Ancient Near Eastern Lasik Surgery

Matthew 9: 27 – 31

[Click on the Scripture citation to read the passage, Click on the title after Sunday to hear the podcast of the related message by Pastor Jon]

Based on the context of the rest of chapter 9, why might Matthew pick this point in his gospel to tell this story of the healing of two blind men?

Describe the reaction the blind men have to the fact of Jesus’ presence.
What does their question for Jesus imply about what they think of him?
What does it say about Jesus that he is really able to heal those who are blind?
What are some ways that you experience blindness in your life?
What can we do to experience the spiritual enlightenment that Jesus offers?
What should be our reaction when we come into Jesus’ presence in worship?

How would you describe Jesus’ overall attitude towards these two guys?
Why might Jesus act in a way towards them that seems a little distant and cold?
Why does Jesus ask them if they really believe that he is capable of this miracle?
What is it about faith that is so intricately connected to the experience of miracles?
How does a person go about building more faith into their lives?

Why does Jesus insist that they should not share this experience with others?
What does it tell us about their character that they are unwilling to obey this request?
What is an area in your life in which you find it difficult to be obedient to Jesus?
How can we become the kind of people who readily follow what Jesus tells us?

The Ideal Spa Treatment for Your In-laws

Mark 1: 28 – 39

Single: What was the most intense experience you had in meeting the parents of someone you have dated?
Married: What was your most humorous experience with your in-laws?

Describe how Simon’s mother-in-law would have felt with a serious fever and all of these visitors, including a prestigious rabbi, coming over to her house.
What are some possible reasons that Jesus decided to heal her?
Why in the world does she begin to serve everyone immediately after her healing?
Who is someone you know who needs to be brought into Jesus’ presence for healing?

What are some areas of physical healing you need in your life?
Why is it that Jesus does not choose to physically heal everyone who asks him?
Compare and contrast the healing of disease and the casting out of demons?
Why are people bringing all of these folks to Jesus for healing?
Why is Jesus spending the time and energy to help all of these people?
Why does Jesus not let the demonic powers reveal who he really is?
How can you better develop and utilize the gifts Jesus gave you to minister to people?
What are some areas of spiritual healing and freedom you need in your life?

After a late night of ministry, why does Jesus get up early the next day to hang out with his Dad?
Why are Simon and his people so intent on finding Jesus and getting him back to work in their village?
How is it that Jesus knows with certainty that his mission calls him to move on from that town to minister in the surrounding villages?
How is it that Jesus is able to keep such personal clarity in the midst of rampant popularity?
How can we go about discover what God has for our next step in our ministries as individuals, and Context Group, and a church?

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Luke 7: 1 – 10

When is a time that you have been absolutely amazed at someone?

For what reasons might it be quite odd for the elders to be encouraging this rabbi to help this soldier?
What seems to be the motivations of the elders in pursing Jesus’ assistance?
What reasons do you suppose Jesus has for choosing to help this guy?
Who are some people that you find it particularly difficult to serve?
How can you change your attitudes towards those you tend to exclude?

What does it show about the character of this guy that he sends a contingent to refuse hospitality to Jesus?
Describe this man’s perspective on the concept of authority.
How does his view of authority help inform his perspective on Jesus’ ministry?
What does his statement of his view imply about who he believes Jesus to be?
What in your everyday life or career points you towards a deeper understanding of Jesus?

What is so incredible about this guy’s faith that it actually impresses Jesus?
Why does Jesus go ahead and heal this servant from a distance?
How can you go about developing an “amazing” level of faith in your life?

Why is this house not more handicap accessible?

Mark 2: 1 – 12

(Click on study title to hear Sunday's message on this passage, click on the text to read the passage)

What is the most difficult climbing challenge you have ever faced?

Based on this passage, describe the kind of relationship that Jesus has developed with the people in Capernaum.
Why do you think that Jesus continues to go back there on his preaching/healing tour?

If you were one of the men carrying the paralytic how would you have felt seeing the crowd packed in around Jesus?
If you were the owner of this house what would you have said to these guys about their tactics in getting their friend to Jesus?
Why are they so intent on accomplishing their goal of gaining Jesus’ audience?
What are some ways you could go out of your way to bring your friends into contact with Jesus?

Why does Jesus not apparently immediately physically heal the paralyzed man?
Why are the religious leaders so concerned about the content of Jesus’ teaching?
Are the religious leaders correct in their main observation of the role of God in forgiveness?
What does it imply about Jesus if he is really able to forgive people of their sins?
What are some poor choices in your life for which you need to experience forgiveness from Jesus tonight?

How would you have felt as one of the religious leaders in vs. 8 when Jesus begins to answer questions that you had not yet verbalized?
Which really would be easier for someone to do: heal disease or forgive sins?
Why does Jesus end up eventually healing the guy of his physical issue as well?
What could you imagine would be the response of the crowd as the paralytic pushes through carrying his mat?
What are some ways that Jesus has surprised you in how he worked in other people’s lives?

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Luke 5: 12 – 16

When is a time you had a secret that you found particularly difficult to keep?

What emotional and social impact can you imagine the disease of leprosy would have on this man over the years?
Why would leprosy be used in the Scriptures as a poignant symbol of being religiously impure?
What circumstances are occurring in your life that makes you feel isolated from the people of God?

How would you describe the man’s actions when Jesus happens by him?
What does this man’s groveling show us about his personality and character?
Why is this guy choosing to actively place his trust in Jesus?
What could you do to make your prayer experience more heartfelt?

Describe in detail from this text the bedside manner of Jesus of Nazareth.
Why does Jesus bring healing to this man in this particular way?
What do we learn about Jesus by the way he heals this person?
How could you change your style of serving others to better match Jesus’ pattern?

Who is Jesus’ PR manager? Why does he want this miracle kept under wraps?
What are some reasons it is important that the man report to the religious elites?
What is something for which you need to experience Jesus’ healing in your life?
What are some ways that you have already experienced the healing he offers?

What effect does this miracle end up having on the surrounding populous?
Why would it be nearly impossible to keep this kind of miracle secret?
What makes Jesus in his ministry so appealing to the crowds?
How can we reflect Jesus’ power in a way that is appealing to people?
What ways has God gifted you to minister to those around you?

Why does Jesus practice the discipline of solitude at the end of this passage?
When do you have time alone with God to recharge and regroup?
How can you improve the time that you spend with him?