Week 27: Discovering the Character of God through The Woman at The Well
Coming Soon!
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Where You Are
Week 26: Discovering the Character of God through Mary Magdalene
26.1 As a group, read Luke 8:1-3; Mark 15:40; John 20:1-2 and 10-18. Invite the group to discuss these scriptures; do they see anything holding them together? Reflect on the previous two weeks' teachings and the core message of them; does this help them to see the connection?
As we reassess the passages, we can see one main thing connecting them: where Jesus was, Mary was (ministry, cross, tomb, resurrection).
Again we see Jesus asking us, 'Do you love me?' and in Mary we see the response He seeks in a sincere heart: If we should say 'Yes,' then that should bear fruit: us wanting - longing - to be always near Him. (compare Psalm 84:1-2,10)
26.2 Re-read Luke 8:1-3 and hone in on the description of Mary. Usually when we read of people with demons they have one or two at most, and whenever a relation took the possessed person to Jesus, the demon would resist and drive the person to fit. Now, imagine that x7.
We know nothing of Mary; whether she was brought to Jesus or ran to Him of her own accord, but we do know it would have been painful.
Coming to Jesus is never easy; there will always be resistance between the flesh and the Spirit. There will always be things we need to lay down and be delivered from... and even after we have met with Jesus, we need to continually surrender. Perhaps this is another reason why Mary was always found with Jesus; she knew that left to her own devices, she would struggle to stand. And perhaps Jesus knew this, too.
26.3 One final, but perhaps the most remarkable, thing about Mary is not just her faithfulness, but rather Christ's faithfulness to her. He could have healed her and sent her on her way but, instead, her stuck with her. He invited her 'into His world'; into His kingdom and never sent her away. In fact, He so wanted her to know He included her that He appeared to her first after He rose.
Week 26: Summary
At New Year, it's surprising to find that Mary Magdalene is the ideal person to study in reflecting upon God's character. At this time of year, when so many are busy making resolutions and dreaming for the future Jesus asks us significant questions that challenge the way we view the days ahead:
What great promises and challenges to start the year with!
26.1 As a group, read Luke 8:1-3; Mark 15:40; John 20:1-2 and 10-18. Invite the group to discuss these scriptures; do they see anything holding them together? Reflect on the previous two weeks' teachings and the core message of them; does this help them to see the connection?
As we reassess the passages, we can see one main thing connecting them: where Jesus was, Mary was (ministry, cross, tomb, resurrection).
Again we see Jesus asking us, 'Do you love me?' and in Mary we see the response He seeks in a sincere heart: If we should say 'Yes,' then that should bear fruit: us wanting - longing - to be always near Him. (compare Psalm 84:1-2,10)
26.2 Re-read Luke 8:1-3 and hone in on the description of Mary. Usually when we read of people with demons they have one or two at most, and whenever a relation took the possessed person to Jesus, the demon would resist and drive the person to fit. Now, imagine that x7.
We know nothing of Mary; whether she was brought to Jesus or ran to Him of her own accord, but we do know it would have been painful.
Coming to Jesus is never easy; there will always be resistance between the flesh and the Spirit. There will always be things we need to lay down and be delivered from... and even after we have met with Jesus, we need to continually surrender. Perhaps this is another reason why Mary was always found with Jesus; she knew that left to her own devices, she would struggle to stand. And perhaps Jesus knew this, too.
26.3 One final, but perhaps the most remarkable, thing about Mary is not just her faithfulness, but rather Christ's faithfulness to her. He could have healed her and sent her on her way but, instead, her stuck with her. He invited her 'into His world'; into His kingdom and never sent her away. In fact, He so wanted her to know He included her that He appeared to her first after He rose.
Week 26: Summary
At New Year, it's surprising to find that Mary Magdalene is the ideal person to study in reflecting upon God's character. At this time of year, when so many are busy making resolutions and dreaming for the future Jesus asks us significant questions that challenge the way we view the days ahead:
- Do we love Him? If we dare say 'yes', then be prepared to get where He is and stay there. as Mark Hall puts it, 'Is your walk with Jesus Christ characterized by personal faith, personal prayer, personal study, and personal disciplines? Or do you get by with the overflow from mature Christians?'
- If we choose to follow Him, we ought not to be so naive that we think it will be easy. It will mean daily surrender and a willingness to be delivered from our own demons. It will be a fight and it could get messy and painful... but, the good news is that
- We don't go it alone. Christ is with us, He is in us and He will stick with us.
What great promises and challenges to start the year with!
Sunday, 13 December 2009
Speak up!
Week 25: Discovering the Character of God through Thomas
25.1 Invite the group to quickly look over a complex math equation and assess whether it's possible to solve eg:
When they (hopefully!) realise that it isn't easy, offer them the value of x/y (just the offer is sufficient to make the point!) to help. Sometimes life can be like this: seemingly confusing until we ask for help or it is offered. From the little that we know of him, we can discover that Thomas lived his life in much this manner; often confused or cautious, but unafraid to request clarification.
25.2 Invite the group to picture the following scene:
After three years together, Jesus and His disciples are eating their final meal together, though the disciples do not know it. This is the night Jesus will be betrayed; the night before He will dies. The men with Him have witnessed incredible events: the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, the dead live. During the last three years, Jesus has spoken often of the Kingdom and now, over dinner, He talks of His death. He has spent the last hour ('chapter') or so speaking of how they must serve one another, how He will be betrayed and, now, that He is to leave them. Finally, He says that 'after He goes, He will return to take His disciples with Him.'
It is here that Thomas interjects with one of his rarely documented outbursts. Read John 14:1-6. You would think that, after three years of following Jesus, His followers would have a full understanding of everything He says but, here, Thomas shows that there is still much to be confused about.
Return briefly to the math equation and consider it in a classroom setting; there, there are those of us who, in our confusion would simply ask for help. On the other hand are those who stay silent, fearing being thought stupid because 'we should know the answer'. In much the same way, we could be forgiven for thinking Thomas might opt to remain silent, given the amount of time he's previously spent with the Saviour. Instead, however, he is quick to speak up.
25.1 Invite the group to quickly look over a complex math equation and assess whether it's possible to solve eg:
(12x + 3y)2 = (7x/5) - 4x3 + xy(3x5y) + x(2x(2x-y)) + xy + 3
When they (hopefully!) realise that it isn't easy, offer them the value of x/y (just the offer is sufficient to make the point!) to help. Sometimes life can be like this: seemingly confusing until we ask for help or it is offered. From the little that we know of him, we can discover that Thomas lived his life in much this manner; often confused or cautious, but unafraid to request clarification.
25.2 Invite the group to picture the following scene:
After three years together, Jesus and His disciples are eating their final meal together, though the disciples do not know it. This is the night Jesus will be betrayed; the night before He will dies. The men with Him have witnessed incredible events: the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, the dead live. During the last three years, Jesus has spoken often of the Kingdom and now, over dinner, He talks of His death. He has spent the last hour ('chapter') or so speaking of how they must serve one another, how He will be betrayed and, now, that He is to leave them. Finally, He says that 'after He goes, He will return to take His disciples with Him.'
It is here that Thomas interjects with one of his rarely documented outbursts. Read John 14:1-6. You would think that, after three years of following Jesus, His followers would have a full understanding of everything He says but, here, Thomas shows that there is still much to be confused about.
Return briefly to the math equation and consider it in a classroom setting; there, there are those of us who, in our confusion would simply ask for help. On the other hand are those who stay silent, fearing being thought stupid because 'we should know the answer'. In much the same way, we could be forgiven for thinking Thomas might opt to remain silent, given the amount of time he's previously spent with the Saviour. Instead, however, he is quick to speak up.
- If we were in Thomas' shoes, which would we do? Speak up, or not say a word?
- What can we learn of Jesus' nature from the way He responds to Thomas? (He does not criticise Thomas for asking for clarity)
God welcomes our questions - even if they seem silly or awkward to us. He longs for us to communicate with Him and for us to enjoy a sincere, intimate relationship with Him. Open, honest questions are a natural part of that relationship and He will not criticise us or push us away for asking them.
25.3 Rewind a few chapters and we'll see just how Thomas, once he has things clear in his mind, is unfazed by obstacles - even death.
Read John 11:7-16 and discuss the unfolding events, Thomas' words and his motivation.
We see in this brief exchange a surprise: having learned last week of Peter's strong faith and love for Jesus - and, of course, his habit of being quick to speak, slow to think - we could easily expect him to be the one ready to follow, and die with, his Master. Yet, here, it is Thomas speaking. His devotion and fearlessness are overflowing and reveal a valuable insight: Peter's love for Jesus wasn't unique. Anyone enjoying that 24/7 intimate relationship with Jesus could not help but love Him and be inspired to adoration, courage, faithfulness and fearlessness. Jesus manifests and matures these things within us.
25.4 Thomas' most infamous moment must, of course, be examined, for it teaches us much about Jesus. Read John 20:24-29.
Notice, first, that Thomas is not with the other ten disciples when Jesus appears to them. Discuss the implications of this (what we miss out on when we're not in fellowship).
Second thing to notice is Thomas' response. try to imagine why he was so determined not to believe the others' reports of Jesus' resurrection.
Finally, notice Jesus' reaction - and compare with last week's discussion of Jesus' response to Peter in John 21:15-19. Yet again, we discover the beautiful, astounding, character of Jesus: He doesn't condemn Thomas; He neither rejects nor punishes him; there is no demand for repentance for doubting. Instead, Jesus offers peace, shows patience and gently brings reassurance. With a single, simple command, He restores Thomas.
Week 25: Summary
For Thomas to have so little written about him, we can learn surprisingly much about Jesus through him...
25.3 Rewind a few chapters and we'll see just how Thomas, once he has things clear in his mind, is unfazed by obstacles - even death.
Read John 11:7-16 and discuss the unfolding events, Thomas' words and his motivation.
We see in this brief exchange a surprise: having learned last week of Peter's strong faith and love for Jesus - and, of course, his habit of being quick to speak, slow to think - we could easily expect him to be the one ready to follow, and die with, his Master. Yet, here, it is Thomas speaking. His devotion and fearlessness are overflowing and reveal a valuable insight: Peter's love for Jesus wasn't unique. Anyone enjoying that 24/7 intimate relationship with Jesus could not help but love Him and be inspired to adoration, courage, faithfulness and fearlessness. Jesus manifests and matures these things within us.
25.4 Thomas' most infamous moment must, of course, be examined, for it teaches us much about Jesus. Read John 20:24-29.
Notice, first, that Thomas is not with the other ten disciples when Jesus appears to them. Discuss the implications of this (what we miss out on when we're not in fellowship).
Second thing to notice is Thomas' response. try to imagine why he was so determined not to believe the others' reports of Jesus' resurrection.
Finally, notice Jesus' reaction - and compare with last week's discussion of Jesus' response to Peter in John 21:15-19. Yet again, we discover the beautiful, astounding, character of Jesus: He doesn't condemn Thomas; He neither rejects nor punishes him; there is no demand for repentance for doubting. Instead, Jesus offers peace, shows patience and gently brings reassurance. With a single, simple command, He restores Thomas.
Week 25: Summary
For Thomas to have so little written about him, we can learn surprisingly much about Jesus through him...
- He invites questions
- He inspires love, devotion and courage
- He is patient with us
- He doesn't condemn us when we doubt
- He reassures us
Thursday, 10 December 2009
One Foot in the... Mouth
Week 24: Discovering the Character of God through Simon Peter
24.1 Invite the group to share times when they've 'put their foot in it'. I.E: having said or done something without thinking it through first.
24.1 Invite the group to share times when they've 'put their foot in it'. I.E: having said or done something without thinking it through first.
- Did they regret it?
- Wiish they could have retracted it?
- Did they learn from it?
This week's study focuses on someone who was a master of speaking first, thinking second, regretting third and learning from it... after doing it a few more times: Peter.
Enquire if the group know anything of him and, if so, to share.
*Likely that the 'walking on water' will be mentioned, as, probably, will be Peter's denial. In both instances, invite those who volunteer these to turn up the passages for later use (Matt 14:25-32 and Luke 22:54-62, respectively).
24.2 Just as with our own lives, there is far more to Peter than these incidents and, through them all, we learn a lot about God. In fact, we see through all of Peter's mess-ups a whole lot about God's grace. Through this ordinary man, we discover an extraordinary God.
Read Mark 1:16-18 and Luke 5:4-8 to see - and discuss - just how ordinary Simon Peter was. Go on to discuss what these brief passages show us of God's nature (clue: doesn't look for perfect people!).
24.3 Read the passage bookmarked earlier of Peter's 'walk on the wet side' in Matthew 14:25-32.
Enquire if the group know anything of him and, if so, to share.
*Likely that the 'walking on water' will be mentioned, as, probably, will be Peter's denial. In both instances, invite those who volunteer these to turn up the passages for later use (Matt 14:25-32 and Luke 22:54-62, respectively).
24.2 Just as with our own lives, there is far more to Peter than these incidents and, through them all, we learn a lot about God. In fact, we see through all of Peter's mess-ups a whole lot about God's grace. Through this ordinary man, we discover an extraordinary God.
Read Mark 1:16-18 and Luke 5:4-8 to see - and discuss - just how ordinary Simon Peter was. Go on to discuss what these brief passages show us of God's nature (clue: doesn't look for perfect people!).
24.3 Read the passage bookmarked earlier of Peter's 'walk on the wet side' in Matthew 14:25-32.
- Invite the group to imagine themselves in this situation. Where would they place themselves in the story?
- Zoom in on Peter for a moment; why was it that he began to sink? What about Jesus' response: why didn't He help sooner?
- Notice that He goes straight to the heart: 'Your faith is small.' What would they imagine Peter might have replied?
24.4 Peter always seemed to have one foot lodged securely in his mouth, but his heart was usually in the right place. Read Matt 16:13-23 and Matt 17:1-7. Within 6 days, he goes from having it so right to being so wrong before settling somewhere in the middle.
Break this period and passage into the three stages and discuss each. If the group is large enough, split into three groups to deal with each section. In each case, look for one thing to learn about Peter's nature (see if they can see how we might identify) and 2 things about God.
24.5 Perhaps Simon Peter's most infamous moment came on the passover night where he denied all knowledge of Jesus - however, many don't even realise that the 'story' doesn't end there. Read Luke 22:54-62 (bookmarked earlier). Again, put ourselves in Peter's shoes: would we really fare any better?
Move forward in our imaginings: if we had been the ones denying Jesus, and then He came back from the dead, what reaction would we expect to receive from Him?
Go on to read John 21:15-19. Note that Jesus neither judges nor condemns; nor does he demand repentance or reject Peter based on his actions. No, Jesus' overriding concern is how Peter would respond to the bigger question: 'do you truly love me?' Jesus knew that repentance and changed lives follow from a 'true love' for Him. He also knew that Peter had spent long enough beating himself up over what he'd said; now, the key was to focus on loving Jesus instead of dwelling on the mistakes of the past, so that God would be able to use him.
Week 24: Summary
Peter is perhaps one of the figures of the Bible who we can most closely identify with. We, too, spend most of our lives with one foot firmly in mouth; we, too, can start out with bold, secure faith yet in the next moment our circumstances can come crashing around us and draw our attention from the Saviour. Yet, there is hope. Jesus questions us in that same, gentle manner as He did, Peter; not condemning, but inviting sincerity and a fresh start based on our reply to his question: 'Do you truly love me?'
Various characteristics discovered of God's character this week include:
- He uses ordinary people and gives them purpose
- He invites us to trust Him but won't do everything for us
- He restores us
- He doesn't condemn us
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