Key Text: Matthew 4: 23-25
Preparation: print out the A5 worksheet, ensuring there is enough for one each.
As followers of Jesus we recognise that Jesus’ life is the template for us to follow but so often we end up looking very similar to the lives of those who don’t know Him. The model we see in the Bible is that of apprenticeship. The disciples watched Jesus. They did what He did, with Him. They then went off and tried it for themselves and then came back and reflected with Jesus. This is and was the training model of Rabbis. Today we still want to do the same. Jesus is the template and we want to become more like Him.
Jesus’ day had 10 main parts. If you remove eating, sleeping, laughing etc etc
1. Preaching the kingdom of God (goodness)
2. Teaching the Bible
3. Healing the sick
4. Casting out demons
5. Retreating in prayer
6. Prophesying
7. Seeking Social justice
8. Eating and drinking with those on the margins.
9. Challenging religious people
10. Speaking truth in power.
Each week we are going to look at one of these and ask how we can implement it into our own lives.
Q. This isn’t a test!!!! BUT ask the group how many of these 10 things they recognise in their own life? How many of these things do the group members do all the time and how many rarely? Maybe read the list out again and have people count up. The group don’t need to share this number out loud, but it is good to recognise our days are very different to that of Jesus.
Q. Jesus preached about the kingdom of God. What is the kingdom?
Answer – the kingdom isn’t a place, it isn’t heaven, it is the rule and reign of God as king on earth. In the following passage, the kingdom of God is made present and known in Jesus. Jesus is the king of heaven and earth and the kingdom of God is his domain and authority.
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed Him”.
What jumps out at you?
What questions do you have?
Q. In the passage we are told Jesus went around talking about the good news that Gods Kingdom was near. How do you think he went about this? Was he gentle? Was he bold? Was he intimidating?
Q. Jesus spoke directly and boldly to religious people and to oppressed and vulnerable people, like the woman about to be stoned he spoke gently. What can we learn from Him that will help us do the same in our interactions?
Q. The invitation is to be someone who proclaims God’s presence in every area of your life and in every area of the lives of those you interact with. God’s presence is a presence of peace, hope, grace, mercy, support, friendship and companionship. All God asks for is our repentance and commitment.
Give examples of when have you been able to do this.
Q. Who has inspired you or who have you seen who displays this attribute of Jesus well in their life?
As we go into our week can you look for someone to speak Gods presence over or for. Simply “God is with you” is a great start.
Father, your son spoke of the kingdom so powerfully. Would you anoint our lips to do the same in our own way? Give us confidence and courage to speak words of life over and around people and would we have open eyes to see those who are open and ready for your kingdom. Amen