Aug 30-Sep 5: Women of Mission

SUNDAY

Women Serving Jesus

1. Observe how various women ministered to Jesus.

• Matt. 27:55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: Matt. 27:56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.

• Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. Luke 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: How are women different from men when it comes to serving Jesus?

MONDAY

Women in the Acts

1. Observe how various women in the New Testament played a part in the work of the gospel.

• Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

• Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

• 1Cor. 16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

• Phil. 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

• Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; Titus 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, Titus 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

  
  

DISCUSSION QUESTION: After reading each text, discuss what great influence women can have in the gospel ministry today.

TUESDAY

Peter’s Sermon

1. What kind of spirit could we learn from Mary Magdalene?

• Matt. 26:7-13 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat Matt. 26:8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? ….Matt. 26:10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me…. Matt. 26:12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Matt. 26:13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

ANSWER:

• The spirit of sacrifice is the best - “A woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment”
• The spirit of taking the opportunity to follow your conviction(s) - “and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat”
• The spirit of courage to face criticism - “they had indignation”
• The spirit of thoughtfulness - what would be most meaningful to the person - “she did it for my burial”

APPLICATION QUESTION: What relationship is there between the spirit of Mary and the sprit of mission?

Wednesday/ Thursday

The Woman at the Well

1. What did the woman at the well say to the whole city when she called them to see Jesus?

John 4:29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

Answer: Christ, who knew all her sins

ANSWER: Christ, who knew all her sins.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• Why was she so excited that Jesus knew all her sins?

• What lesson could we learn from this story, regarding what causes us to be excited about sharing Jesus with people that we used to avoid?

Aug 23-29: A Pillar of Mission: The Apostle Peter

SUNDAY

The Rock and A Rock

1. Why couldn’t the apostle Peter have been the first pope, as the Catholic church claims?

• Acts 3:12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

ANSWER: Peter did not claim his own holiness, but a pope does.

• Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

ANSWER: Peter did not put human tradition above God’s word, but a pope does.

• Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Answer: Peter did not believe in indulgences, but a pope does.

• Acts 10:25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. Acts 10:26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

ANSWER: Peter did not want people to bow before him, but a pope does.

• Acts 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. Acts 15:13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Acts 15:19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

ANSWER: Peter did not always make the final decision for the church, but a pope does.

• Gal. 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

ANSWER: Peter did not claim that he was infallible, but a pope does. Therefore Peter cannot be, and was not a pope.

2. Who is the “rock” in the epistle of Peter?

• 1Pet. 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 1Pet. 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 1Pet. 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

ANSWER: Jesus

MONDAY

Peter’s Humility

1. What did Peter say about humility, based upon his epistle?

• 1Pet. 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 1Pet. 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

ANSWER: Grace is given to those who are humble and exaltation comes to those who humble themselves before God.

DISCUSSION QUESTION: How did Peter humble himself before the “mighty hand of God”?

2. What other lessons are mentioned right after the lesson of humility in the same chapter?

• 1Pet. 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1Pet. 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

ANSWER: Casting all your care on God, and be sober.

APPLICATION QUESTION: How is casting all our cares and being sober connected to our humility?

TUESDAY

Peter’s Sermon

1. What would be the outline of Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost?

Intro:

• Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: Acts 2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

The prophecy of Joel was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost.

• Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: Acts 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: Acts 2:19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: Acts 2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

The death and the resurrection of Jesus

• Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

The death and the resurrection of Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of David.

• Acts 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. Acts 2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Acts 2:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Acts 2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Acts 2:28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; Acts 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. Acts 2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. Acts 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Acts 2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

2. What kind of message did Peter give on the day of Pentecost?

ANSWER: Prophecy

DISCUSSION QUESTION: In the days of the early rain, Peter preached a powerful message on the prophecy. So what type of messages do you think we should be giving as we are approaching the day of the latter rain?

WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY

Peter’s Message of Hope

1. What did Peter say about the hope in his epistle?

• 1Pet. 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 1Pet. 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 1Pet. 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1Pet. 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ

ANSWER: The hope of receiving immortality when Jesus comes back

2. What made this hope possible according to the epistle of Peter?

• 1Pet. 1:21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

ANSWER: The death and the resurrection of Jesus

NOTICE: As God gave Jesus the glory, Jesus will give glory to us someday.

3. What does Peter wants us to do with this hope?

• 1Pet. 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear

ANSWER: Always be ready to share

4. What do we have to go through before we receive the promise of eternal glory?

• 1Pet. 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

ANSWER: Suffer a while, but the suffering will make us perfect in that it will establish, strengthen, and settle us in Him.

Aug 16-22: From Folly to Faith : The Apostle Peter

SUNDAY

The Fisherman

1. Why was Peter fishing when Jesus was preaching?

• Luke 5:1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, Luke 5:2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. Luke 5:3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

ANSWER: Peter was not fully sure about following Jesus.

2. How did Peter respond when Jesus asked him to cast the net?

• Luke 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. Luke 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

ANSWER: Obeyed the words of Jesus, but doubted.

3. When the fishing net broke, was this a good or bad thing?

• Luke 5:6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

DISCUSSION QUESTION: If it is good then why? If it is bad then why?

SUGGESTED ANSWER: Braking of the net was not good because most likely some fish escaped. Jesus brought the fish but Peter threw the net with doubt. Doubting spirit of Peter made the net imperfect.

4. How did Peter respond to the miracle?

• Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

ANSWER: He called himself a sinful man and asked Jesus to depart from him.

5. What was Peter thinking when he said to Jesus, “depart from me” while at the same time he was, in a sense, holding Jesus’ knees?

ANSWER: When Peter said, “depart from me”, he felt his nothingness. At the same time, when Peter was holding to Jesus’ knees, he felt that without Jesus, he was helpless. In short, Peter needed to feel his own nothingness in order to hold on to Jesus with full surrender. This type of mindset is required from all those that would follow Jesus as “fishers of men”.

MONDAY

Peter’s Character

1. What did Jesus say about the character of Peter, based upon following verses?

• Matt. 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

• Matt. 26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

• Luke 22:45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow

• Mark 14:30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

• John 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

ANSWER: Peter could doubt, get discouraged, turn coward, and get violent so easily.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• Why did Jesus work with Peter when his character was so bad?

• Do you think that God cannot work in you? If you do, why? This seems like a very personal question that people may not feel comfortable answering out loud in a Sabbath school class setting. I would rephrase it to say, “Some people feel that God cannot work with them. Why do they feel this way?”

TUESDAY

Peter’s Fire

1. What did Peter do right after he denied Jesus for the first time?

• John 18:17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not. John 18:18 And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

ANSWER: He warmed himself in front of “a fire of coals” with the servants and officers.

2. Why did Peter warm himself with the servants and officers?

ANSWER: He made himself look like he was one of those people who brought Jesus to the court.

3. In front of what object did Peter deny Jesus twice times?

• John 18:25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. John 18:26 One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? John 18:27 Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

ANSWER: In front of the coals of fire.

4. Who did Peter see right after he denied Jesus?

• Luke 22:60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. Luke 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

ANSWER: Peter saw Jesus

5. What did Peter hear right after he denied Jesus?

• Matt. 26:74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

ANSWER: He heard the cock crewing. Notice: Usually cocks crow in the morning hours.

6. How did Peter respond to the cock crowing?

• Matt. 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

ANSWER: He remembered the words of Jesus and this made him weep bitterly.

7. So every time when cock was crowing or when Peter was in the front of a fire of coals, what event was Peter remembering?

ANSWER: How he denied Jesus three times.

WEDNESDAY

Jesus’ fire

1. What event did Jesus remind Peter of when he and other disciples caught the multitude of fishes in the sea of Tiberias?

• John 21:1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. John 21:2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. John 21:4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. John 21:5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. John 21:6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

ANSWER: When Jesus called Peter to be a “fisher of men” by the lake of Gennesaret.

2. What hour of day did this event take place?

• John 21:4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

ANSWER: In the morning.

3. What else did Peter see when he came to the shore to see Jesus?

• John 21:9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

ANSWER: A fire of coals, fish, and bread

4. What do you imagine what Peter was thinking when he saw a fire of coals, fish, and bread?

ANSWER: How he denied Jesus in the front of a fire of coals. At the same time, he was reminded of feeding the thousands of people with fish and bread.

THURSDAY

Peter’s Restoration

1. What was the condition of the fishing net after the great catch?

• John 21:10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. John 21:11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

ANSWER: “Yet was not the net broken”

APPLICATION: Why wasn’t the net broken this time?

2. What did Jesus say to Peter in the morning, after the miraculous catch, surrounded with other disciples, eating fish and bread and in the front of the fire of coals?

• John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. John 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

ANSWER: Feed my sheep. In the beginning Peter was called to catch fish, but now he is called to feed His sheep. It is one thing to catch, but it is another thing to “feed”.

3. Now, what event did Peter recall every time he saw a fire of coals?

ANSWER: The way Jesus restored Peter, the love of Jesus.

4. What do you think Peter was thinking when he saw the “fire” at the day of Pentecost?

• Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

ANSWER: I let you imagine =)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• Do you have your “fire” experience with Jesus?
• Why don’t you have fire for Jesus?
• Have you experienced the love of God personally?
• What was the conversion of Peter that prepared him to receive the Holy Spirit?
• What experience do we need in order to receive the “latter rain”?

Aug 9-15: The Apostle John

SUNDAY

Special Calling

1. How did John respond when he was called to follow Jesus?

• Matt. 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. Matt. 4:22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

• Mark 1:19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. Mark 1:20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

• Luke 5:10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. Luke 5:11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

ANSWER: Immediately he forsook all and followed Jesus.

2. What made John immediately forsake all and follow Jesus?

• Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

• Luke 5:9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

• Luke 5:10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

ANSWER: The miracle of the fishes

DISCUSSION and APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• What did John learn from the miracle that convinced him to forsake all and follow Jesus?

• What will convince us to forsake all and follow Jesus?

MONDAY

Son of Thunder

1. What was the character of John based upon following verses?

• Mark 3:17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:

• Note: Boanerges means “sons of commotion”

• Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

• Mark 10:35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. Mark 10:37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

• Luke 9:54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

ANSWER: Commotion maker, exclusive, selfish, and merciless militant spirit

2. Even after John forsook all and followed Jesus, he had many character flaws. Why he did not see his own flaws?

• Mark 9:38 … we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

• Mark 10:35 -37 … Grant unto us that we may sit, …in thy glory.

• Luke 9:54 … consume them, even as Elias did.

ANSWER: John did not see his own faults because he was motivated by religious zeal.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• Is it enough to forsake all earthly possessions in order to follow Jesus?

• Are we blind to see our crude and militant spirit because we are spiritually zealous?

• How do we damage the work of God by our unrefined spiritual zeal?

TUESDAY

The Witness of John

1. How do we know that John became a changed man?

ANSWER: By reading 1 John. From the epistle we can see what John was teaching. The gospel of John and the Revelation are John account of what he has seen and heard but the epistles of John reveal what he really learned from Jesus. Observe the following verses that show the change that took place in John’s character:

• Instead of being exclusive, John became inclusive. 1John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

• Instead of being selfish, John became selfless. 1John 3:17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

• Instead of being militant, John became self-sacrificing. 1John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

2. What made John really believe and accept the character of Jesus?

• John 20:6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

• John 20:7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

• John 20:8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

Observe a few things first:

• “wrapped together” simply means rolled up or wound up

• “other disciple” is John (Read John 19:26, 13:23, 18:16, 20:3, 4)

ANSWER: John believed that Jesus was truly resurrected because when John saw the “wrapped together” linen cloth placed all by itself. John saw the character of Christ gentle and thoughtful in the way Jesus folded the linen. The linen was not thrown down haphazardly on the floor, but rather carefully placed in the tomb. The words of Jesus, His teachings, were the same as the way He lived His life. Now to John, the word of life became more real. This is the life that John witnessed.

3. Who is a witness?

• Note: witness = testify

• John 3:32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.

• Acts 22:15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

ANSWER: Someone who has seen and heard of something or someone

4. What has John seen and heard, according to 1 John?

• 1John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life 1John 1:2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 1John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

ANSWER: The Word of Life

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• Do you have to literally see and hear Jesus in order to be His witness?

• Since we cannot literally see Jesus today, how can we still have that “seen” and “heard” experience?

WEDNESDAY

Life-Giver

1. What did John say to the religious leaders regarding what he had seen and heard of Jesus?

• Acts 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. Acts 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

ANSWER: John could not but speak the things which he had seen and heard

2. What helped John to be so bold about sharing Jesus?

• Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

ANSWER: John spent time with Jesus.

3. What does the Bible say about Jesus spending time with John?

• Matt. 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart

• Mark 5:37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

• Mark 13:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately

• Mark 14:33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy

ANSWER: Jesus gave special attention to Peter, James, and John. Therefore John was able to witness the transfiguration of Jesus, saw Jesus’ miracle privately, received special instructions, and witnessed His suffering in Gethsemane.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• Did Jesus play favorites with Peter, James, and John?

• Is it ok for us to give more attention to certain individuals when giving missions training?

CONCLUSION POINTS:

• John became a powerful witness because John pressed really close to Jesus and Jesus gave John the privilege of inner circle attention. The great education takes place not in classroom settings but when a teacher and a student just work together for the same purpose.

THURSDAY

Spending Time With Jesus

1. How did John spend the last moments of the life of witnessing?

• Rev. 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Rev. 1:2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

• Rev. 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

• Note: “bare record” means witness. In Greek, martureo comes from martus which means both a witness and literally or figuratively, a “martyr”

ANSWER: On the island of Patmos, John was willing to give up his life for the testimony of Jesus Christ and the word of God

2. Do we have any other group of people in the book of Revelation willing to live and die for the testimony of Jesus and the word of God?

• Rev. 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? Rev. 6:11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

• Rev. 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

• Rev. 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

• Rev. 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

ANSWER: Yes. They are called the remnant.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• If we are not willing to die for something then is it worth it to live for?

• How do we develop the love for the truth as it in Jesus, so that we would be willing to live and die for the truth?

• What do we need to do in order to be a great missionary like John?

August 3-8: The Compassionate Savior

SUNDAY

Reaching the Masses

1. How did Jesus express His compassion to the people?

• Matt. 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Matt. 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Matt. 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

• Matt. 14:14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

• Matt. 15:32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

• Matt. 18:27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

• Matt. 20:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

• Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

• Mark 1:41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

• Mark 5:18 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Mark 5:19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

• Luke 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.Luke 7:14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

• Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, Luke 10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

• Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

ANSWER:

• Being a Shepherd to the scattered
• Healing the sick
• Providing food to the hungry
• Forgiving the debtors’ “debts”
• Giving sight to the blind
• Teaching the ignorant
• Cleansing the lepers
• Delivering the demon-possessed
• Resurrecting the dead
• Taking care of the wounded
• Embracing the lost

2. How will God’s people be judged, according to the parable of the sheep and the goats?

• Matt. 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: Matt. 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: Matt. 25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Matt. 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Matt. 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Matt. 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

• Before you answer, combine the answer to the question number one and the answer to the question number two.

ANSWER: God’s people will be judged based upon whether or not they have expressed the “compassion” to the world in the similar way that Jesus did while He was on the earth.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• How do we need to express our compassion to the world?

• How should the churches start a ministry of compassion?

• Why is a preaching ministry alone insufficient?

3. How did Jesus draw the great multitude to hear His teaching?

• Mark 3:7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea, Mark 3:8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.

• Luke 6:17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases

• Luke 8:38 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Luke 8:39 Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him. Luke 8:40 And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.

• John 6:2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

ANSWER: A great multitude came to Jesus because He healed the people.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• What should the churches do in order to reach the masses?

• Why don’t the churches use more of medical missionary work?

MONDAY

The Personal Touch

1. Observe the first words of Christ to different individuals.

• Nicodemus-John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

• The woman at the well-John 4:7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

• The impotent man-John 5:6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

• The woman in adultery-John 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

• The blind man-John 9:6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, John 9:7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

2. After observing the above list of people, describe how Jesus worked with different minds and hearts. Make some applications as well. Here are some examples:

• Nicodemus- Jesus went straight to the point, because Nicodemus was already convicted but blinded to the true condition of his own heart. To certain people, we just need to speak straight and get to the bottom of things.

• The woman at the well- Jesus went indirectly, by asking for water, because she was not ready for straight-to-the-point approach. To certain people, we need to build a bridge first before we can show them the straight answer.

• The impotent man- Jesus asked him an obvious question, because Jesus wanted to take away his vain hope of healing. To certain people, we need to figure out what they are thinking the most, and then speak to them about the subject that matters the most to them.

• The woman in adultery-Jesus asked her a question that was not focused on her guilt, because she was already feeling guilty. To certain people, we do not need to point out their sins because they already feel guilty and ashamed. We need to spark the hope and love to these people.

• The blind man- Jesus showed the action first, then spoke to him. Sometimes we need to act first, and then we can teach the people. To certain people, words are cheap unless we do something for them first.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• How versatile do we need to be in order to work with different minds?

• What is the best way to understand people?

• How should we develop the skill of sensibility in order to be more effective gospel workers?

TUESDAY

Forgiveness

1. Observe how Jesus expressed His compassion through forgiveness.

• Matt. 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

• Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. Luke 7:48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

• Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

• John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

2. What can we learn about forgiveness based upon the way Jesus forgave those sinners?

ANSWER:

• Matt. 9:2 Faith is required in order to be forgiven.

• Luke 7:47 The degree of love is connected to the degree of forgiveness.

• Luke 23:34 God is willing to forgive our ignorance.

• John 8:11 Jesus does not want to condemn the sinners.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• Why is faith required in order to experience forgiveness?

• How much do you love God? Is the answer related to how much you have been forgiven?

• How should we win those who are ignorant and sinful?

3. What did Jesus say about forgiveness repeatedly?

• Matt. 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matt. 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: Matt. 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

• Matt. 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. Matt. 12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

• Matt. 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Matt. 18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

• Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven

ANSWER: You must forgive others in order to receive forgiveness.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• Why is it so hard to forgive others?

• Why does God ask us to forgive others in order to receive forgiveness?

• When we are ministering to others, how important is it to teach them how to forgive?

• Why don’t more evangelists teach this during their series?

WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY

Speaking in Parables

1. What method did Jesus use to teach the masses? And why did He use that method?

• Mark 4:1 And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. Mark 4:2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine

• Luke 8:4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable

• Matt. 13:2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. Matt. 13:3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

ANSWER: Jesus used parables to reach to the masses. Parables are simple, direct and it is hard to miss the main point. No one can theologically argue against the parables, so it is easier to avoid distractions from the skeptics.

2. Let’s outline the parables in Matthew 13.

• The Sower-Matt. 13:3-9, 18-23

• The Wheat and the Tares-Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43

• A Grain of Mustard Seed-Matt. 13:31-32

• Leaven-Matt. 13:33

• The Treasure-Matt. 13:44

• The Merchant-Matt. 13:45-46

• The Net-Matt. 13:47-50

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• What doctrinal teachings could we learn from the parables in Matthew chapter 13?

• Write down the doctrinal teachings next to the parables.

• Based upon what Jesus taught in Matthew chapter 13, what should be shared with the people today?

• Which parable did the disciples ask for more information about and why? And what was the answer that Jesus gave?