A Growing Divide
1. Reception of Jesus (3:7-19)
a. Huge crowds followed Jesus (3:7-12)
b. Twelve followed as Jesus’ disciples (3:13-19)
2. Rejection of Jesus (3:20-35)
a. The scribes misjudged Jesus’ ministry (3:22-30)
b. Jesus’ family misread His ministry (3:20-21, 31-35)
Question for consideration:
What is an area for me, as a follower of Jesus, to work on to draw close to Him, carry out His purpose & comply with His teachings?
The King Ushers in His Kingdom
1. The authority of Jesus, the King (1:21-34)
a. He has authority over religious leaders (1:21-22, 27)
b. He has authority over spiritual forces (1:23-28, 34)
c. He has authority over physical diseases (1:29-34)
2. The ministry of Jesus, the King (1:35-45)
a. He came to preach God’s good news (1:35-39)
b. He came to cleanse the afflicted’s uncleanness (1:40-45)
c. He withdrew from the crowd’s distraction (1:34-35, 44-45)
Questions for consideration:
How should I respond to spiritual forces & physical illnesses which can intimidate us? What do I value most about following Jesus?
Keep Your AIM in Ministry
Faith in Jesus
Introduction
1. Those who lack faith, vv 22-25
2. Those who repudiate faith, vv 26-39
3. Those who need faith, vv 40-56
Conclusion
Why doesn’t everyone respond to Jesus?
Who Is The True Host To Jesus?
Introduction
1. A insider who thinks he doesn’t need much forgiveness from God
a. Demonstrate an exalted view of self in the presence of others
b. Show little love – little need and appreciation for Jesus
2. An outsider who knows she needs plentiful forgiveness from God
a. Demonstrate a humble view of self in the presence of Jesus
b. Show much love – great need and appreciation for Jesus
Conclusion
Reflection
a. What kind of debtor are you before Jesus – the 500-denarii-kind or 50-denarii-kind?
b. What is the extent of your love to Jesus who has forgiven you over and over again?
Is Jesus Really the One?
1. Through his disciples, John clarified with Jesus if He’s really the anticipated Messiah (7:18-23)
2. Despite his doubt, Jesus commended John for being the greatest prophet ever (7:24-28)
3. For their unbelief, Jesus chided the unbelieving Jews for being simply wilful & proud (7:29-35)