Growing Up with Jesus Part 1: Firstborn Among Many Friends & Fellowship Taught by the Holy Spirit through Wilfred Ju
Study Plan Session Date Topic Title 1 June 10 The Coming of God's Anointed 2 June 17 Jesus' Youth 3 June 24 The Start of Jesus' Ministry 4 July 01 Jesus' Compassion & Mercy 5 July 08 Jesus' Authority 6 July 15 Jesus' Zeal for Our Father 7 July 22 Jesus the Blessing for All Peoples For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Rom. 8:29, NKJV)
Session 4: Start of Jesus' Ministry (Continued)
Jesus Begins His Ministry Immediately became renowned After the period of 40 days & 40 nights and after being succored by the angels, Jesus returned to Galilee Matt. 4:12-16 Wilderness to Nazareth to Capernaum Fulfilling prophecy (Isa. 9:1-2) Mark 1:14 Went to Galilee Luke 4:14 Returned to Galilee, preaching in synagogues. Jesus began to preach in the area of Galilee Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matt. 4:17) The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the good message. (Mark 1:15) Jesus' message was consistent with John the Baptist's message In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!' (Matt. 3:1-2) So What! - God's message is always consistent, even when God uses two different messengers.
Visualizing Where Jesus Went Jesus whereabouts Samaria Galilee All 4 Gospels: Jesus baptized by John in Jordan River where? Pharisees confront John at Bethabara (John 1:28) Possibly same as Beth Bara (place of fords)? (Judges 7:24) 40 days/40 nights in wilderness To the northeast To the east To northwest
The first Talmidim of Jesus Jesus deviates from Jewish educational tradition Bet Talmud Boy (15 years old after completion of Bet Midrash) seeks Rabbi to ask if he may be Talmid Rabbi Jesus called His Talmidim all adults Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men. Matt. 4:18-20, Mark 1:16-18 Simon and Andrew were fishing from shore Jesus calls John and James Ben Zebedee Matt. 4:21-22, Mark 1:19-20 John and James helping father mend nets Left immediately to follow rabbi. He found Philip and said to him, 'Follow Me.' John 1:43-46 Philip responds by seeking his friend Nathanael Nathanael might not have become a talmid of Rabbi Jesus
Jesus' First Miracle John 2:1-12 Jesus' Ministry Grows 3 days after calling His fifth Talmid Jesus arrives in Cana for a wedding Mother Mary was there Jesus first sign or miracle Wedding running out of wine Jesus used large stone containers (2 3 firkins = 22 32 gal.) Jewish purification - possibly wash feet and hands 6 large stone containers, each holding up to 32 gal. Too big and heavy to upend and dump out the water already in the containers. (1 gal. water = 8.35 lbs.) Servants simply added more water to fill Water was NOT potable Jesus: Wash water Best wine
Jesus Rebuffed in Nazareth Jesus went home to Nazareth 3 possibilities regarding timing of his arrival. Matt. 4:12-13 Jesus left wilderness area upon hearing that John the Baptist was imprisoned Went to the region of Galilee Stopped in Nazareth Then left Nazareth Καταλείπω (kat-al-i'-po) leave behind, abandon, forsake, leave Went onto Capernaum Luke 4:14-16 Jesus went throughout Galilee Became well known in the region of Galilee Then went home to Nazareth Stopped along the way in Cana (John 2:1-11)
Jesus Rebuffed in Nazareth Jesus went home to Nazareth 3rd possibility regarding timing of his arrival. Mark 6:1-6 Mark 5 highlights miracles performed by Jesus Implications this occurred much later than the wedding at Cana So What? What is the key point? To truly understand the events surrounding Jesus, all 4 gospels need to be carefully examined. Sometimes events appear similar, but there are differences Prayerfully examine whether the same event, parable, teaching, etc. is being described, or if these are truly different.
Map of Jesus Early Ministry John 1:35-42 John 1:43 Bethsaida Jesus Return to Nazareth Possibilities Possibility 1 Possibility 2 Possibility 3 Matt 4:12-17 Matt 4:18-22 Capernaum Cana: 16 mi John 2:1-11 Luke 4:16-30 Mark 6:1-6 Matt 4:12-13 Luke 7:11-17 Nain Possible Area of Trial Site of Jesus Baptism Bethabara (John 1:28) [Beth Bara (Judges 7:24)]
Jesus Rebuffed in Nazareth Familiarity Breeds Contempt Read Luke 4:14-30 (Mark 6:1-6) What did Jesus do? Jesus was given a scroll of the Prophet Isaiah Jesus read Isaiah 61:1 Jesus proclaimed the prophecy was fulfilled, implying through Him Audience [Lit. Greek]: Marveled at the words of grace proceeding from the mouth of Him. Jews of Nazareth could not reconcile that one of their own was so spiritually wise. Jesus responded Prophesied that they will challenge Him to perform a miracle for Himself. Jesus rebuked the audience with historical truth.
Session 4: Jesus Compassion & Mercy
Loving Compassion for Grieving Widow Jesus restores dead son to widowed mother Luke 7:11-16 Situation: Jesus goes to Nain near Mt Tabor Note: Mt Tabor and Mt Gilboa to the south form a natural amphitheater. Meets funeral procession Deceased: only son of a widow. Large crowd implies widow (or son) was well regarded Jesus never met the woman or the deceased Yet knew who the grieving parent was. Knew she was a widow The deceased was her only child, a son.
Loving Compassion for Grieving Widow Jesus restores dead son to widowed mother Situation: (continued) Jesus had pity or compassion on the widow Greek: σπλαγχνίζομαι (splangkh-nid'-zom-ahee) Literal Greek: to have the bowels yearn Feel sympathy, to pity, have (be moved with) compassion Connotation: Jesus felt a deep, sorrowful sympathy Jesus acts on His loving compassion Jesus touched the coffin, stopping the coffin bearers Jesus did not touch the body why? He who touches the dead body of anyone shall be unclean seven days. He shall purify himself with the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third day and on the seventh day, he will not be clean. (Numbers 9:11-12) Jesus called the deceased man back to life Presented the son back to the widow mother
Loving Care for the Innocent Jesus love and care for children Matthew 19:13-15 13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven. 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there. Contrast with Children should be seen and not heard. What does this mean for us?
Compassion for the Multitude Jesus cared about the people, who came to hear Him speak Feeding the five thousand Matt. 14:13-21 Mark 6:30-44 Luke 9:10-17 John 6:1-14 Feels compassion for the multitude And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. (Matt. 14:14) And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. (Mark 6:34) Why did Jesus feel compassion for the multitude?
Mercy for the Broken Under what condition will Jesus show mercy? Luke 7:36-50 Luke 23:32-34, 39-43 Table Discussion In both cases why did Jesus show mercy and not condemnation? For the woman sinner how did Jesus show mercy? For the criminal how did Jesus show mercy?
Jesus has compassion Session 4 Conclusion For when we are sorrowing, suffering great loss Loved one passes, especially if he/she is one upon whom we depended Loved one gravely ill against which the medical prowess of man cannot prevail For the innocent love and trust of the young For the shepherdless wandering lost in the dark of this world, easy prey for the unscrupulous wolves. Jesus has abundant mercy For those who humble their pride to admit they are headed in the wrong direction. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
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