DELIGHTING in the LORD

Transcription

1 The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 1: Jesus Power Over Sin Matthew 9: Power of the King Continues to be Displayed 1 Corinthians 1:22 tells us the Jews demanded miraculous signs. Some of the signs they were looking for were prophesies about the Messiah like the one found in Isaiah 35:5-6 which says then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped, then will the lame leap like a deer and the mute tongue shout for joy. Three of these very conditions were restored in Matthew 9 (see my underline) but Jesus will go beyond even the prophecy in Isaiah. We will see a paralytic healed, a woman cured from bleeding, a young woman raised from the dead, a blind man receive his sight and a mute man given his speech. The power of the King is revealed in these miraculous signs! Even if you have read these passages many times before, as you open today in prayer, ask God to show you in a fresh way His glory demonstrated in His Son! R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 9: 1-38 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 9:1-8 E EXPERIENCING God s Word 1. Who brought the paralytic to Jesus? 2. Whose faith is evidenced in the story and what does this say to you about Jesus and one of the reasons He might have for healing someone? Matthew Chapter 9 Day 1

2 3. Jesus says something to the paralytic that infuriates the scribes in verse 2. What is it and why do you think it was met with such disdain? What is Jesus claiming by saying this statement? 4. What does Jesus do in verse 4 that shows He is omniscient? 5. In verse 5, Jesus asks the scribes a question, what is it? Is there an answer to this question? 6. Jesus first healed the paralytic s sin, what did Jesus do second for this same man? Why do you think He did it in this order? 7. What was the reaction of the crowd and tell why they had this reaction? DIGGING DEEPER INTO THE STORY: If you would like to learn more about this story, check out Mark s version in Mark 2:1-12. There are many additional details given, especially about how the paralytic arrived to meet Jesus! Matthew Chapter 9 Day 1

3 A ACTING on God s Word I find that I can identify with the Paralytic and His friends in this story, can you? Pick the one (or both!!) that you most identify with from this story to answer. Think about a time when you needed not only a physical healing from God but perhaps more importantly a spiritual healing (the forgiveness of sin). Did God do them both at once or one at a time? Have you ever experienced a sickness that drew you to recognize your sin? Why do you think God might use these two things (physical sickness and sin) together to refine His children? God is sovereign; He decides whom He will heal and whom He will not. In this particular case God used Jesus to heal this paralytic man because it was His will. It is hard to understand why God heals some and not others. However, in this story the paralytic man s friends had the faith to believe God for the miracle. Have you ever brought a sick friend/family member before the Lord (in prayer)? Tell briefly what happened and what you learned through this experience. D in God s Word We cannot go to Israel to see Jesus in person and be healed today, however James tells us that we can go to him by faith in prayer anytime! James 5:14 Is any of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered up in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. Delight today in the knowledge that God stills heals us both physically and spiritually. Close in prayer Matthew Chapter 9 Day 1

4 The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 2: Jesus Power Over Tradition Part 1 Matthew 9: Power of the King Continues to be Displayed Today and tomorrow we will be looking at how Jesus broke a lot of traditions that were held by the Jews of His day. For example, Jesus ate with sinners. The Pharisees would never have dined with such people, but Jesus did! God wanted Jesus to turn this unloving tradition upside down. Let s take a closer look at the details of this story and how Jesus called Matthew to be His disciple. R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 9:1-38 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 9:9-13 E EXPERIENCING God s Word 1. Where was Matthew when Jesus called him? How did he respond? How do his actions speak about his heart as a disciple? There is archaeological evidence that fish taken from the Sea of Galilee were taxed. So Jesus took as His disciple the taxman that may have been taking money from Peter, James, and John and the other fishermen among the disciples. This might have made for some awkward introductions! (Guzik) 2. Sometime after Matthew was called as a disciple, he decided to host a dinner for Jesus and his disciples at his home. Whom did Matthew invite to join them? Matthew Chapter 9 Day 2

5 3. The Pharisees asked a question regarding the dinner guests who were invited to Matthew s home. What is the question they ask? Who was asked the question (v.11)? Who answers the question (v.12) 4. Who does Jesus compare himself to in verse 12? Do the Pharisees think they need this kind of person? What plays into their unawareness of needing Jesus? What do they fail to see? 5. The Pharisees always brought the proper sacrifices for their sins to the temple, but they were totally lacking in compassion toward other sinners. Considering this, why do you think Jesus challenged the Pharisees with this statement in verse 13 But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice.? 6. Read Hosea 6:6. This verse should have come to the minds of the Pharisees (as they would have studied it) so when Jesus said But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice why should this have been humbling if they took it to heart? What is meant by mercy? Matthew Chapter 9 Day 2

6 7. Who are the righteous and who are the sinners from this story in Jesus eyes? 8. This account and yesterday s (about the paralytic vv. 1-8), have some similarities especially when you consider Jesus called himself a physician. What are they? A ACTING on God s Word (pick one or do both, your choice) The word Pharisee means separated one. Jesus condemned them because although they behaved holy their heart was cold toward Jesus and other people even to the point of refusing to associate with ordinary Jews. Have you ever perceived yourself as above another person with an air of superiority because you are a Christian and they are not? Have you ever avoided someone because you felt you were above associating with them? If so, describe briefly the interchange. What did your actions demonstrate about your heart of superiority? Based upon Hosea 6:6 what does God desire from you the next time you may be enticed to act like a Pharisee? Ask the Lord to give a compassionate heart to recognize that we are all fallen sinners who need Jesus. Matthew Chapter 9 Day 2

7 The thing that strikes me most about this story is that Jesus went to where the sinners were, he didn t call the sinners to Himself in this story. Jesus knew there would be sinners at the dinner and yet He went and ate among them. How many times have we waited for the sinners to come to us? Have you purposefully gone searching for them? Spend some time in prayer right now asking God to reveal where you are to go, even this week! Where can you reach out to someone who might never approach a church door. (It doesn t have to be a scary place, it could be somewhere you go on a daily basis!) As God directs you, write below where you are to serve Him this week. D in God s Word Matthew 9:37 says The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Part of delighting in God s word is the blessing that comes through our obedience. Praise God today for the laborers that you know who are working in the fields and then praise Him that this is your calling, as well. We are all to be about the King s business! Working in His field is the most amazing experience we are meant to enjoy. Praise God that He has entrusted you with His Good News and that as you seek Him, He will show you how to share your faith with others. Close in Prayer Matthew Chapter 9 Day 2

8 The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 3: Jesus Power Over Tradition Part 2 Matthew 9: Power of the King Continues to be Displayed Yesterday we found the Pharisees questioning Jesus behavior. Today we find John the Baptist s disciples questioning Jesus behaviors. R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 9: 1-38 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 9:14-17 E EXPERIENCING God s Word 1. John s disciples aligned themselves with which group when they asked their question in verse 14? What was their question? 2. We have seen Jesus compare Himself to a physician in v. 12, now who do we see Jesus compare Himself to in verse 15? Jesus is speaking of Himself with this title, why is this comparison so appropriate? 3. When Jesus says the bridegroom will be taken away, what is He referring to and how is he foreshadowing the future for them? Matthew Chapter 9 Day 3

9 4. Think back on what you learned in Chapter 6 about fasting and why we should fast. Since Jesus was present, was fasting necessary? Since Jesus is still present with them, when should His disciples fast (v.15)? Why then and not while He is still with them? 5. In order to understand the principle of the old and new covenant presented in verses 16 and 17 read Hebrews 8:1-13. Who did God give the Old Covenant to on stone tablets in the Old Testament in Exodus? Which covenant is more sufficient and why? 6. Weirsbe gives this commentary about verses 16-17: Jesus told them He was introducing a new thing, and He spoke of new cloth and new wine. You cannot pour the new message of the Gospel into the old container of The Law. To mix law and grace is to cause confusion and destroy both. The new life in Christ must take new forms. With this quote in mind, what do each of the elements described in verses represent? Fill in the chart below with these words: Unshrunk cloth Wine Old garment Old Wineskins Tear New Wineskin The Law Old Covenant Jesus - The New Covenant In ancient times goatskins were used to hold wine. As the fresh grape juice fermented, the liquid expanded and the skin would stretch to fit the fluid. However, once the skin had been used and the skin stretched out, new wine could not be placed into an old wineskin because the skin would break. Matthew Chapter 9 Day 3

10 A ACTING on God s Word Jesus reminds us that what is old and stagnant often cannot be renewed. God will often look for new vessels to contain His new work, until those vessels make themselves unusable. (Guzik) Today we learned that an old wineskin cannot hold new wine because it will burst, it simply isn t pliable any longer. Are you a vessel that can be used by the Master for His purposes? Describe what new thing is He doing in your life right now? How can you remain soft and flexible for the Lords use and glory? D in God s Word Matthew 26:26-28 says While they were eating, Jesus took break, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take and eat; this is my body. Then he took the cup gave thanks and offered it to them saying Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. We have so much to be grateful for! Praise Him today and bless Him with gratitude from your heart to His for all that He has done for you. Tell Him how much you are looking forward to His return. Close in prayer Matthew Chapter 9 Day 3

11 The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 4: Jesus Power Over Death, Demons and Darkness Matthew 9: Power of the King Continues to be Displayed Jesus was given power to heal some radical problems which we are going to read about today and they include a bleeding disorder, death, blindness and the restoration of speech. Can you imagine what a stir this caused when people began to hear about Jesus miracles? No wonder He was met by crowds wherever He traveled! As we head into this lesson, ask God to speak intimately to you through one of these incredible stories. This is a rather lengthy day of homework but well worth your time as you investigate God s Word. As you open in prayer ask God to help you remain steadfast toward your homework knowing that as you study, you receive the blessing of knowing Jesus better! R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 9: 1-38 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 9:18-34 E EXPERIENCING God s Word There is a lot to cover in this section, so it has been placed into three sections in order to make it more manageable to study. A. Power over a bleeding disorder and death: Read both Matthew 9:18-26 and Luke 8: What title does Jairus hold? 2. Describe how heavy the crowds were that day. 3. How long had the woman had a bleeding disorder and how old was Jairus daughter? Matthew Chapter 9 Day 4

12 4. What was the woman who has a bleeding disorder thinking to herself? Was this superstition or faith? 5. Why do you think that Jesus insisted on knowing who touched Him? Do you think Jesus knew who touched Him, why or why not? 6. The woman realizes that she cannot hide any longer, how does she respond before Jesus? 7. What is the key to this woman s healing? How could that have encouraged Jairus while he was waiting for Jesus to come to see his daughter? 8. When Jairus arrived home, the mourners were already weeping for the death of the child. What does Jesus tell the crowd about the condition of the girl? How do they respond? Why do you think Jesus would use the word sleep if she were actually dead? 9. How does this specific healing testify of Jesus power and why would this miracle in particular, be so widely spread around the region? Matthew Chapter 9 Day 4

13 B. Power over Darkness: Matthew 9: What do the blind men call Jesus? Why is that significant? 2. The blind men are so persistent they follow Jesus into the house. What does this say about them? What does that say about people who really seek Jesus? 3. Why do you think Jesus asks them if they believed He could heal them? 4. Like the woman with the bleeding condition, what did Jesus tell them about their healing? 5. Why do you think that Jesus wanted the blind men to remain silent about their miracles? Did they obey Jesus? What was the result of their disobedience. 6. What does this miracle demonstrate about Jesus power? Matthew Chapter 9 Day 4

14 C. Power over Demons: Matthew 9: What has caused this man not to be able to speak? 2. Why was the crowd amazed? How does this fulfill the prophecy of Is. 35:5-6? 3. What has this miracle proven about Jesus power? 4. In verse 34, by what power do the Pharisees think Jesus is driving out the demons? What is so backwards about that summation? A ACTING on God s Word If you remember back to week one, day 4, Luke 1:37 said For with God nothing will be impossible. How does that verse now strike you afresh as you look at the miracles from today? How have you seen this verse shine as truth about God in your own life? Matthew Chapter 9 Day 4

15 Compare yourself to one of the people who were healed in the verses you read today. Which person do you feel you can relate closest with and why? D in God s Word Verse 33 says Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel. The miracles Jesus performed were beyond anything the people had ever seen. I imagine if we had been there in person, we would be echoing similar sentiments! Take time to praise God for all that He has done in the past, in your present and will do in the future. No one is like Jesus! Close in Prayer NOTES Matthew Chapter 9 Day 4

16 The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 5: Jesus Power to Shepherd and Delegate Harvest Workers Matthew 9: Power of the King Continues to be Displayed As we come to the close of Chapter 9 we find a very tender depiction of Christ as He ministers to the people around Him. He is the good Shepherd who demonstrates deep compassion for the lost, ill, and the weary sheep He was sent to help. He knows His time on earth is short and so He encourages His disciples to pray for people to work for Him so that they can continue to do His work once He returns to heaven. R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 9: 1-38 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 9:35-38 E EXPERIENCING God s Word 1. Where did Jesus go according to verse 35 and what did He do while He was there? 2. Verse 36 creates a picture in my mind of a lot of people with all sorts of infirmities and them flocking to our Savior, Jesus Christ. What feelings does Jesus have for the people? 3. Jesus likens the people unto what animal? What were they missing? Why do you think the words harassed (NIV) weary and scattered (NKJV) were used to describe the sheep? What is causing them to behave this way? Matthew Chapter 9 Day 5

17 The idea of Jesus as the Shepherd (John 10:14, Isaiah 40:11), and we His sheep, is an analogy seen often in the Bible. Sheep are: Prone to wander without a shepherd and can find themselves getting into trouble. Isaiah 53:6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray. When we don t follow God s commands we too may find ourselves wandering aimlessly and getting into trouble. Needy and totally dependent on the Shepherd for protection. Sheep need help to find safe pasture and clean water as well as medical help when they are wounded or sick. Sheep unlike other animals cannot tend to their own injuries! In addition, sheep cannot defend themselves as they have no natural protection devices. We, like sheep, need to be totally dependent on Jesus for everything! Not able to rest when they are anxious. Sheep love to lie down with a full belly and enjoy peaceful rest. However, if there is not green pastures and still waters the sheep become restless and worried. Psalm 23:2 says He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. Jesus alone can give us rest and peace when life gets uncertain. 4. Jesus remarked to his disciples that they needed to ask the Lord of the harvest for some thing, what is it? Who is the Lord of the Harvest? 5. Read John 4: What is Jesus greatest desire (v. 34)? The words four months more and then the harvest are probably a local saying that Jesus quotes but He uses this saying to help His disciples open their spiritual eyes! He wants them to see that there isn t a wait time in the Spiritual realm; the fields are ripe now for harvest! As reapers, the disciples had the opportunity to do what? How was John the Baptist like a sower? Matthew Chapter 9 Day 5

18 A ACTING on God s Word Can you identify with the sheep described today in verse 36? When was the last time you felt harassed, weary or scattered? How did God, as your good Shepherd, give you rest? How did this affect your situation? How are you working to harvest in God s fields? What missionaries do you pray for on a regular basis? How are you praying for God to raise up more workers to work in the fields that are ripe for harvest? Why is prayer such an important part of this work? D in God s Word Verse 36 he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless Jesus has compassion for us and He understands our need for Him. He stands each and every day faithfully waiting for us to turn to Him for help. Praise Him for His undying faithfulness toward his flock and His amazing ability to shepherd us with loving kindness. Close in prayer Matthew Chapter 9 Day 5