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!