flourish.)
2. What are the characteristics are prevalent in each of the first three soils?
3. Why do people represented in each of them fail to become mature Christians?
4. What part do you think that emotion has to play in each of them?
5. Which of the four soils do you think best represents the congregation of Bethany Place?
6. How much diversity in faith do you see among us?
7. What do we have to do to have the faith that results from being like the fourth soil?
8. What would we see happen in our church, community if we developed this kind of faith?

Luke 8:16-17

Jesus follows up the parable of the soils with another short parable dealing with the revelation of all things.  A lamp is not meant to be hidden but to give light to all its surroundings.  Jesus spoke as the light of the world.  In the glow of His light shining even in the dark places there is nothing that can be hidden that will not be exposed.

1. What relationship does this parable have with the previous one?  (His light will shine to reveal the hearts of man.)
2. Why is it important for us to understand that everything we do will come under the scrutiny of Jesus who is the light of the world?
3. Why do we sometimes want to hide from God?
4. What is the positive idea that comes from not hiding your light under a container?

Luke 8:18

If man is like the fourth soil he will listen to the word of God and filter out all the static that comes from the world around him.  It is important to realize that the more one spends in God word and serving Him, he will grow producing a harvest that is a hundred times greater.  To let ones spirit or body atrophy from neglect of God’s word even what he thought he had will be lost.

1. How is the fourth soil like the man who truly listens to God’s word?
2. What are those things that can crowd out our ability to hear Him?
3. What happens when we spend our time in the study of His word and serving Him?
4. What happens when we neglect those things?
5. What is truly important in your life?
6. What is the value of those things?

Luke 8:19-21

Luke does not tell why Mary and His half-brothers came to see Jesus at that particular time.  They may have been concerned about His welfare, as is seen in Mark 3:21. They were not able to even get close to Him because of the crowds surrounding Him. It is interesting to note that at that point in His ministry His brothers did not even believe in Him.  It would take the resurrection for that to happen.  Someone told Him that they were there. Jesus responded by saying His real family were not those who were kin by blood but those who are open to hearing God’s word and putting it into practice.

1. Why did Mary and the brothers come to see Jesus?
2. Why did the brothers not believe in Him at that point? (They just saw Him as a brother.)
3. When did the brothers begin to believe that He was the Savior of the world?
4. What do you think of His response to the one who told Him that His mother had arrived?
5. How does this tie with both of the previous parables? (It is all about hearing, believing and doing?
6. In what ways have you shown that you are in the true family of Jesus?

 

• Take an honest look at yourself to see which of the soils best represents your response to God’s word.
• Challenge yourself to change with God’s help if you picture yourself as any of the first three soils.
• For those of you who see yourselves in the category that fits in with the fourth soil make sure your life reflects the mature fruit that comes from it.
• Spend time in fellowship with the Father everyday through prayer and meditation upon His word.
• However God has gifted you make sure you do not hide them but use them to serve others. 
• Give thanks that God has included you in His family through the work of His Son on the Cross.

The last thing that we want to happen within the body is to become known as a church that does not hear and do the word of God.  There are so many obstacles that get in the way today that keep us from going deeper into His word.  We want to be a church that God can use in transforming the lives of all with whom we come in contact.  This will happen when His word becomes ingrained in us. There should be none of us who represent the pathway, rocky ground or land overrun with thorns.  Our lives can only produce a harvest as we let the seed grow in the fertile soil of our mind and heart.  When that happens people will recognize us as members of God’s forever family.

 

Lesson 18

Tale of Two Sinners

Luke 7:36-50

It is so easy to have preconceived ideas about other people.  First impressions sometimes make it difficult to really get to know an individual.  I sometimes jump to conclusions before having any facts before making a decision.  All too often I look at those things that should not be a determinate factor on whether I would accept that person as a friend.  It may be the way they are dressed or even their personalities.  I have to be very careful to make sure that I view people through the eyes of Christ.  It is He who knows the heart of each of us.

I have shared in my testimony that as a young person I never did anything that would have been considered really bad in my own eyes. Having said that, it would be very easy for me to become self-righteous.  Of course like all boys I have done some mischievous things of which I am not proud of now. I have learned over the years that even the smallest sin makes me out of fellowship with God.  He did not jump to conclusions about me.  Everything I have ever done and will do, He already knows.  That one fact puts me in a desperate situation.  Thankfully, Jesus has looked beyond those sins and has poured out His mercy and grace on me.

What we do individually is only multiplied when it comes to the church. The important question  for all churches today is how do you treat your guests?  Do we jump to conclusions about them as soon as the step on church grounds?  It is so easy to ignore them and let them leave without an acknowledgement of their presence in any way.  We especially treat them that way if they do not appear to be like us.  We never try to find out anything about them or why they came through the doors of the church.  We have to be careful that we do not think of ourselves as having figured life out and no longer have any spiritual needs to be met. To elevate ourselves above others is a form of pride which makes us a sinner in need of the spiritual healing that only Jesus can bring.  We must remember that the ground at the foot of the cross is level. 

There were two sinners in the narrative found in Luke 7.  One realized their condition.  The other did not.  We will look at how Jesus addressed each of them.

Luke 7:36

A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to have a meal with him.  There could be at least three reasons he asked Jesus to eat with him.

1. He may have been a seeker after wisdom and truly wanted to learn from this Rabbi who had newly arrived on the scene.
2. He may have wanted to try and trap Him in what He said or did so that he could report it to the other religious leaders.
3. He may have just wanted to be seen with those considered a celebrity by the people and did not care about Jesus as a person at all.

Jesus accepted his invitation and after entering the home He reclined at the table.  To recline at the table in the Middle Eastern culture was to lean on the table with your left arm. The person’s legs would then be extended out from the table toward the wall.  This would allow them to eat with their right hand.

1. What are some of the reasons that the Pharisee may have had for inviting Jesus to eat with him?
2. What was the first thing that Jesus did upon entering into the house?
3. What can we learn about the Middle Eastern culture from what was written above?

Luke 7:37-38

While they were reclining at the table a woman entered into the room.  Luke describes her as one who evidently was well known in the city as a sinner.  The woman did something that was unheard of in the culture of that day by going into the house of a Pharisee.  It was no accident that she was there.  Evidently, she had planned to approach Jesus when the opportunity presented itself.  Luke said of her, she brought with her a small vial of perfume.  There was no better time than in a setting of a small dinner party away from the glaring stares of the crowds who were following Him.  Aware of her own sinfulness she was willing to even endure the wrath of a Pharisee in order to get relief from her miserable condition.  Standing behind Him she began to weep which dropped on the feet of Jesus. She was desperate and realized that Jesus was the only one who could help her overcome her life of sin.  

Her next act gave an indication of the type of woman she was.  Respectable women would never have let their hair down in public.  She however did not care what others thought and began wiping away the tears with her hair and kissing His feet in homage to Him. Then, she took the vial of perfume and poured it out anointing His feet with it.  Jesus did not reprimand her or make her stop what she was doing.  He accepted her worship.

1. How did Luke describe the woman who entered into the home of the Pharisee?
2. Why was it strange for a woman to enter the room where men would be dining? (The Pharisee would have never had anything to do with such a woman.)
3. What indicated that this was preplanned on her part?
4. What caused her to begin to weep as she did? (She realized her sinfulness.)
5. What shows us that she was a sinful woman? (Proper women would not let down their hair in public.)
6. What was the final act that showed her complete brokenness?
7. Why did Jesus not turn her away but accepted her worship?

Luke 7:39

The Pharisee responded as would be expected.  He jumped to a conclusion about Jesus. Although he did not say anything out loud his thoughts spoke volumes about him.  His immediate conclusion was that Jesus could not possibly be a prophet because surely one who was sent as a spokesman from God would have:   

• Known the reputation of the woman.
• Not allowed her to touch Him.
• Known that she was a sinner.

 

1. What was the attitude of the Pharisee toward Jesus? (Showed disgust and disrespect for his guest.)
2. What did he find objectionable about Jesus’ actions?
3. In what way was this jumping to conclusions?
4. What did this show about Pharisee’s regard for others?
5. If he had known what kind of woman she was why did she have to come to Jesus to be healed spiritually?
6. Who else would fall under the condemnation of the Pharisee?
7. If you had been there what would have been your reaction to the actions of the woman?

Luke 7:40-42

Jesus knew what Simon, the Pharisee, was thinking.  Rather than responding directly to him, He told a parable. Two people had borrowed some money and could not repay it.  One owed what was equivalent to a hundred days wages and the other fifty.  The lender graciously forgave both of them the debt they owed.  Jesus asked Simon a question which spoke to one’s heart condition.  He said, “Which of them would love him (the moneylender) more?”

1. How did Jesus know what Simon was thinking? (Because He knew the mindset of Pharisees and their disdain for others.)
2. Why did Jesus tell a story? (It was the easiest way to get His point across without accusing Simon of judgmental attitude)
3. What was the point that Jesus was trying to convey? (Those who are in debt are the same in the eyes of the debtor.  Both are helpless to help themselves.)
4. Why did Jesus use the word love when speaking of what the lender had done? (We would not ordinarily think of love when dealing with money matters.  It was the way that the lender handled the situation that brought the men to the point of choosing to love the man.  Luke once again used the word agapao.)
5. Why did he ask Simon what he thought? (Simon also was a sinner and needed to face the issue in his own life.)

Luke 7:43 

It appears that the Pharisee’s answer was given reluctantly.  He hesitated giving a response that might implicate him or make him look bad.  There is another possibility.  He may have understood that Jesus was not only speaking about the woman but him also. When he admitted, the one forgiven more would love more Jesus confirmed his words.

1. Why would the Pharisee be reluctant to answer the question Jesus asked?
2. How would you answer the question if asked?
3. How would his answer make him look bad?
4. Why would Jesus also be speaking to the Pharisee when the subject had been the woman?
5. What did Jesus say to the man to indicate that he had understood the parable?

Luke 7:44-46

Although Jesus turned from Simon and looked at the woman He was in reality still dealing with the sinfulness of both parties.  He spoke once again to Simon in a way that the man would have to see the woman who was there for the first time.  People like her, including Jesus had been neglected and disliked by the Pharisees long enough.  By contrasting the behavior of the so called righteous and the well-known sinner, Jesus let Simon know in no uncertain times that He indeed was the Prophet. 

The actions of both of them while at the home of Simon clearly showed what they felt about Jesus. The common courtesies usually extended to a guest were completely neglected by Simon.  He showed by his lack of civility a complete disrespect for Jesus.  Meanwhile, all of the things he failed to do were done out of love by the woman.

• Simon did not provide water to wash the dust off his feet while the woman washed His feet with her tears and wiped His feet with her hair.
• Simon gave no kiss of greeting. The woman continually kissed His feet.
• Simon did not anoint His head but the woman anointed His feet with perfume.  See Psalm 23.

 

1. Although Jesus looked at the woman to whom was He really speaking?
2. What was Jesus trying to do with Simon?  (Make him see the woman for the first time as a real person.)
3. In what ways had the Pharisee put the woman and Jesus in the same category? (He had no respect for either of them.)
4. How did He bring attention to the real Simon? (His treatment of Jesus in comparison to what the woman did?
5. What did her actions say about her?
6. Which person best represents you? 
7. Why would you say so?

Luke 7:47

There was one more contrast between the two people from totally different worlds.  It had to do with love.  Jesus explained to Simon that the woman who truly was a sinner was forgiven because her over the top display of love for Him.  This also spoke to Simon’s doubt of Jesus’ identity.  He now claimed to have the ability to forgive sins.  That statement would make Him more than a prophet but more importantly the Son of God and the Messiah of the world.

He then stated words that Simon never thought he would hear.  Jesus said to him you are the man in the parable who had little love.  Since you are not capable of loving others, you miss out on forgiveness.  Pride will always preclude one from experiencing the love and forgiveness of God.

1. What was the final contrast between the Pharisee and the woman?
2. What was the reason that Simon missed out on forgiveness?
3. What is one thing that distinguishes people that we know that indicates their devotion to Jesus?
4. How did Jesus know that she had such deep love for Him? (She was radical in her devotion to Him?
5. In what ways can we show a radical love for Christ?
6. By His words what did Jesus claim?
7. In what ways did He actually go beyond what Simon had initially questioned about Him? (By His words Jesus claimed to be the Son of God and the Messiah.)
8. What will call down God’s condemnation on us?

Luke 7:48-50

Having dealt with Simon, Jesus then once again directed His full attention back to the woman. His words are what she had been waiting to hear.  He said to her.

• Your sins have been forgiven.
• Your faith has saved you; go in peace.

In between those two statements the people at the dinner asked the question that was a stumbling block for them.  They knew that mere man could not forgive sins.  They wanted to know how He could claim to do so.  They did not comprehend that He was claiming to be the Messiah.  It is that simple fact that gives people so much trouble today.  To accept the two statements above is all that is needed to know Jesus is the Savior.  Most still have trouble accepting the fact.

Jesus did allow their doubts stop them from providing the woman with the assurance she needed.  To her it made no difference what they had thought of her, she was now free from sin and had been saved.

What does this mean for you?

• Always treat guests the same way you would have wanted to be treated on your first Sunday at church.
• Never jump to conclusions about an individual before finding out about them.
• You must be keenly aware that there who have a deep need for forgiveness and salvation.
• Be sensitive to the needs of others.
• Remember a passionate walk with Christ will open the door to help people along their own journey.
• Always approach each day with a humble spirit knowing you are only a child of God because of His great mercy.

We have many opportunities to meet new people. Our attitude towards them can make all the difference in they respond to Christ.  If we appear to be self-righteous they will quickly see through us and will be turned off to the church.

There are a number of ways to show that we are glad that someone has chosen to honor us with their presence. As soon as they come on the property to have someone greet them will go a long way to making them feel welcome. We can make sure that they are not left to navigate the church by themselves. Getting the children and youth to the right place and actually introducing them to others so they feel at home.  Accompanying them to the worship is another step to be taken.  There are others things we can do that might be discussed.  One last thought we should make sure that no one leaves the building with someone speaking to them.  Even better is to get their name and telephone number so you can contact them during the week. The church sends out information but the personal touch is all important.

To do all of the above is the way that we will attract others and soon find that unbelievers will begin to attend.  We cannot reach the lost if we do not open our doors and hearts to them.