Tag: bsf lecture online

jonah and the whale people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 12 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 12, Day 5: Jonah 4

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

SUMMARY OF JONAH 4

Jonah expresses his anger that God saved Nineveh. He asks to die. Jonah leaves the city and waits. The Lord provides a plant for shade for him. It grows and then dies. God asks him if he has a right to be angry about the plant. He still wishes for death. Jonah’s concern for the plant is the same as God’s concern for the people of Nineveh who also needed tending to grow in faith.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 12, Day 5: Jonah 4

13a) That Jonah is playing God, deciding who should be saved and who should not.

b) Pride that he was better than the people of Nineveh. Anger that they were horrible sinners and God saved them when he was a prophet who was also saved. Anger that the Assyrians were his enemies (the enemy of God’s people). They should be judged, not granted mercy.

14a) Tenderly. By trying to explain to Jonah in a way he would understand about God’s infinite mercy for Nineveh.

b) “should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh” “you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity”

15) It really hasn’t. I’ve always understoon that God can forgive whoever he wants to forgive like he has forgiven me. It’s not on me to judge who he saves and who he doesn’t.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 12, Day 5: Jonah 4

I find it interesting how Jonah is playing God here and decides for God that Nineveh should not be saved. How many of us do this to our loved ones?

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 12, Day 5: Jonah 4

Most prophets are pleased with converts. Thus, Jonah’s reaction here is very different.

Without God’s mercy, Jonah would be dead. Yet, this same mercy granted to Nineveh overwhelms him with anger.

God questions us because we are in the wrong and He wants us to see it from a different (often His) perspective. Sure, we can be angry with God, but we are never right over God, and we must repent of that anger, which is often due to misunderstanding.

Jonah seemed to hope that God would still destroy Nineveh when he left. He did not understand God’s love for all of humanity.

Yet, if Jonah cared so much for a plant that he did nothing for, how much more is God’s caring and love for a people that He did everything for from the moment of their creation?

Fun Fact: This is the first time Jonah is recorded as being happy. And it’s all because of a plant.

Fun Fact: Jonah’s last words recorded in the Bible show him clinging to his ways and not God’s ways. Luckily, God always has the last word.

All of this prepared Jonah for God’s work. How is He preparing you today?

Contact me today!

Great Black Friday Deals (And Fun Winter Reads, Too!)

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

ahab kills naboth over a vineyard bsf people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 5 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 19:1-10

When Jezebel found out from Ahab that Elijah had killed all of the prophets with the sword, she threatened to kill him. Afraid, Elijah fled. He left his servant at Beersheba while he went into the wilderness. He prayed to die. He woke to an angel who fed him and gave him water. The angel appeared again telling him to eat and drink for strength.

Elijah then traveled 40 days and nights till he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. While in a cave, the word of the Lord came to him and asked him what he was doing there. Elijah said how he is afraid for his life.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10

3) First, he was elated and boastful. Then he was afraid for his life. He also experienced remorse and sadness over the Israelites and their worship of other gods. Frankly, he was depressed. He was physically exhausted, too.

4a) God sent an angel who fed him and gave him water. The angel appeared again telling him to eat and drink for strength.

b) Similarly, God has provided when I’ve been exhausted from the trials of life with food, clothing, shelter, friendships, and more.

5) God asked, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”

6) Elijah prays for God’s help. He listens to and for God. He obeys God and trusts God for provision.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10

I think many of us have reached breaking points like Elijah to the point where we wish we were dead. Note here how God is there at our weakest moments, waiting to pick us up and strengthen us in the days ahead.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10

Jezebel was not impressed with God’s show at Mount Carmel. Instead, she went after the instigator.

Beersheba is about 80 miles south of Mount Carmel. We are not told if God told Elijah to go there or not. All we know is God wanted to protect Elijah.

It’s ironic that Elijah prayed to die, but he’s one of the few humans that ever lived that never experienced death. Sometimes a no from God is a good thing.

Elijah was wore out, plain and simple.

We see this many times in the Bible where God provides for our physical needs before our spiritual needs.

On Elijah’s 40-day, 200-mile journey to Mount Horeb (or Mount Sinai), it is likely he gained strength physically.

Obviously, God knew the answer to why Elijah was there, but God graciously allows Elijah to explain his feelings and relieve the burdens on his heart.

Basically, Elijah is saying life is unfair here. He shouldn’t have his life threatened if he is doing God’s work (but this is usually the case). He wants an easy life like we all do. But, as God’s servant, he would not have that.

Contact me today!

Great Items for Bible Study (And Fun Fall Reads, Too!)

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

king solomon www.atozmomm.com people of the promise land kingdom divided

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 11

King Solomon had many foreign wives despite God’s order to not marry foreigner. They led him astray from God over time, causing him to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. He built shrines to foreign gods, and God became angry with him. As punishment, Solomon’s son will lose the kingdom he built. God raised up adversaries agains Solomon, Hadan the Edomite and Rezon son of Eliada. Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s officials, rebelled against him.

Ahijah, a prophet, told Jeroboam about the prophecy God made against Solomon. He also prophesied that Jeroboam would be king of Israel. If he followed God’s statues and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, God would be with him. He would build him a dynasty and humble David’s descendants for a time. Solomon died and his son, Rehoboam, succeeded him as king.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11

3a) King Solomon had many foreign wives despite God’s order to not marry foreigner. They led him astray from God over time, causing him to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. He built shrines to foreign gods, and God became angry with him. He tried to kill Jeroboam for no reason besides the prophecy.

b) Well, anything you do that goes against what God tells you to do is serious. Here, King Solomon is the leader of God’s people, and what the leader does, so do the people. He led his people (aka God’s people) astray. This is very serious in God’s eyes. The result is punishment meted out by God: Solomon’s son will lose the kingdom he built.

4) Ahijah, a prophet, told Jeroboam about the prophecy God made against Solomon (Solomon’s son would lose the kingdom). He also prophesied that Jeroboam would be king of Israel. If he followed God’s statues and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, God would be with him. He would build him a dynasty and humble David’s descendants for a time.

5) Really good question. I think sometimes my life is so busy that I lose sight of making time to pray and worship Him as I should.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11

I’m glad we spent two days on this passage. So much here to learn from!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11

Note Solomon loved many women and they were foreign — both of which went against God’s laws. (Matthew 19:4-6, Genesis 2:23-24). He wanted his wives more than he wanted the Lord. His heart turned from the Lord, too. David sinned, but his heart was always with the Lord.

God became angry with Solomon’s disobedience. The punishment is that God will divide the kingdom. 2 Chronicles 11:12) tell us that the southern kingdom was made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, even though it’s called only one tribe here.

God raised up adversaries against Solomon:

  1. Hadad the Edomite
  2. Rezone, son of Eliadah

Jeroboam was a fellow Israelite who rebelled against Solomon. Jeroboam means “may the people be great.”

The prophet Ahijah tells Jeroboam that he would be king of the ten tribes of Israel after Solomon dies as punishment for Solomon’s sin. God would be with Jeroboam and would give him a lasting dynasty if he would do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Solomon tried to kill him because of this prophecy.

Solomon dies, and his son, Rehoboam, succeeds him as king.

Fun Fact: This is the first mention of the divided kingdom.

Contact me today!

Great Bible Resources Moving Forward

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

picture of baby penguins in antarctica

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 30: Book of Matthew

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 30: Book of Matthew

Day 2

2a) How incredibly blessed we all are by God’s grace and Jesus’s sacrifice for our undeserving souls. It gives me a deeper appreciation for what Jesus did for me on the cross and hopefully I can convey that better both with my actions and with others.

b) Jesus’s grace, his inclusion of all people, including women, his compassion on all people no matter who they were, his desire to always do God’s will no matter where he went.

Day 3

3) There are so many it’s hard to choose. Right now in these uncertain times, we can have faith that God is in control. As the economy changes every day, we can have faith that God will provide. As events happen that we don’t understand, we can have faith that God has a purpose. Jesus prayed in the Garden for strength; so should we during these times. Perseverence, strength, and will to keep moving forward, one day at a time.

Day 4

4) I did not have children in the program

5) The chance to pray for one another.

Day 5

6) Good question. I am unsure. Immediately, it’s to be strong in faith for my family and to remind them of all that Jesus teaches.

Day 6

7a) It’s given me such a deeper understanding of God’s grace and my undeserving nature of Jesus’s sacrifice.

b) I know that God’s plans are not my plans, so I pray for His will to be done. I know that I am here for a reason, so I try to remember that each and every day.

8a) Grace

b) Dear Lord. I thank you for the blessings you have given me, for the life I lead, for my incredible family and their health and happiness, and for your will to be done in my life. I take each day as a blessing and try to do your work. I pray others see you through me, and I pray you continue to guide me in this life. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

 

Contact me today!

the great commission matthew 28 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 29, Day 5: Matthew 28:16-20

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 28:16-20

The 11 disciples go to Galilee to the mountain Jesus told them to go. There, they met Jesus and worshipped him, but some doubted. He told them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything he has commanded them. He will be with them always to the end of time.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 29, Day 5: Matthew 28:16-20

12a) His claim: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him.

b) His command: Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything he has commanded them.

c) His promise: He will be with them always to the end of time.

13a) Authority here means power granted by one in authority, so God. It’s the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. Because if we are followers of Jesus, we follow his commands. He will give us everything we need to follow him.

b) Baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything he has commanded them

c) He will give me the strength to go forth and make disciples even when it’s hard or I’m discouraged.

d) Unsure. Right now, just struggling to make it through each day.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 29, Day 5: Matthew 28:16-20

I love the comfort the last verse in Matthew brings: I am with you always to the very end of the age.

Great read!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 29, Day 5: Matthew 28:16-20

This was not their first meeting with Jesus, but it’s all Matthew records. Some disciples doubted perhaps due to the fact that this was too good to be true, and they may have felt guilty still over having abandoned Jesus at the cross. Yet, they obeyed. They did not fully understand what was happening or probably even what Jesus’s resurrection fully meant. However, obedience does not require understanding; it simply requires faith.

Jesus has authority so the disciples must obey.

His authority sends us to make disciples (scholars or learners). Note that disciples are made, not born.

The Great Commission

Christians are to:

  1. Go to others who need to know God’s word
  2. Make disciples by sharing Christ with others
  3. Baptize them in the name of the Father by the finished work of the Son and through the power of the Holy Spirit

Here, Jesus includes the Gentiles with “all nations.” Before, it was mostly Jews (Matthew 15:24).

They were to be baptized, not circumcized, which was the sign that the Jews used that they followed God.

We see the Holy Trinity here (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).

Teach them all things, not leaving anything out.

His constant presence would strengthen them and guide them in their mission.

“Always” here means every second of every day, complete.

Contact me today!

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

jesus rode to jerusalem on a donkey www.atozmomm.com bsf matthew study

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 21, Day 4: Matthew 21:1-11

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

map of jesus enters jerusalem www.atozmomm.comSUMMARY OF MATTHEW 21:1-11

As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. He sent two disciples ahead to borrow a donkey and her colt. This fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 that the king will come riding on a donkey. The disciples brought the donkey and colt and placed their cloaks on them. Jesus sat on them. A crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches and put them on the road.

The crowds shouted, “Hosannah,” or “save” in Hebrew. Jesus entered Jerusalem, and the crowds proclaimed him as he entered.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 21, Day 4: Matthew 21:1-11

10a) That Jesus knew ahead of time what others would ask so he told the disciples what to say.

b) This fulfills prophecy

11a) The crowds: A crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches and put them on the road. The crowds shouted, “Hosannah,” or “save” in Hebrew. They understood who Jesus was, and the crowds proclaimed him as he entered.

The disciples: We are not told what the disciples were doing when Jesus enters Jerusalem. Presumably walking by his side.

b) Jesus comes humble on a donkey. He makes no fanfare of his own. He goes to his destiny willingly.

12) I love how every moment is choreographed like an exquisite dance. Jesus is the center in a simple, powerful way.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 21, Day 4: Matthew 21:1-11

The crowds here make this scene powerful. It’s as if most everyone realizes what a moment this is.

Insanely good movie.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 21, Day 4: Matthew 21:1-11

Jesus enters Jerusalm publically, embracing what is to come.

Jesus rode on the colt. Mark and Luke tell us the colt had never been ridden. (Mark 11:2) Yet, it is calm. The mother helps.

Jesus is fulfilling every bit of prophecy. (Daniel 9:24-27).

A colt is what royalty rode in ancient times.  Judges 10:4; 12:14. However, recently, royalthy had switched to riding horses, and donkeys had transitioned to creatures of burden by Jesus’s time.

The laying of clothes and branches is honoring Jesus and recognizing who he was.

Palms and branches wer ea symbol of victory and success.  1 Maccabees 13:51; 2 Maccabees 10:7; and Revelation 7:9

Hosanna is the crowd looking to Jesus to save them. We see this elsewhere in the Bible towards kings.  2 Samuel 14:4 and 2 Kings 6:26

We missed Jesus’s weaping over Jerusalem, as this was only reported in Luke (Luke 19:41-44).

Ironic that these same people who were begging for Jesus to save them would in a mere five days condemn him to death. Man is so fickle.

Note Jesus is still called “Jesus of Nazareth.”  (Matthew 2:23).

Contact me today!

 

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

jesus parable of lost sheep bsf matthew www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 3: Matthew 18:6-14

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 18:6-14

Jesus explains that if anyone causes a child who believes in him to sin then it would be better to have a millstone hung around his neck and drowned in the sea. If something causes you to sin, get rid of it, even your hand, foot, or eye. It’s better to have eternal life with only one hand, foot, or eye than to be thrown into the fire of hell.

Don’t look down on the little ones. If one sheep wanders off, the shepherd goes and looks for it until he finds it. He is happier about finding that one sheep than the other 99. God is not willing to lose any of His lost sheep either.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 18:6-14

7) Jesus said it would be better to have a millstone hung around his neck and drown in the sea.

8a) If something causes you to sin, get rid of it, even cutting off your hand, foot, or gouging your eye. He meant to take any step necessary to remove from your life the thing that causes you to sin.

b) I’ve underestimated how others are affected by your personal sin and how much it does affect other aspects of your life.

9) God cares about everyone and wants everyone to come to him.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 18:6-14

We cannot underestimate the importance of getting rid of those things in your life that causes you to sin. Resistance to sin is easier when you’re not around it. This includes habits, relationships, entertainment, and comforts. If God cares so much for his lost sheep, so should we.

Great read!

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 18:6-14

Pressuring others to sin is worse than just you sinning Jesus is saying here. It’s better to die Jesus says than to lead others to sin.

Our actions affect others, and we must consider our actions in relation to the spiritual welfare of others.

God will administer justice to those who sin and hurt us. This is one powerful reason to forgive others and to let things go. At the end, they will be punished.

It’s better to sacrifice now than face eternal punishment later on. It’s important to take the hand, foot, and eye gouging as figurative. The point is to take any step necessary to prevent you from falling into sin.

We are to protect the little ones of the earth. Here is where the idea of guardian angels comes from.

Parable of the Lost Sheep

See Luke’s parable of the Lost Sheep in  Luke 15:3-7

Since Jesus loved and cared for everyone, even those who go astray, so should we.

Contact me today!

 

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Jesus giving Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven peter paul reubens www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 17, Day 4: Matthew 16:17-20

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 16:17-20

Jesus blesses Simon, saying God revealed to him who he was. He names him Peter, which means rock, and he will build his church that Hades (hell) cannot overcome. Jesus will give Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven and whatever he binds on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever he loosed on earth will be loosed in heaven. He told his disciples not to tell anyone he was the Christ.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 17, Day 4: Matthew 16:17-20

9) Jesus blesses Simon, saying God revealed to him who he was.

10a) Jesus will be the rock (the foundation) of the church.

b) He will build his church that Hades (hell) cannot overcome. Whatever he binds on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever he loosed on earth will be loosed in heaven, meaning whoever believes he is the Son of God will be free from sin; those who don’t will be bound forever.

11a) The Gospel frees those from Old Testament laws.

b) In every way (such a broad question with so many answers). Freedom allows me to follow Christ’s path for me.

Conclusion BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 17, Day 4: Matthew 16:17-20

My answers are short here. See more explanation in the End Notes.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 17, Day 4: Matthew 16:17-20

God divinely inspired Peter when he spoke, saying who Jesus was.

Jesus renamed Peter the rock, and he would become a rock for the disciples after Jesus’s death.

“This rock” is Jesus. The church will be built upon Jesus, although some Bible scholars say the rock here is Peter or even the confession itself.

Fun Fact: This is the first use of the word ‘church’ in the Bible. Fitting it is spoken by Jesus.

Jesus was prophesizing the founding of the church.

The Greek word for church, ekklesia, meant group. Thus, the church is a group.

Note Jesus says “my church.” We belong to him.

Hell will not penetrate the church, meaning God’s people will overcome sin, death, and Satan.

Peter the Disciple

Jesus will give Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven. This is why Peter is usually depicted in art with keys. This symbolizes Jesus giving Peter the authority to unlock the Gospel to the world.

This passage is a basis for many images of Peter. There is no doubt that Peter was special. Some think he stands at the gates of heaven, letting people in or blocking their entrance.

  • He is always listed first when the disciples are listed in the Bible.
  • He paved the way for the Jews Acts 2:38-39 and the Gentiles Acts 10:34-44 to come to heaven.

Binding and loosing is an idea during that time that pertained to the law. To be bound was to be prohibited and be put under the law. To loose was to permit and be free from the law. Here, Jesus gives Peter and the disciples the power to define the New Covenant church and set the rules.

Sinners would be set free from sin and death (loosed). Those who refuse to believe are bound in sin.

Jesus set the rules for the disciples, which explains them taking the grains in the fields  (Matthew 12:1-8).

Peter and the disciples would set the New Covenant, including dietary rules. Still, Jesus was not ready for all to know he was the Christ (probably because the disciples were not ready and he needed more training time).

Contact me today!

jacob travels to paddan aram for a wife www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 4: Matthew 12:1-21

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 12:1-21

Jesus and his disciples were walking through fields of grain. His disciples were hungry, so they began to eat the grain heads. The Pharisees claimed this was unlawful. Jesus responded that David ate consecrated bread when he was hungry and the priests desecrate the day by doing temple work. He says one greater than the temple is here, since he, the Son of Man, is Lord of the Sabbath.

The Pharisees ask Jesus if it’s lawful to heal on the Sabbath. He uses the example of if a sheep had fallen into a pit on the Sabbath, would they not rescue it? It’s lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Jesus healed a man with a shriveled hand, and the Pharisees plotted how to kill Jesus.

Jesus withdrew and healed all the sick, telling them to tell no one who he was. This fulfilled prophecy in Isaiah.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 4: Matthew 12:1-21

9a) No. The law was to do no work on the Sabbath. Picking heads of grain was not only allowed according to Deuteronomy 23:25, but it most definitely is not work. The law did not say, “starve on the Sabbath.”

b) Jesus responded that David ate consecrated bread when he was hungry and the priests desecrate the day. He says one greater than the temple is here, since he, the Son of Man, is Lord of the Sabbath. Mark 2:23:27 says the Sabbath is made for man and his rest. In 1 Samuel 21:4-6, we read that the priests gave David and his men consecrated bread to eat as long as they had kept themselves from women. Jesus meant that as Lord of the Sabbath, he can do what he pleases.

10) He cared more about people than laws.

11) The Pharisees are beginning to plot against him. Jesus knows he still has work to do before he is called home to God, so he withdraws to protect himself. He’s trying to keep a low profile and not draw attention to himself, so he tells those to not tell others, so he can continue his ministry here on earth.

12) I love how in his name, there is hope. Jesus’s name is so powerful that all we need to do is hope in him.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 4: Matthew 12:1-21

Human nature is to bring those down around you who are more successful than you, more popular, and who are helping others. Here, we see Jesus begin to suffer for his goodness.

If you love Bible maps like I do, check out this Bible resource!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 4: Matthew 12:1-21

This passage shows us how the Bible can be misinterpreted and the consequences thereof. The Pharisees would have Jesus and his disciples starve because in their minds they were doing work on the Sabbath. This is not what the Bible says at all.

Jesus, of course, never broke a law; he did break man’s interpretation of that law, and sometimes on purpose, to make a point.

Here, human need is more important than the rules of the Sabbath. Besides, Jesus says, the priests break the laws of the Sabbath constantly by performing their rituals, which is work. Mercy is more important than sacrificing for principles (Hosea 6:6)

Jesus once again proclaims his deity with his declaration that he is Lord of the Sabbath and greater than the temple, which was everything to the Jewish people at that time. He  himself is worthy of love, admiration, honor, sacrifice, service, and worship.

Jesus Healing on the Sabbath

Jesus sets the example of us going to church on the Sabbath.

The Pharisees try to set Jesus up with a man who needs healing, knowing Jesus will have compassion on the man and heal him.

Here, the Pharisees turn from just rejecting Jesus to plotting to murder him.

Jesus withdrew to preserve God’s plan for him. He healed all who came to him in faith, and this probably took a long time.

Jesus is the chosen Servant of God.  Matthew 20:25-28, Matthew 23:11, Mark 9:35, Mark 10:43-45. He still serves us by being our guiding light, our Savior, and loving us despite our sins every day.

Jesus doesn’t need to draw attention to himself; his deeds speak for themselves.

Jesus is gentle with those who are bruised and nourishes us who are like smoldering flames.

“The nations” refers to Jesus’s ministry to the Gentiles.

Contact me today!

 

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.