WALK WITH ME!  

Week Five (Jan 29-Feb 4) 

Matt 9:27-38; 10:1-42; 14; 15:1-20; Mark 6; 7:1-23; Luke 9:1-17; John 6; 7:1

 

“When Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.” Matt 11:1 

 

Sending of the Disciples

Jesus sent the Disciples after a time of teaching and training to do the work!  The lesson here is obvious I hope – learn and then go do!  God does not train us just to keep training us – He expects us to do the work of the ministry – making disciples who make disciples.  That is not just a commission – it turns out later to be call the Great Commission.  In Luke 9 of our reading we see that Jesus told them not to take anything unnecessary like bread?  He shows why later in the Feeding of the Five Thousand – He is the source of our needs.  He told them, “Don’t take anything for the journey. Do not take a walking stick or a bag. Do not take any bread, money or extra clothes.”  Luke 9:3

 

Feeding of the 5000 (Matt 14; Mark 6; Luke 9; John 6)

This is the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels – it is that important!  Crowds of people followed Jesus wherever He went. When people heard that Jesus and the disciples had gone off to be on their own, they wanted to go there, too. So they came running from all the towns in the area and got there before Jesus and His friends. They wanted to hear Jesus teach, and they wanted to see more miracles, more signs, and more wonders.  On the way to Jerusalem a large crowd had gathered and found themselves hungry and without lunch.  By that time it was late in the day.  Jesus looked over that large crowd and asked Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?” (John 6:5).

 

Jesus loved each and every person in that crowd. He knew that there was so much they still didn’t understand about the kingdom of God. So even though He needed rest, He put the needs of the crowd before His own, and He taught them. The Bible says the people in the crowd were like sheep without a shepherd, which means they were lost and confused about life. By teaching them, Jesus was a kind and loving Shepherd who took care of them.

 

This turned out to be a test for all the Disciples but Philip specifically.  Jesus was showing Philip and the other disciples that there was no way they could solve the problem on their own. There was no store close enough to buy this much food. And even if there was, it would have taken way more money than the disciples had! Jesus wanted the disciples to trust Him - to know that He alone was able to meet their need.

 

Lesson:  Nothing is too small for God to use it - even a little boy’s lunch. The disciples could not see how the child’s lunch could be of help, but showing Himself strong through our weakness is characteristic of the way God provides.  Later in Mark:  “Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans, but not for God; all things are possible for God.”  Mark 10:27

 

I know I spent the whole blog on one miracle but God thought this one special enough to add it into all four Gospels – so I gave it the whole page!  Just so you know that God is the same in both Testaments – check out a story later about Elisha.  There is a foreshadowing of Christ’s miracle in the life of Elisha in 2 Kings. Elisha told his servant to feed the people gathered there, although there was not enough food for the hundred men. One of the men said, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” (2 Kings 4:42–43) In the end, however, the men not only had enough to eat, but “they ate and had some left” (2 Kings 4:44).  God is good!

 

This year the theme at Grace for our 70^th Anniversary is ‘Walk with Me!”  I am going to take us through 1^st John to see the heart of an Apostle 60 years after his ‘walks’ with Jesus to better understand what lasted 6 decades. And then to Elijah and Elisha see the power of walking together and then in the fall through 2^nd Timothy to hear Paul’s words to a preacher who had walked with him and reminding the shepherd of what was most important and what it might cost.  The only things that can prepare us for our life will be our ‘walks’ with Jesus and those He has given us to walk with – so walk with Him in reading and prayer and walk with other believers as we grow in Christ to grow others together.

 

Pastor Mike

 

 

 

 

 

 

 WALK WITH ME!  

Week Four (Jan 22-28) 

Matt 8:23-37; 9:18-26; 12; 13:1-53; Mark 12; 13:1-53; Luke 7:36-8:56

Parables:  One of the methods Jesus employed in communicating His message was through parables. A parable is basically an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. When Jesus started telling parables to the people, His disciples asked the obvious question, "Why do You speak to them in parables?" (Matthew 13:10).  Jesus answers the question as we read His parables.

Parable of the Sower Matt 13; Mark 4; Luke 8

The most common name is not the best name I believe – this is actually a parable about soils not the sower.  By keeping named the The Sower too much interest and emphasis is on the sower (who is really God as the seed is His from His hand!) rather than how God is preparing the soil.  

First, the parable of the sower in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. It is not in John’s gospel because John did not record any parables.  Did you know that?

I try to refer to this as the Parable of the Soils but it is better known as the Parable of the Sower.  Both are accurate but I prefer the former. Jesus told this parable to illustrate what happens when a farmer sows seeds on different soil, and the results that unfold.  The enormous crowd that gathered around would have been very familiar with the concepts of sowing seed.  The farmer would have reached into a bag of seed and toss it across the ground.  Of course, all of it didn’t land on the best soil.  What do the seeds represent in the Parable of the Sower?  Luke’s version gives us the best answer as Jesus explained it this way to His disciples- “The seed is the word of God.” v11.

This parable explains what happens when people hear the gospel message.  God (the farmer) sows the seed (His Word).  It is the “soil” that it lands on that determines its growth. The deeper lesson in this parable is one about God’s Word and the responses from those who hear it.  Not everyone who hears Jesus’ words will listen or respond to it because we can have a “soil problem” in our hearts.

Jesus ends His parable with - “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”  Are we listening?

Hide it under a bushel? NO! – Mark 4; Luke 8

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!

Hide it under a bushel; No! I’m gonna let it shine!

Don't let Satan blow it out; I’m gonna let it shine!

Let it shine till Jesus comes; I’m gonna let it shine!

I can’t think of anything better than the song I used to sing as a kid – I still believe all 4 verses!

Sing it in your heart as you read the parable.  And then go out and let it shine! 

Grain of a mustard seed – Matt13; Mark 4; Luke 13

A grain of mustard seed looks totally insignificant, just one or two millimeters in diameter. Yet, when sown into good soil, these tiny seeds can grow into huge trees. Jesus used these seeds to explain God’s kingdom. The world tends to value size: The most money or resources, or the largest armies. But God’s kingdom is different. He looks at our hearts and our level of faith. It is the small things that can produce the greatest returns. Jesus taught that a widow who gave two mites gave more than anyone else (Mark 12:42-43). That those with the faith like a grain of mustard seed could speak and a tree would be plucked up and thrown into the sea (Luke 17:6). That those who planted mustards seeds could expect bountiful harvests.

Jesus is making the point here that small things matter to God. God is the God of tiny beginnings and seeming weakness. (like the manger of Bethlehem) He delights in using little people and what look like insignificant movements. But the small beginnings end in great results. God’s strength is made perfect in weakness; when we are weak, then we are strong.  What small thing can you give Him this week and let Him make it into something big for the Kingdom?

Why did Jesus use parables? “None so blind as those who will not see.” Matthew Henry

Jesus is using common illustrations to explain the complexities of Heaven by parables.  The people are listening and following – continue your walk with Him in the Harmony readings!  Then – find someone to walk with this week – share what God is doing lets walk together with Jesus – Come Walk With Me!

PARABLE OF THE SOILS (SOWER)

WALK WITH ME!  

Week Three (Jan 15-21) 

Matt 5-7; 8:5-13; 11:2-19, Mark 2:23-3:19, Luke 6:1-7:35, John 5:1-47

Pool of Bethesda John 5

The name of the pool, “Bethesda,” is Aramaic. It means “House of Mercy.” John tells us that “a great number of disabled people used to lie there—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed” (John 5:3). The covered colonnades would have provided shade for the disabled who gathered there, but there was another reason for the popularity of the Pool of Bethesda. Legend had it that an angel would come down into the pool and “stir up the water.” The first person into the pool after the stirring of the water “was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted” (John 5:4, NAS). The Bible does not teach that this actually happened - rather, the superstitious belief probably arose because of the pool’s association with the nearby temple. The real lesson is that the Master of Mercy was there!  He did not depend on a stirring of the waters – He is the solution to sin and the consequences of sin.  

Sermon on the Mount Matt 5-7

The Sermon on the Mount is the most famous sermon Jesus ever gave and I believe the most famous sermon ever given by anyone.  I especially love the opening messages of positive blessings rather than warnings or threats by God – Jesus opens with love and loving examples of faith.  Matthew 7:28-29 concludes the Sermon on the Mount with the following statement: "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." May we all continue to be amazed at His teaching and follow the principles that He taught in the Sermon on the Mount!  Lessons like salt and light, love your enemies, how to pray, treasures in Heaven, the narrow gate and the wise/foolish builders – all classics that are told and retold in each generation.  

The Twelve are Chosen Mark 3

Mark 3:14 “And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach”

This is a verse that sums up a legacy of Grace Bible Church!  God has used our Church family to train, equip, mentor and send out scores of shepherds, missionaries, teachers and leaders.  As you read the Harmony please pay close attention to the desire of Jesus to gather – disciple – scatter.  Jesus was never trying to build a movement – He was training leaders to move!  He drew them to his teaching which, if obeyed, sent them out into the World with His Gospel.  We should be honored that God has entrusted us with this most noble task – my prayer is that we will never take our attention from bringing the lost to faith and the faithful into His service.  Walk with Me!

Power of Life over Death Luke 7

Luke 7 records the healing of the Centurions servant despite the distance – all a matter of faith and then Jesus visits the village of Nain and meets a funeral going out for burial.  Jesus was known for interrupting funerals healing 3 during His ministry (the son of the widow of Nain, Jairus’ daughter and Lazarus of Bethany).  It is said that Jesus never attended a successful funeral – including His own!  Jesus is the remedy for sin and therefore the Redeemer of Life.  

What do you see?  Luke 7

John the Baptist sent messengers to Jesus to ask Him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Was John the Baptist’s faith faltering? Was he doubting whether Jesus was truly the Messiah?  Or was John sending his students to the source of Truth, the Messiah?  Either John or some of John’s followers were unsure – asking if they understood the promises of the Messiah.  John directed them to the source – Jesus Himself.  What they heard was not opinion or even logic – just Scripture!  There is a lesson for us – Bible first.  I would also note that Jesus does not rebuke of John the Baptist for asking the question. If John had doubts, Jesus’ response shows the caring, tender way He handles wavering faith. If John was simply teaching his disciples, Jesus provided incontrovertible evidence that faith in Him is not misplaced.

 “Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature.” Augustine

The Disciples are getting closer to Jesus – not because He took them to school but because He took them on a walk – a walk with Jesus – lets walk together with Jesus – 

Come Walk With Me!

WALK WITH ME!  

Week Two (Jan 8-14) 

(Matt 1:12-25; 8:1-4;14-17; 9:1-17; Mark 1:14-2:22; Luke 4:14-5:39; John 1:35-4:45)

Fishers of Men in Matthew 4   

The theme for this year at Grace is ‘Walk With Me!’ Jesus called the disciples to ‘follow me’ and that is how simple it really is!  Jesus did not instruct the new followers to go and learn the Law or become scribes or priests – Jesus simply called on them to walk with Him.  In our modern world it us who make things more complicated – just walk with God on a daily basis – just find another heart who yearns after the things of God and have them join you – walk together!  It must also be noted that Jesus called on the men to continue their trade but with a new focus – the souls of men.  God needs us to do what He has gifted us to do usually where we are – not far away or in great danger.  Also please note that He called working men to continue working with Him on a new task.  Fishermen – not Aquarium watchers.  

(Please read “Walk With Me” Theme of 2023 on our website)

First Miracle in John 2

So many great lessons here – the sanction of home, family and marriage!  The sharing of celebrations.  Even the submissive heart to His mother and the kindness to their host.  Jesus demonstrates here, for the first time, His dominance over the elements of Creation – water to wine.  While Jesus reminded His mother that banqueting was not His calling, He still responded with compassion and kindness by taking care of their friends and sparing them the shame of running out of refreshments.  The superior wine was not Jesus showing off but rather we must know that God can only do things the very best way the first time.   Of course, it was the best!  Changing elements was a hallmark of God – the bitter spring to sweet with Moses and the salted spring of Elisha.  Jesus demonstrating that He is very God.  This is the first of seven signs in John.

Nicodemus in John 3

One of the best know stories in the life of Jesus was the nighttime visit by Nicodemus.  As a member of the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus was cautious about seeing Jesus.  Coming at night he skeptically asked Jesus if He were a teacher sent from God – giving Jesus the title of rabbi and teacher.  Jesus answer is the best know verse in the World!  (#1 of 31,102 - John 3:16) Heaven is not about new learning – it is about new life – life in Christ.  It is not about being clean – I can wash myself – I cannot birth myself!  Listen to my Vlogs on Love in the Languages – one day soon I will do ‘only begotten’ – it is a special word of love and gift.

Nazareth Synagogue – reading Isaiah and cliffs in Luke 4

Jesus was a Master Teacher – even as He was reading in His hometown synagogue He was teaching.  From Isaiah 61 Jesus revealed that He is the One to do these great wonders – He is the Messiah – He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.  They were amazed and then they were offend and tried to toss Him from the cliffs of Nazareth – but it was not in the Father’s time so Jesus walked out from among them without their notice.

Miracle of Lame Walk in Mark 2

Sin forgiven by whom?  Only God can do that – the scoffers and doubts were right – only God can do that, but they did not recognize God right in front of them.   Once again Jesus shows that He has complete power over sin – not just in the forgiveness of sin but even over the consequences of sin.  Jesus healed the bedfast man as a demonstration of the healing of his soul.  All the miracles of Jesus were for the same purposes – His deity and His supremacy over sin and the effects of sin.  From creation (water to wine and storms) to the Devil (temptations and demons) and men (sickness and even death!) Jesus is seen to be Supreme.  He alone is the Savior we can trust the Lord that we can follow. 

Check back here next week for more – Walk with me!

Remember: God does not take good people to Heaven – only forgiven people!

THE SEVEN SIGNS OF JOHN:

John 2:1-11 — Water into wine

John 4:46-54 — Healing of the nobleman’s son

John 5:1-15 — Healing at the pool of Bethesda

John 6:1-14 — Feeding the 5,000

John 6:15-21 — Jesus walks on water

John 9:1-12 — Healing of the man born blind

John 11:1-44 — Lazarus raised from the dead

GREATEST VERSE - For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  John 3:16

The Greatest Being     God

The Greatest Motive     So Loved

The Greatest Scope     The World

The Greatest Gift     He Gave His Only Son

The Greatest Invitation     Whosever Believes in Him

The Greatest Rescue     Shall Not Perish

The Greatest Promise     Have Everlasting Life