Jesus: The Miracle Worker
Bible Study
The Critical Questions... And More
Three Pre-Easter Bible Studies
Object:
Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
Lesson Objective: At the end of this lesson, each of the participants will have a greater understanding of how and why Jesus performed miracles and the significance of each.
Prayer Focus: Pray that each member of the group might know in his or her life the miraculous touch of Jesus' hand.
Lesson
William Webber tells this story: "I was the pastor of a small church in a rural community. Wilbur and his wife, Leah, attended every Sunday. Wilbur was a farmer and every time he came in from working the fields and sat down, he'd fall asleep. This habit became so ingrained that he did it in church as well. I discovered that members of the church were placing bets to see how long I could keep Wilbur awake. Wilbur's wife was embarrassed by all of this, of course. She tried everything to keep him awake. She complained she was getting calluses on her elbows from nudging him in church. One day, in the grocery store, she found a bottle of Limburger cheese. She brought it and dropped it in her purse. The next Sunday, just as I got into the sermon, I saw Wilbur begin to nod off. Soon, he was snoring. Leah then opened her purse, took out the bottle of Limburger cheese, and held it under his nose. It worked. Wilbur sat straight up and said so the whole church could hear, 'Leah, will you please keep your feet on your side of the bed?' "
A miracle? Probably not, but miracles did and still do occur. Today we continue our look at Jesus as he touches the physical lives of those around him. He worked miracles. Incredible! Astonishing! Remarkable: Jesus the miracle worker.
The text for today is really chapter 11 of John's gospel as a whole. Prior to this, Jesus has battled the Jews and their leaders. They are determined to kill him. The time is soon coming when Jesus will face the cross. Before that, though, a significant event occurs. In this chapter we find a picture of Jesus' love, compassion, and power. This chapter resonates with hope and encouragement. It contains a promise that can sustain you in the darkest times.
Your timetable and God's are not always the same
In verses 1 through 16, Jesus receives word that his dear friend, Lazarus, is sick. When Jesus hears this, he announces that this sickness will not end in death. It will result in God's glory. Instead of going immediately, though, Jesus waits. He then announces to his disciples, "Let's go to Judea." They are stunned by that announcement. "They are trying to kill you there," they reminded him. Jesus reveals his intention and adds, "Our friend, Lazarus, sleeps and I go to wake him up." They insist "If he's sleeping, he'll get better." Jesus then flatly tells them Lazarus is dead. He is leaving. Thomas announces, "Let's go, too, so that we can die with him."
What do we see in this text? Your timetable and God's are not always the same. I'm sure Mary and Martha were anxiously awaiting Jesus, but he didn't come. The disciples must have been perplexed, too. Why wasn't Jesus going at once? Why did he wait so long? Jesus had a plan. His plan wasn't plain to them, but it was still there. He has a plan for you, too. It may not be on your timetable, but the plan is there, nonetheless.
A Japanese myth from years ago addresses this. A young man and his aged father were on their way from their farm to the city to sell produce. The young man was eager to get there and get a good spot in the market. He wanted to hurry. His father, though, had other ideas. He moved along at a leisurely pace. "Why hurry and miss so much of what God has made?" The young man was impatient but respectful. So they moved slowly. At midday, they came across an old man whose cart had broken. The young man thought of moving on, but his father implored, "We must help." So they did. This cost them several hours, but if they hurried they still might make it before nightfall. As they continued, they ran across a young mother with a sick child. She had no one to get the medicine needed for the boy. The young man knew what would happen. He was soon on his way into the village while his father consoled the young mother. By now, it was late in the day. The father spoke, "Let's camp here and finish in the morning." The son groaned, "If we hadn't wasted time, we'd be there by now. All the good places will be gone." The father sighed and together they pitched a tent. They awoke in the wee hours of the morning to a loud explosion. The sky was bright like lightning and the noise deafening. They stood together and watched in horror as the city of Hiroshima was bombed.
It is easy for us to get impatient. We want what we want, when we want it. God knows more than we do. You may be stopped at that light for a reason. You may be in that line for a purpose. Let God's timetable have prominence.
Your problems and griefs affect Jesus
In his talk with Martha and later, Mary, Jesus hears desperation. "Lord, if you'd been here, my brother wouldn't have died." There is much weeping and sadness. Martha expresses a wonderful promise: "I believe he will rise again in the resurrection." Jesus says to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. Whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die." She replies, "I know he will. You are the Christ, the Son of God."
In spite of her confidence, grief is heavy in this place. Jesus sees his friends hurting and he is touched. John 11:35 indicates in simple yet profound words, "Jesus wept."
Jesus is touched by the grief and problems of his friends. He is touched by your grief and trouble, too. The hymn writer says, "Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth or song? Oh yes, he cares. I know he cares. His heart is touched with my grief."
Jesus saw a woman weeping and walking. She was following the funeral procession. Her son was on the funeral bier. Jesus' heart was touched. He stopped the procession and raised her son to life.
Jesus saw another woman coming to the well at noon. No one respectable came to the well then. He saw her alone and trapped in sin. He couldn't let her pass in pain. He spoke and changed her life.
Jesus felt the touch of another woman. It was crowded and it could've been anyone, but it wasn't. It was her. She was desperate -- sick and hemorrhaging for twelve years -- he interrupted important business to heal her. She would never be the same.
Jesus wept. Underline that. Highlight it. Refer to it often. This demonstrates his love and care for you.
Jesus is greater than the problems that face you
Jesus then wants to know where Lazarus is buried. They take him to the place. He orders the stones removed. Martha, ever practical, comments, "Lord, by this time there is a bad odor. It's been four days." Jesus says, "Did I not tell you if you only believe you would see the glory of God?" The stone is rolled away. Jesus prays and then cries out, "Lazarus, come forth." The moment is filled with drama. Could it be? Is he really alive? There is a silence. Then shuffling. A shadow appears. There he is! Wrapped in grave clothes, Lazarus lives!
The impact of this miracle is that Jesus is greater than what faces you, even death. You must believe.
What challenges are you facing? Money problems? Family problems? Business? Personal relationships? Is any one of them greater than Jesus Christ? Combined are they greater?
"Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world." Do not forget to whom you belong.
Jesus still works miracles today
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Though many misunderstand this, Jesus still works miracles. He still touches lives and hearts. He can still help you. Do you need him?
Conclusion
Jesus specialized in doing the unexpected. The miracles he worked are still happening. Sometimes the miracle we get isn't the one we expected, but it is a miracle nonetheless. Will you turn to Jesus in your time of need?
Suggested Songs And Hymns
"There's Power In The Blood"
"Lazarus, Come Forth" by Carman
"Precious Lord, Take My Hand"
Thought/Discussion Questions
1. How does the truth that God's timetable and yours are not the same affect the way you see his miracles in your life? Give some instances and examples.
2. "Jesus wept." Those simple words indicate something about his character. What do you think it reveals? Why is that important?
3. Jesus is affected by what affects us. Why does this matter? In what way?
4. Cite some examples of miracles (large and small) that you've seen. What is the common thread in each one?
5. What would you say is the greatest miracle?
Lesson Objective: At the end of this lesson, each of the participants will have a greater understanding of how and why Jesus performed miracles and the significance of each.
Prayer Focus: Pray that each member of the group might know in his or her life the miraculous touch of Jesus' hand.
Lesson
William Webber tells this story: "I was the pastor of a small church in a rural community. Wilbur and his wife, Leah, attended every Sunday. Wilbur was a farmer and every time he came in from working the fields and sat down, he'd fall asleep. This habit became so ingrained that he did it in church as well. I discovered that members of the church were placing bets to see how long I could keep Wilbur awake. Wilbur's wife was embarrassed by all of this, of course. She tried everything to keep him awake. She complained she was getting calluses on her elbows from nudging him in church. One day, in the grocery store, she found a bottle of Limburger cheese. She brought it and dropped it in her purse. The next Sunday, just as I got into the sermon, I saw Wilbur begin to nod off. Soon, he was snoring. Leah then opened her purse, took out the bottle of Limburger cheese, and held it under his nose. It worked. Wilbur sat straight up and said so the whole church could hear, 'Leah, will you please keep your feet on your side of the bed?' "
A miracle? Probably not, but miracles did and still do occur. Today we continue our look at Jesus as he touches the physical lives of those around him. He worked miracles. Incredible! Astonishing! Remarkable: Jesus the miracle worker.
The text for today is really chapter 11 of John's gospel as a whole. Prior to this, Jesus has battled the Jews and their leaders. They are determined to kill him. The time is soon coming when Jesus will face the cross. Before that, though, a significant event occurs. In this chapter we find a picture of Jesus' love, compassion, and power. This chapter resonates with hope and encouragement. It contains a promise that can sustain you in the darkest times.
Your timetable and God's are not always the same
In verses 1 through 16, Jesus receives word that his dear friend, Lazarus, is sick. When Jesus hears this, he announces that this sickness will not end in death. It will result in God's glory. Instead of going immediately, though, Jesus waits. He then announces to his disciples, "Let's go to Judea." They are stunned by that announcement. "They are trying to kill you there," they reminded him. Jesus reveals his intention and adds, "Our friend, Lazarus, sleeps and I go to wake him up." They insist "If he's sleeping, he'll get better." Jesus then flatly tells them Lazarus is dead. He is leaving. Thomas announces, "Let's go, too, so that we can die with him."
What do we see in this text? Your timetable and God's are not always the same. I'm sure Mary and Martha were anxiously awaiting Jesus, but he didn't come. The disciples must have been perplexed, too. Why wasn't Jesus going at once? Why did he wait so long? Jesus had a plan. His plan wasn't plain to them, but it was still there. He has a plan for you, too. It may not be on your timetable, but the plan is there, nonetheless.
A Japanese myth from years ago addresses this. A young man and his aged father were on their way from their farm to the city to sell produce. The young man was eager to get there and get a good spot in the market. He wanted to hurry. His father, though, had other ideas. He moved along at a leisurely pace. "Why hurry and miss so much of what God has made?" The young man was impatient but respectful. So they moved slowly. At midday, they came across an old man whose cart had broken. The young man thought of moving on, but his father implored, "We must help." So they did. This cost them several hours, but if they hurried they still might make it before nightfall. As they continued, they ran across a young mother with a sick child. She had no one to get the medicine needed for the boy. The young man knew what would happen. He was soon on his way into the village while his father consoled the young mother. By now, it was late in the day. The father spoke, "Let's camp here and finish in the morning." The son groaned, "If we hadn't wasted time, we'd be there by now. All the good places will be gone." The father sighed and together they pitched a tent. They awoke in the wee hours of the morning to a loud explosion. The sky was bright like lightning and the noise deafening. They stood together and watched in horror as the city of Hiroshima was bombed.
It is easy for us to get impatient. We want what we want, when we want it. God knows more than we do. You may be stopped at that light for a reason. You may be in that line for a purpose. Let God's timetable have prominence.
Your problems and griefs affect Jesus
In his talk with Martha and later, Mary, Jesus hears desperation. "Lord, if you'd been here, my brother wouldn't have died." There is much weeping and sadness. Martha expresses a wonderful promise: "I believe he will rise again in the resurrection." Jesus says to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. Whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die." She replies, "I know he will. You are the Christ, the Son of God."
In spite of her confidence, grief is heavy in this place. Jesus sees his friends hurting and he is touched. John 11:35 indicates in simple yet profound words, "Jesus wept."
Jesus is touched by the grief and problems of his friends. He is touched by your grief and trouble, too. The hymn writer says, "Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth or song? Oh yes, he cares. I know he cares. His heart is touched with my grief."
Jesus saw a woman weeping and walking. She was following the funeral procession. Her son was on the funeral bier. Jesus' heart was touched. He stopped the procession and raised her son to life.
Jesus saw another woman coming to the well at noon. No one respectable came to the well then. He saw her alone and trapped in sin. He couldn't let her pass in pain. He spoke and changed her life.
Jesus felt the touch of another woman. It was crowded and it could've been anyone, but it wasn't. It was her. She was desperate -- sick and hemorrhaging for twelve years -- he interrupted important business to heal her. She would never be the same.
Jesus wept. Underline that. Highlight it. Refer to it often. This demonstrates his love and care for you.
Jesus is greater than the problems that face you
Jesus then wants to know where Lazarus is buried. They take him to the place. He orders the stones removed. Martha, ever practical, comments, "Lord, by this time there is a bad odor. It's been four days." Jesus says, "Did I not tell you if you only believe you would see the glory of God?" The stone is rolled away. Jesus prays and then cries out, "Lazarus, come forth." The moment is filled with drama. Could it be? Is he really alive? There is a silence. Then shuffling. A shadow appears. There he is! Wrapped in grave clothes, Lazarus lives!
The impact of this miracle is that Jesus is greater than what faces you, even death. You must believe.
What challenges are you facing? Money problems? Family problems? Business? Personal relationships? Is any one of them greater than Jesus Christ? Combined are they greater?
"Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world." Do not forget to whom you belong.
Jesus still works miracles today
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Though many misunderstand this, Jesus still works miracles. He still touches lives and hearts. He can still help you. Do you need him?
Conclusion
Jesus specialized in doing the unexpected. The miracles he worked are still happening. Sometimes the miracle we get isn't the one we expected, but it is a miracle nonetheless. Will you turn to Jesus in your time of need?
Suggested Songs And Hymns
"There's Power In The Blood"
"Lazarus, Come Forth" by Carman
"Precious Lord, Take My Hand"
Thought/Discussion Questions
1. How does the truth that God's timetable and yours are not the same affect the way you see his miracles in your life? Give some instances and examples.
2. "Jesus wept." Those simple words indicate something about his character. What do you think it reveals? Why is that important?
3. Jesus is affected by what affects us. Why does this matter? In what way?
4. Cite some examples of miracles (large and small) that you've seen. What is the common thread in each one?
5. What would you say is the greatest miracle?
