Introduction A. Sometimes our responsibilities can seem a bit overwhelming. B. We might feel sometimes as if there is...
Serving the Sick
Introduction A. Sick folks aren’t always pleasant company. B. Man wanted nothing to do with Christ in His affliction...
Preparing to Serve
Introduction A. A good servant is always prepared, and this is true all the more in one’s service to God (Luke 12:47). B...
Learning from the Master
Introduction A. Learning is a complex process, and sometimes we need to be taught the same lesson repeatedly before we really learn it. B. The most important lessons and skills that we will ever learn are those that we will learn from Jesus (Matthew 11:29). Discussion I. Jesus provides all the tools we need for these important lessons. A. He provides the authority that all true learning requires (Matthew 7:29; 28:18-20). B. He...
His Yoke Is Easy
Introduction A. When Jesus says that His yoke is easy, this means that it is manageable and pleasant to carry. B. Jesus also teaches that the Christian life is difficult at times (Matthew 7:13-14; 10:22-28). Discussion I. Looks can be deceiving. A. Satan’s way looks easy, but it isn’t really (Matthew 7:13; 8:32; 2 Peter 2:19; Romans 6:20-23). B. The Lord’s way might not look easy (Matthew 19:16-22), but the truth is that...
“Do You Love Me?”
Introduction A. When the Lord confronted Peter beside the Galilee after His resurrection (John 21:15-19), the scene was reminiscent of an earlier encounter they had there. B. Each time Jesus asks, “Do you love Me?,” He is challenging a different level of Peter’s professed devotion for Him. C. Jesus demands that we love Him more than anyone or anything else. Discussion I. Is there anyone or anything that you love more than Jesus?...
When Jesus Prayed
Introduction A. We may often feel that we don’t have time to pray as we should when the truth is that we don’t have time not to pray. B. When we come to realize what a great privilege prayer is, perhaps we will dedicate more time and energy to the practice of it. Discussion I. Jesus made time to pray when most others wouldn’t. A. Jesus often prayed while others were slept (Mark 1:32-39; Luke 6:12). B. Jesus prayed when His soul was...
The Greatest in the Kingdom
Introduction A. When Jesus told the disciples that He would soon be killed in Jerusalem, the thought on their minds was which of them would be the greatest in the kingdom. B. As much as He had tried to teach them about the nature of this kingdom, they were still struggling to understand. Discussion I. The greatest in Christ’s kingdom would be like a little child. A. The greatest would be the one who is weak and easy to overlook...
“Love Your Enemies”
Introduction A. Of all the teachings of Jesus, it may be that there is none more difficult than this one: “Love you enemies.” B. Jesus defines my enemy as one who hates me, curses me, spitefully uses me, and persecutes me. C. This teaching of Jesus challenges our level of commitment to Him as much as any other. Are you willing to follow Him this far? Discussion I. Why should I love my enemies? A. I should love my...
A Man on a Mission
Introduction A. Jesus came to the Earth to bear witness to the truth (John 18:37), to bring light into the world (John 12:46), to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), and to give His life a ransom (Matthew 20:28). B. The multitudes marveled at the power God had given to Jesus (Matthew 8:27; 9:8,33)—power He needed to carry out His mission. C. Many forces worked to defeat Him, but He overcame every one. Discussion I...