Background of First Miracle – Jesus Restored the Demon Possessed Man

But before, we start that, we need to take a look at the “First” miracle in that region. It is recorded in Mark 7:1-20, Jesus casting out the legion of evil spirits from a man. You can read in details, but we will for now, focus on the people’s response to that miracle.

Mark 5:17-20 “Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

Q) Why did the people ask Jesus to leave?

Q) What impact did the Healed Man have in that region, as Jesus left the place?

Second Miracle – Jesus Healed the Deaf and Mute Man

Mark 7:31-37 – Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him.

After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.

Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Mark 7:31-37

Q) What changed people’s perspective of Jesus, this time around?

Q) What did the people ask Jesus to do for the Deaf/Mute man? What did they expect?

Q) Let’s for the moment, consider a life of Deaf/Mute person in those days.

Q) What actions did Jesus do to heal this man? Why?

Q) Why did Jesus sigh while looking at the heavens?

Q) What healing do you want to receive privately? Are you willing to trust Jesus to give you this healing?

Q) Read Isaiah 35:4-6 from Old Testament (written 700 years before Jesus).

Isaiah 35:4-6 – Your God will come, He will come with vengeance, with divine retribution, He will come to save you.”

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.

Jesus fulfilled many of the prophecies about him, coming to Save the world, but not just from the physical infirmities or sickness, but more importantly, the spiritual sickness of Sin. He paid the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross. And we put our trust in him, he offers a new life.

John 10:10 – I came that you may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. – Amplified Bible Version.

The post Jesus Healed the Deaf and Mute Man in Decapolis first appeared on Bible Study Lessons and Topics.

Think about the most daring or dangerous thing you have ever done? Perhaps by a choice or just by the circumstances. May be a Dare Devil stunt in your high school or college, or sky diving (Check out faith lesson from my sky diving experience) or bungee jumping or other crazy things? Have you ever tried to walk on the water? In today’s lesson, we are going to learn about the Jesus (and Peter) walking on the water in the middle of the storm.

Bible Passage: Matthew 14:22-33

Imagine you had an early start in the day, got kids ready, then go to work, have lots of meetings and stressful environment, then you come home and there’s a large gathering of about 500 people and you are the host. you prepare a meal, serve them, clean up and finally you head home and while on the road there’s a huge snowstorm, a blizzard, whiteout condition. You are going on the highway in such a windy, snowy weather trying to not get into a ditch and then all of a sudden you see a white robed person in the middle of the road coming right up to you! This was in some way what the disciples experienced on this eventful day.

Background on this Day for Jesus and His Disciples.

Jesus and his disciples already had very hectic and eventful day. They had heard about John the Baptist beheading and later in the day, Jesus taught and then fed 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus wanted the disciples to take some rest some downtime, so he dismissed the crowd and send the disciples ahead in the boat.

How did Jesus maintain the spiritual strength?

Jesus was very tired. He was emotionally exhausted, his distant cousin was just killed in the most brutal way. He had taught 5000 people and he also had fed 5000 people, he needed some rest, but his resting place was his personal time with God. he could have chosen to sleep to rejuvenate himself, but instead he chose to spend this time with God in prayer. He prayed, almost till the dawn, he had a whole night prayer vigil.

If you’re serving people or in a Christian ministry, you may have days like these, when you would be so busy or tired that you don’t even get time to eat or sleep, in times like these, would you be willing to sacrifice your time and instead find your resting place at the feet of Jesus?

How long were the disciples in the boat fighting the storm?

The Disciples again found themselves in the middle of the storm. They were experienced fishermen, so small storm would not have caused them to worry, but this storm was different. They were struggling to reach to the land because of the storm, they were beaten by the waves for almost the whole night, it was almost dawn (4th watch is about 3-6a.m.), and they saw a figure walking on the water from a distance. Obviously, they were terrified, they thought it was a ghost. in those days, people at the sea especially thought, the ghost were the people who died at the sea. Jesus immediately comforted them. “Don’t be afraid, it is I.”

What did Peter ask Jesus? Why?

Peter replied, “Lord if it is you, tell me to come to you on the waters!” We all know that Peter was an impulsive person, but this was more than just an impulse. He was asking Jesus ‘s permission to do something extraordinary. He wanted to do what his masters was doing. Isn’t that what we supposed to do? Follow our master? Peter showed tremendous faith to think outside the boat. He had the trust and courage to ask Jesus something powerful, something no one has ever done.

Jesus’ answer was ofcourse, “COME“.

What caused him to sink?

It was not the wind and wave that caused him to sink, they were that even before he started to sink. It was when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm, his faith wavered, and he started to sink. Perhaps he realized his own inadequacy. He started to doubt himself, and found himself sinking, drowning in the water. Out of the desperation, he cried out. “Lord, Save me”.

He took step of faith, he ventured into the unknown, and now he found himself almost drowning, other disciples could not save him. But Jesus was right there on water. He immediately reached out his hands and saved him. Jesus gently rebuked him. “You of little faith! Why did you doubt?” Jesus believed in him, he knew Peter was able to walk in water. Peter in someways, is a good and bad example of faith. He was able to do something that no other human being has ever done, but he also took his eyes of Jesus. Jesus and Peter both walked to the boat and climbed to the boat and immediately the wind die down and it was a perfect calm. The disciples were probably in utter shock, trying to make sense of what had just happened. But when they gathered their thoughts, they realized that they were in the presence of the Son of God. Worship was a natural response to this powerful display of Jesus’ power of nature.

We, as the disciples of Jesus, also may respond in two different ways in the midst of the storm. We may choose to stay in the boat, look for safety and security, or we can venture out into the unknown and follow Jesus even on the water.

Life Applications

Peace is not found in the absence of storm, but in the Presence of Jesus right in the midst of the storm.

https://www.rethinknow.org/peter-walks-on-water-matthew-15-22-33/

Jesus called Peter by saying, ‘COME’, this simple four-letter word is profound. We often try to find peace in the calm. But life is too messy, too wavy and we are often found in the middle of the storm. Hear these words of Jesus.

Matthew 11:28 – “COME to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Faith in Jesus sometimes requires stepping out of the boat.

Faith sometimes requires stepping out of the boat/your own comfort/safety. We all like safety, security & comfort. And it is not a bad thing. But sometimes, Jesus asks you to take a risk and trust him. Just like Peter, we need to step out of our boats, overcome our fears, and trust that Jesus is right there, ready to catch you, you may stumble but will not drown.

2 Cor 5:7 – “For we live by faith, not by sight.”

Faith in Yourself alone will cause you to Sink.

We all have heard believe in yourself, self help gurus of our time. And it can only help when you are in the calm. But life is full of storms. Big storms, it can come in many shapes and forms, death or serious illness of your loved ones, health issues, losing a job, financial troubles, challenges with your children, to name few. And you cannot weather the storm alone, it will destroy you. But Jesus promised in

John 16:33 - In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

When you choose to follow Jesus, He will do amazing things in and through you.

God wants to do incredible things in you and through you that you can’t even imagine. He is weaving an amazing story of your life. He wants you to have Walking-on-the-Water moment for your life. So don’t settle for less. Don’t stay in the boat fighting the storms of your life on your own, with your own strength, tired, weary and exhausted, but not able to overcome it. Take a Leap of Faith, And You will have the most amazing story to tell others of How God works in your life.

The post Jesus Walks on Water first appeared on Bible Study Lessons and Topics.

This post contains the PowerPoint Presentation for the Bible Study on the Woman with Alabaster Jar (Luke 7:36-50)

Please click here to download the Inductive Bible Study PowerPoint Presentation Slides. (Please give the credit to Bibleseo, by leaving the footer links in the Powerpoint slide pack. Thank you.)

The post Woman with Alabaster Jar – Bible Study PowerPoint Presentation first appeared on Bible Study Lessons and Topics.

Paul – Early Life

• Name: Saul (other name: Paul)
• Meaning: Small, little
• Birthplace: Tarsus, Cilicia (currently in Turkey, 12 miles from the Mediterranean) (Acts 9:11)
• Siblings: Sister (Acts 23:16)
• Occupation: Tent making (Acts 18:2-3), his father would most likely be a master tentmaker.
• Religious affiliation: Jew (Romans 11:1)
• Tribe: Benjamin (Romans 11:1)
• Education: The Pharisee under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), Gamaliel’s speech (Acts 5:33-39)
• Citizenship: The Romans passport (Acts 22:27-28)
• Physical appearance: Short and Bald

Paul the Zealous Persecutor

Read Acts 7:54-60

What was the role of Saul in the stoning of Stephen?

• Stoning of the Church leader Stephen in Jerusalem
• Saul was the official approver of the stoning of Stephen. (Acts 7:59-60)

What was Saul’s master plan to crush this new cult ‘The Way’? Read Acts 8:3, Acts 9:1-2)
• Destroy the Church
• Go house to house
• drag off men and women of the Way
• put them in prison
• Breathing murderous threats against the disciples.
• Got the permission letter from the high priest to go to Damascus

The Turning Point

Read Acts 9:3-9

What happened on the road to Damascus?

How did this event shake Saul’s fundamental beliefs?

Who was he really persecuting, as the voice said? (v. 9:5)

Read 9:10-19

Why was Ananias hesitant? How did he obey God’s command?

• Brother, Paul

What was God’s plan for Saul? (v. 15)

God’s conquering work on Saul is like Divine chess player systematically, patiently maneuvering his opponent into a corner until finally he concedes, “Checkmate.”

C.S Lewis (Paraphrased)

Persecutor turned Preacher

Read Acts 9:20-24, Acts 13:1-3

What was the special call on Paul’s life? (Acts 13:1-3)

Paul and the band of brothers traveled to Asia minor with three missionary journeys, preaching the gospel, planting many churches among the Gentiles along the way. (You can read more online about these missionary journeys.)

Paul the Prolific Writer

Paul in the later part of his life in prison, wrote many letters to the Churches he had planted, encouraging, admonishing them to stay true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There are atleast 13 of those letters that has survived, which are in the Bible.

• Galatians
• 1 and 2 Thessalonians
• 1 and 2 Corinthians
• Romans
• Ephesians,
• Philemon,
• Colossians,
• Philippians
• 1 Timothy
• Titus
• 2 Timothy

Key Verses from Paul’s Life

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

1 Corinthians 15:10

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in a Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

Philippians 3:7-9

The post Apostle Paul – Bible Character Study first appeared on Bible Study Lessons and Topics.

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

Office of Ruler of the Synagogue:

• The synagogue was the local Jewish center of worship.
• The ruler of a synagogue was responsible for administration, building, maintenance, supervision of worship.
• The rulers of a 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 this passage? (Mark 5:22,23)

• He was a ruler of synagogue.
• He was a humble man. He fell down before Jesus and earnestly pleaded with him for his daughter’s healing.
• 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?

• He would be absolutely 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 issue.
• 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.

Have you ever experienced God’s power on display followed by a major moment of crisis? What was your response in such situations?

Why did Jesus insist Jairus to keep faith?

• Jesus affirmed his faith in this time of crisis, saying, (Luke 9:50) “Don’t be afraid, don’t doubt, Just believe.”
• In order to receive healing, we must first believe that he can heal us.
• 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. we need to “Just believe. And have faith in Jesus Christ.”
• 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 believed in Jesus, his daughter will be healed.
• He hoped against all hope.

What is faith? and why is so important? What kind of discouragements can hinder our faith? (Hebrews 11:1,6)

• 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.”

• 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.
• But Faith is the essential part of healing. It is the simple, childlike faith that Jesus is looking for. Nothing pleases God more than sincere faith. (Hebrew 11:6)

Who were the Wailers? (Jeremiah 9:17-18)

• 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 could be that, 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 to 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 or disease, if we “just believe in Him, if we put our trust in Him”.
• 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 physical and spiritual healing for our bodies and souls.

——————————

Check out our eBook, The Miracles of Jesus Christ – 7-part Bible Study Series on the Healing Miracles of Jesus Christ for Small Groups & Personal Study.

The post Jesus Heals Jairus’ Daughter first appeared on Bible Study Lessons and Topics.

Bible Study Lesson:

• Mark 5: 24-34

Other Passages : Luke 8:42-48

What can we know about condition of this woman from Mark 5: 25, 26?

• She was suffering from menstrual bleeding issue for twelve years.
• She had spent all she had to get cured. But it had gotten worst.
• She did not give up in spite of her suffering for 12 years. In Jesus, she saw the hope of healing.

Why did she not ask directly to Jesus for healing? (Leviticus 15:19-28)

• According to the Jewish law, a man who touches a menstruating woman becomes ceremonially unclean. (Levi 15: 19-28)

Leviticus 15:19 – “When a woman has her regular flow of blood, the impurity of her monthly period will last seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean till evening.”

• In this regard, she would have been ‘untouchable’ for 12 years.
• She might have feared being ostracized, for she would have been in contact with many on her way to Jesus in the crowd.
• She might have feared that Jesus would avoid healing her.
• Even though she did not doubt that Jesus had a power to heal her. The nature of her disease may also be the reason. In the eastern cultures, women issues are not spoken of in public.
• Perhaps, she thought about her past failure. So, she decided to take a secretive way. If she did not get healed, no one would have known that she even tried.
• Therefore, she thought to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”

What fears or issues in your life keep you from approaching God? Are you ashamed of something from your past?

Did Jesus know who touched him? (Also Mark 12:32)

• It is unclear whether Jesus knew who touched him or not. There are two opinions about it.
• The first one says that Jesus knew who touched him, but he wanted her to come forward and profess her faith and healing. Jesus, being God, must have known who touched him.
• The second opinion is that he really did not know who touched him. From his conversation with Peter, it seems likely that he knew that power had gone out from him, but not sure how. There were other things, Jesus said he did not know.

Mark 13:32 – “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

How did the woman show great courage, after being timid at first?

• Even when she was healed, she did not come forward immediately. She thought that she could go unnoticed, disappear in the crowd.
• But Jesus noticed, he felt that the power had gone out of him. And he was persistent to know who that person was.
• Finally she came trembling at Jesus’ feet, but then she went on to tell everyone, why she touched him and how she was instantly healed.
• Notice that Jesus only asked “who” touched him and not “why” or how!

How can you share the testimony of God’s blessings in your life with others?

• We often have a tendency to act in a way so that we can go unnoticed; we can slip in the crowd. We do not want to profess it publicly. Often we hear that our faith is a personal matter. Yes, it is a personal decision, but we also need to acknowledge it to others.
• One of the most powerful ways in which we can share gospel with others, is through our own personal testimony.

What was so significant about her action? What makes her faith so special? (Hebrews11:1)

• She had an unshakable faith. She did not let the circumstances or doubts shake her faith.
• Her faith was truly unbelievable. She could see the unseen. But that is the very definition of faith.

Hebrew 11:1 – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

• Faith at its core is a simple trust and belief in a person. It is the childlike faith that moves the mountain.
• Even after receiving the healing, she showed an extraordinary courage to come forward and share everything in presence of the people.
• Jesus commended her extraordinary faith and blessed her. Jesus wanted to instill this kind of faith in his disciples (who often failed to exercise such faith). He often rebuked them for being ‘of little faith’.
• it was a powerful testimony of God’s power and faith of a person at work.
• Testimony of healing can have a powerful impact on people, especially those who do not know Jesus.

Life Applications and Reflections

• The extraordinary faith, at its core, is a simple, unwavering, childlike faith in Him. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.
• Are you willing to put your trust in Him? You may be going through physical, emotional, spiritual suffering or sickness; He can heal you if you put your trust in Him.
• How will you demonstrate your faith in action in Jesus?

——————————

Check out our eBook, The Miracles of Jesus Christ – 7-part Bible Study Series on the Healing Miracles of Jesus Christ for Small Groups & Personal Study.

The post Jesus Heals the Woman with Blood Issue first appeared on Bible Study Lessons and Topics.

Mark 1:40-45

Other Passages : Matthew 8:1-4, Luke 5:12-16

What were the condition of lepers in the first century Israel? What were the law of Moses concerning the Leprosy? (Leviticus 13, 14)

• Leprosy was one of the most despicable and rejected diseases. (Check out Jesus healing the Disabled Man at Bethesda)
• The Greek word for leprosy refers to some form of skin diseases, some of which were contagious. If one was found with a contagious form of leprosy, the priest would declare him unclean, and he had to leave his home and town and live outside the city in the colony of lepers until he died or got better.
• According to Moses’ Law, the leper had to pass through at least 14 days of ‘cleansing’ process before he could enter the city. It shows that the leper was desperate to see Jesus.

  Leviticus 14:45-46 – “Anyone with such a defiling disease must wear torn clothes, let their hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of their face and cry out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ 46 As long as they have the disease they remain unclean. They must live alone; they must live outside the camp.”

• After the leper’s healing, Jesus wanted him to go and show himself to prove that he was completely healed. Leviticus 14 describes the details about the ceremonial cleansing of a healed leper, which would last for a number of days.

Visualize condition of the Leper.

• He was an outcast from the community and city
• He could be rejected by family, friends, and community
• No one would have touched him for days.
• He needed physical, emotional and spiritual healing.

What does his request say about his state of mind?

• He would have tried everything to cure his decaying body. But he would have failed. It was out of such state of helplessness and self-pity, that he cried out, “If you are willing, you can make me clean!”
• His lack of confidence in himself is evident from his request.
• In Jesus, he saw the healer and the Savior who can help him out of this condition. And so he came to Jesus, begging him on his knees.

What was Jesus’ response to the leper? What was so significant about Jesus touching the leper? (Mark 1:41)

• He was moved by pity and filled with compassion.
• He stretched out his hands and touched him! People around him would have been shocked to see that!
• “How can Jesus touch an unclean? He would also become ‘unclean’.” Some might have whispered! But there was a reverse phenomenon at work, Jesus’ touch could cleanse the “unclean”.
• Even Jesus’ touch would have healed his soul. For what seems like a simple gesture was a great expression of love and care, as if Jesus was saying, “I love you in spite of your wounds and disrupted body and soul.”
• Jesus not only healed his body but his soul as well.

A small gesture of love and compassion can go long way. What kind words and acts can you offer to those who are suffering around you?

Why did Jesus want him to go to the priest after healing? (Leviticus 14:4)

• Jesus wanted him to fulfill the Law and present an offering according to Leviticus 14. He wanted him to adhere to the Law of Moses and fulfill the requirements of the Law regarding the cleansing of Leprosy.
• It would also be a testimony of healing for the priest to witness.
• Jesus wanted to avoid any publicity as a miracle-worker, that could hinder his public teaching ministry.
• The man however, did not follow Jesus’ warning and went on to spread the news. Perhaps, his joy was too great to be contained to himself. His actions, however, hindered Jesus’ public ministry.

Life Applications and Reflections

• This passage is the reminder that our greatest qualification in the Kingdom of God is when we realize our own unworthiness.
• Sin is an incurable disease. It leads to death, a spiritual death.

  Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

  Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

• Bible says that we all have sinned and deserve death. Only Jesus’ healing touch can heal us and restore us from our sinful condition. All we need to do is to come and ask him, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
• Jesus is ready to offer wholesome healing, be it spiritual, physical, emotion healing, if we come to him.
• A simple act of love can have a deep impact on those who are suffering.
• Just as Jesus touched the leper and healed his emotional wounds, He can touch the areas of our life which are most painful and hurting.

——————————

Check out our eBook, The Miracles of Jesus Christ – 7-part Bible Study Series on the Healing Miracles of Jesus Christ for Small Groups & Personal Study.

The post Jesus Heals the Leper first appeared on Bible Study Lessons and Topics.

Mark 2: 1-12

Other Passages : Matthew 9:1-8, Luke 5:17-26

The passage starts with Jesus entering Capernaum again. So, what did Jesus do on his first visit to Capernaum? (Mark 1:21-34)

• He preached in the synagogue.
• He healed many sick and diseased. (check out list of healing miracles of Jesus)
• He drove out demons from demon-possessed.
• The whole town had gathered to see Jesus. (Mark 1:32-34,45)
• In his previous visit, people were looking for him so much that he could no longer enter the town openly. (Mark 1:45)

What was the scene at the house?

• Jesus was a well known Rabbi by now. So, when people heard that Jesus was in town again (Mark 2:1), The town had brought many sick and demon-possessed people.
• there was a huge crowd that there was no room in the house or even outside.
• The Teachers of the Law were also present to test Jesus.
• Jesus was preaching the Word of God to them. (Mark 2:2)

Who do you think, were these men who brought the paralytic man? What was their motive?

• They could be friends, relatives or family members of the paralytic man.
• They wanted their friend to be healed.
• The paralytic man’s condition seemed to be very critical from the extreme measures they took, to bring him to Jesus.

Verbalize their conversation, when they saw that there was no room in the house.

• They could have been disappointed at first.
• They could have said to themselves.
  • “Well, we did our part by bringing him here.”
  • “We will come early next time Jesus is in the town.”
  • “Let’s wait here for Jesus to come out.”

What do you think about their decision? (Deuteronomy 22:8)

• They were willing to take desperate measures.
• They took a tough, difficult and a quite strange decision. They decided to open the roof of somebody’s house, it wasn’t their house, after all!
• The paralytic man must have agreed to take this dangerous route.
• The houses were built in such a way that the roof were flat and there were guide-rails to protect people from falling from the roof.

  Deuteronomy 22:8 – “When you build a new house, make a parapet around your roof so that you may not bring the guilt of bloodshed on your house if someone falls from the roof.”

What kind of efforts do you take to bring your friends to Jesus?

Visualize the setting in the house, when they lowered him from the roof.

• Jesus was preaching to the crowd.
• Everyone was listening. And suddenly, there was a noise on the roof.
• And before, anybody could realize what was happening, there was a man lowered down from the roof by four men. It was quite an attention grabber!

How can Jesus ‘see’ our faith? (Hebrews 11:6)

What can be said from these four men’s action?

• They knew about his friend’s desperate need.
• Their actions revealed their faith.
• The paralytic man also showed amazing trust in his friends.
• They all persevered and did not give up.
• They were sure that if somehow they could bring him to Jesus, he would be healed.

What was Jesus claiming to be, when he said, “Son, your sins are forgiven”?

• Jesus claimed that he had the authority and power to forgive one’s sins.
• Only God can forgive sins, So he was claiming to be equal to God.
• Jesus announced his forgiveness in front of the crowd.
• This was not the only time, Jesus claimed to forgive sins. In Luke 7:48, he forgave the sins of a sinful woman with an alabaster jar of perfume.
• Jesus healed him spiritually first.

What do you think is easier, ‘your sins are forgiven’ or ‘get up, take your mat and walk’?

• It may be easier to say that your sins are forgiven, because one cannot see the results. It is an internal change. You cannot see visible results.
• But to ask the paralytic man to get up and walk, he must be healed, one can see the physical change and the result.
• In that regards, it may be easier to say that your sins are forgiven. Jesus proved that He not only had the power to heal but also to forgive sins.
• On the other hand, many in history has claimed to have the healing powers, but no one has claimed to have the authority to forgive other’s sins.

Describe three ways in which Jesus showed his divinity. (Mark 2:8, 10, 11)

• By reading thoughts of the teachers of the Law.
• By forgiving sins of the paralytic man.
• By physically healing him.

Are your sins forgiven?

Life Applications and Reflections

• It is fascinating to see the faith of these four men and their actions. They were willing to bring his friend to Jesus at any cost. As a Christian, we often bring our friends very close to Jesus. But the last step of introducing them to Jesus, needs faith and courage. It sometimes requires extreme measures. Are we willing to take that risk and do something which may seem awkward, strange and often risky to bring our friends to Christ?
• We often forget about the paralytic man, who was mostly silent in the whole story. But none of these would have been possible without his consent. He was also willing to risk his life to see Jesus. He received more than he expected. He received a spiritual and physical healing. Are you willing to take extreme measures to meet Jesus?

——————————

Check out our eBook, The Miracles of Jesus Christ – 7-part Bible Study Series on the Healing Miracles of Jesus Christ for Small Groups & Personal Study. 

The post Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12 first appeared on Bible Study Lessons and Topics.

Bible study passages with the list of spiritual gifts:

• Romans 12: 3-9
• Eph 4: 2-12
• 1 Cor. 12: 1-31
• 1 Peter 4: 10-11

Content

1. What is Spiritual Gift?
2. Why should we discover our Spiritual Gifts?
3. Hindrances to Spiritual Gifts
4. How to discover my Spiritual Gift?
5. What should I do once I know it?
6. Facts about Spiritual Gifts
7. List of Spiritual Gifts

What is Spiritual Gift?

Spiritual Gift is a special attribute given by the Holy Spirit to every member of the body of Christ according to God’s Grace for use within the context of the Church. (check out, My Grace is Sufficient for You. 2 Cor 12:9)

Why should we discover our Spiritual Gifts?

• Spiritual Gifts assist in finding God’s will for our life.
• It is in some sense, our spiritual job description.
• It helps Christians to commit themselves to Christ in effective use of Spiritual gifts within the church, than some abstract commitment.
• The spiritual gifts are given to every Christ-follower, thus it helps overcome feeling of inadequacy or inferiority.

Hindrances to Spiritual Gifts

• False modesty – How often have you heard a Christian self-deprecates himself/herself, as if he/she does not deserve to have any such gifts from God. While it is true that humility is a virtue that we should all strive for. But true humility comes from our faithful service to God.

I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ~Galatians 2:20

• Inexperience – It is important to seek God’s plan for our life. We can not be all things to all people. If we consider Paul’s analogy of the Body of Christ with different parts. We cannot all be hands or legs or eyes (1 Cor 12:17).  If we know our spiritual gifts, it will help us in serving better and have more joy and satisfaction with our work. It would not seem like “things we must do as followers of Christ”.

Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. ~ Phil 4:12 (NLT)

• Disobedience and Sin – Unconfessed sins, deliberate disobedience in certain areas of Christian life can be a hindrance in using spiritual gifts.
• Unloving Spirit and prayer (1 Cor 13:2)
• Lack of Environment

How to discover my Spiritual Gift

• Acknowledge that you are gifted by God
• Understand your gifts
• Analyze yourself
  • your interests
  • what gets you excited, what gives you joy
  • limitations
  • seek confirmation from others
  • evaluate your results
  • (there are many useful resources regarding discovering your spiritual gifts out there. Many comes in questionnaire form, that helps you identify your gifts. We have recommended a book about it at the end of this study.)
• Dedicate yourself to the Christian ministry

What should I do once I know it

• It goes without saying. Use it.
• Dedicate yourself. Develop your gifts
• Study the scriptures
• Talk to others having the same gifts
• Pray for guidance and strength
• Do not neglect your role. There are no lesser spiritual gifts. All are important and all are necessary.

Facts about Spiritual Gifts

• It is not a natural ability or talent. It is given by God according to the Grace of God.
• It is not same as the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
• Spiritual gifts demonstrates diversity within the unity of Church. Where, each member is unique, important and useful.
• Gifts are good, but only when ministered in Love.

1 Cor 13:2 – “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”

• Gifts can be abused.

List of Spiritual Gifts

• Prophecy
• Leadership
• Healing
• Apostle
• Service
• Teaching
• Exhortation
• Giving
• Mercy
• Wisdom
• Knowledge
• Faith
• Helps
• Administration
• Evangelist
• Pastor
• Hospitality
• Intercession
• Miracles
• Discerning of the Spirits
• Tongue
• Interpretation of Tongues
• Voluntary poverty
• Martyrdom
• Exorcism
• Celibacy

This is the comprehensive list of spiritual gifts mentioned in various passages of the bible. You can take a spiritual gift inventory test to discover your personal gifts.

Other Resources: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts – Questionnaire

——————————

If you are blessed with this Bible study, I’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by sharing it on Twitter, Facebook or your preferred social media network. Thank you!

The post List of Spiritual Gifts: Discovering Your Gifts first appeared on Bible Study Lessons and Topics.

Proverb 9:10 – The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.

Here is a quick infographic, I made that compares Wisdom with Intellect, with some famous quotes about the Wisdom of God.

• Intellect without wisdom makes a smart fool.
• Intellect without wisdom can rationalize sin.
• Intellect can process information, wisdom applies it.
• Intellect asks “what” or “how”, wisdom asks “why”.

The post Infographic – The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom first appeared on Bible Study Lessons and Topics.