Psalms 27:4 – “One thing I ask of the Lord, and this is what I seek that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in His temple.”

In one of our gatherings with new college students, we started with an ice-breaker; a question, “If you are to have one last meal, what would you pick? What will be your favorite food that you want to have one last time?” The answers were funny and surprising. It ranged from  mother’s home cooked food to some exotic food one had a long time ago.

What if we ask a similar question for our spiritual walk. “If we are to ask one thing from the Lord, what you will ask of the Lord?” What will be your answer? Will that be a wisdom, strength, some physical or emotional healing or some special blessing for your life? In Psalm 27:4, David summarizes his quest, his pursuit of God in this one prayer. So what is his prayer?

There are three aspects of his prayers:

1. That he may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life:
   To dwell in the house of the Lord is to be in the presence of God. in Old testament, God’s presence resided in the temple of God. So David’s desire is to be in a continuous, close presence of God all the days of his life.
2. To gaze upon the beauty of the Lord:
   To gaze upon the beauty of the Lord is to witness the glory of God. There is nothing more glorious than the glory of God. We often marvel at the physical things that we see, but when we experience the glory of God, our lives will be changed forever.
3. To seek Him in His temple:
   Seeking God in his temple is to seek God and his righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)

So to summarize, David’s prayer in Psalms 27:4 is

• Ever increasing Presence of God
• All compassing Glory of God
• All consuming pursuit of God and his righteousness

So, Is this a unique request in the bible or do we see another similar requests from people of God?

We find a similar request from Moses as well. When God told Moses to lead the Israelite to the promised land in the wilderness. This is what Moses asked Lord. (check out Life of Moses- character study)

Exodus 33:12 -23
¹² Moses said to the LORD, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ ¹³ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

¹⁴ The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

¹⁵ Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. ¹⁶ How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

¹⁷ And the LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”

¹⁸ Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”

¹⁹ And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. ²⁰ But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”

²¹ Then the LORD said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. ²² When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. ²³ Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”

These two great men of God were not perfect, they made mistakes, committed sin that cost them dearly (Numbers 20:8-13), (2 Samuel 11:1-15). Yet, they were considered giants of faith. David is called a “man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22), Moses is called a “man who spoke to God face to face” (Exodus 33:11). There lives were defined by their pursuit for God.

Life Application:

What about you? What is the most important thing in your life? What is that “one” aspect of your life that defines you and put everything else into perspective? What will be your “One” Prayer to the Lord?

More Bible Studies:

• The Life of Moses: Biblical Character
• Temptations of Jesus Christ in the Wilderness | Bible Study
• The Parable of the Great Feast | Luke 14:15-24 | Bible Study
• Jesus Christ – The Cornerstone of the Church
• Jesus and Beelzebub – Mark 3:20-30 | Bible Study

Seeking God: David’s Prayer in Psalms 27:4 Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guide, Topics & Tools - Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guides

Original word for ‘man’ in the bible:

• In Hebrew: ‘adham’, ‘Ish’
• in Greek: ‘aner’, ‘anthropos’
• There are more than 3000 instances of word used for ‘man’! There is no doubt that man is the one of the central theme of bible.

Four fundamental aspects concerning Man:

1. Origin
2. Present Condition
3. Salvation
4. Destiny

• These are four principle aspects of the doctrine of man. You may go to any part of the world, culture, society, religion, past and present, and you will encounter these four aspects concerning man. Every religion, culture or society will try to answer these questions in various ways. Their answers shapes every area of one’s life and worldview, how they relate to themselves, to God and to other people.
• This bible study guide discusses the doctrine the origin of man according to bible (Christianity).

Q. Who created man according to the bible?

• It is very clear from the beginning of the bible that God created man and woman. (Gen 2:7)
• Man did not evolve (emerge) from the lower forms of life. But God is the creator of man. Gen 2:7 -”the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
• Bible does not explain just ‘how’ God created man and ‘how much’ time it took. But it is sure that the moment, God breathed into his nostril, he became alive, before he wasn’t.
• Science may explain millions of years of evolution process and gradual formation of the earth and its beings. But Bible is very clear that  man started to exist, when God breathed life into lifeless form made of dust of the ground.

Q. What are the three chief ingredients of man according to bible?

1. Body (Gen 2:7)
2. Soul: ability to reason and think (mind) and ability to feel (emotion) (Rev 6:9, Hebrew 12:23)
3. Spirit: Moral nature, free will to choose (Pr 26:27, 1 Cor 2:11)

• (1 Thes. 5:23 – “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”)
• The difference between man and animals is not that we have soul and spirit and animals don’t. (Eccl 3:21 -”Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?”) But the fact that we are created in the ‘Image of God’ and animals aren’t.
• Man was created with highly developed intellect, knowledge, reasoning and moral character. Many people have a picture of a cave man (with no sense of understanding), when they think of first humans. But bible teaches that man was endowed with these qualities from the beginning. (Think of our great grand parents, they were by no means, less intellectual or knowledgeable than we are. Off course, their understanding and knowledge were less technical and scientific.)

Q. What is the chief purpose of man?

• Dominion: God has given man dominion over the earth and nature. (Gen 1:28-29)
• Stewards: The dominion however, does not mean to abuse the earth, but men are  to be faithful stewards of the authority given by God. (Gen 1:29)
• Seek their creator: (Acts 17:27: – God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”)

Q. Created in the Image of God:

• Man is created in the image of God. (Gen 1:26-27, 2:7, 5:1, 9:6, Eph 4:24, Col 3:10)
• Group exercise: Take a portrait or an image of someone (with some fine details) and ask the group, “what do they see?” The image will reflects the attributes of the actual person in the picture.
• When God created man in His image, man reflects what or who God is like, His attributes, His reflection. Following are few attributes:
  • Personality: Ability to reason, think, choice, wisdom
  • Authority: Just as God has the ultimate authority over all things, God have man an authority to rule and dominion over the earth and nature. (Gen 1:28-29)
  • Creativity: God gave man ability to create. Man can procreate.
  • Moral character: Ability to choose from right and wrong, good and evil, ability to distinguish.

This summarize the biblical doctrine of the origin of man. The doctrine of sin and consequences (present condition, salvation and destiny) will be discussed in the later part of this series.

If you like this bible exposition, please share it with others.More Bible Studies:

• The Doctrine of Trinity
• Blessed are Pure in Heart – Beatitudes – Part 6 of 8
• Tension between Science and Theology
• Salt of the Earth: Matthew 5:13-16
• Angels and Demons – Biblical Perspective

The Doctrine of Man in the Bible – Biblical Anthropology Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guide, Topics & Tools - Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guides

Dear BibleSEO Readers,

This is a brief post to let our readers know that we are switching from Feedburner Email service to AWeber to handle sending out new bible study updates and other content via email.

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• Aweber offers many usful features that we plan to use to better inform and serve our readers. This change will only affect email subscribers.
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What should you be expecting in about a week?

• You will receive an email asking you to confirm the subscription. Unless you click on the activation link in the email, you will not be added to new newsletter service. And you will not receive any further bible study notification in your email.
• So, if you want to continue receiving bible study updates, please confirm the subscription. This is just one time process which allows us to switch to Aweber.

Thank you for your support and consideration. Feel free to share your comments, questions or feedback.

In His Service,

Christian, Amit.

BibleSEO EditorMore Bible Studies:

• Bible Study Updates from BibleSEO
• Over Half a Million Page Views
• Exclusive: Christian Web and New Media Award 2009 Runner Up
• Jesus Christ – The Cornerstone of the Church
• Blessed are Pure in Heart – Beatitudes – Part 6 of 8

Switching from Feedburner to AWeber for BibleSEO Email Newsletter Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guide, Topics & Tools - Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guides

“Blessed is the Man” bible study guide on Psalm 1 explores the contrast between the way of the righteous and the wicked. The participant study guide can be downloaded here.

Q. What are the  actions not associated with the righteous man (person) in v 1, 2?

• The righteous man does not walk – in the counsel of the wicked.
• He does not stand – in the paths (ways) of the sinners.
• He does not sit – in the seats of mockers.
• He does not participate in the sinful acts of others. It does not mean he does not befriend or talk with them.

Q. What was Jesus accused of, in Matthew 9:10, 11 and Matthew 11:19?

• Jesus was accused many times by the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law of being a friend of tax collectors and sinners, and of spending a lot of His time with them. ( also check out The Scribes Questions Jesus’ Authority)

Q. Compare Psalms 1:1-2 with Matthew 9:10,11 and 11:19? How do we  follow instruction given in Psalms 1:1-2?

• It means that the righteous,
• Must not follow (walk) in the counsel of the wicked.
• Must not participate (stand) in the sinful acts of wicked.
• Must not join (sit) with the mockers.
• Even though Jesus spent a lot of time with the sinners and tax collectors, His presence brought light and redemption (salvation) to those dark places and lives.

What is the joy of a righteous man?

• To meditate on the Word of the Lord day and night.
• To learn and obey the word of God. (How to do daily Quiet Time)

Q. What are the characteristics of the tree planted by the rivers (streams) of water?

• It is alive and gives us food, shelter and is useful in many other ways.
• Its leaves do not wither. (No fall!)
• It gets its nourishment from water. Its roots are planted near the source of life, which is water.
• It bears fruits in its appropriate season. (The fruits are useful to others and not for itself.)

Q. How does the example of the  tree relate to the righteous person?

• He is always growing in the Lord and is rooted in the firm foundation of the Word of God. (Ephesians 3:17)
• He bears much fruit. (John 15:8 – “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”)
• Galatians 5: 22 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.”

Q. What are the characteristics of chaff?

• Aimless, directionless, without purpose. It has no utility.

Q What is the destiny of the wicked as described in v. 5-6?

• They will not stand in the judgment of God.
• They will not sit in the assembly of the righteous.
• They will perish.

Application Questions:

1. What is your standing in the judgment of God? Have you received Christ and His righteousness?
2. Are you firmly rooted in the word of God? (Ephesians 3: 17)
3. Do you meditate on the Word of God every day?
4. Do you manifest the fruits of the spirit? (Galatians 5:22)

More Bible Studies:

• Jesus and Beelzebub – Mark 3:20-30 | Bible Study
• John the Baptist in the Wilderness – Matthew 3:1-12
• Who is the Holy Spirit: Bible Doctrine
• The Scribes Questions Jesus’ Authority – Mark 11: 27-33
• Blessed are the Meek – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 3 of 8

Blessed is the Man – Psalms 1 Bible Study Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guide, Topics & Tools - Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guides

This bible devotional describes bible verses for trusting the Lord with various practical areas of our life. As you read, reflect on the question and bible verse for each of these areas.

Do I trust in the Lord…

More Bible Studies:

• Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh – 2 Cor 12:7-10 | Bible Study
• Struggle with Sin in the Life of Christian
• Seeking God: David’s Prayer in Psalms 27:4
• Jesus Calming the Storm – Bible Lesson
• The Doctrine of Trinity

Trust in the Lord with all your heart – Bible Verses Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guide, Topics & Tools - Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guides

Bible Study on Joshua 1:1-9 – Biblical Principle of Prosperity and Success

Q) What are the keys to prosperity and success, according to you?

• Hard work
• Self-motivation
• Power
• Influence
• Relentless desire and drive to succeed.

This bible study guide on Joshua 1:6-9 explores the key principles to the success and prosperity according to Bible. The participant study guide can be downloaded from here. Read Joshua 1: 1-9, we will focus our study on 1:6-9.

Q) Read Joshua 1:1-5. What is the background of this event?

• The Israelites were finally at the bank of Jordan river ready to enter the promise land, after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.
• Moses, the great leader of Israel was dead. (Joshua 1:1)
• God had previously chosen Joshua to be the successor of Moses. (Numbers 27: 18-23) He was about the lead the Israelite into the promise land.

Q) Which of the command did the Lord God give to Joshua three times?

• “Be strong and Courageous.” (v. 6, 7, 9)

Q) What do you think about Joshua’s mindset from this passage?

• He may be overwhelmed by the occasion, terrified at the thought of leading the Israelites.
• He had been the apprentice of Moses. He had seen how Moses dealt with the people. He had seen the constant threats from the outside and continuous grumbling and complaints from within. Perhaps it was first time, it dawned on him that he was going to lead these people to the promise land.

Q) What commands did the Lord God give to Joshua? (Identify the commands with “to be” or “not to be”.)

• Be strong and courageous to lead these people.
• Be careful to obey all the Law of Moses.
• Do not be terrified and discouraged.
• Do not let the book of the Law depart from your mouth.
• Meditate on it day and night.
• Be careful to do everything written in it.

Q) What promises did the Lord God give to Joshua?

• I will never leave you nor forsake you. (v.5)
• The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (v. 5, 9)

Q) What are the conditions to success and prosperity according to verse 7, 8?

• Obey the word of God wholeheartedly.
• Do not turn from it to the right or to the left. Do not compromise on the word of God.
• Keep the word of God (bible) always on your lips. Memorize it. Immerse yourself with the word of God.
• Meditate on it day and night. This means not only read but study the bible.
• If you follow the above conditions, “then you will be prosperous and successful.” (v.8)

Q) What are the practical tips on these biblical principles?

We all want to be successful in what we do. Verse 7 & 8 describes some of the conditions to be successful in our life. But you may be wondering, how can I meditate on the word of God day and night, my schedule is too busy, there are too many things on my plate, I hardly find time for myself. How can I spend this much of time in Bible? Here are some of the practical tips for getting immersed with the word of God in your busy schedule.

Meditate:

• Take at least 10-15 minutes to do your daily quiet time. There is no alternative to it. If Jesus could spare some time from his busy schedule to be with His Father, we all can do too. (Here is a simple guide on how to do your quiet time.)
• If you commute, get the Bible on Audio and hear it on your way to work. (It is ok not to hear Christian music radio every once in a while.) In fact, you can have bible on audio pretty much anywhere. (There are some great dramatized audio bible available on Amazon.)
• For those of you with smart phones, you can download some free apps which sends you bible verses daily.
• Above all these tips, the old-fashioned Bible, notebook and coffee approach in your study closet always works.

Memorize:

• Think of at least one verse that you can remember from every book of Bible (first from NT and then from OT). That is the total of 66 bible verses! You may say I am not good at memorizing. With little bit of creativity, we can do so. ( If we can remember the stock prices or sports score or shopping list or home or TV schedule, we can remember the bible verses too!)
• Start your day with writing a bible verse in your daily calendar or schedule.
• Help your kids to memorize some bible verses. (It will also force you to memorize as well.) Have a fun Bible memory verse competition in your family.

These are some of the tips that we have discovered over time. Please share/comment any practical tips you may have about meditating/memorizing the word of God, and we will add here to the list.

To summarize these, the keys to success and prosperity are not hard work or self-driven life or anything else, but it is the continual, ever growing, daily fellowship with God through His Words and if you follow these timeless biblical principles, you will be Prosperous and Successful.More Bible Studies:

• Seeking God: David’s Prayer in Psalms 27:4
• The Life of Moses: Biblical Character
• Christian Discipleship: Definition | Cost of Discipleship
• Fellowship with God – Bible Study on 1 John: 5-10
• Blessed is the Man – Psalms 1 Bible Study

Biblical Principles to Prosperity and Success from the Book of Joshua Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guide, Topics & Tools - Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guides

Bible Study Lesson:

Matthew 1:18-25

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”

Q. What can you learn about Joseph from this passage?

• Joseph was righteous man.
• He was considerate and compassionate to Marry, his fiancée. When he heard about Mary, he decided to divorce her privately, in spite of disappointment and heart break.
• He was obedient to the voice of God. He must have very clear, powerful revelation from God.

Q. Visualize the state of mind of Joseph and Mary from this passage.

• Joseph – Doubt, disappointment, heartbreak, shame
• Mary – Fear, shame, public disgrace (In  eastern culture, it will be life long shame.)

Q. What was the Joseph’s dream about?

• The contents of his dream were very clear, he was commanded by the Angel of God,  ( Check out Angels and Demons – Biblical perspective).
• Not to be afraid
• To take Mary as his wife
• To give son a name, Jesus ( meaning: ‘Lord Saves’)
• His dream changed his perspective.
• His dream was very elaborate. It was about Holy Spirit (v20), saving people from their sins (v21).
• Even before the birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary knew that Jesus was not an ordinary person.
• It is not clear if Joseph knew the context of the Old Testament prophecy fulfillment,  weather he understood the true identity of this child, weather he fully comprehended the meaning of ‘saving people from their sins, or what it means to be born of virgin and conceived by Holy spirit’. (Not even Jesus’ disciples fully realized who Jesus was, until they found a new help after His death and resurrection, “Holy Spirit”.)
• Joseph on his part, was faithful and obedient to the voice of God, he did what the Lord had commanded him to do.
• Gospels do not talk about Joseph much after the birth of Jesus. But in these few passages, we find Joseph to be a good husband and a father, caregiver, honest, obedient, faithful and wise man.
• We may also not fully understand (rationally or logically) the virgin birth or many mysteries of God, but we need to surrender to the will of God, trust him and be obedient to him. (Check out: Trust in the Lord – Bible Verses)

Key verse of Joseph’s life:

“He did what the Lord had commanded him.” (Mat 1:24)More Bible Studies:

• Three Magi’s Visit to King of the Jews – Matthew 2:1-12 | Bible Lesson
• Jesus’ Genealogy in the Bible – Matthew 1:1-17 | Bible Study
• Joseph: Bible Character Study
• 9 Ways God Speak to His People in Bible
• Miracle of Jesus at Cana Wedding – John 2:1-11 | Bible Study

Joseph in the Gospel of Matthew – Matthew 1:18-25 | Bible Study Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guide, Topics & Tools - Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guides

Bible Study Lesson:

• Mark 11:27-33
• Matthew 21:23-27
• Luke 20:1-8

Background:

• Mark 11:27 starts with ‘they arrived in Jerusalem again.” If we check the background of this event, there had been significant drama already played in Jerusalem in last few days. Let us look at last three days of Jesus.
• Day 1:
  • Jesus arrived in Jerusalem from Bethany. (Mark 11:1-10) This was his last week before crucification. He entered Jerusalem and was greeted by people as a ‘great messiah’, it was a triumphant entry.
  • On that day, he observed all that was going on in the temple, and went back with his disciples to Bethany. (Mark 11:11)
• Day 2:
  • Next day (Mark 11:12), Jesus on his way to Jerusalem, he passed by fig tree, when he did not find any fruit on fig tree, he cursed the tree. It was a visual parable for the disciples regarding the ‘barrenness of Israel’.  (Also check, bible study on Parable of Wedding Feast)
  • He then went to the temple in Jerusalem and drove out all the merchants and money changers. (Mk 11:15-18)
• Day 3:
  • Next day, disciples, on their way to Jerusalem, noticed that the fig tree was withered to its root (Mk 11:20)
  • Finally they arrived again in Jerusalem (v. 27). And were confronted by the chief priests and scribes in the temple courts.
  • By this time, the chief priests and scribes were already indignant by Jesus’ lack of respect of their ‘authority’, and were plotting to somehow trap him and kill him!

Q. Where was Bethany?

• Bethany was situated about 2 miles SE of Jerusalem, on the mount of Olives. (John 11:18)
• Meaning of Bethany: ‘house of unripe figs’!
• Home of Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha (Jn 11:1-2)
• Home of Simon the leper, where Jesus attended the feast of unleavened bread (Mark 14:1,3)
• It was around the city of Bethany, Jesus ascended into heaven. (Luke 24:50-51)

Q. Who were the scribes (Teachers of the Law)?

• Experts in the Law, whose profession was the systematic study and exposition of the Law
• Scribes were also called ‘teachers of the Law’.
• They often associated themselves with the Pharisees. (Mt 5:20, Mk 7:5, etc)
• They had developed and added many traditions and practices to the requirements of the Law, to insure sanctity of the Law. (Mk 7:3) These teachings were called ‘the traditions of the elders’. (Matthew 15:2-6)
• Jesus accused them for loading the common people with the “burdens that they can hardly carry.” (Luke 11:46)
• Scribes closely observed Jesus’ activities and ministry. And when Jesus refused to follow their traditions, they fiercely opposed him and tried to trap /kill him. (John 5:10-18, Mark 7:1-13)

Q. What questions did the Chief priests and the teachers of the Law ask to Jesus?

1. By What authority are you doing ‘these things’?
2. Who gave you authority to do this?

Q. What do their questions imply? What were the ‘things’ Jesus doing?

• Chief priests were the recognized authority in the matters of the temple, they allowed the money changers and traders to be in the temple courts. So when Jesus cleared the temple by driving out money changers, without their (chief priests) permission, it ticked them off.
• They assumed that Jesus did not possess any authority. They implied, “we did not give you this authority, then how can you do this?”

Q. What was so unique about Jesus’ reply?

• Jesus was not shaken by this sudden confrontation. He did not step back or withdraw himself. But he answered their question with a counter-question.
• Jesus’ question to them was, “who gave authority to John the baptist to baptize people? was it from men or from heaven (God)? (Ministry of John the Baptist)
• By his question, he took the matter to the objective level, Jesus indirectly asked, “Who ultimately gives the authority?”
• (So often, when we are confronted with some fundamental question about our belief, we try to defend ourselves by giving reasons after reasons, or plainly withdraw from the scene. But, asking a counter-question is an excellent way of shifting the focus from subjective level to the objective level.)

Q. What was the high priests’ response?

• They were baffled by this intelligent counter-attack.
• Their answer, “we do not know”, reflects their state of mind, they did not want to admit their failure, and at the same time, they wanted to please people also. So they stepped back by avoiding to answer.
• Jesus however, did not reply, “even I do not know!”, he replied, “I will not tell.”
• Jesus did not answer to them, but he did answer to his disciples. Matthew 28:18 – “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (John 17:1-2, John 5:26-27)

Applications:

• How do you respond when you face confrontation?
• What do you think, Jesus’ authority is from?

More Bible Studies:

• Three Magi’s Visit to King of the Jews – Matthew 2:1-12 | Bible Lesson
• Jesus and Beelzebub – Mark 3:20-30 | Bible Study
• Jesus Feeding the 5000 | Bible Study
• Rich Young Ruler and Jesus | Mark 10:17-27
• Jesus’ Disciples Names: List, Meaning and Occupation

The Scribes Questions Jesus’ Authority – Mark 11: 27-33 Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guide, Topics & Tools - Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guides

Bible Study Lesson:

Proverbs 12: 1-28

What are the characteristics of wise man according to Proverbs 12?

• Ready to accept criticism
• Ready to admit correction
• His plans are just
• Built his house on rock, strong foundation
• He cares for the needs of his animals!
• Knows how to escape from trouble
• Ready to listen to advice
• He overlooks the insult
• His testimonies are true – Trustworthy
• His speech brings healing
• Joy in his heart
• Keeps his knowledge to himself, ?? uses wisely!
• Diligent
• Disciplined
• He is cautious in his friendship
• His ways lead to life and immortality

Ask yourself following questions, and think of any situations in which you acted in certain ways.

• How do I react to criticism? (Positive or negative)
• Do I admit mistakes and accept corrections?
• How do I plan my daily activities? (Keep it to last moment!)
• What is the basis or motivation of my actions? (Why do I do what I do?)
• Do I take counsel for important decisions?
• How do I react to insult?
• Am I trustworthy to others?
• How do I make friends?
• Am I a good administrator of my time? (Diligence and Discipline)
• Also check out: Proverbs – The Navigators

More Bible Studies:

• How to Lead Small Group – Practical Guide
• Discover God’s Will – Practical Preparation
• Blessed are the Peacemakers – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 7 of 8
• How to Overcome Temptation
• Sexuality, Spirituality and Overcoming Sexual Temptations

Proverbs – Characteristics of Wise Man Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guide, Topics & Tools - Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guides

Bible Study Passages:

• Mark 5: 21-24, 35-43
• Luke 8: 40-42, 49-56
• Matthew 9: 18-26

Jesus’ home town, Capernaum:

• Capernaum was situated on the sea of Galilee in a populated area.
• It was a wealthy city due to fishing and trade.
• It was a base of Jesus’ early ministry.
• The city had Roman garrison which maintained peace in the region. The city was a cultural melting pot, greatly influenced by Greek and Roman manners, dress, architecture and politics.

Office of Ruler of Synagogue:

• Synagogue was the local Jewish Center of worship.
• Ruler of synagogue was responsible for administration, building, maintenance, supervision of worship.
• The rulers of synagogue had close ties with the Pharisees. So it was quite unusual for Jairus to go to Jesus and fall at his feet for healing of his daughter.

What can we learn from Jairus from these passages?

• He was a ruler of synagogue.
• He was a humble man.
• He loved his only daughter.
• He believed that Jesus could heal his ailing daughter.

What do you think would be Jairus’ state of mind when he heard that his daughter had just passed away?

• Broken hearted
• There was a huge crowd to see Jesus; he somehow got to meet Jesus. He would have thought, “I could have come earlier, just not in time.”
• At this time it did not occur to him that Jesus could raise the dead.
• Jairus and the people around Jesus had just witnessed one of the most extraordinary act of faith and God’s power on display. They saw a miraculous healing of a woman with bleeding related illness.
• Jairus would have been greatly encouraged to witness such a great healing. He would be confident that Jesus could heal his daughter as well. Just then, he heard the news of his daughter’s death. He would have been devastated.
• We often experience God’s power on display followed by moments of crisis.
• In such moments, we need to “Just believe. And have faith in Jesus Christ.”
• Jesus affirmed his faith in this time of crisis, saying, (v-50) “Don’t be afraid, don’t doubt, Just believe.”
• We often feel that God has abandoned us, he is no longer with us. But in such times God continues to encourage and uplift us to have faith.
• Faith is to see beyond the circumstances.
• Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is a confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
• Hebrews 11: 6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
• The fact that they started heading towards Jairus’ home shows that Jairus agreed to Jesus, He kept the faith.
• Perhaps, those few moments (steps) would be hardest for him. He now knew that his beloved daughter was dead.
• He would have many questions, raw emotions, but Jesus was right with him.
• He held on to the promise of Jesus, that if he just believes, his daughter will be healed.
• He kept hope against all hope.

Why did Jesus insist to keep faith?

• Faith is the essential part of healing.
• In order to receive healing, we must first believe that he can heal us.
• It is the simple, childlike faith that Jesus is looking for. Nothing pleases God more than sincere faith. (Hebrew 11:6)

People’s Response: Don’t bother Jesus (Just live with it vs. Just believe)

• Often in our process of healing, we may encounter people, our closest friends, family, who may discourage us, even though they may not mean to.
• They may have you look at all circumstances. They may show you the impossibility of healing. They may say just don’t bother God, just live with it.
• They may even laugh at the act of your faith.

Who were the Wailers?

• They were hired wailers or mourners, mostly women.
• They were accompanied by flute players and pipers.
• They would dishevel their hair, sing with shrill screams and loud wailing. They would clap their hands and strike their chest in monotonous melody.
• In Jeremiah 9:17-18, God calls for the mourning women to cry for Israel.
• In some eastern cultures, these traditions are still present today. (‘Rudaali’ is an Indian movie based on female mourners in the northern part of India.)

Why did Jesus tell the “wailers” to stop wailing?

• It is interesting that Jesus talked to those who are wailing. He could have avoided that conversation.
• Perhaps, part of our healing process is to acknowledge it before others. We may believe in our heart but we also have to confess with our mouth to others. This is often difficult because we may be mocked at or laughed at.
• We are often afraid of acknowledging it to others because we fear, “what if we do not receive healing”?

“Asleep not dead” – What did Jesus mean by that?

• The fact that verse says, “her spirit returned” means she was indeed physically dead.
• In these few phrases, Jesus gave a glimpse of Eternity.
• Death is not the end of all. There is more to it.
• Jesus brought her back to life.  He “woke” her up from her death, saying “child get up.”

Why did Jesus order them not to tell anyone?

• One obvious reason is he did not want all people to bring their dead to him. His was not just a miracle ministry.
• Jesus’ ministry was to seek and save the lost.
• Jesus often instructed the people who received healing not to go out and proclaim everyone.

Life Applications and Reflections:

• Jesus has the power to heal any disease, even death.
• Many people claim that healing miracles are only limited to more of psychological kind of diseases.
• But Jesus can heal any sickness, if we “just believe”.
• Are you suffering with some form of sickness? It is never too late for healing. We need simple, affirming faith in Jesus Christ. And He will bring health and healing for our bodies and souls.

This healing miracle is a part of eBook ‘Miracles of Jesus Christ: Bible Study Series on Seven Healing Miracles of Jesus’. You can read more about it here.

Recommended Read: The Miracles of Jesus Participant’s Guide: Six In-depth Studies Connecting the Bible to Life (Deeper Connections)More Bible Studies:

• Jesus Heals the Woman with Blood Issue
• Shriveled Hands – Jesus Heals on Sabbath – Mark 3:1-6
• Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52 | Bible Study
• Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12
• Jesus Heals at the Pool of Bethesda | John 5:1-15

Jesus Heals Jairus’ Daughter – Miracles of Jesus Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guide, Topics & Tools - Bible Study Lessons | Free Inductive Study Guides