I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. … Continue reading –>
1. Gentile culture clashes. Does that fact that Jesus spent most of his early earthly ministry with the Gentiles of Nazareth make any difference in His life on earth? Did He choose Nazareth because it would make an excellent headquarters for the gospel ministry? How much of an impact did Jesus have on the Gentiles … Continue reading –>
Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. Sir, they said, we would like to see Jesus. Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, The hour has come … Continue reading –>
Read Luke 17:11-19. What lessons are here for us, regardless of our nationality or origins? Notice first that the unfortunate men all knew Jesus. They called Him by both name and title, pleading for intervention. What’s fascinating, too, is that they were not cleansed right then and there. They were told simply to go and … Continue reading –>
Read Luke 8:26-39 and Matthew 15:21-28. How do these stories help us understand how Jesus related to non-Jews? How do we understand Jesus’ words to the Canaanite woman? Also, what lessons should the disciples have picked up, seeing Jesus minster to those who were not part of the covenant people? The region of the Gadarenes … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 8:5-13 (see also Luke 7:1-10). What does this story teach us about how even the largest cultural divides can be breached for the sake of the gospel? In Capernaum a Roman officer of centurion rank (commander of 100 men) sought out Jesus. The Jews resented the occupying Roman army, and many Romans hated … Continue reading –>
In the time of Jesus, ancient Israel was divided into three provinces: Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. Samaria was situated between Galilee and Judea. The Samaritans worshiped the God of Israel, but not in the same way the Jews did. As an initial mission field, Samaria was ideal for the apostles because it was close to … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: John 4:4-30; Matt. 8:5-13; Mark 5:1-20; Matt. 15:21-28; Luke 17:11-19; John 12:20-32. Memory Text: Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased! I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He will declare justice to the Gentiles (Matthew 12:18, NKJV). How interesting that … Continue reading –>
According to Matthew, Jesus foretold that this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come (Matt. 24:14 NIV). At the same time, the Scriptures make another point clear:But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels … Continue reading –>
His disciples and the crowd gathered around Him must have been shocked. Never in their lives had they heard anyone speak to their revered religious leaders as Jesus was doing. For their generation there was no higher religious authority than the scribes, Pharisees and lawyers. From cradle to grave they were taught to revere them … Continue reading –>
