Good evening.  Last week we finished up the Sermon on the Mount, and tonight we are going to take a look at a few of Jesus’ miracles.  We will be looking at chapters 8 and 9.  Before we dive into tonight’s scripture, let’s open our time with a word of prayer.  Let’s Pray!

As we begin, what is the longest that you have ever stood in line, and what was it for?

Well, in our first section this evening, we find some people that were willing to wait for Jesus.  Let’s go ahead and read our first section.  Whoever has the first 2 keys go ahead and read them for us at this time please.  (READ)

Okay, in this first section, we see Jesus performing some miracles.  As we look at these miracles, let’s discuss them for a moment.  First, what did it mean to be a leper physically?  (You were sick, and your skin was diseased.)

What did it mean to be a leper socially?  (You were an outcast, and no one wanted to be anywhere close to you.)

How about physically?  (You believed that it was because you were not loved by God, and you were unable to attend any spiritual gatherings, so it was hard.)

As Jesus cleanses this guy, why would Jesus want the cleansing to be certified by the priests?

As we move on, and we look at verses 11 and 12, who are the “many” that it talks about?

If you had been Peter, what would you think as you watched the scene in verses 14-17?

Which of these characters are you most like: The leper, “I hope God will help me, but I’m not sure.”  The Centurion, “I know God can meet my needs.”  Or Peter’s Mother-in-law, “I didn’t expect to get this well this soon!”

Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?

Well, if there is nothing else, on to the rest of chapter 8.  What is the best excuse that you have heard for not getting work done?

Well, in this next section, we see what the cost of following Jesus is.  Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read those verses for us please.  (READ)

Why does Jesus respond the way that He does in verses 18-22?

How have you personally learned the cost of following Jesus?

Okay, answer me this question: where do you go to hide when a bad storm is coming?

Well, as we look at the storm that Jesus calmed, what are the disciples feeling as this storm begins?

What was Jesus teaching them by sleeping through the storm?

As we look at the demon possessed man, is it significant that he called Jesus, “Son of God”?  And why or why not?

Okay, when the circumstantial clouds of life begin to darken, do you sense the Son still shining or does He seem to be asleep?

Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on to chapter 9?

Well, if there is nothing else, let’s jump right into chapter 9.  Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us.  (READ)

Well here we see Jesus heal a paralytic, and the calling of Matthew.  When they brought the paralytic to Jesus, what did everyone expect Him to do?

Why did Jesus forgive the man’s sins instead?

Why would saying that be blasphemy?

If Jesus really does forgive sins, why do so many Christians struggle with their own forgiveness and forgiving others?

What is surprising about Jesus’ choice of Matthew?

What does that say to you?

Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?

Well, it there is nothing, let’s go ahead and read the rest of chapter 9.  Whoever has the next 2 keys, go ahead and read them for us please.  (READ)

Why didn’t Jesus’ disciples fast at that time?

When will they?

What do you learn from the section on fasting?

In the next section about the dead girl and the sick woman, what did the ruler and the woman have in common?  (They both believed in the power of Jesus.)

How did Jesus respond to that?  (He healed them.)

In what area of your life is it most difficult to have/keep faith in?

The ruler and the sick woman were desperate.  What is the relation between desperation and faith?

What does this story teach you as you approach desperate situations?

In this next section, Jesus heals the blind and the mute.  How do each of these show faith?

Why did Jesus warn the men who had been blind not to say anything?

When Jesus casts out these demons, what is the crowds reaction?

What is the reaction of the Pharisees?

How does Jesus’ actions that follow prove the Pharisees wrong?

What is it that Jesus sees in the harvest field?

At this time, let me go ahead and read for you what the commentary has to say about chapters 8 and 9.  It says: (READ COMMENTARY)

Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we close this evening?

Well, chapter 10 is about Jesus sending out the 12, and there is a lot of good stuff there, so we will quit right here for tonight.  For next week we are going to review chapters 10-11.

Prayer Concerns/Announcements

Let’s Pray!