How can the Word be with God and be God? John 1:1

How can the Word both be with God and be God? John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 (NIV)

John is referencing us back the Genesis 1:1, In the beginning….(NIV),

John wants us to know that Jesus has always been with God from the very beginning. If we see this verse as John states it… In the Beginning was Jesus and Jesus was with God and Jesus is God…

As you study John, you will understand why his gospel starts at the beginning… unlike the other gospel Mark, Matthew and Luke. They start with the birth of Jesus or the Baptism of Jesus.

References: NIV Bible, Life Change series: John page 21.

Bible Study Notes from The Gosple of John – Lesson One

Overview Summary of Lesson One

Life Changes Series by NAVPRESS (1)

Who is John?

John describes himself only as “ the disciple whom Jesus loved.” (John 13:23 plus ft.nt., 19:26, 20:2; 21:7, 20; see also 21:24).

John was the son of Zebedee, a Fisherman (Mark 1:19-20); his mother was Salome (Mark 15: 40, Matt. 27:56). He was the brother of James (Matt. 4: 21-22).

He was prominent in the early church but is not mentioned by name in this Gospel—which would be natural if he wrote it, but hard to explain otherwise. (NIV pg. 2177)

The book for this study is outlined simply, to give us a tour of the book of John. The author gives the students the time to slowly get use to the author and how he (John) writes and teaches us about the gift of eternal life Jesus offers to all who believe in Him.

The study guide has work book exercises. Some important workbook exercises for this lesson were:

Outlining JOHN – One of the important guides in understanding the Bible is to identify the author’s intent in writing the book. In this study, on page 11, the author asks the student to, as you initially read the book, make a broad outline of the book by giving a title to each chapter or themes within a chapter. Pages 11 and 12 provide assistance with a chapter/verse guide of important sections.

Question 5 on page 12 – “What do you learn about John’s intent and purpose for writing John from 20:30-31? “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Four Gospels (page 14) – The group was given enough information to compare and contrast the gospel of John with the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke by reading “Four Gospels” on pages 14-15.

Life Change Series, JOHN, The Navigators, NavPress,1987
Holy Bible: New International Version (NIV), Zondervan Corporation, 2002

Joanna – 10 Points for Bible Study on 5/14/2016

1. Joanna – her name means “T he Lord Gives Graciously” and in this story Joanna who experienced gracious healing at Jesus’ hands responded by giving herself totally, supporting his ministry and following him wherever he went. WOB p. 184

2. A woman of high rank in Herod’s court. She was married to Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household.

a. In Clarke’s commentary steward is used instead of manager and signifies the overseer of Herod’s domestic affairs. http://biblehub.com/commentaries/clarke/luke/8.htm

b. In Matthew Henry’s commentary it was debated whether Joanna was a widow and after her husband’s death was left with good financial means to support the ministry of Jesus Christ. Or if her husband Cuza had received the gospel and was wiling to have his wife be a “hearer of Christ and a contributor to him”. http://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhcw/luke/8.htm

3. Joanna’s background was that of a wife of a high ranking staffer in the court of Herod, Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, the tetrarch (govenor) of Galilee. In our W.O.B.studies of Herodias and Salome, we learned of this devious mother and shameless daughter who plotted along with Herod in the death of John the Baptist. Matthew 14:1-12

4. Luke 23:7-12 Scripture describes more background on Herod’s court and his treatment of Jesus Christ after the Last Supper and the subsequent arrest of our Lord. Jesus was interrogated by Herod after being sent to him by Pilate. Pilate did not want to handle this case of Jesus and pushed him off onto Herod. Before sending Jesus back to Pilate, Herod attempted to humiliate and degrade him.

5. Accompanied by his disciples and the women who supported him, Jesus preached throughout every city and village of Galilee. Matthew Henry (in the same commentary mentioned above) called Jesus an itinerant preacher, a judge traveling his circuit, going through every city setting an example for his disciples. “They must traverse the nations of the earth, as he did the cities of Israel. http://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhcw/luke/8.htm

6. Joanna, along with Mary Magdalene, Sisanna and other women who names are not mentioned here, ministered and supported Jesus and his ministry. These women had been healed by Jesus of various illnesses, some with evil spirits and diseases. We know that Jesus freed Mary Magdalene of seven demons but scripture does not reveal what affliction was upon Joanna. We know that she was a patient of Jesus as others were that we have studied and that are offered in scripture (See W.O.B. pg 185). A patient offered grace who was healed by Jesus.

7. These women supported Jesus using their own means. After being healed they were possibly compelled by gratitude to serve him and his disciples. As we learned in the story of the Widow with Two Coins, we must give all we have willingly and lovingly to the Lord because what we give can never compare to what he gave and continues to give to us.These women knew this; they were the recipients of his grace and mercy and chose to support him financially and follow him wherever he went. Mark 12:43-44

Luke 24:1-11

8. Joanna and the other women who ministered to Jesus while alive, showed respect and homage to him by bringing prepared spices to his grave site.

9. On this 3rd day after Jesus’ death on the cross, the women were confronted at the grave site by 2 angels who reported that Jesus was risen from the dead. They were reminded that Jesus had spoken these words, “The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.” Luke 24:7

10. Then they remembered his words. They were: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and the other women who had supported Jesus and his ministry. They were the first to see the empty tomb, to hear that Jesus was not there and to be reminded of Jesus’ words that he would rise. When they came to tell the 11 Disciples, they were not believed as the disciples thought the words of the women were nonsense. They too would come to believe as they too were reminded of Jesus’ own words, some from Jesus himself.

RESOURCES:

Women of the Bible: 52 Bible Studies for Individuals and Groups; Jean E. Syswerda; Zondervan, 2002

NIV Study Bible; Zondervan

Clarke’s Commentary; http://biblehub.com/commentaries/clarke/luke/8.htm

Matthew Henry’s Commentary; http://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhcw/luke/8.htm

The Woman with the Issue of Blood – 12 Study Points

Bible Study Lesson 04/30/2016

Key Scriptures: Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, Luke 8:43-48

Introduction:

All three synoptic Gospels record the encounter of Jesus and the unnamed woman with the issue of blood. All three mention the length of time during which she had been suffering. Eusebius records a tradition that she was a Gentile, a native of Caesarea Philippi. This disease was a chronic hemorrhage, for which she had found no relief from the physicians. Lightfoot, in his ‘Horae Hebraicae,’ gives a list of the remedies applied in such cases, which seem quite sufficient to account for Mark’s statement that she was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse. Luke, himself a physician, says that she “had spent all her living upon physicians, and could not be healed of any.” (Pulpit commentary)

Her Character and Her Dilemma: We don’t know her name, but we do know her situation. We don’t know all the intricate details about her resources, but we do know her need. Her world was midnight black. Grope in-the-dark and hope-for-help black. ¹She was a bruised reed.

2. [1] The Hebrew children would often go down by the riverside to play. There was where the reeds grew. One of the things these reeds were useful for was that they made good flutes. So the children would cut them down, hollow them out and make flutes out of them. The riverbank would be full of these reeds, and many of them were less than perfect. If they came across one that was cracked or bruised, they would break it in half and toss it away. After all, they needed reeds of a certain quality in order to make a flute that would play well. Cracked or bruised reeds were worthless. Bruised reeds can easily be seen as symbols of people… in the eyes of the people that inhabited her world. She was bruised reed.

3. Mark 5:25 discharge of blood: The woman’s condition was not only physically debilitating, but it disqualified her from marriage ( 20:18) as well as religious life in general (Lev. 15:25–33)

4. The woman with prolonged menstruation suffered for 12 years from being ritually unclean. This meant she was unable to live a normal life, and was in a sense dead to the people around her.

5. Strictly speaking, she should not have been among other people. According to the laws of ritual purity, she should have been at home during her menstrual period, living quietly (see Leviticus 15:19-31).

6. But the woman in this story was not healthy. Her menstrual flow had lasted twelve years, so the purity laws had become an impossible burden for her. She could not go out, she could not touch members of her family, she could not enjoy a normal life, and she was constantly debilitated.

7. She was a woman of faith: (Mark 5:27-28) She could not throw herself, therefore, at the feet of Christ and state her complaint. Her modesty, humility, uncleanness and pressure of the crowd made close contact nearly impossible, hence her eagerness to touch in some unnoticed way the hem of His garment.

8. This poor lady had sought all kinds of medical care and the doctors were no help: (Mark 5:26) William Barclay says in his commentary, that “the Talmud gives no fewer than eleven cures” for such an illness. Can you imagine, eleven different treatments … no doubt she had tried all of them. Even the illegitimate ones such as carrying the ashes of an ostrich egg in a linen cloth. But when you’re desperate for a cure, when you’re long overdue for some relief… anything to make you whole again…. Yes you might even consider hollow superstitions. She “had spent all she had”. So desperate was she for some kind of cure she kept throwing good money after bad. The money had finally run out and now to add insult to injury she has to deal with financial strain dumped on top of physical strain.

9. A Risky Decision: By the time she gets to Jesus, He’s busy and surrounded by a crowd of people. Jarius, the most important man in the community, had summoned him to help his daughter and Jesus was in route. Her window of opportunity was closing quickly and what little hope she had was fading. This woman is down to her last prayer and she is about to pray it. What are the odds that Jesus will interrupt an urgent mission with an important official to help her? Very few. But twelve years is a long time and what are the odds that she will survive if she doesn’t take a chance? Fewer still. Her back was up against the wall and against all odds… she steps out on faith and takes a chance. This is how the Amplified Bible describes the incident: Scripture says that she had heard the reports about Jesus and verses 27 & 28 state, “She slipped in from behind and touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can put a finger on his robe, I can get well.” It was a risky decision. You should know this morning that exercising Faith means you must be willing to take some risk. To touch Jesus she had to touch the people. To get to Jesus she had to get pass the roadblocks. She had to get pass the possibility of rebuke, she had to get pass the possibility of being recognized. But what choice does she have? Our lady of faith is flat broke, she doesn’t have any clout like Jarius, she doesn’t have any friends, and she doesn’t have any solutions. All she has is a premonition, an intuitive feeling that Jesus can help her and a high hope that he will.

10. She Was Cured After Many Failures. What this poor woman really endured at the hands of the medical men of the time is left to the imagination. Where men failed, Christ succeeded. Down the ages men and women which no agency could reclaim have been restored by Christ. What is not possible with men is blessedly possible with God. Her disease was of long standing yet she was swiftly healed, for as soon as she touched the hem of His garment, “straight-way the fountain of her blood was dried up.” If a person suffers for a while from a complaint and seeks no medical advice, but in the end goes to the doctor, he invariably says, “You should have come to me sooner.” But it is the glory of Christ that He can heal those who come late to Him.

11. She Acknowledged Receipt of the Benefit Bestowed: As soon as the woman touched Christ’s garment, He felt that “virtue had gone out of Him,” and turned about and said, “Who touched me?” The disciples mildly rebuked Jesus by saying, “Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?” Perhaps her touch had been unnoticed by the eyes of those around, and she must have been one of many who touched the Master that day as he proceeded on His errand of love, but a touch of faith could not be hidden from Him. Quickly the Physician saw the patient and trembling with self-consciousness but too glad and grateful to falter, she confessed to her touch of His robe. “She told him all the truth.” She experienced that open confession is good for the soul. What a glow of gratitude her countenance must have had, as she publicly stated that her burden for twelve years had rolled away!

12. She Was Commended for Her Faith: The crowd who listened to her confession also heard the Savior’s benediction, “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.” As a true daughter of Abraham (Luke 13:16), her faith is crowned by the Master. Hers was not faith without a touch, or a touch without faith. Believing, she appropriated and was healed. “Daughter,” was an endearing term for Jesus to use. Some tender insight of His own must have prompted Him to use it. As Theron Brown puts it so beautifully— The restored sufferer would never forget the friendly benignity that assailed her with one indulgent epithet or the sympathy in that endearing term by which the Messiah of Israel recognized her as His own…. She cherished her debt to the Man of Galilee.

The Widow with Two Coins – 10 Points for Bible Study

The Temple Treasury located in the court of women, contained 13 trumpet-shaped receptacles for contributions brought by worshipers. Key Scriptures & NIV Study Note- Mark 12:41
The widow, though extremely poor is described as one of the most greathearted people in the Bible. She dropped two copper coins, worth less than a penny. into the temple treasury. Key Scriptures & NIV Study Notes, W.O.B. pg 205
Jesus had earlier cleansed the temple of money changers (those who changed other coins to Jewish shekels) as he opposed the buying and selling inside of the temple. Matthew 21:12-13. W.O.B. pg 206
The teachings of Jesus is an emphasis in the book of Mark. Jesus models a lesson of giving in this display by the widow for his disciples. Mark 12:43 “Calling his disciples to him…”; NIV Introduction to Mark
The widow gave more than the rest and put in all she had willingly and lovingly. Mark 12:43-44. Willingness is advised by Peter to the elders of the church when he writes to them about being willing shepherds of God’s flock, eager to serve and not greedy for money. 1 Peter 5:2, W.O.B. pg 206
The others gave out of their wealth but the widow gave out of her poverty. Her giving was a matter of attitude; it was not the amount that mattered but that she gave ALL she had to live on. Luke 21:4; Guidelines for Giving, BibleGateway
When we are concerned about the amount we give to the Church, to the poor or to a cause; what we give pales in comparison to what our Lord Jesus Christ gave to and for us. 2 Cor 8:9; 10 Essential Truths about Christian Giving, Ligon Duncan III, Crosswalk
Money is the root of all evil is the misquoted statement of Paul who wrote to Timothy. Paul correctly stated the love of money is the root of all evil. Money is the root of no evil, nor is it an evil of any kind. Its the love of it that brings the concern. 1 Tim 6:9-10; Clarke’s Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:10
Giving to the needy is not something that requires announcements, trumpets and fanfare. Matthew 6:2
The lure of money can be quite enticing to all including Christians. It can block us from an intimate relationship with our Lord & Savior but Jesus reminds us in Luke 16:13 “…You can not serve both God and Money”.

Resources

Women of the Bible: 52 Bible Studies for Individuals and Groups; Jean E Syswerda; Zondervan, 2002

NIV Study Bible; Zondervan

http://www.biblegateway.com/…/commentaries/; Guidelines for Giving, BibleGateway, IVP New Testament Commentaries

www.biblestudytools.com/bible…/christian-…; 10 Essential Truths about Christian Giving, Crosswalk: Bible Study Tools; Dr. J. Ligon Duncan III

http://www.godvine.com › Online Bible › 1 Timothy › 1 Timothy 6; Clarke’s Commentary

Salome, Mother of the Zebedees

Key Scriptures: Matthew 20:20-24, 27:56; Mark 15:40-41, 16:1-2

Points for Bible Study February 27,2016

Her name, the Feminine form of “Solomon,” means “Peace.” (4., pg. 201.)
She was the wife of Zebedee, a prosperous fisherman on Sea of Galilee. The only glimpse we have of him is in his boat mending the nets when Jesus came and called his two sons to follow him. There was no action on Zebedee’s part to detain them. (1., pg. 285.)
Zebedee – The father of the apostles James and John (Mark 1:19-20) by Salome (Mark 15:40; Matt. 27:56). Zebedee and his sons were associated with Simon and Andrew in a fishing business at Capernaum (Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:10). The fact that he had servants (Mark 1:20) and that his wife seems to have contributed toward Jesus’ support (Mark 15:40-41; Luke 8:2-3) makes it appear that he was a man of some means. The gospels offer no evidence that he actively followed Jesus, though he seems not to have hindered the activity of the wife and the sons (2., pg. 940.)
Her character: Salome, one of the saintly women who followed and ministered to Jesus, appears to have been one of His disciples from the outset of His ministry. She had no doubt as to His Messiahship. (1., pg. 285)
A faithful disciple – She remained a faithful disciple of Jesus’ up to the very end. She was present at the crucifixion, when her sons had withdrawn. She was also among the women who went to the tomb and found Jesus had risen from the dead. (1., pg.285-286.)
Salome, Aunt of Jesus – (John 19:25) Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene (NIV – John 19:25).Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. (Ft.nt. Mark 15:40 – Mary Magdalene. From Lk. 8:2 we learn that Jesus had driven seven demons out of her. Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses. See v. 47; 16:1, Salome, Probably the wife of Zebedee and mother of James and John (See Mt.27:56.) In John 19:25 “his mother’s sister” probably is to be distinguished from “Mary the wife of Clopas,” and Salome may be meant. This would make Salome and Zebedee aunt and uncle, and James and John cousins of Jesus. (2., pg. 167)
Salome – Mother of James – James left his father Zebedee and the family fishing business to follow Jesus with other Apostles. Along with his brother John and their, partner Peter, James became one of Jesus’ favored followers. The ambitious, short-tempered James was the church’s first martyr, he was executed at the hands of Herod Agrippa I, 15 years after Jesus died.
Salome – Mother of John, the Apostle. Matt 4:21-22 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother, John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called to them, (v22) and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Salome – She, misunderstood the meaning of the Kingdom of God. As a very ambitious mother, she asked for her sons to be placed at His right and left hand, when the earthly kingdom she expected came into being, Jesus explained that these positions weren’t His to give. He also questioned her as to whether she and her sons would be able to endure the suffering that would be required. In effect, Jesus asked if her sons were prepared to drink the cup of martyrdom, which in the end, they did. James was the first apostle to be martyred, and John, the last. The mother sought instant positions for her sons. But, by losing their lives for Christ’s sake, they gained greater honor in heaven. (1., pg. 286)

Sources:

Charles, Sylvia, Women in the Bible, 1988, Virgil Hensley Publishing.
The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, Volume R-Z, 1962, Abingdon Press.
Scriptures taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society, Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
Syswerda, Jean E., Women of the Bible, 1999, Zondervan.

A Recall for Service

Background Scripture John 21: 1-25

Prayer: Lord, we’ve come today to worship you and to bring glory to your name during this Lenten season. May we be more aware during this 40 day period of the sacrifice that you made when you gave your life as a payment for our sins. May we then go through this year with a new found sense of gratitude to you. In your name, Amen.

THE MESSAGE: “ A RECALL TO SERVICE” AKA: “ WHERE’S PETER?”

The word, RECALL, means to officially return to a place. Synonyms: summon back, order back, call back. Some of us may have gotten a recall on some parts to our car, because some part of the car may have proven or suspect to be defective. We then need to take our cars back to the dealership for repairs.

In our message today, the disciple Peter, has gotten a recall. “ Who recalled Peter?” “ Jesus!” Why, because Peter had some defects that had prevented him from doing what he’d vowed not to do?

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial (Matthew 26:31-35):

31. Then Jesus told them, “ This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.”

32. But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

33. Peter replied, “ Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

34 . “ I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “ this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

35. But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

Our focus is on Peter today, but there were a total of eleven other disciples, at this time, Judas had departed (Mt. 26:25). So we are focusing on the eleven with Peter as the leader.

Background: The Calling of the First Disciples

All four gospels unite in reporting that Peter became a disciple of Jesus in the very early days of Jesus ‘ ministry. (Matt. 4:18-22, Mark. 1: 16-20, Luke 5:1-11,John 1:35-42). (1., page 749)

The practice of mentioning Peter first was not due simply to his early call or to his prominence in the apostolic age. Throughout Jesus ministry Peter was an outstanding member of the twelve. At times he acted as a vigorous individual quick to take the initiative. (1., page 750)

For example: In Matt. 14:28 – where Peter volunteered to come to Jesus upon water, though he became afraid while carrying out his proposal. (1., page 750)

The scene plays out and Jesus is arrested in Matt.26: 47-55. The last line of this Scripture says, “Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.” Where was Peter?

Peter was located:

Matt. 26:69-75 – At verses 69 – Here’s Peter: “Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard….”

Mk. 14:66-72 – “ While Peter was below in the courtyard…..”

Luke 22:54-62 …. “Peter followed at a distance.”

John 18:25-27 “As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, “You are not one of the disciples, are you?”

The Crucifixion Happens:

Where’s Peter?

John 20:1 …. Mary Magdalene went to the tomb ( Jesus’ tomb) and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance….

John 20:2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple….. All of the Gospels now account for Peter’s whereabouts.(Matt. 28:7, Mark 16:7, Luke 24:12). Peter’s presence was accounted for with the other ten disciples.

The disciples go fishing (John 21:1-3):

1. Afterwards Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way:

2. Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathaniel from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.

3. “I’m going out to fish.” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “ we’ll go out with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Jesus Prepares Breakfast for the eleven disciples (John 21:4-14):

4. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize it was Jesus.

5. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.

6. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

7. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.

8. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.

9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”

11 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.

12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord

13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same thing with the fish.

14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Jesus Reinstates Peter (John 21:15-19):

15. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “ Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”

“Yes Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16. Again Jesus said, Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”

He answered, Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17. The third time he said to him, Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” He said, Lord you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said , “Feed my sheep.

18. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”

19. Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

After what Peter felt and experienced: fear for his life without the protection of Jesus, and trying desperately to save himself by denying that he was one of Jesus’ disciples. He is face to face with Jesus, who tells him what he needs to do next as a testament to his love for Jesus. “Feed my lambs, take care of my sheep, feed my sheep.” How would Peter accomplish this task? With the gifts Jesus had gifted him with, before he became afraid.

Leaders of God’s flock have been called to feed His sheep. Be careful not to allow any past sins and mistakes to deter you from this “Call.” Prayerfully ask God to show you where He’s at work and join Him. Do His work His way. (2, pp. 7-28.)

Jesus Reinstated Peter- He issued a RECALL with the instructions that he was to prove his love for Jesus by feeding His sheep.

References:

Blackaby, Henry & Richard, King, Claude, Experiencing God, Lifeway Press 2007
The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, In Four Volumes, K-Q, Abingdon Press, 1962
NIV Study Bible, Zondervan, 1973

Note: This message was delivered by Pastor Glenda Brunson at Grand Villa St. Petersburg, Reverend Al Woods, Pastor on Sunday February 14, 2016.

Herodias -10 Points for Bible Study

Bible Study January 30, 2016

Key Scriptures: Matthew 14:3-12; Mark 6:6:14-29; Luke 3:19-20, 9:7-9

Character: Herodias was proud, manipulative, and arrogant. She used her daughter to get revenge on John the Baptist. She had two husbands (1) Herod Philip and (2) Herod Antipas, who were her uncles and sons of Herod the Great. Herod the Great was her grand father and father-in-law.

I. Adultery: Mark 6:18 – For John said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.

II. Motivation: Luke 3:19 – But Herod the tetrarch being reproved by him for Herodias his brother, Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done. (V20) Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison. (Mark 6:19) – Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him but she could not.

III. Threat: Mark 6:1 – And they were out, and preached that men should repent and they cast out many devils and anointed with many that were sick and healed them. (Matthew 14:1) – At the time, Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, (V2) And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist, he is risen from the dead and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him.

IV. Fear: Matthew 14:5 – And when he would have put him to death he feared the multitude. because they counted him as a prophet. (Mark 6:20) For Herod feared John knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him.

V. Confusion: Luke 9:7 – Now Herod the Tetrach heard of all that was done by him; and he was perplexed because it was said of some that John was risen from the dead. (v9) and Herod said, John have I beheaded; but who is this of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

VI. Temptation: Matthew 14:6 – But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased him.

VII. Manipulation: Mark 6:22 – And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in and danced, and pleased Herod and then she sat with him, the king said unto the damsel ask of me whatsoever thou will and I will give it to thee.

VIII. Plot: Matthew 14:8 And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger.

IX. Promise: Matthew 14:7 – Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatever she would ask. (Mark 6:23) – And he swear unto her, whatsoever thou shall ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. (Mark 6:24) And she said the head of John the Baptist.

X. Choice: Matthew 14:9 – And the King was very sorry; nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given. (V10) And he sent and beheaded John in Prion.

All Scriptures from The Bible, KJV.

Reference: Jean E Syswerds, Women of the Bible, 52 Bible studies for Individual and Groups, Zondervan, 1999.

Mary Magdalene —10 Key Points for Bible Study on February 28, 2015

Our Lesson on Mary Magdalene comes from Matthew 27:56, 61; 28:1, Mark 15:40, 47; 16:1-19; Luke 8:2; 24:10; John 19:25; 20:1-18 of our main text Women of the Bible by Jean E Syswerda. Here are some important points. These points may not directly answer the questions on pages 211-212.

Mary Magdelene
Her name means “Bitterness”
Ten points of information:
1. Mistakenly characterized as a prostitute.
2. She was possessed by seven demons. She probably suffered from a serious mental or physical illness from which Jesus delivered her.
3. She went to the tomb where Jesus was buried and saw that the stone had been rolled away, at the entrance. She explained to the two angels that she saw that the body of her Lord had been taken away and that she did not know where to find him. She was the first to see the Resurrected Jesus Christ.
4. She cried out in Aramaic “Rabboni” (which means teacher) when she recognized who Jesus was.
5. She was one of several women who took the time out to play a role in the ministry of Jesus. She traveled with Jesus and the twelve disciples. She cared for their needs during the time that they were not earning a living.
6. The women that cared for Jesus and his disciples used their own financial resources to support Jesus and his disciples. They either had no children or their children were grown.
7. They spent their time purchasing food; preparing it; and serving it; while Jesus was teaching and healing.
8. Perhaps they found homes for Jesus and his disciples to stay in during their travels.
9. When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.
10. She announced to the disciples that she had seen the Lord. She informed them that he told her to tell them that he was ascending to his Father and our Father, to his God and our God.

Scriptures:
Matthew 27:56 – Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
Matthew 27:61 – Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
Matthew 28:1 – After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
Mark 15:40 – Some women were watching from a distance, Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome.
Mark 15:47 – Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.
Mark 16:1 – When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.
Luke 8:2 – And also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;
Luke 24:10 – It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.
John 19:25 – Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
John 20:1 – 18 – Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. (2) So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” (3) So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. (4) Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. (5) He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. (6) Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, (7) as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. (8) Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (9) (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) (10) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. (11) Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb (12) and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. (13) They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” (14) At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. (15) He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” (16) Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). (17) Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my Brothers and tell them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” (18) Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news. “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Women of the Bible – Mary Magdalene – 02/28/2015

Mary Magdalene is our twentieth study in our series from Women of the Bible, 52 Bible Studies for Individuals and Groups by Jean E Syswerda. The study of Mary Magdalene is found on page 209. The Bible Study will meet 4:00p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For complete information contact Glenda at 727-542-4683.