Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Notes… Review of 1-30-13


We’re looking forward to Jenny’s testimony this coming week!

This week we discussed Chapter 11.  An overview of the chapter:

a.    John confronts Jesus with his doubt: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
b.    Jesus teaches John how to look for Truth through actions: “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.”
c.     Jesus teaches that His Way is not easy: “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
d.    Jesus warns the hard of heart: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
e.    Jesus teaches about children: “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.”
f.      Jesus tells us that we can trust Him: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”


Great points for reflection…

a.    In Matthew 11:2-3: “When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”  Several of us questioned this, wondering why he would ask these questions.  There was much speculation, so Stephoni ended up going back to revisit the subject in the blog.
b.    In Matthew 4-6 Jesus replied to John’s question.  Stephoni pointed out that it is not insignificant that Jesus mentioned the fact that “the good news is proclaimed to the poor,” and that it is the only point made that is not a “miracle”.  The Scriptures predict this from our Savior.
c.     We discussed Matthew 11:29; “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  A yoke is used on oxen to harness and steer them.  It not only ties them to their master, but also promotes harmony.
d.    The paradox of the true freedom of Christ is found in the fact that we’re only truly free when we’re living well within the will of God, not living on the edges.
e.    Stephoni mentioned that it is telling that he says “Learn from me.” when speaking of taking the yoke.

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