“Journey Alongside New Testament Women as They Experience the Love of Jesus”
Jesus Christ treated women as no man had ever treated them before. His warmth, personal attention, tenderness, sound teaching, and compassion toward women were revolutionary.
Journey alongside some New Testament women as they experienced His love and care for them—the same love and care He offers to every woman today…
This study guide consists of 12 lessons covering the lives of 16 women in New Testament history. For those who are not familiar with the culture of the New Testament, each lesson begins with a brief “Historical Perspective” of the culture relevant to the lesson.
The lessons are divided into 4 daily sections that should take less than 20 minutes per day to complete. The goal is to help you establish a regular time of study in the Word for 5 days each week, considering your small group session to be one of those days.
This study guide consists of 12 lessons. If you cannot do the entire lesson one week, please read the Bible passage(s) being covered.
Process of Bible Study: Each lesson includes core questions covering the narrative associated with each woman’s life. These core questions will take you through the process of inductive Bible study—observation, interpretation, and application. The process is more easily understood in the context of answering these questions:
Questions identified as “Living Out His Love” lead you to introspection and application of specific truths to your life. In this series of lessons, the applications will also help you learn how to share your faith with others who need to know Jesus or need to know Him better. This is called “Disciplemaking.”
Deeper Discoveries (optional): Embedded within the sections are optional questions for further research of subjects we don't have time to cover adequately in the lessons or contain information that significantly enhance the basic study. If you are meeting with a small group, your leader may give you the opportunity to share your "discoveries.”
Study Aids: To aid in proper interpretation and application of the study, additional study aids are located where appropriate in the lesson:
The Lord Jesus demonstrated in His life on earth how much He loved and valued women. He taught, forgave, accepted, and gave new life to them. Jesus was and is a lover of women’s souls. Because His care for them was so countercultural to what they had previously known, they responded with love for Him and a desire to serve Him. Many of them had walks of faith that brought challenges as well as times of joy. They focused on following Jesus and serving Him in their daily lives, sharing His love with others so they could benefit from Jesus’ great love for women, also.
Today, many women like you and I are longing for more direction in our walks of faith than attending a weekly Bible study and the annual Christmas brunch. That longing is a desire put in our hearts by God’s Spirit to fulfill the purpose we have while on earth serving the Lord Jesus in our daily lives. That purpose is to live for Him, experiencing His love for us, as we share His love with others around us.
Jesus is calling us! His commission to His followers to share the good news about Him with others is given to everyday people like you and I are, to be fulfilled in the everyday world in which each of us “lives and moves and has our being” (Acts 17:28). Since Jesus is the one calling you to join Him on mission everyday, then He will enable you to do what He asks you to do. And, it might even be fun!
Just relax, trust in Him, and begin an adventure that will transform your life and others as well. Are you ready for adventure?
During the exile from her homeland, Israel was cut off from the temple, divested of nationhood and surrounded by pagan religious practices. So, the Jews concentrated on what they had retained—the Law (the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Pentateuch or the Torah) and the belief that they were God's people—rather than on the nationhood they had lost. This found its expression through personal piety and prayer rather than the sacrifices now denied to them. The new center of worship was now the local synagogue. As a result, Judaism became a faith that could be practiced wherever the Torah could be carried. This helped to preserve Judaism but also prepared the way for the Christian gospel.
The Diaspora (dispersion) of Israel begun in the exile, accelerated during the years that followed so that by Jesus' time Jews filled "every land and sea." Jews outside Palestine concentrated their religious life in the study of the Torah and the life of the synagogue. The missionaries of the early church began their outreach ministries among the Diaspora, using the Greek translation of the Old Testament. Within many Jewish synagogue congregations were “God-fearing” Gentiles (anyone who was not a Jew)—those who believed in the Jewish God and followed the Law to some extent but not fully.
As a nation, Israel ceased to be an independent nation and became a minor territory in a succession of larger empires. First, Alexander the Great acquired Palestine in 332 BC. After his death, Israel was ruled by descendants of Alexander's general, Ptolemy, from Egypt who were considerate of Jewish religious sensitivities. However in 198 BC, descendants of another of Alexander's generals, Seleucid, took control. Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 B.C.) imposed Greek language and culture on Israel (Hellenism). A segment of the Jewish aristocracy adopted Greek ways. The majority of Jews were outraged. Laws were enforced with extreme cruelty. Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted the eradication of the Jewish religion by prohibiting some of the central elements of Jewish practice. He ordered copies of the Torah (the Pentateuch) to be destroyed. He required offerings to the Greek god Zeus. His crowning outrage was the erection of a statue of Zeus and the sacrificing of a pig in the Jerusalem temple itself!
Opposition to Antiochus was led by Mattathias, an elderly villager from a priestly family, and his five sons (one named Judas the Maccabee—thus the Maccabean revolt). Hanukkah is a celebration of this victory. He destroyed a Greek altar and killed Antiochus' emissary to his village. This triggered a 24-year war led by Maccabeus resulting in the independence of Judah. Mattathias' sons all ruled. Yet, the dynasty became corrupted and turned into an aristocratic Hellenistic regime. Those who had supported the Maccabean revolt soon fell out of favor. The Pharisees (the religious group formed during this time to keep Israel pure) were actually persecuted by their own leaders from 103-76 BC
In 63 BC, an expanding Roman empire entered in the picture. Pompey took Jerusalem after a three-month siege of the temple area, massacring priests in the performance of their duties and entering the Most Holy Place. This sacrilege began Roman rule in a way that Jews could neither forgive nor forget! The Roman Senate appointed Herod, a non-Jew, king in 40 BC He was subject to Rome.
During this time period, the Pharisees built a "hedge" around the law to enable Jews to live righteously before God in a world that had changed drastically since the days of Moses. Few in numbers, the Pharisees enjoyed the support of the people and, as a group, was the only one to survive the destruction of the temple in AD 70, thus being the spiritual progenitors of modern Judaism.
The New Testament opens with the births of John and Jesus. About 30 years later, John challenged the Jews to indicate their repentance (turning from sin and toward God) by submitting to water baptism—a familiar Old Testament practice used for repentance as well as when a Gentile converted to Judaism (to be washed clean of idolatry).
God's incarnate Son publicly showed the world what God is like and taught His perfect ways for 3 – 3½ years. After preparing 12 disciples to continue Christ's earthly work, He died voluntarily on a cross for mankind's sin, rose from the dead, and returned to heaven. The account of His earthly life is recorded in 4 books known as the Gospels (the biblical books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John named after the compiler of each account).
After Jesus’ return to heaven, the followers of Christ who were then empowered by the Holy Spirit spread God's salvation message among the Jews, a number of whom believed in Christ, while the apostle Paul and others carried the good news to the Gentiles during 3 missionary journeys (much of this recorded in the book of Acts). Paul wrote 13 New Testament letters to primarily Gentile Christian churches (Romans through 2 Timothy).
The section in our Bible from Hebrews to Jude contains 8 additional letters penned by five men, including two apostles (Peter and John) and two of Jesus’ half-brothers (James and Jude). The author of Hebrews is unknown. The apostle John also recorded Revelation, which summarizes God's final program for the world. The Bible ends as it began—with a new, sinless creation.
Many women today have very little knowledge of the New Testament beyond a few stories about Jesus and a few of Paul’s letters. You might not have much. Perhaps you know about Jesus and the miracles He performed as well as His death and resurrection. When you read the gospels, you can easily think, “What’s written in it happened two thousand years ago. So long ago! What do those women have in common with me? They didn’t live in my world.” Do you tend to think that way, as though they are just names on a page?
Maybe you like to read biographies. Doesn’t reading someone’s biography make that person come alive for you? Or, you may have done genealogy work on your family tree? It can be great to find something to brag about. But, you can also find out some of your ancestors’ dark secrets and hardships. I don’t know about you, but I feel a connection to that great-great grandmother when I learn a little bit about her life.
This study covers the lives of some New Testament women and the time period in which they lived. Some you may have heard about—Jesus’ mother Mary, Martha and her sister Mary, Lydia and Priscilla. Others are strangers to you—the Canaanite woman, the widow of Nain, or Phoebe.
Maybe these New Testament women lived years ago, but they were still women just like we are. They cooked meals, did laundry, and raised children. They had responsibilities inside and outside of their homes. Some even had home businesses. A couple of them could put together a banquet in a short time. They experienced hormone fluctuations, PMS, and menopause. They laughed with their friends, differed with their mates, and cried when a loved one died. They wrote songs and played musical instruments. I bet they all found ways to use their 20,000 words per day!
At one time, they were 20-somethings, then 40-somethings, then 60-somethings and more. They wore beads, earrings, and anklet bracelets. Their hair needed to be combed and fixed, and it turned grey as they aged. No doubt, some of them, if not all, had something on their bodies that sagged!
These women also experienced fear at various times just like we do. They faced rejection from peers, sick family members, and disappointments. They faced trauma and surprise houseguests. They even had “bad” days when things didn’t go right, sometimes due to their own choices. These were everyday women, just like we are. Their stories—snippets of their biographies—are preserved for us to get to know them, and to know their God who is also our God.
Jesus Christ entered into the midst of their lives, visibly representing God to them, loving them dearly, and changing their lives forever! He does the same for you and me today.
Historical Period |
Years AD |
Woman Studied |
Jesus’ Lifetime & Ministry |
6 BC to ~30 AD |
Samaritan Woman Immoral Woman Adulterous Woman Sick Woman & Dead Girl Canaanite Woman Crippled Woman Widow of Nain Mary & Martha Mary Magdalene Mary, Jesus’ Mother |
The Early Church |
~30 to 65 AD |
Dorcas Lydia Phoebe Priscilla |
The quest for fulfillment became the driving force behind women of the ‘80s and ‘90s. As women tuned into the highly mobile, high-tech society around them, they begin to turn their energies to new frontiers. To excel, to succeed, even to surpass the accomplishments of their male counterparts, has been the goal of many women who have challenged men’s domain. Now, however, as women examine who they have become, many are wondering where they really belong. It has become painfully clear that achievement and success have not delivered the payoff of personal fulfillment that women have sought. In the brief reflective spaces sandwiched between their frenzied commitments, women are now realizing that external accomplishments do not meet their deepest inner longings. So the search for fulfillment continues.
The desire to find continuity and meaning draws women toward the spiritual arena, where cults are flourishing. As believers, we know that only Jesus can fill the void in a woman’s life. What women desperately need today is exposure to vital Christianity.
All of us rub shoulders with a variety of women every day—women with whom we share a coffee or lunch break, mothers who trade off car-pooling children, neighbors, and friends. They all need to know the answers to these questions, “Who is Jesus Christ?” and “Why did He come?” They also need the answer to “How did He treat women?” and “How can women know Him today?”
To fully appreciate Jesus’ approach to women, we need to resist our impulse to approach Scripture from our twenty-first century cultural perspective. Our understanding of Scripture is more accurate if we step back in time—into the shoes of the women of the first century AD.
What was it like to be a woman living around the rim of the Mediterranean during Jesus’ time? How was a woman’s role defined by the cultural and religious constraints of that era? By examining the context in which Jesus presented His radical teaching, we begin to appreciate His extraordinary approach in relating to women.
Think back to that time when a man was commended because he killed his wife for appearing in public without her veil. A Roman woman’s rights were completely subject to her father’s power. If she married, then those rights, even the power of life and death, were transferred to her husband.
In both Greek and Roman cultures, women held a second-rate status. Their legal rights were practically non-existent. In fact, only a husband could petition for a divorce. In such a society, permissive polygamy was considered normal—for men. Needless to say, such a practice only further relegated women to an inferior position since they were treated like property, a mere commodity to indicate status or position.
Jewish women fared slightly better than their contemporaries in surrounding cultures. A married woman with children did hold a certain place of honor as a wife and mother, but even that position was tied to her ability to produce male children. It was an agricultural society. Fathers needed sons to help them work the land and lots of them.
There were three common sayings in those days:
1) Hail those whose children are boys; Woe unto those whose children are girls.
2) At the birth of a son, all are glad. But about a daughter, people mourn.
3) When a boy comes into the world, there is peace. And when it’s a girl, there comes nothing.
Those sound bizarre, even cruel, to our modern ears!
Because of a twisted interpretation of the Mosaic Law, the rabbinical leaders taught that women were uneducable. They were considered unreliable as courtroom witnesses. Women were even held responsible for the lustful temptations men suffered. A Jewish rabbi would not talk to his wife or daughter in public. There was even a group called the “Bruised and Bleeding Pharisees” because they would rather cover their eyes than look upon a woman in public. As a consequence they would bump into walls and houses. Notice the transfer—because women were the greatest source of their own personal sin (lust), the woman becomes evil. Rather than face the sin in their own hearts, they make women the scapegoat. That contributed, of course, to the cultural position of women.
But perhaps the plight of Jewish women could best be summarized by the prayer Jewish men daily prayed, “Thank You, God, that I am not a slave, a Gentile, or a woman.”
Into the midst of this culture, the Lord Jesus Christ entered—with a radically different value system from that of His culture in the way He regarded women. Thus as Jesus’ ministry unfolded, the average citizen of Israel began to witness an extraordinary approach to women, one that cut against the grain of commonly held practices.
And women who knew Him loved Him! And wanted to serve Him!
Jesus treated women as no man had ever treated them before. His warmth, personal attention, tenderness, sound teaching, and compassion toward women were revolutionary. And why shouldn’t He? He created us!
John 1:3 says, “All things were created by Him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.”
In Col 1:16, we read, “for all things in heaven and on earth were created by Him – all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers – all things were created through him and for him.”
In Gen 1:26a, “Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, after our likeness...’”
As Creator, He designed us with a mind to know God, emotions to love God, and a will to obey God. This holds true for women as well as for men. Our female minds need to be filled with the knowledge of Him so that our hearts may respond with great love for Him and our wills can choose to obey Him.
Jesus knows us backwards and forwards. He knows about our emotional nature, our need for security and significance, and even our hormones! He understands our need to nurture and to be loved—both from those humans closest to us and from our Creator God. And even though His culture neglected to give women the worth they deserved, He could do no less than show that He loves men and women equally. In fact, He openly demonstrated His love for each individual He met—both men and women—for whom He would ultimately die. We experience His love and are commissioned to live it out in our daily lives so others can experience His love through us.
Christianity is Christ! It is not a lifestyle or rules of conduct. Nor is it a society whose members were initiated by the sprinkling or covering of water. It is about Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him. We enter into that relationship by faith—faith in Him as the Son of God who lived a perfect life in a human body, died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, and rose again from the dead with a new resurrection body so He could give us new life as well.
Jesus gives us a new life. The Apostle Paul described this “new life” relationship in Galatians 2:20,
“I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
A 20th century Bible teacher simply put it this way:
“He gave His life for you so He could give His life to you, so He could live His life through you.” (Ian Thomas, The Saving Life of Christ)
The moment we accept this call to new life, God “clothes us” with Christ (Galatians 3:27). This means that when God looks on us, He sees His own Son. We become totally loved and accepted in His sight. Have you ever known what it is like to be totally loved and accepted by someone? What a fantastic experience!
We are given a new identity—“in Christ” which comes with many new aspects of our relationship with God (complete forgiveness, peace, reconciliation with God, redemption from the power of sin in our lives, and a sure inheritance of eternal life that will never be taken away). Because of this new identity in Christ and Him living His life through us, we become the walking, talking, and visible representatives of an invisible God as we are following Jesus in our lives.
To follow Jesus means to make the choice to learn from Jesus through what is taught in the Bible and, in dependent obedience, apply those teachings to your life. Through obedience and humility, you see Jesus living His life through you, influencing those around you so they can experience His love as well.
Thankfully, Jesus does not leave us alone to work really hard to do what He’s asked us to do. He empowers us to fulfill our purpose. The power comes from God’s Spirit who comes to live inside us from the moment we trust in Christ for salvation.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8)
“Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20)
Our response is to live dependently on His power in our lives…by faith. We are simply to obey Him and trust His Spirit in us to work through us. And, being a little scared is a good thing because we will rely on Him more. Feel free to say, “Lord Jesus, I can’t do this on my own. I will trust you to do this in me and through me.” Then, watch what He does!
My heart’s desire is to encourage you through this study to have an authentic, loving relationship with Jesus Christ for yourself so that you are willing to share that experience with others around you. It’s going to be a great journey. And, I’m so glad to be walking beside you!
Time Period: Jesus’ First Year of Ministry, ~27 AD
What was it like to be a woman living around the rim of the Mediterranean during Jesus' time? Imagine a time when a man was commended because he killed his wife for appearing in public without her veil; when a Roman woman's rights were completely subject to her father's power. If she married, then those rights, even the power of life and death, were transferred to her husband. Think of what it would have been like to bear and raise a son who would receive more esteem from his father and the rest of society than you would as his mother.
In both Greek and Roman cultures, women held a second-rate status. Their legal rights were practically nonexistent. In fact, only a husband could petition for a divorce. In such a society, permissive polygamy was considered normal—for men. The owning of multiple wives was an indication of wealth. Needless to say, such a practice only further relegated women to an inferior position since they were treated like property, a mere commodity to indicate status or position.
Jewish women fared only slightly better than their contemporaries in surrounding cultures. A married woman with children did hold a certain place of honor as a wife and mother, but even that position was tied to her ability to produce male children. Because of a twisted interpretation of the Mosaic Law, the rabbinical leaders taught that women were uneducable. They were considered unreliable as courtroom witnesses. Women were even held responsible for the lustful temptations men suffered.
The Pharisees were known to regularly pray: "Thank You, God, that I am not a slave, a Gentile, or a woman." Yet, as the radical rabbi, Jesus treated women as no man had ever treated them before. His warmth, personal attention, tenderness, sound teaching, and compassion toward women were revolutionary. He openly demonstrated His love for each individual He met—both men and women—for whom He would ultimately die.
1. Read John 2:25; 3:1-22. Summarize what Jesus discussed with Nicodemus.
Historical Insight: To go through Samaria “was the shortest route from Judea to Galilee but not the only way. The other route was through Perea, east of the Jordan River…In Jesus’ day, the Jews, because of their hatred for the Samaritans, normally took the eastern route in order to avoid Samaria.” (Walvoord and Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament, pp. 284-285.)
2. Read John 4:1-6. In light of these verses and the Historical Insight above, why do you think Jesus traveled through Samaria (see map in “New Testament Insights”)?
3. Deeper Discoveries (optional): Use a commentary, Bible handbook, or study notes to answer this: Why was there such animosity between the Jews and the Samaritans? What were the social consequences of traveling through Samaria?
Historical Insight: “A Rabbinic law of AD 66 stated that Samaritan women were considered as continually menstruating and thus unclean. Therefore, a Jew who drank from a Samaritan woman’s vessel would become ceremonially unclean…The normal prejudices of the day prohibited public conversation between men and women, between Jews and Samaritans, and especially between strangers. A Jewish Rabbi would rather go thirsty than violate these proprieties.” (Walvoord and Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament, p. 285.)
4. Read John 4:7-26. Describe the Samaritan woman and her initial circumstances (what is revealed about her in this text).
5. How did Jesus begin a relationship with this woman?
Scriptural Insight: “Jesus being truly human, experienced thirst, weariness, pain, and hunger” as well as “all the attributes of Deity” (all-knowing and all-powerful). (Walvoord and Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament, page 285.)
6. To understand vv. 10-15, read Jeremiah 2:13; John 7:37-39 and 1 John 5:11-12, 20.
7. Living Out His Love: What do you seek to satisfy your built-in spiritual thirst? If our God created us with a spiritual thirst for a relationship with Him (as the Bible declares), can a relationship with another human satisfy that thirst? Explain your answer.
8. Read John 4:7-26. How and why does Jesus change the subject in verses 16-18? (What attribute of God is He displaying here? See John 2:25.)
9. How and why does the Samaritan woman change the subject in verses 19-26?
10. How does Jesus use her detour to enlighten her further? What specifically does Jesus declare about Himself?
From the Greek: The title “Christ” given to Jesus is from the Greek word christos, a translation of the Hebrew term “Messiah” meaning “anointed one.” The Old Testament prophets promised that the Messiah, as the anointed one of God, would come and do many wonderful things for God’s people, including restoring God’s Kingdom on earth. Christians are followers of Jesus, who is the Christ.
11. What similarities do you find between this conversation & Jesus' conversation w/ Nicodemus (Day One Study)?
12. Read John 4:27-42. How did the Samaritan woman respond to Jesus and his invitation to her?
13. How did this woman’s new faith in Jesus impact her peers? What did they urge Jesus to do?
14. Read John 3:16-17; John 6:38,40 and John 14:9. Who did Jesus say He is and for what reason had He come?
15. Living Out His Love: Have you not yet made the decision to believe that Jesus is who He says He is—God’s Son—and that by believing you have eternal life through trusting in Him? You can put your trust in Him today and experience His love for you right away. If you do this, tell someone. If you are still unsure, pray for Jesus to reveal Himself through the truth of His Word. Ask your group leader or another woman to meet with you and answer any questions you might have.
16. Living Out His Love: Have you already trusted in Jesus to be your Savior? Think about your story of following Jesus and answer the questions below that fit your experience.
17. Read John 4:39-42. What resulted from Jesus' conversation with this woman?
Think About It: Consider the disciples' behavior in this incident. Do you allow racial, cultural or religious barriers to keep you from sharing Jesus' love with other people? Consider what life is like for those around you who have not experienced His love yet. Ask Jesus to give you love for them and to help you understand what they are feeling and needing from Him. Stepping into their lives to build intentional friendships is a means of displaying Jesus’ love and compassion to them.
18. Living Out His Love: Where are those women in your life who have not experienced Jesus’ love yet? Where do you frequently see them? Start with where you are presently connected (school, gym, neighborhood, sports teams, your children’s friends, community activities). How can you make the most of your connection to build a relationship with at least one woman? This next week, trust in Jesus to lead you to begin an intentional relationship with her so you can share Jesus’ love with her.
Time: Jesus’ Second Year of Ministry, ~28 AD
After Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman, he continued teaching and performing many miracles and gained many followers. Consequently, his second year of ministry is known as the “Year of Popularity.” During this period, Jesus chose His 12 disciples and preached the Sermon on the Mount. He spent time traveling throughout Galilee and in the area of Capernaum. Located on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was a sizable town in Jesus' day. Peter's house there became Jesus' base of operations during His extended ministry in Galilee. The inhabitants of Capernaum had many opportunities to see and hear Jesus.
Hospitality to guests was one of the most important social functions of the ancient East. A guest was highly honored even if he was a stranger passing by. Though there were inns in Jesus' day, most travelers looked for a home where they could spend the night. When a stranger appeared at or near someone's door close to evening, the head of the household almost always let him in and asked him to spend the night. If the homeowner refused to be hospitable, friends and neighbors could snub him. A host always kept in mind that someday he, too, might be a weary traveler looking for shelter and company.
Once inside, the wife or a servant brought water to wash the guest's feet, though the host might do it for a special guest. Since the roads were always dusty and most people walked, washing was an important step in making one's guest feel at home.
When a guest was in the house, a large meal was prepared. Often the guest would be served first, and the host waited until he was finished. Other customs included anointing the guest with oil, which they used as soap, or even providing clothing for the mealtime.
According to custom, a guest should stay no longer than three days in his host's home. While there, the host protected his guest. On leaving, the host was to escort his guest a short distance, sending him on his way.
1. Read Luke 7:18-35. Differentiate between how the general public viewed Jesus' ministry from how the Pharisees and teachers of the Law (lawyers) viewed it.
2. Jesus gives an illustration in vv. 31-35. What principle did he give in v. 35?
3. How did Jesus view the Pharisees and lawyers? See also Matthew 6:2,5; Matthew15:1-9,12-14 and Luke 11:42.
Historical Insight: The Pharisees were a religious society of ~6,000 men who strictly obeyed the law of God as interpreted by the scribes. This law consisted of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament) and the tradition of the elders (the oral law), containing hundreds of rules and prohibitions. The Pharisees thought that the oral law, the rules made up by the religious leaders, was equally inspired and was thus to be followed as much as God's Law. They were especially particular about keeping the laws of tithing and ritual purity. Since the Pharisees found that other Jews were not careful enough about keeping these laws, they placed limits on their contact with other Jews as well as with Gentiles (anyone who was not a Jew). Though originally standing against evil in society and in personal lives, by Jesus' day many had become narrow and petty, more concerned with rules than with God. They looked on sinful people as tainted and, therefore, to be avoided. They did not approve of a rabbi or any other important religious person mingling or eating with sinful people.
4. Living Out His Love: The New Testament teaches us as believers that we need to discern between good religious teachers/leaders who really care about “shepherding their flock” and the false ones who tear apart a flock of Christians as savage wolves do to sheep—usually through false teaching and selfish behavior. Who empowers us to discern? See 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 and Philippians 1:9-11. What does the Spirit give us as a basis of truth to be able to discern good influences from bad influences? Have you previously asked Jesus to help you discern influences in your life? What happened? If you need that discernment now, ask Jesus for it. This would be a great time to pray for your church leadership as well.
5. Read Luke 7:36-50. Remember that the Pharisees considered themselves to be Israel’s spiritual leaders (Nicodemus in Lesson One), the ones staying faithful to God’s law but also the ones to whom Jesus referred in the previous verses (Day One Study). For what reason(s) might the Pharisee have invited Jesus to have dinner with him?
Think About It: We should not overlook the fact that Jesus accepted an invitation to dinner from a Pharisee. He did not cut all the religious leaders off simply because most of them rejected Him. He dealt with people as individuals. He still does!
6. Describe the scene, including the woman and her actions.
Historical Insight: [The woman’s] presence was not unusual for “social custom allowed needy people to visit such meals and to partake of some of the leftovers. Moreover, it was not unusual for people to drop in when a rabbi was visiting. Luke gallantly omitted describing why the woman "was a sinner," though…she was a member of the social class called sinners, whom the Pharisees regarded as treating the law loosely.” (Dr. Constable’s Notes on Luke, p. 120)
7. Why do you think she was weeping, using her hair to wipe Jesus’ feet?
8. Deeper Discoveries (optional): What is the significance of the alabaster jar of perfume? Find out everything you can about the jar and its contents during Jesus’ time. Jewish women frequently wore such vials suspended from a cord around their necks. What might this jar of perfume have represented to the woman? What was she giving to Jesus?
9. Read Luke 7:36-50 concentrating on Jesus' teachable moment with the Pharisee who invited Him (as well as others present). How did the Pharisee, in specific, view the woman?
10. How did Jesus view the woman?
11. Discuss the irony in vs. 39-40 about the Pharisee's thought and Jesus' response. Review John 2:25.
12. Summarize the actual parable told by Jesus to the Pharisee.
13. What is Jesus teaching through the parable?
Think About It: Your capacity to love is directly tied to your capacity to get how deeply you have been forgiven. Agree or disagree?
14. How does Jesus rebuke the Pharisee’s harsh attitude through the parable? What is He implying the Pharisee thinks about himself?
15. Living Out His Love: Christians who have been filling their time with church activities and surrounding themselves with church friends for years may develop a critical “stay away from me” attitude towards the nonbelievers around them. We may forget how much we have been forgiven, also. And, we tend to stay comfortable by insulating ourselves from worldly influences through staying away from worldly people, the same people who need to know Jesus’ love in their lives. Read John 17:15-20. Jesus sent us into the world, not to insulate ourselves from it but to impact it for Him. In what ways do you feel this tension in your life?
When befriending those who haven’t experienced the love of Jesus yet, ask Jesus to help you not act shocked or offended by their language or behavior. Expect them to behave like nonbelievers—salty language, immoral lifestyle, or bad relationships. Feel compassion for where they are. Remember, it’s not our job to “fix” them but to give them hope by pointing them to Jesus who can give them new life. With your group, talk through how to be unshockable. Think through gracious and inviting language of your own.
16. Reread Luke 7:36-50 concentrating on the results. Discuss Jesus' response to the woman in vs. 47-50. What does Jesus grant to her and why?
17. What was her greatest need before knowing Jesus? What did Jesus give her to meet that need?
Focus on the Meaning: The Greek word translated “forgiveness” means literally, “to send off or send away.” The result is “to separate the sin from the sinner” as described in Psalm 103:12 and Leviticus 16:20-22). Translated to what Jesus has done for us, forgiveness means, “Man's guilt has been transferred to a substitute (Jesus Christ) and taken away." Our problem before Christ came: Mankind is guilty before a holy God. God’s answer is to take away the guilt. What a gracious gift!
18. Did Jesus give her everything she needed to begin to make a life change? Explain your answer. See also 2 Peter 1:3.
Think About It: Jesus took notice of this “worthless” woman of the town, recognized her faith in Him, cleansed her of sin, and gave her new hope.
19. Living Out His Love: No matter what you've done and who on earth does not forgive you, Jesus does—through faith in Him! Dwell on the FACT that Jesus will cleanse your conscience from guilt. Will you take him at His word? If there is any past sin for which you are still feeling guilty, claim God’s complete forgiveness today. You can simply tell God,
"Thank You for forgiving me, thank You for cleansing me, thank You for redeeming my sin and turning something evil into something good. Thank You for being bigger than my sins, and being able to turn things around in ways I cannot imagine. With Jesus' help, I receive the assurance that You have forgiven me. Help my heart catch up with my head on this. Help me to see that You allowed me to go down that dark path into sin because You are able to redeem even the worst things we do." (Sue Bohlin, Probe Ministries, Sept. 2012)
Now, choose to believe you are forgiven and allow Jesus to cleanse your conscience from any residual guilt. Every time you think about it again, thank God for his amazing gift!
20. Living Out His Love: The best test of whether you have really learned anything or not is by explaining what you have learned to someone else. Review the definition of forgiveness. Then, write how you would explain forgiveness to someone who may not understand it but needs to know the complete forgiveness she has in Christ. Think in terms of someone from a particular age group or stage of life. For example, how would you explain “forgiveness” to a woman who has had an abortion in her past and is feeling awful about it? Or, consider someone you know who is wrestling with guilt over her part in a broken relationship. Explain forgiveness to her.
As you reflect on this study, remember how much Jesus has forgiven you. We don’t just need a teacher but a Savior who comes in and does for us what we can’t do for ourselves. All of our debt before God is enormous, being incapable of ever being paid back. Look at people with a sense of equality in our need for God’s mercy. Have compassion on non-Christians. Get ideas from Tammy as she reached out to her immoral neighbor…
This past fall I sat by my neighbor Michelle at all the high school football games. She lives with her boyfriend in my neighborhood and is a self-professing agnostic. We laughed and enjoyed each other’s company all fall, and our relationship developed. Many of the neighborhood women, including those who identify themselves as Christians, don't even want to be seen talking with her let alone going anywhere with her because of her living arrangements. My husband Tom and I have chosen a different relationship, enjoyed their company and growing friendship along the way. From the beginning, we began praying for them as a couple asking the Lord to reveal himself to them, not because of their living arrangements, but because neither knows Jesus. Rather than holding them at arms length, we have entered into the long slow pull of intentional, grace-filled friendship that seeks to do nothing more than extend the love of Christ to them, and where opportunity presents itself, speak the truth in love.
By spending time together, I have learned a lot about her life that has helped me understand our relationship better. She grew up in a non-religious family that rarely attended worship services. She had many faith questions as a youth that in her view went unanswered and were avoided by her Catechism teachers at a time in her life when she was open to spiritual things. As the years passed she landed on agnosticism, a belief in something, but not knowing what that something is, or whether that something can even be known. With no understanding of God, the revelation of himself and his precepts found in Scripture, she lacked an understanding that it was against God's standards of holiness to live with someone who is not her husband.
By the end of the football season, I was able to naturally extend an invitation to our Women's Ministry outreach event, a ladies tea where she sat with some of those same neighbors, and she and her boyfriend joined us for the Christmas Eve service and dinner afterwards. We had an amazing night together and it is clear God is moving in her life. As we hike together we talk about all kinds of things, including spiritual things.
We have had four other ladies who have started attending Hope Bible Fellowship Church with stories similar to Michelle’s story. In response, my husband Todd offered a class during the school day where they can safely explore the truth claims of the Christian faith. All but one of the ladies decided to attend, and one more lady from our neighborhood and an older, more spiritually mature woman in our church who is very loving and willing to also come along the ladies exploring a relationship to Christ.
After the first class Michelle, and went hiking together. I learned from her that my husband had asked her what drew her to the class privately. Although I know it is the Holy Spirit that is drawing her, she said, “Your wife's persistence.”
I contacted Michelle 7 different ways: 1) sitting by her at football games, 2) inviting her via Facebook, 3) texting her, 4) leaving a message on her phone, 5) dropping the book they would study by her house, 6) calling and reminding her the night before and 7) being available for hikes.
Sounds persistent, but she respected my perseverance and my excitement I had for her faith growing. Believe in breakthroughs for unbelievers! Pray creatively and courageously for unbelieving friends and neighbors. You never know who has an opportunity to speak truth as they begin to discover Jesus and His healing. Follow through with a willingness to listen and share the freedom Christ has given you.
Time: Jesus’ Third Year of Ministry, ~29 AD
Although Jesus gained popularity among the masses during His second year of ministry, the disdain of the religious leaders steadily increased during that time. The Jews who desired to kill Jesus were the scribes, Pharisees, chief priests and the Sadducees, many of whom were part of the Sanhedrin, the highest legal and administrative body in the Jewish state in Roman times.
The scribes, also called lawyers or teachers of the Law, were an upper class group of learned Jews who thoroughly knew and, therefore, interpreted the Mosaic Law as affluent academics. Many of them taught in the local seminary in Jerusalem. According to the tradition of the scribes, there were "secrets" of interpretation that they did not share with the common people thinking that God intended to leave the mass of people ignorant of His reasons for requiring certain things under the Law. Therefore, they had a wrong concept of God and themselves.
The Sadducees came from the leading families (e.g., the priests, merchants and aristocrats). The high priests and most powerful members of the priesthood were mainly Sadducees. The Sadducees rejected the tradition of the elders and did not believe in the supernatural. They were willing to compromise with the political leaders of the country and tended to be more upper class as comfortable compromisers. It has been estimated that in Jerusalem alone there were more than 20,000 associated with the Sadducees. Pharisees, by contrast, were middle class and more religious than the Sadducees.
The Chief Priests usually came from the class of Sadducees. This group included all the temple officers, including the High Priest and the captain of the temple. All sat on the Sanhedrin, a religious governing body of 71 Jewish elders. They were elected, and then ordained by the laying on of hands. Their responsibilities included governing the Jewish community.
1. Read John 7:1-53. Describe how the religious leaders thought or felt about Jesus.
2. What did the religious leaders think of the crowds?
3. How did the crowd think or feel about Jesus?
Scriptural Insight: What was the purpose of miracles? Besides alleviating suffering, miracles were used by God to authenticate the message and the messenger. See John 7:31 and Acts 2:22.
4. How did the crowd think or feel about the Jewish leaders?
5. Why were the Pharisees and Chief Priests unsuccessful in their attempts to arrest Jesus?
6. How, if at all, did the hostility of these leaders affect Jesus in the way He taught or acted?
7. The religious leaders failed at giving hope to those who needed hope. They lost sight of a true “love for God” that would also include a love for people—all people. Read Matthew 22:34-40. This “greatest commandment” question was asked by a young lawyer (scribe). Relate Jesus’ answer with what motivated Him to continue building relationships with and teaching those who needed to know Him, regardless of the resistance?
8. Living Out His Love: Helping women to experience the love of Jesus is an intentional and relational process flowing from a love for God and love from God for people (Matthew 22:37-39). Define the two words: intentional and relational. What would it look like in your life to build an intentional relationship with a woman who needs to know how much Jesus loves her? Ask Jesus to give you His love for people that will lead you to be an intentional, relational disciplemaker.
The earliest manuscripts didn't contain John 7:53-8:11, the passage we are studying in this lesson. However, reference to this passage can be traced back to ~ AD 100. So, most scholars conclude that this passage represents a genuine episode in Jesus' ministry, preserved for inspiration and instruction.
There was much controversy and conflicting opinions in Judea at this time concerning Jesus' identity. The Feast of the Tabernacles, or Festival of Booths, was the most popular feast of the year in which the people made booths for themselves out of tree branches and celebrated the completion of harvest and God's goodness to His people during the desert wanderings. After the Feast of the Tabernacles, the Jewish leaders attempt to ruin Jesus using an adulterous woman as "Bait for the Trap."
9. Read John 8:1-11. Describe the woman and her circumstances.
10. What were the religious leaders seeking to accomplish by exposing her?
11. Which one person is conspicuously absent? See Deuteronomy 19:15, 22:23,24 and Leviticus 20:10.
12. The religious leaders asked a question “Now what do you have to say?” In light of what you read in John 7 about the fickleness of the crowds, what do you think they wanted to happen?
13. How did Jesus answer their question?
Scriptural Insight: Many have tried to guess what Jesus wrote on the ground. Some suggest He wrote the sins of the accusers. Others propose that He wrote the words of Exodus 23:1, “Do not [be] a malicious witness.” Still others say He simply traced His finger in the dust while preparing to respond.” His words spoken to the crowd are what really count. (Walvoord and Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament, p. 347)
14. Discuss the response of those who heard Jesus' words. What did they recognize about themselves?
15. Read John 8:7 and 2 Corinthians 5:21. Who was the only person qualified to stone her?
16. Reread John 8:1-11. Remember the woman. What might have been going through her mind as she was standing there before Jesus and the crowd?
17. What kept her there standing before Him? Explain your answer.
18. What qualities does Jesus display toward the woman and toward her behavior?
19. Why was Jesus able to forgive her instead of condemning her? See also Matthew 20:28, John 3:16-17, Mark 2:5-12, and Luke 5:31.
20. Living Out His Love: Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. The Bible clearly teaches that immorality is not pleasing to God. We are instructed to "flee/avoid immorality." Are you currently in immoral behavior—an affair, pornography, living with someone who is not your husband? What choices do you need to make in order to flee from immorality or "leave your life of sin"? Are you confident that your heavenly Father has given you everything you need in order to do this? Ask your group to pray for you and give you help as needed to start a new way of life. [For additional help, see the “Greener-Grass Syndrome” at the end of this lesson.]
21. Read Matthew 7:1-5, Romans 2:1-11 and Romans 14:1. What does God say to us concerning judging others? (More references: Luke 6:35-42; Luke 17:3-4; 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 and James 4:11-12.)
22. After Jesus forgave her, what are His instructions to her and what does that mean? See also Hebrews 4:15-16.
23. Living Out His Love: The snapshots in the gospels of the three women we have studied in the first 3 lessons clearly illustrate the distinction that Jesus makes between the sin and the sinner. He dealt with the sin in their lives while showing His love and concern for the women. In our study, we have contrasted His attitude toward the women with that of the Pharisees and other "religious" leaders. Do you have a hard time making this distinction when dealing with immoral friends or family members? For what can you specifically ask your heavenly Father to give to you that would help you to love them with Jesus’ love?
by Kimberlee Hertzer
“We were just platonic friends when he added me as a friend on Facebook. A month later, I decided to leave my husband and children for him. After all, I was so unhappy in my marriage. Shouldn’t I be with someone who makes me happy?”
Sound familiar? If not, it will, as more and more Christian married women turn to other men to meet their needs. The “Greener-Grass Syndrome” has been around as long as green grass, but with the popularity of social media, the temptation and ease of grazing in someone else’s yard is greater now than ever.
Are you struggling with the “Greener-Grass Syndrome” or know someone who is? If you’re having an emotional or physical affair, here are four crucial questions that you need to ask, along with some practical advice for how to get back into your own yard.
If you’re like most women, you were probably drawn into the affair because of an unmet emotional need from your childhood or marriage. Maybe you were sexually abused as a child by a close family member and struggle with being able to trust. Perhaps you’re married to a good man, but you somehow feel disconnected and your needs aren’t being met. Or maybe you feel lonely and unappreciated, because your husband is too busy leading mission trips to concentrate on your marriage.
No one understood what it was like to have unmet needs in a relationship more than the Samaritan woman. Christ reached out to her with compassion and grace, in spite of her having a string of unfulfilled relationships. He gave her an invitation to find intimacy through a relationship with Him when He said, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13–14 NIV).
After five husbands and who knows how many lovers, this woman finally met the Man who could fill the void in her life. If Christ was able to meet the needs of the Samaritan woman, why can’t He meet yours?
Likely, your affair started like most affairs do—with a harmless friendship. Perhaps after a while, you started meeting for coffee regularly and texting throughout the day. Slowly, you let your guard down and began to fantasize about him. In Proverbs 4:23 we’re taught, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (NLT). But you didn’t guard your heart. You let your boundaries down completely, which led to a full-blown physical affair. For the first few months, it was romantic and exciting, but now, maybe after a year or two, the same old feelings of discontentment and emptiness have returned.
You may also feel stuck—unhappy in your marriage and unhappy in your affair. What should you do? Well, you should end the affair. But how?
It’s crucial that you write a letter to the other man, dissolving your relationship and ending all communication with him. You must also get a new cell phone number and e-mail address so that you cannot receive any messages and be tempted to respond. If you work with him, you should consider quitting and changing jobs. And if he goes to your church, you’ll need to switch churches.
These measures might seem extreme, but it’s important for you to take severe steps to prevent you from falling back into a relationship with this man, as well as to protect you from an affair happening again in the future. We are reminded in Matthew 5:30, “And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away” (NIV). Obviously, Jesus wasn’t endorsing self-mutilation but rather making a dramatic point in a dramatic way: do whatever it takes to keep yourself free from the sins of lust and adultery.
First, you must seek counsel from your pastor or a trained Christian counselor whom you and your husband can meet with weekly. Second, you’ll need to confess your sin to the Lord and to your husband. It’s often helpful if this is done in the context of meeting with your pastor or counselor. James 5:16 tells us to “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (NIV). Third, you and your husband need to know how and why the affair happened, as well as place firm boundaries in your marriage to prevent it from happening again.
If you’re struggling with the “Greener-Grass Syndrome,” remember that only the Lord can meet all of your needs for intimacy. I pray that the Lord will reveal to you that the grass really isn’t greener on the other side and that He will give you a desire to cultivate your own marriage.
*Source of this article is online at: http://www.insight.org/resources/articles/women/greener-grass-syndrome.html.
Time: Jesus' Second Year of Ministry, ~AD 29
Jesus had been teaching God’s Word to large crowds in the area around Capernaum, healing many people. Then, He and His disciples got into a boat and headed to the east side of the lake. A windstorm literally came down from the surrounding mountains through the Jordan River gorge upon the Sea of Galilee, which is 680 feet below sea level, and shook the boat like a tempest. This type of storm was, and still is, a common occurrence. Jesus demonstrated His power over nature by rebuking the wind and waves then admonished the disciples for their lack of faith. Soon after, He encountered a woman and a girl in desperate need.
Women were not highly respected in Jesus' day. In fact, they were held responsible for the lustful temptations men suffered. A Jewish rabbi would not even talk to his wife or daughter in public. There was even a group of them called the “Bruised and Bleeding Pharisees” because they would rather cover their eyes than look upon a woman in public. As a consequence they would bump into walls and houses. Notice the transfer—because women were the greatest source of their own personal sin (lust), the woman becomes evil. Rather than face the sin in their own hearts, they make women the scapegoat. That contributed, of course, to the cultural position of women.
Hopefully in our study so far, you have seen how absolutely different the Lord Jesus Christ was from His culture in the way He regarded women! Thus as Jesus’ ministry unfolded, the average citizen of Israel began to witness an extraordinary approach to women, one that cut against the grain of commonly held practices. Jesus treated women as no man had ever treated them before. His warmth, personal attention, tenderness, sound teaching, and compassion toward women were revolutionary.
1. Read Mark 5:1-21. Why would a large crowd gather around Jesus as described in v. 21?
Historical Insight: A ruler of the synagogue was a layman whose responsibilities were administrative and included such things as looking after the building (maintenance, repairs, and cleaning) as well as supervising the worship (conducting services, selecting participants and maintaining order). Though there were exceptions, most synagogues had only one ruler. Sometimes the title was honorary with no administrative responsibilities assigned. In any case, he was considered an elder so he sat in the reserved seats.
2. Read Mark 5:24-34 and Luke 8:42-48. Describe the woman and her circumstances.
Historical Insight: Her condition, though unknown, is probably uterine hemorrhaging like a number of women experience with endometriosis or fibroid tumors. The medical treatments available for her condition were limited although the Talmud (a book of Jewish history and rules) claims that physicians had at least 11 remedies. Some of the ones documented were: 1) carrying ashes of ostrich eggs on your body and 2) taking ground-up willow bark—a bitter-tasting remedy containing salicin, an aspirin-like drug, that would have only aggravated her bleeding.
3. Consider what kind of life this woman had led for 12 years. How would this ailment have affected her family life, social life, and worship opportunities? See Leviticus 13:45-46 and 15:19-33 for clues. Considering what you as a woman enjoy in life, what did she miss out on?
Scriptural Insight: The consequences of being “unclean” until evening or for several days were that you were excluded from the temple area (and synagogue seating), excluded from mingling with others, and considered separated from God. An unnatural discharge was treated like an illness, requiring an offering upon recovery.
4. Living Out His Love: Do you know a woman who is desperately ill? What are her felt needs? Does she feel isolated or alienated because of her condition? Does her illness have a social stigma attached to it so that she is not comfortable in public? Does she have a relationship with Jesus yet? How can you reach out to her with compassion to meet her felt needs and encourage a relationship with Jesus?
5. Reread Mark 5:24-34 and Luke 8:42-48. What brought the sick woman to Jesus for healing? What do you think she might have heard about Him?
Think About It: It’s our job to tell others about how Jesus can change lives. How can others hear without a proclaimer (good news teller)? No one knows how many times it takes for someone to pay attention and respond. Our role is to tell.
6. Put yourself in her shoes. As an ordinary woman, what emotions would she have experienced…
Scriptural Insight: The unusual expression, “Jesus realized that power had gone out from Him,” has been understood in two ways. “One view maintains that God the Father healed the woman and Jesus was not aware of it till afterward. The other view is that Jesus Himself, wishing to honor the woman’s faith, willingly extended His healing power to her. The latter view is more consistent with Jesus’ healing ministry. Power did not leave Him without His knowledge and will. However, He exercised it only at the Father’s bidding. The touch of the garment had no magical effect.” (Walvoord and Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament, p. 125.
7. Discuss Jesus' response to the woman.
From the Greek: The Greek for “healed” actually means ‘save.’ Here both physical healing (‘be freed from your suffering’) and spiritual salvation (‘go in peace’) are meant. The two are often seen together in Mark’s Gospel (Mark 2:1-12; 3:1-6). (NIV Study Bible note on Mark 5:34, p. 1503)
8. Why do you think He insists upon her revealing herself? What would be the advantage to her?
Think About It: Now she could enter society because she is healed AND she receives spiritual life as well. God always does more than we ask or think.
9. Discuss the woman’s response to Jesus seeking her out. Why would she have been trembling with fear?
10. Living Out His Love: Jesus gave this suffering woman an opportunity to give her testimony publicly. Everyone hears her tell why she touched Him how she had been instantly healed. Others now hear. Her faith caused her to seek healing from Jesus in the midst of her pain.
Describe any of your own painful circumstances that have driven you to Christ. What did you learn about His faithfulness through that experience? How did others minister to you in love, showing Christ to you? This is part of your faith story that you can share with another woman.
11. Read Luke 8:40-42 and Mark 5:21-23. Describe the scene.
12. Consider Jairus’ position in the community (see “Historical Insight” in Day One). Contrast his apparent view of Jesus with that of the Pharisees and other religious leaders we have studied so far. Why the difference?
13. Read Luke 8:49-56 and Mark 5:35-43. What specific circumstance has occurred in Luke 8:49?
14. Discuss Jesus' words…
15. Why did the wailers laugh at Jesus?
16. Who went into the room with Jesus?
17. Once inside, what did Jesus do for the girl AND her mom and dad? Notice His tenderness toward the girl through His words and gestures.
18. Discuss why Jesus instructed the girl's parents to tell no one what had happened.
19. How is Jairus’ initial faith challenged and stretched through this whole incident?
20. Living Out His Love: From Jairus' viewpoint, he had to wait an agonizingly long time for Jesus to respond to his request through delays, diversions, and disappointing news. Look carefully again at Mark 5:36. What was Jesus' plan all along? Had He forgotten Jairus? Underline and memorize this verse. What comfort does it give to you? Dependent living is learning to say to Jesus, “Lord, I can’t do this on my own. But, you can in and through me. I will trust you.” Then, see what He does.
21. Considering Jesus’ manner towards both the older woman and the girl (soon-to-be woman), in what ways did Jesus show that He thought of both of them as worthwhile individuals?
22. Living Out His Love:
[For additional insight on Jesus’ care and concern for these women, read the following essay “Jesus, a Personal God”.]
Get the picture…A huge crowd of people welcomes Jesus. They were expecting Him. They are pressing around Him, crushing Him so that He could hardly move or breathe because of the jam. Driven from the Decapolis (Mark 5:17), He is welcomed in Galilee. They can hardly wait to see what He would do next.
Suddenly a man pushes his way through the crowd, falls at Jesus’ feet and pleads earnestly with Him to come and lay hands on his daughter. The synagogue ruler was a layman responsible for maintaining order, conducting services, cleaning the building, much like our deacons and elders do today. He was prominent and wealthy. But he had a problem that neither his prominence nor his wealth could solve. Luke tells us that his daughter was 12, an only child, and was dying.
Jairus obviously loves his daughter even though sons were considered more valuable, and he is very specific in what He wants Jesus to do. “Come and touch her.” The Jews believed that the touch transmitted vitality. Jairus had faith in Jesus’ touch, and he expressed that faith. Jesus acts upon the faith we have which is wonderful and encouraging to us. But, would He take time out to go to Jairus’ house for a little girl? Was a little girl of any value in His eyes? Jesus goes with him. To Jesus, this little girl is just as important as anyone else—with a desperate need. He starts off with the crowd following Him.
But in this crowd is a woman who has a desperate need. Her life is a living death, and her condition is hopeless. Her bleeding is probably uterine hemorrhaging like a number of women experience with endometriosis or menopause or perhaps it is something else. She has suffered for 12 years with no break; she is probably pale, emaciated, weakened. She must have been a woman of some means—at least she possessed enough financial resources to continue to seek out one doctor after another.
Jewish literature has a whole section of remedies for this malady, which apparently didn’t work. One was to carry ashes of ostrich eggs on her body. She may also have been given ground up willow bark to reduce her pain. This was a bitter tasting remedy containing salicin, an aspirin-like drug that would have only aggravated her bleeding. All her money was gone, and she was worse. Her one chance came now with Jesus.
Yet even worse than her physical condition is the social and religious ostracism she was certain to have faced. The prevailing opinions of her day were much the same as our own: Bad things don’t happen to good people. You get what you justly deserve. Thus, to be stricken with a chronic, incurable disease such as this was tantamount to a confession of sinful behavior, presumably illicit immorality.
According to Mosaic Law, anyone with a bodily discharge is ceremonially unclean. She cannot enter the synagogue or the Temple. People shun her generally, since anyone having physical contact with her is made ceremonially unclean until after they bathe and wait a specific period of time. She can touch no one and no one can touch her. Think of how this would have affected:
She is an outcast: lonely, isolated, and probably in a state of clinical depression. If this should seem unreal to you, Ethiopian Jewish women experience this during their days of monthly uncleanness. They live in little hovels at the edge of the village, the boundary being defined by stones. The women can’t go pass the stones, and no men can come near them. Isolation. Modern examples are women who have AIDS, cancer, ostomies, oxygen tanks and tubes, burn scars, and disfigurements. By the way, men with a similar problem were also considered unclean.
She hears about Him. It’s our job to tell. How can they hear without a preacher or proclaimer? Who knows how many times it takes? She heard he was healing all kinds of incurable diseases. Hope flickers in her heart. Just going into the surging crowd would have brought their hostility on her if they knew.
She comes to Jesus on her own. No one has brought her to Jesus or vice versa. She acts on her own faith—mixed with some superstition about his garments. She doesn’t know if Jesus would respond to her. She thinks to herself, “If I just touch His clothes.” She wouldn’t ask him to touch her. She reaches out and touches His cloak. Probably one of the four tassels on his outer garment. She took the initiative for her own healing and is the only woman in the Bible to do this. Others inadvertently touched Him; she deliberately did. Immediately, her bleeding stops. Power surges through her body. She feels it. She knows she is completely healed. It is a vivid moment of joy for her!!!
At once, Jesus turns and asks, “Who touched me?” Did Jesus already know who touched Him? Commentaries will disagree on this. Most say God healed her through the power active in Jesus. So, when He felt the power go out of Him, He turned to ask. I believe He knew what happened because He was always God. He laid aside His glory and did not use His attributes for Himself while on earth. But He knew what happened. He always knew what those around him were thinking before they spoke. It is a dramatic moment for Jesus and for the timid woman. Later it was a common practice for the crowds to touch the hem of his garments and be healed. Here Jesus chooses to single out this case for examination. There is no magic in the garments of Jesus. Even if there is superstition in the woman’s mind, Jesus honors her faith.
Jesus isn’t asking for His sake, but for her sake. He wants her to have a personal relationship with Him. Jesus will not allow the woman to recede into the crowd without publicly commending her faith, giving her assurance that she is permanently healed, thus declaring publicly that she is now clean, and letting her know that He accepts her. It is also likely that He wants her to know that He freely gave to her rather than her thinking she was taking something secretively.
Although a far more impressive male leader had asked Jesus to come to his home to heal his daughter, Jesus stopped the whole procession to talk to this poor, outcast woman as though she were the only one there. God’s love shows no partiality. We are more than just a face in the crowd.
Jesus wants us to know that, too. You may know someone who is involved in a bad relationship with a man who does not encourage her, support and respect her, or appreciate her worth. He may be too busy bossing her around. You need to let her know that Jesus considers her valuable.
Jesus will not allow the woman to recede into the crowd without publicly speaking to her and commending her faith. He keeps looking, penetratingly. The disciples are unconcerned and give a nervy answer about the crowd. Jairus is probably getting very anxious and impatient about this woman. But, Jesus insists. When she sees He’s not going to let her go unnoticed, she tells Him the whole truth. Some of us feel that God isn’t noticing our pain. We pray, nothing happens. We are not unnoticed. He is sovereign, and He knows. He chooses the instrument He uses to make us more like the Lord Jesus Christ. And suffering is an important instrument in His hands much as we hate it. A goldsmith keeps the metal in the fire until his reflection is seen in its surface. God keeps us in the fire of suffering until He sees the character of His Son reflected in our lives.
The trembling woman falls at His feet. What a vivid picture of the feeling of this sensitive woman who now had to speak. Everyone hears her tell why she touched Him and how she had been instantly healed. She gives her simple testimony. Others now hear.
Jesus calls her, “Daughter,” the only time recorded when He addresses a woman by this name. It’s a tender expression. She has a new relationship with God and a new relationship with Jesus. Remember whom He said were in His family? Those who do God’s will. Those who believe in Him. All through the Gospels, Jesus honored an individual’s faith in Him or rebuked a lack of faith. Jesus took the time to point out to both the men and women in the crowd that this woman’s faith was the reason for her healing.
The New Testament word for “healed” actually means “saved” as well. Here both physical healing (freed from suffering) and spiritual salvation (peace) are meant. The two are often seen together in Mark’s gospel. Romans 5:1 says we have peace with God through faith in His son. Peace speaks of wholeness in our relationship with God when we trust Christ. She just wanted healing. Now she could enter society because she is healed AND she receives spiritual life as well. God always does more than we ask or think. Because He sees the woman’s needs, He does not pass her by. He seems acutely aware of the woman’s pain, and so He reaches out to help.
In the meantime, Jairus’ faith is stretched. His little girl dies. This woman has delayed them. What is Jairus thinking by now? Jesus tells Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” In the Greek, this really means, “Stop being afraid and keep on believing” (a continuous action). You can’t do both at the same time since being afraid and believing are mutually exclusive. The Psalmist said, “When I am afraid, I trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3).
This is important for us as well. When fear overwhelms us, we can with an act of our will stop being afraid and choose to believe God that He is in control and will not abandon us. Fear is an emotion; faith is an act of the will. We moms have to do this particularly with our kids. We trust the Lord with their lives and do our best to guide them.
Jesus promises Jairus that his daughter will be healed. It takes more faith to believe that He can bring someone back from the dead than to just heal from a deadly disease. Jesus wants to stretch Jairus’ faith. It takes greater faith for tougher times. We always have solutions we pray to the Lord. But we have to face life realistically saying to the Lord, “I am your daughter, Lord. Help me to deal with this situation.”
Jesus tenderly takes the little girl by the hand, touches her (this makes a Jew unclean, but nothing can make Jesus unclean), and speaks to her in tender terms, “Little girl, get up.” Her spirit returns. The touch of Christ’s hand and the power of His voice restore her to life. She stands up with instantaneous recovery. Her parents are “out of their minds” with excitement and joy. He tells them to feed her. He has done His part. He turns her over to her parents to do theirs.
Jesus stopped His public ministry to heal two women—
Jesus demonstrated the value He places on every person—radically different from His day. He healed a man of horrible demonic possession whom everyone else had shunned. He took time out from his busy schedule to minister to two women personally. God’s love knows no partiality.
Jesus takes a personal interest in each one of us. His value system then is the same today. He cares for us as individuals. He meets our individual needs. He openly demonstrated His love for each individual He met, man or woman.
Jesus has the right to choose what He brings into our lives. He tells us to stop being afraid and to keep on believing, to exercise the faith that we have.
Jesus loves a woman’s soul. He treated women as no man had ever treated them before. His warmth, personal attention, tenderness, sound teaching, and compassion toward women were revolutionary. Jesus loves you in the same way.
Time: Jesus' Third Year of Ministry, ~AD 29
During the third year of Jesus’ ministry, the “Year of Opposition,” Jesus fed five thousand plus, walked on water, calmed the storm, healed many who were brought to him and then taught some Pharisees and teachers of the law the difference between clean and unclean. He then withdrew, about fifty miles to the region of Tyre (some later manuscripts say “Tyre and Sidon”) on the Mediterranean coast (see map in “New Testament Insights”).
Tyre is an ancient seaport city of the Phoenicians north of Palestine consisting of a rocky coastal city and an island city. The Phoenicians were known for their trade and commerce and their skill as a seafaring people. Over time, the Persians, Greeks, Seleucids and Romans dominated Phoenicia. Throughout history, friendly relations existed between the Hebrews and Tyrians. In fact, Jewish communities were scattered throughout the region. The home where Jesus stayed was probably Jewish. In the New Testament period, a Christian community flourished at Tyre so that Paul even stayed with the believers there during his third missionary journey (Acts 21:1-7).
While in the region of Tyre, Jesus was approached by a Canaanite woman from that vicinity, also called a Greek woman from Syrian Phoenicia or a Syrophoenician (the north part of Phoenicia near Syria). If a Canaanite, she descended from an ancient tribe of Noah’s son Ham, a people later displaced by the nation Israel. A Canaanite also is an inhabitant of Canaan, the more ancient name of Palestine. Not all Canaanites were destroyed during the Israelites' conquest, and their religion impacted Israel’s history, especially when King Ahab married the Phoenician princess Jezebel.
The Canaanite or Phoenician religion featured many gods who were male and female representations of nature. Their primary god was called Baal, the god of thunder. Their religious practices included providing various kinds of animal offerings and participation in lewd, immoral acts with “sacred” prostitutes. The religion of these pagan people was basically a fertility cult in sharp contrast to the righteous religion of the Hebrews who worship the one true God, a God of holiness and love. It was providential that the nation Israel, with its testimony to the knowledge of the one true God and with its obligation to make known that fact, should inherit a country that formed a geographical bridge between the ancient centers of pagan civilization.
*Background information adapted from Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary and New Unger’s Bible Dictionary.
1. Read Matthew 15:1-21. Discuss Jesus’ teaching about what makes a person “clean” or “unclean.”
2. Read Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-30. What could be the reason Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and didn’t want anyone to know it?
3. Describe the Canaanite woman and her circumstances.
4. Read the following scriptures. Identify some of the evidences/symptoms of demon possession.
5. Discuss how the Canaanite woman got Jesus’ attention (Matthew 15:22). Note: The phrase "crying out" means to “croak” (as a raven) or to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, entreat).
6. What did the woman ask Jesus to do?
7. How did the disciples respond to this woman and her need?
8. Jesus' answer to her in Matthew 15:24 and Mark 7:27 can be puzzling unless you know the background. Read Luke 1:68-75; Acts 10:36; Romans 15:8; Genesis 17:5-7; 18:18-19 and Zechariah 2:12, 8:7-8. After reading those verses, what insight do you get as to why Jesus answered as He did?
9. Reread Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-30 and the following description.
From the Greek: “worshipped (KJV)”, “knelt before him (NIV)” and “bowed down before him (NET)” is translated from the word proskuneo—meaning "to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand;" also defined as “prostrate oneself in homage”.
Discuss the interaction between Jesus and the woman. What is revealed about her character in this account?
From the Greek: “She took no offence at the implication of being a Gentile dog. Rather she with quick wit took Christ's very word for little dogs (kunaria) and deftly turned it to her own advantage, for the little dogs eat of the crumbs (psiciwn, little morsels) that fall from the table of their masters (kuriwn), the children.” (A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, on Matthew 15:27.
10. How does Jesus meet her need?
11. What could the disciples have learned about ministry from this incident?
12. Living Out His Love: To intercede means to speak with someone in authority on behalf of someone else. This woman came to Jesus, an authority in her mind, and interceded for her daughter who was unable to come to Jesus on her own. Other examples of intercession are the four men who brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus in Mark 2:1-13. Both the Holy Spirit and Jesus Himself intercede for us in prayer when we are unable to do so. How persistent are you at interceding for those you love who may need your help and support? Share insights/examples on how best to intercede for them.
Focus on the Meaning: Why did Jesus perform so many miracles? The answer could simply be to show His authority and to draw the attention of the crowds to His message. His miracles demonstrated that He is God and that His message, therefore, had authority (Acts 2:22). Miracles authenticate the message and the messenger. Miracles also demonstrate God’s compassion for His people.
Through His miracles, Jesus showed that…
God still performs miracles today though we may not see them as often as we’d like. Miracles still authenticate the message and the messenger. For someone claiming to do miraculous things, ask these questions to make sure that person is representing God:
Remember that the greatest miracle is what God does to change a human heart and redeem a lost life from the inside out.
Historical Insight: The Jewish Synagogue—The practice among the Jewish people of Jesus' time was that the Jewish Synagogue building must be on a high point, if possible, the highest point in town. It should be near water, with the entrance to the east and the seats arranged so that the congregation faced Jerusalem when praying. For a town to have a synagogue at least ten Jewish men must live there.
Synagogues were places of worship and education. Here the young were trained in Jewish life and language. Worshipers gathered on the Sabbath to pray and read the Scriptures. At Capernaum, the synagogue was one of the best examples of a Galilean synagogue. The ruins seen today are of a synagogue built in ~3rd century AD on the ruins of the synagogue of Jesus' time.
When Jesus went inside a synagogue, as in this story, what would He find? The most important piece of furniture was the shrine that held the Torah, the sacred roll or scroll on which parts of the Old Testament Scriptures were written. The bema, made of stone or wood, was an elevated platform next to the Torah shrine. Lessons and benedictions were given from this platform. Rows of stone benches surrounded the walls and provided seating for the people. The elders and rulers sat in an isolated section. Services included prescribed readings, prayer, and a sermon. Any competent teacher might be asked to speak.
13. Read Luke 13:1-9. Discuss Jesus’ teaching on the correlation between one’s “goodness” and suffering.
14. Read Luke 13:10-17. Describe the scene and the woman.
15. Contrast this Jewish woman with the Canaanite woman.
16. What was the cause of her condition?
Scriptural Insight: As we have already seen, “various disorders were caused by evil spirits…The description of this woman’s infirmity suggests that the bones of her spine were rigidly fused together.” (NIV Study Bible by Zondervan, page 1566)
17. Consider what kind of life this woman had led for 18 years. Put yourself in her shoes. How would this ailment possibly have affected her family life, social life, and worship life?
18. Reread Luke 13:10-17. How did Jesus heal this woman, and what was her proper response?
Focus on the Meaning: There is “symbolic value in Luke’s placing this miracle at this point in the narrative. It was Jesus’ mission among the people of the nation to loose them from crippling influences and bring them to uprightness. Here was a graphic example of Jesus’ touch, bringing the woman to a position of uprightness.” (Walvoord and Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament, p. 240)
19. Discuss the synagogue ruler’s improper reaction to Jesus’ healing. To review the role of the synagogue ruler, look back to Lesson 4.
Scriptural Insight: “No one had spoken to him, but he felt his importance as the ruler of the synagogue and was indignant. His words have a ludicrous sound as if all the people had to do to get their crooked backs straightened out was to come round to his synagogue during the week. He forgot that this poor old woman had been coming for eighteen years with no result.” (A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures of the New Testament, note on Luke 13:14)
20. Discuss Jesus’ answer to the synagogue ruler. What message was Jesus conveying to the synagogue ruler and others in the crowd who thought like him?
21. Deeper Discoveries (optional): Jesus called the synagogue ruler a hypocrite. Define this term. What did it mean in Jesus’ day. Find other places in the gospels where Jesus used this same term to get the attention of His listeners. In what ways were they being hypocrites?
22. Read Matthew 12:1-14; Luke 6:6-11; 14:1-6 and John 5:16-18. In His teaching, how did Jesus clarify the purpose of Israel’s Sabbath (seventh-day rest) and the way it should be practiced?
Think About It: The tendency of human beings is to put rules over relationships or rules over the needs of people (like the synagogue ruler did). Jesus showed the value of people over misguided rules, traditions and practices. God was still being worshipped, even more so because of the miracle, and the people were still enjoying a day of rest from their usual employment.
23. Living Out His Love: Jesus extended grace to both of the women in this lesson, actually three if you count the Canaanite woman’s daughter who was healed. Grace is unmerited favor. It is a gift that is undeserved—by anyone! The disciples and the synagogue ruler were less interested in responding to the needs of the women with grace (knowing Jesus could heal the suffering) than they were in sending them away (one because she was an unclean Gentile; the other because she dared to get healed on the Sabbath). Do you tend to put rules over relationships or the needs of people? In what areas of your life do you do this? Ask Jesus to reveal any hypocrisy in your heart and help you to extend grace rather than judgment to someone in need around you.
Time: Jesus' Second Year of Ministry, ~AD 28
Jesus was well into his ministry at this point. He called His disciples to Him (Luke 6:22) and proceeded to give the Sermon on the Mount—an amazing presentation of God's love and mercy. He then went to Capernaum, continued His ministry to the sick and suffering, and encountered an unusual Roman centurion who loved his servant and the Jewish people. Jesus was amazed at the soldier’s understanding of God’s authority over His people and moved to heal the slave, who was in the centurion’s home.
After this miracle, Jesus and His disciples headed to a city called Nain, about 10 miles southeast of Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. The small town is reached from the west by traveling up a steep road with rock tombs on either side. The road leading from Capernaum to Nain (see map in “New Testament Insights”), which Jesus would have traveled, enters the town from the northeast past a small burial ground.
Failing to honor the dead was perhaps the greatest lack of respect a Jew could display. Bystanders were obligated to follow a funeral procession, with hired mourners adding to the wails of friends. The body was wrapped in cloth and carried on a bier. After the funeral, mourning continued for 30 days.
Paid mourners developed as a profession in Old Testament times but continued into the time of Jesus. As a career that passed from mother to daughter, professional mourners were almost always women. Their mourning was with dirges and eulogies, sometimes accompanied by flutes.
The birth of a son was an occasion of great celebration. In the Jewish culture, giving birth to a son gave a woman value in her husband's eyes. A baby boy ensured the hope of passing on the family wealth and name. His presence guaranteed social security. It would be his responsibility to care for his aging parents, and especially his mother once widowed. It was thus the hope of every Jewish woman to have a son…
1. Widows in Israel were considered to be under God’s special care. They wore distinctive garb so they could be identified. Read the following verses and note how God intended to care for them through His people and warnings when Israel failed to protect these vulnerable women:
Two of Israel’s Old Testament prophets were known for performing miracles, especially to widows—Elijah and Elisha. In fact, Jesus was often compared to one or other of these prophets as He performed miracles during His ministry. So, let’s familiarize ourselves with what the people of Nain already knew.
2. Read 1 Kings 17:7-16 and 2 Kings 4:1-7. Describe what happened and how each woman responded.
3. Read 1 King 17:17-24 and 2 Kings 4:8-37. God also used these two prophets to bring someone back from the dead. Describe what happened and how each woman responded.
4. Summarize what you learned about God’s care for women.
5. Read Luke 7:11-15. From the text of verses 11-12, describe the scene, the woman and her circumstances.
6. Note the timing of Jesus’ entrance into the city. Do you think this was a coincidence? Explain your answer.
7. The size of the crowd showed the real sympathy of the town for her. The loss of a son in the Jewish culture was a great tragedy. What made this situation even more tragic? Read Zechariah 12:10, Psalms 68:5, and 2 Kings 4:14 for insight.
8. Deeper Discoveries (optional): Research the plight of widows in Israel and other areas of the Roman Empire during this time period. What were their options?
9. If you have experienced the pain of someone very close to you, you probably understand the widow’s state of mind when she encountered Jesus. What do you think she was thinking and feeling? (Think beyond the obvious!)
10. Living Out His Love: The size of the crowd showed the real sympathy of the town for her. Christians often do not know what to say to someone who is grieving, or they say things that hurt more than help (for example, “You can have another child” or “She’s in a better place”). One of the nicest things someone wrote to me in a card after my father died several years ago was this, “Knowing you, I look forward to meeting your dad in heaven one day.” I cherished that card.
If you have been in a place of grief, what did someone close to you say or do that helped you through it? What did someone say or do that added to the pain? Research online suggestions for what should be said/done or not be said/done to someone grieving in various situations. Discuss with your group.
11. Read Luke 7:11-15. Discuss Jesus' reaction to the widow and, specifically, what He said to her.
From the Greek: The Greek word translated “compassion” in Luke 7:13 means "to be moved as to one's inwards, to be moved with compassion, to yearn with compassion. Compassion is frequently recorded of Christ towards the multitude and towards individual sufferers.” See also Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; Mark 1:41 and Luke 10:33. (Vines, Unger and White, Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, pp. 116-117)
12. Jesus could have just passed by and assumed the town would meet her basic needs of food and shelter. But, He didn’t. The scripture says that Jesus felt compassion for the widow. What does this reveal about Him?
13. Read Mark 12:38-44. Jesus was continually teaching His disciples about people. Contrast Jesus’ assessment of the heart attitudes of the religious leaders with that of this widow. What did He want His disciples to grasp?
14. Jesus represented His Father’s heart for people. Read Psalm 103:13-14 and 2 Corinthians 1:3. Discuss how our God is a loving, compassionate God.
15. Read Luke 7:14 again. In the first part of the verse, Jesus does something very unusual for a Jewish teacher. What is it, and why is this significant? See also Numbers 6:6; 19:11 and Leviticus 22:3-4.
16. Living Out His Love: Jesus’ heart went out to this grieving widow. Isn’t it comforting to know that when you are in pain, God’s heart goes out to you? He feels your pain. He cares for you. He comforts you. He is not a cold, distant, helpless Deity but is a loving, compassionate God. Jesus personally invites us to bring our deepest longings, heartaches, and anxieties to Him today, just as men and women did then. Are you convinced that you can go to Him and openly express your deepest needs? If possible, share a situation in your life when you felt the compassion of Christ.
17. Read Luke 7:11-17. Discuss the results of Jesus' miracle in the days that followed. Did it bring the desired results for Him? See also Isaiah 35:4-6.
18. Jesus’ encounter with the widow of Nain ended up touching many lives. List all those groups and/or persons who were affected by this “divine appointment.”
19. Living Out His Love: Jesus actively did what He had the power to do to alleviate this woman’s suffering. So should we do what we have the power to do to alleviate human suffering, even if it is just bringing a meal, visiting, calling, providing clothes, or just listening and giving counsel and prayer. In 1 Corinthians, we are referred to as “ambassadors” of Christ and of the Gospel. Share a time when you felt God sent you on a “divine appointment” to someone who needed you at that time. You may have the opportunity even today to encourage someone in your life!
Time: Jesus' Second and Third Year of Ministry, ~AD 28-29
After two years of ministering in Galilee, Jesus returned to Judea and Perea, territories near Jerusalem, to minister there. In Jerusalem, He healed a man by the Pool of Siloam and told a parable about Himself as the Good Shepherd who would give His life for His sheep. Somewhere in Judea, He answered the question, "Who is my neighbor?" with a parable about a good-hearted Samaritan who helped a fellow traveler. After that, He went to Bethany (see map in “New Testament Insights”).
Bethany was a small village on the southeastern slopes of the Mount of Olives about two miles east of Jerusalem on the Jericho Road. It still exists today. Martha, Mary, Lazarus and "Simon the leper" lived there. The Mount of Olives, from which Jesus could see the Holy City, is a two-mile rise with three peaks. The modern road from Jericho to Jerusalem still passes along its southern slopes. Rising about 100 feet above Jerusalem, it gives an unforgettable view of the city, which is to the west.
A burial cave could have been a natural cave or a tomb or vault cut into the rock. A large round stone was often rolled across the entrance of such a tomb after burial. Upon death, the body was sealed inside the tomb. After the flesh had decayed and only the skeleton remained, the bones were placed in a box called an ossuary. This small box was then placed on a shelf that had been carved out of the tomb wall. In this way, a whole family could be buried in the same tomb.
Because of the warm climate in Palestine, burial usually took place the same day as death. But before the funeral, the body was prepared for burial. Rarely did the immediate family become involved in preparing the body for burial. Friends and other family members took the body and washed it, and clipped the hair and nails. Strips of linen were then wrapped around the body. Spices (hyssop, rose oil, and rose water) were placed between these strips. Then, a linen napkin was placed over the face, and the body was laid on an open bier. Then it was carried to the tomb.
1. Read Luke 10:38-42. What was Martha's initial attitude upon receiving Jesus and His companions?
[For more information on Hospitality in Jesus' time, see Lesson Two.]
2. As manager of the home, what might have been Martha's initial emotions and thoughts at this time? Consider what is involved in hosting that sized crowd.
3. How does her attitude change as time progresses? What became her focus? What does she do?
From the Greek: The Greek word translated distracted in Luke 10:40 means “drawn around” as with anxiety, distracted in mind and in looks. Martha came to Jesus, literally “stepped up to and burst in or upon” Jesus.
4. Toward whom was Martha’s anger directed? Do you think Mary was being lazy? Where was Mary’s focus? Explain your answer.
5. Discuss Jesus’ response to Martha. What was Jesus trying to teach her? In other words, what was HIS focus?
6. Living Out His Love: How might you respond in a similar situation as Martha found herself if you let your emotions guide you? How should you respond?
7. Living Out His Love: Read the following article.
In her book, "A Practical Guide to Prayer," Dorothy Haskins tells about a noted concert violinist who was asked the secret of her mastery of the instrument. The woman answered the question with two words, "PLANNED NEGLECT."
Then she explained, "There were many things that used to demand my time. When I went to my room after breakfast, I made my bed, straightened the room, dusted and did whatever seemed necessary. When I finished my work, I turned to my violin practice. That system prevented me from accomplishing what I should on the violin. So I reversed things. I deliberately planned to neglect everything else until my practice period was complete. And that program of planned neglect is the secret of my success."
This same principle can be helpful as we plan our lives: quiet time with the Lord, time with our family, professional development, time with our spouse, a hobby. There are many good things we can choose to do with our day.
Unless we discipline ourselves and make a deliberate effort, good things will keep us from those life concerns that are top priority. The tyranny of the urgent robs us of spending time with God in meditation and prayer, time with our spouse our children and just time by ourselves. We squeeze these ultimate relationships into the "leftover" moments in our day, when we are rushed or exhausted.
In Ephesians 5:15-17, Paul calls on us to use our time wisely. "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." Jesus urges us in the Sermon on the Mount to put God first. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
Take some time to look at your day. Ask yourself some questions, "What are the important things in my life? What one thing contributes more to the quality of my life than all the other concerns? What is my number one ability, and how am I developing it? Where does my husband/wife/children/friends/walk with God/recreation fit into my day?"
The "laser-lane" lifestyle of the [city] is full of the urgent. We need to reflect on our value system and determine what "PLANNED NEGLECT" we need to practice in order to keep the ultimate relationships in priority positions in our lives. (Mike Danchak, Dallas Morning News)
How would “Planning Neglect” in your life help you have a focused time on God?
8. Read John 11:1-16. Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was ill, yet they did not ask Him to come to Bethany though they probably expected it (John 11:21,32). Knowing the need, what did Jesus decide to do?
9. Two days later, Jesus makes an announcement. The loose translation of verses 6-10 is, "We're burning daylight. Let's go!" Why did Jesus wait two days to now be in such a hurry?
10. Read John 11:17-37. What emotions were Mary and Martha experiencing? How did each deal with her emotions?
11. Notice that Mary and Martha both have the same response in verse 21 (Martha) and 32 (Mary), except that Martha went a step further. Knowing women, what does Martha really want Jesus to do, even though she doesn’t specifically say so?
12. Read John 11:21-27 again. How does Martha’s answer reveal that she had also been listening to Jesus’ teaching?
Think About It: Martha’s confession of faith is similar to Peter’s in Matthew 16:16. In fact, Martha’s is even more amazing because she makes hers with her brother dead now for four days, already in the grave. Her response to Jesus’ question, “Do you believe this?” is a firm, “Yes, Lord.” The emphasis in the Greek is that this is her firm and settled faith.
13. Read John 11:33-35. When Jesus saw Mary and the people surrounding her weeping, how did He respond?
From the Greek: The Greek verb translated “deeply moved” can be translated either “groaned” or “angered.” It seems to connote anger or sternness. It is used only 5 times in the New Testament, each time of the Lord’s words or feelings (Matthew 9:30; Mark 1:43; 14:5; John 11:33,38). Why was Jesus angry? The best explanation is that Jesus was angry at the tyranny of Satan who had brought sorrow and death to people through sin. Also, Jesus was troubled (literally “stirred” or “agitated,” like the pool water in John 5:7. This disturbance was due to His conflict with sin, death, & Satan. (Walvoord and Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament, p. 314)
14. Read John 11:38-48. What did Jesus plan to do to meet the sisters’ needs and heal their hurts? Describe the scene as though you were watching it alongside Martha and Mary.
15. Discuss, in particular, Martha’s objection and Jesus’ response to her in vv. 39-40. Do you think He knows her pretty well by now? [It’s okay to picture Jesus smiling as He greets Lazarus.]
16. John 11:35 is the shortest verse in the Bible, yet it conveys to us so much about the love of Jesus. Jesus wept, shed tears. He identified with us as humans so much that He could express deep human sympathy from His heart with Martha and Mary. Read Hebrews 4:15. What confidence do you have that He understands your needs?
17. Living Out His Love: Jesus understood the personalities and behavioral tendencies of both Mary and Martha. He understands yours as well, quirks and all. Think about your tendencies to control a situation or not, how quickly you shed tears or not, how you speak before you think. He knows you well and still loves you dearly. He hurts when you hurt and rejoices when you rejoice. He knows how to respond to your needs, which will be personally applied and different from how He responds to your “sister’s” needs. Are you okay with that? Or, are you still telling Him how He should do things, telling Him how He should be God? Reread John 11:39-40. If Martha insisted on having her own way, what would she have missed? Apply Jesus’ answer to Martha to your own expectations from Him. How will you let Him lead you?
18. Read John 11:1-44. What was Jesus' mission in this situation, and how did He accomplish it?
19. Read John 11:45-57 and 12:9-11. Not everyone was so pleased to hear about Lazarus being restored from the dead. Discuss what happens in these verses and how it affects Jesus' ministry.
After the raising of Lazarus, Jesus then made His departure. But, after a short stay in Ephraim, he returned to Bethany. The last week before Jesus' crucifixion had come. On Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly, riding on a donkey. On Monday, He pronounced a curse on a barren fig tree and drove out the merchants and moneychangers from the temple. On Tuesday, He answered a question about paying taxes to Caesar and pointed out a widow giving her small coins in the temple. That evening, He taught His disciples on the Mount of Olives. Then He went to a dinner with His friends in Bethany, at the home of Simon whose life had also been changed. Four people whose lives are undeniably touched and changed by Jesus gratefully honored Him…
20. Read John 12:1-18; Matthew 26:6-13; and Mark 14:1-11. Jesus and His disciples are now dining at the home of Simon the Leper. Lazarus is there as well as Martha and Mary. How did each of the sisters show their gratitude to Jesus for giving life back to their brother?
Historical Insight: What is spikenard? Nard comes from the Himalayan Mountains and other high altitude places in northern India. Cheaper varieties come from other countries. It is a fragrant ointment made from the shaggy roots and lower stems of an Indian plant. It is used to anoint royalty. According to one historian, it was very expensive. It was imported in sealed alabaster boxes or flasks that were opened only on special occasions. Also, anointing was normally done on the head. Mary apparently anointed both Jesus’ head and feet.
21. As you learned in Lesson Two, this perfume might have represented to Mary her inheritance, her dowry or a lifetime of savings. It was likely her most precious possession. And, respectable women did not unbind their hair in public. Therefore, what does her "gift" indicate about her character, her intuition, and her love?
Think About It: Mary perceived with her delicate woman’s intuition what the apostles failed to understand though repeatedly and plainly told to them by Jesus.
22. Jesus accepted Mary’s act of worship. The disciples did not. Discuss their response to Mary’s worship and sacrifice. [Note what is revealed about Judas.]
23. Jesus was not afraid of the controversy surrounding this incident. Compile Jesus’ answer to the disciples’ objections using all three accounts from John, Matthew and Mark.
24. Read Mark 14:8 again. What do you think Jesus meant by saying, “she did what she could” in Mark 14:8 (literally, "what she had she did")?
25. Living Out His Love: Jesus said that Mary did what she as a woman in her culture with her resources could do for Him. He called that “a beautiful thing to Me.” As a woman in your life circumstances, in what ways could Jesus say, “she did what she could” about you when it comes to showing gratitude to Him? How does your heart show gratitude to Him? Feel free to respond in any creative means you choose to use—prose, poetry, song, art, prayer.
25. Jesus and His disciples often stayed in Bethany when they were near Jerusalem (see Matthew 21:17 and Mark 11:11,12), probably with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. They knew the joy of Jesus' private company. What does this tell you about Jesus' needs for friendship and His relationship with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus?
Think About It: If the perfect Son of God needed friends, how much more do we need them!! Lazarus and Simon, both men healed by Jesus, gave a dinner in His honor at a time when the Pharisees were hunting Him like an animal. Jesus knew his friends' home was a place of welcome, protection, rest and provision.
26. How did Martha and Mary blossom in the presence of Jesus over time? What changed? What stayed the same? What showed that they listened to His teaching?
27. Living Out His Love: God created Mary and Martha with different personalities. Both could serve Him, love Him, and worship Him in different ways—all equally as valuable. That is the same for us as women. Isn't that wonderful? We don't have to be alike to be able to love and serve Him. This is how it is in the Body of Christ. Have you been made to feel guilty for being more of a “doer” than a “feeler?” Look at Romans 12:6-8 for a list of some spiritual gifts. Some are “doer” gifts (teaching, leadership, administration); some are “feeler” gifts (mercy, helps). The Holy Spirit through Paul says that all are needed in the local church. What spiritual gift(s) do you think has been given to you by the Holy Spirit? How are you using your gift to help others get to know Jesus or to grow in their faith if already Christians?
Time: Time: Jesus' Third Year of Ministry, ~AD 29
Editor's Note: The author (Melanie Newton) does not have any audio for this article, however she recommends this audio message by Vickie Kraft as helpful in conjunction with this study.
As Christ continued His public ministry, more and more people began to travel with Him from one town to the next. Some were no doubt just curious onlookers. But others followed because they could not help but accompany the person who had so radically changed their lives. Mary, the Magdalene, was among the latter group. She had long ago moved from the ranks of the curious to the convinced.
Magdala is thought to have been a small village on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, southwest from Capernaum. It was about three miles north of Tiberias where the ruler of Galilee, Herod Antipas, had his capital. Once famous for its fine woolens and dyed products (the dye came from shellfish caught in its waters), Magdala had as many as 4,000 inhabitants with 80 weavers' shops and 300 shops that sold pigeons for sacrifices. The Hebrew name Magdala is associated with the word migdol, which meant “a watchtower.” It was also known by two other names—Magadan and Dalmanutha. In Jesus' day it was primarily a Gentile city, as its horse and chariot racetrack indicates.
The name Mary is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Miriam. Recall the role of Miriam among the women of Israel (see Micah 6:4).
1. Read Matthew 15:29-16:4 and Mark 8:10-12. Discuss Jesus' ministry in and around Mary's hometown (see map in “New Testament Insights”).
2. Read Luke 8:1-3; Mark 15:40-41 and Matthew 27:55-56. List all the women mentioned by name in these passages and any information given about them (family associations, etc.).
3. Jesus did not use daily miracles to provide for His own needs and for those of His disciples. For those who traveled with Jesus, list all that ministering to and providing for Him would have looked like for these women. Be specific by thinking through what you have learned about daily life at that time. Note that Galilee was 60-70 miles from Jerusalem.
4. Review the Background sections in Lesson One and Lesson Four. How did Jesus' acceptance of what these women did for Him go contrary to the culture?
Historical Insight: Jesus’ allowing these women to travel with Him and provide for Him “would have been viewed as a scandalous situation in Palestine in that day. However, like the forgiven woman (7:36-50), these women had also been forgiven much, [healed from diseases], and they loved much.” (Walvoord and Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament, p. 224)
5. Why did they do it? And, how did traveling with Jesus also benefit them? Think about all that Jesus was saying and doing as He traveled from town to town.
Scriptural Insight: Jesus intentionally taught His 12 disciples and many others to know, follow, depend upon, and obey Him. Women also were learning what it means to follow Him in the same way as He taught them along with all the others (Luke 8:1-3; 10:38-39; and John 11:25-27). Some of those women were part of the 120 waiting for the Holy Spirit to come in Acts 1-2.
6. Living Out His Love: Women who have been forgiven and healed much want to give back to the one who has set them free from their pain. In what ways do you give back to the One who has set you free? In other words, how do you support Jesus’ ministry today?
7. Reread Luke 8:1-3; Mark 15:40-41 and Matthew 27:55-56. Write down everything you can deduce about Mary Magdalene and choices she made.
8. From our previous study of the Canaanite woman in Lesson Six, what symptoms might Mary have displayed while being demon-possessed? [Note: there is no scriptural evidence that she had been immoral. A church leader around 500 AD associated Mary with the immoral woman in Luke 7:36-50, thus unfairly adding that stigma onto her character.]
9. Explain how her plight as a demon-possessed woman might have affected her life socially, spiritually, and emotionally.
10. Read Luke 18:31-34. What information did Jesus give to His disciples to prepare them for the future?
11. Mary Magdalene experienced firsthand the events of the last week of Jesus' life—His triumphal entry, the cleansing of the Temple, verbal combat with the Pharisees, and the agony of His arrest and trial. What range of emotions must Mary Magdalene have felt through the last week of Christ's life?
12. Read Matthew 27:55-61; Mark 15:40-47; Luke 23:49-56 and John 19:25. Discuss how Mary Magdalene and the other women continued to minister to Jesus on the day of His trial and crucifixion. What information is given that gives insight to their strength of character during a stressful, emotional time?
13. Compare this with what His male disciples did at His arrest and trial in Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50 and Luke 22:24-62.
14. Read Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-14 and Luke 24:1-12, 22-26. Discuss the following:
15. Because of a twisted interpretation of the Mosaic Law, the rabbinical leaders taught that women were uneducable. They were also considered unreliable as courtroom witnesses. How was God's use of women as reliable witnesses revealed in these verses? Why do you think God entrusted the spectacular news of the resurrection to women?
Historical Insight: “That a woman would be the first to see Him is an evidence of Jesus’ love as well as a mark of the narrative’s historicity. No Jewish author in the ancient world would have invented a story with a woman as the first witness to this most important event.” (Walvoord and Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament, p. 342)
16. Living Out His Love: Jesus trusted that the women would do what He asked them to do. What message did He entrust them to spread? What message has Jesus continued to entrust you to share? Write out the simple gospel message below as you would share it with someone. For ideas, see “Ways to Explain the Gospel”.
17. Read John 20:1-18. Describe the scene and what Mary Magdalene experienced. What is revealed about her and her view of Jesus? “Rabboni” (verse 16) is personal, meaning my teacher.
18. From our study of Mary Magdalene so far, why do you think He appeared to her first after His resurrection (here and in Mark 16:9)?
19. Discuss Jesus' conversation with her and her response (in John 20).
Focus on the Meaning: Mary may have embraced Jesus physically for the Lord responded, “Do not hold onto Me, for I have not yet returned to my Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them…” These words spoke of a new relationship, new relatives, and a new responsibility…A new relationship will begin with His Ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit to the church. The new relatives are the disciples whom Jesus called His brothers…Believers in Jesus become a part of Jesus’ family with God as their Father. Mary’s new responsibility was to testify to His risen presence. She was the recipient of four special graces: to see angels; to see Jesus risen; to be the first to see Him alive; and to be a proclaimer of the good news—the latter being something all Christians share with her. (Walvoord and Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament, pp. 342-343)
20. Why can we assume that Mary Magdalene was probably single?
21. Considering the life of a single woman without children, what could be some advantages of being single as she serves the Lord? Disadvantages?
22. Living Out His Love: The local church often undervalues single woman, especially the career single who has never been married nor has any children. If you are single, how do you feel included or not included in your church’s ministry to women? In what ways might a single woman feel left out of ministry opportunities at your church? Is there a single woman who might need your friendship? If you are single, what can you do to let the married women know you want to be included? Discuss with your group ways to be more inclusive of those who are not married and/or mothers.
Time: Jesus' Life, ~5 B.C.-30 A.D.
Editor's Note: The author (Melanie Newton) does not have any audio for this article, however she recommends this audio message by Vickie Kraft as helpful in conjunction with this study.
During the time of Jesus' birth, rabbis had fixed the minimum age for marriage at twelve for girls and thirteen for boys. The fathers arranged the marriage without usually consulting either the boy or the girl involved. When the marriage was agreed upon, the groom gave presents to the bride's family. The Jewish betrothal period was a stricter legal relationship than modern engagements, and sexual relations were not allowed. If the wedding were abandoned, a financial penalty would be imposed on the person responsible.
Jesus' mother Mary was raised in a time when women did not have the same rights as men. Women were treated as possessions and listed along with a man's property. Wives referred to their husbands as "master" and lord. A woman could not divorce her husband. Daughters and wives could not inherit property from their father or husband unless there was no male heir. However, some women did have respect and influence, like the Old Testament women Sarah, Miriam, Deborah and Abigail. Daughters seemed to share in family life as much as sons, such as participating in religious festivals. The Ten Commandments called for equal honor to be shown to both parents. Women were subject to the law with identical penalties for offenders of either sex.
Jesus did not reinforce the practice of treating women as second-class citizens or as possessions. His example demonstrates His equal love and compassion for women as well as men, including His own mother. After studying this lesson, you will see that Mary was an ordinary woman of faith. She gave birth to and raised the boy Jesus, but then she needed to believe in Him with the same saving faith that you and I must have for salvation.
1. Read Luke 1:26-45. Describe the scene as Mary experienced it. (For location of Nazareth, see map in “New Testament Insights.”)
From the Greek: The angel Gabriel said that Mary was highly “favored” and that she had found “favor” with God, both words related to the Greek karis, often translated in the New Testament as grace, meaning “undeserved favor, a gift.” Grace carried the notion of joy, delight, and kindness. What does this tell you about God’s choice of Mary to carry His Son in her womb?
2. What promises did God make to Mary through Gabriel?
3. What does Mary's response reveal about her?
4. What prophecy was God fulfilling through Mary? See Isaiah 7:14 plus other verses you find.
5. Living Out His Love: Could God have carried out His plan of salvation without Mary? The angel Gabriel tells us, "For nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).” Memorize this verse and share any examples in your life when God has demonstrated this fact to you.
6. Read Luke 1:46-56 and 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Describe Mary's encounter with Elizabeth. How did God demonstrate His faithfulness to Mary regarding His promise?
7. Note the similarities between Hannah's song of praise and gratitude (1 Samuel 2) and Mary's (Luke 1). What does her song reveal about Mary’s knowledge of God and her knowledge of the Old Testament?
8. What does the expression "God, my Savior" indicate that Mary knew about herself? See also Psalm 24:5; 95:1 and 1 Timothy 1:1; 2:3 for use of the same phrase.
9. Mary declares in Luke 1:48: "From now on all generations will call me blessed (NIV)." The adjective “blessed” is translated from a Greek word that means, “pronounced happy.” She gives one reason in verse 49. What is the reason? Based on what you have studied so far, for what other reasons might all generations call her blessed?
Think About It: We are to view her as one who revered the Lord and did His will, who put her trust in Him and, therefore, was filled with His joy. Since Jesus’ death and resurrection, she shares in the same salvation as the rest of believers.
10. Read Matthew 1:18-24. Joseph was a godly man who chose not to publicly divorce or disgrace Mary when he found out she was pregnant. Read John 8:41 (a possible slander against Jesus’ birth). The people of Nazareth could count months between when Joseph took her as his wife and the baby’s birth. What shadow did Mary live under all her life?
11. Living Out His Love: Have you or anyone you have known been in a position of social disgrace in which God used it for His higher purposes? Describe what happened.
12. How was God faithful to Mary in His provision of a husband for her and father for Jesus?
Think About It: Though women 12 years and older were required to pay a poll tax and register, Mary could have chosen to not go to Bethlehem this late in her pregnancy and let Joseph enroll both of them in the census. They likely knew the prophecy from Micah 5:2. She chose to go, knowing that their baby would be born in Bethlehem.
13. Read Luke 2:1-7 and Micah 5:2. Imagine what it was like to travel for ~3 days in late pregnancy on foot or on a donkey. Think what it was like for Mary to give birth in a cave, with probably no woman to attend her. Describe the scene as Mary experienced it.
14. Read Luke 2:8-20. Notice God’s idea of a grand birth announcement! What further confirmation coming from the shepherds does God give to Mary and Joseph about their new baby and His purpose?
15. Living Out His Love: Though not all babies get that kind of heavenly birth announcement, all babies are knit in their mothers’ wombs just like Jesus was. And, all babies are born with purpose. Read Psalm 139:13-16. What is revealed about God’s care of you from the moment of conception?
16. Read Luke 2:21-40. Mary and Joseph did was required by the Jewish Law after the birth of a baby. And, God used this experience of their faithfulness to Him to give them more confirmation of their son’s purpose. Remembering what the angel had told Mary, discuss what Simeon and Anna added to Mary’s understanding of her son’s purpose and future.
17. Mary and Joseph were faithful but not perfect parents. Read Luke 2:41-50. Jesus is twelve years old. Discuss the experiences of the boy Jesus and his parents as described in this passage.
18. Of what did Jesus' answer remind His parents?
19. Read Luke 2:51-52. In what ways were Jesus’ growing up experiences normal for a human boy? What does this reveal to you about Mary's mothering?
20. Living Out His Love: How, if at all, were the basics of the Christian faith taught and reinforced in your home while you were growing up? If you have children, how are you teaching them to have faith in Jesus Christ and helping them to grow in their faith?
21. Read Matthew 13:55-56, John 7:3-10 and Mark 6:3. What other children did Mary have in addition to Jesus?
Scriptural Insight: There is no Scriptural evidence that these children were not Mary’s natural children. See Matthew 1:25 and Luke 2:7. The expression in the Greek "her firstborn" means that she naturally had other children afterwards. Otherwise, the Greek phrase for "only son" would have been used as in John 3:16 and Luke 7 (the Widow of Nain).
22. Read Mark 3:21,31-35. In His response to His family members who had come to “take charge of Him” for His own welfare, Jesus reveals His priorities. How does Jesus' understanding of His own priorities affect the relationship between His mother and Himself?
23. Living Out His Love: There are two issues at work here, both creating tension.
24. Read John 19:25-27. What does Mary's presence at the cross reveal about her?
25. Just before His death, Jesus, as the oldest son, committed His mother’s future provision to the disciple John (a nephew) but not to one of her own sons. What could be the reason for this? For help, review John 7:3-10.
Scriptural Insight: In 1 Corinthians 15:7, Paul writes that Jesus did appear to His brother James who believed, became the leader of the Jerusalem Church, and wrote the New Testament book of James. Another brother, Jude, also believed and authored the New Testament book of Jude.
26. Read Acts 1:1-14. The prayer group meeting together after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension included Mary. Why were they praying? What were they waiting to receive, and what will they be empowered to do after receiving it?
27. Living Out His Love: Mary was a normal human just as we are. Summarize Mary's character qualities revealed in this lesson. Is Mary's character attainable to us? What qualities of this godly woman would you like to have? As believers, we have the same Holy Spirit Mary had to help us develop godly character. Trust in Him to be faithful to complete the good work He began in you, submit to His will and fix your eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Historical Insight: When did the view of Mary as something more than an ordinary godly woman begin? An apocryphal document (called the Gospel of James) written in the late second century A. D. created a whole scenario for Mary. Other information about Mary’s life began to be circulated in the 400s AD declaring Mary to have been a child prodigy who made a vow of virginity at the age of 3, remaining in the Temple where she had continual visions and angelic visits. Most of this developed as an outgrowth of the influence of Gnosticism. The conjecture became tradition, which morphed into “fact.”
Time: 30-40 AD Early Days of the Church in Jerusalem and Israel
Perhaps one of the most startling cultural changes as a result of Christ’s ministry was the change in the status of women. Prior to the New Covenant, women were seen as little more than chattel, with no legal rights to speak of except by virtue of marriage. With the introduction of the Church, the true “Body of Christ,” women were seen as founders of churches (Lydia), disciples of Christ (Mary Magdalene), and prophetesses (Philip's daughters). While the dominant culture still held a less than liberated view of women, it seems that in the early church, women were disciples and fellow saints who were held in high esteem by Christians.
Dorcas was one such woman. Though little is known of her background, the account of her restoration from death back to life in Acts is proof not only of Christ’s continuing ministry to women but also a lesson to us all of the impact one person’s life can have in the everyday “good deeds” we so often take for granted.
Joppa was on the southern border of the Palestinian region called the Plain of Sharon, the largest coastal plain of Palestine. Its rich red sandy soil, now under extensive irrigation, contains citrus groves and commercial farms. Five streams and countless underground springs water its surface. Set on a rock that rises about 125 feet above sea level and juts out into the Mediterranean, it had an excellent natural harbor. It was the main seaport of Judah, receiving cedar logs floated down from Lebanon to build the temples of both Solomon (~970 B.C.) and Zerubbabel (~500 B.C.). Under Roman rule, Joppa became part of Herod the Great's territory. Because the people of Joppa hated Herod the Great, he built Caesarea some 40 miles to the north, and Joppa declined in importance. The city of Joppa today is Jaffa, a suburb of Tel Aviv.
1. Read Luke 8:49-9:2. What did Jesus do when He entered the house? Who was present with Him in the room?
2. What other two incidents have we studied where Jesus restored someone from the dead (see Lesson 6 and Lesson 7)? Who was present with Him?
Jesus challenged His followers to become “fishers of people” (Mark 1:17). He spent His second and third year of ministry equipping them with the tools they needed to do this. Reading through the gospels, you will see Jesus preparing them to teach the gospel message, to have compassion on people and meet their needs, and to interact with different kinds of people—both the faithful and the skeptics. As Jesus traveled with His followers, He let them take part in his ministry to prepare them for their own work. They watched Him engage different kinds of people—locals, foreigners, preachers, prostitutes, poor, rich, distraught parents, and more. He sent them to take the gospel to nearby towns and practice what they learned.
3. In Luke 9:1-2, 6. Jesus commissions His 12 disciples to go and do (in pairs, according to Mark 6:7).
4. Jesus sent them out again (Luke 10:1-2) along with many other followers to once again practice what they learned. Jesus has gone back to heaven. His disciples remain—equipped with the authority to both proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. Read Acts 3:1-11. Describe what happens in this scene.
5. Remember that the purpose of miracles is to authenticate the messenger and the message being proclaimed as well as to show God’s compassion on His people. Read Acts 3:12-26. What happened after the beggar was healed? How did Peter take advantage of the opportunity given to him by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the truth about Jesus?
Think About It: “Evangelism is not about you involving Him in your outreach efforts. It is Him involving you in His…Only the Holy Spirit can open the eyes of unbelievers to the truth of the gospel…It is the job of believers to communicate the gospel. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to convert the heart.” (David Souther, EvanTell)
6. Living Out His Love: Believers communicate the gospel in several ways. Two of the most powerful are through sharing the gospel message itself and through sharing one’s own faith story. People can reject the facts or logic of the gospel, but it’s very hard to argue with someone about their experience with knowing Christ. If you were given the opportunity by the Holy Spirit to share with a non-Christian about your relationship with Jesus, what would you say? Start now by sharing at least two ways that knowing Jesus has made a difference in your life, given you hope, restored something lost, etc.
7. Read Acts 8:1-4. Describe what happened in the early church after the stoning of Stephen. How did God make something that looked “bad” work towards good from His perspective?
8. Jesus confronted Paul and gave him a new life’s direction. Paul responded with faith and embraced his new life. Read Acts 9:31. How did this affect the church? What could be the benefits of a “time of peace?”
9. Read Acts 9:32-35. Where was Lydda in relation to Jerusalem (see map in “New Testament Insights”)? What does this indicate about the spread of the Gospel?
10. Discuss how long Aeneas was bedridden, what Peter said to Aeneas and the outcome.
11. Living Out His Love: A man’s life was changed. Others saw it and turned to the Lord. They believed the message about Jesus Christ. Continue to work on your own faith story. Remember what your life was like before you trusted in Christ. Or, perhaps you trusted in Christ as a child so you don’t remember, but later you made the choice to follow Him with your life and experienced His love for you. What did you hear and feel when you heard the gospel message and believed? Or, when you made that choice to be His disciple? Think about how you would share that with another woman who doesn’t know Christ and hasn’t experienced His love for her yet.
12. Read Acts 9:36-40. Locate Joppa in relation to Lydda on the map (previous page). Assume news spread pretty quickly back then although maybe not quite as fast as it does today. What could the people in Joppa have known already about Peter?
13. Describe Dorcas, being sure to list her gifts as well as her circumstances.
14. Deeper Discoveries (optional): Why did Dorcas have “two” names (Dorcas and Tabitha)?
15. Reread Acts 9:37-39. Compare how the people of the church at Joppa felt about Dorcas and how they demonstrated their feelings.
16. How did Dorcas’ behavior reflect her faith and benefit those around her?
17. Compare Peter’s behavior towards Dorcas to Jesus' interaction with Jairus’ daughter. Discuss the similarities. Why do you think this is significant?
18. Living Out His Love: Part of your faith story is how you are living it out on a daily basis. Read 1 Peter 4:8-11. What is the ultimate goal of serving in Jesus’ name? Dorcas was a woman who knew her gifts and used them to minister to the saints in Joppa—her “sphere of influence.” Reflect on one or both of the following:
19. Read Acts 9:36-43. What effect did the restoration of Dorcas from death to life have on the people of Joppa?
20. Living Out His Love: A man’s life was changed. A woman’s life was restored. Others saw it and turned to the Lord. They believed the message about Jesus. Each had something they could easily tell with just a few words. EvanTell.org suggests that you can create your own faith story beginning with just 3 words. Here’s how:
Once you have your three words, you’re ready to come up with one or two sentences for each word. Just a brief explanation of how each word relates to your story. Here’s an example:
“Although I believed in the existence of a God, and even knew the story of Jesus, I didn’t fully understand how it all fit together. I was confused about the nature and character of Jesus as God, and how He had provided a way for me to be reconciled to the very Creator of the universe!
Through a series of conversations with new Christian friends in college, as well as exposure to some Christian music with meaningful lyrics, I came to understand Jesus as Savior. I was awakened to the reality that Christ died for my sins and rose from the dead.
Now I am assured that through my trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation, I have an unbroken relationship with the very God who created the universe and everything in it. This relationship is for eternity and my life with Him will not end when my time on earth does.”
3 words + 1 or 2 sentences per word = 3–6 sentences to tell your story. How simple is that! Create yours and share it with some friends soon or in your small group next week.
*Adapted from ”Create Your Own 3 Word Testimony” at http://evantell.org/tools/article-detail/article/143/create-your-own-3-word-testimony
[Go to “My Faith Story Worksheet” to help you write a longer version of your faith story. Use the “Screen Your Language” ideas that follow to check for “churchy” words. Then, pare your story down to 5 minutes, get together with some friends and share it. Woohoo!]
Time: 49-62 AD Paul's Second & Third Missionary Journeys
Settlers first arrived in Philippi from the off-coast island of Thasos to mine gold. A Greek gold rush, so to speak! Philip II of Macedon named the city after himself, built a wall, and colonized it in 356 BC At the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, Mark Antony and Octavian defeated the army of Brutus and Cassius. So, Philippi became a Roman colony as a thank you for its help. Being a Roman colony gave Philippi special privileges (few or no taxes), but more importantly it became like a "transplanted" Rome. The primary purpose of colonies was military, for the Roman leaders felt it wise to have Roman citizens and sympathizers settled in strategic locations. So, Octavian (Caesar Augustus) settled former soldiers there in the years following the victory.
Philippi was very influential in its part of Greece. Its 200,00-500,000 residents were mostly Greeks and Romans. Being only 10 miles from the coast, it was a great market for goods that Romans liked and was on a highway for easy transport. Main Street Philippi was the Egnatian Way, the Roman version of an interstate highway that connected Rome to all its satellites. Philippi was considered the Gateway to the East and, thus, a very prosperous place. What wouldn't be if you paid no taxes?! Also, it had exceptionally fertile soil and lots of timber for harvesting.
A school of medicine operated in Philippi run by as guild of Greek physicians. It is speculated that Luke (the author of Acts and the physician companion of Paul) had grown up and attended medical school there.
Being such a Roman city, Philippi had very few Jews, not enough to even establish a synagogue since doing so required at least 10 Jewish men. Without a synagogue present, the few Jews in any town and their converts met on the Sabbath outside the city walls, near water, to get away from idolatry. The women's prayer group Paul found probably gathered on the banks of the Gangites River, a mile and a half west of town!
1. Read Acts 15:40 - 16:5. List all that God was doing through the ministry of Paul and his companions.
2. Read Acts 16:6-9. How was the Holy Spirit directing their path? And, specifically describe the vision God gave to Paul to guide him over to Europe.
3. Read Acts 16:10-13. What did Paul and his companions do next? [Notice the use of the pronoun “we” beginning in v. 10 indicating Luke was traveling with the group now.]
4. Read Acts 13:5,14; 14:1 and 17:2,10. What was Paul's usual missionary strategy when he entered a town?
5. Living Out His Love: Did you notice Paul’s flexibility in how he followed the Lord’s leading on this journey? He had his plans to go to certain new places with the gospel, specifically the province of Asia (western Turkey) and Bithynia. We, as women, often have our minds made up as to what we should do each day. Read James 5:15 and other verses you can find about being directed by God’s will in our plans. In what ways have you submitted to the Lord your willingness to be open to whatever opportunities He gives you to build a relationship with someone who needs to know Him or to know Him better and perhaps share your faith?
6. Read Acts 16:11-15. Paul had a vision of a man calling him over to Macedonia for ministry. What is significant about the fact that Paul's first proclamation on the continent of Europe was to a group of women (no men are mentioned in the gathering? See Galatians 3:26-28. Who sent Paul and his companions to Lydia and the other women?
Scriptural Insight: By this time in his ministry, Paul had been sharing the gospel with both men and women who embraced it with joy. Sadly, he also experienced persecution led by prominent “God-fearing” women in one city who had been incited by the Jews against him (Acts 13:49)
7. List everything you can glean about Lydia in this passage.
8. Deeper Discoveries (optional): Where was Thyatira, and why do you think Lydia was in Philippi? Use your study notes, Bible handbook, etc. to find out about Thyatira—people, products, religion, etc.
Historical Insight: Purple was a favorite color of the Romans and, therefore, in great demand because it was used on official togas in Rome and in the colonies. In fact, we still use the term "royal purple." It was very expensive to produce. We don’t know when or why Lydia relocated to Philippi, but it was a smart business move. Macedonian inscriptions show greater freedom for women in that area of the world than anywhere else at this time.
9. Consider Lydia's likely material wealth as a seller of purple, her position in the community and her background from Thyatira. Now consider her presence with the other women by the river. What more can we infer about her own heart and attitudes?
10. How did Lydia respond to the gospel? What was the immediate evidence of her faith?
11. Who else was influenced by Lydia's becoming a believer?
12. What did her home become? See also Acts 16:40.
13. Living Out His Love: Paul may have expected some men gathering at the river, but he doesn’t act surprised. Instead, he is ready to share what he knows with the women gathered there. No doubt, he had some great conversation starters that led into sharing about Jesus. You can be ready for opportunities the Lord gives you through preparing some conversation starters and transitions from common topics of conversation into sharing some aspect of your faith story.
What are some good conversation starters to stimulate meaningful talk that might reveal a woman’s heart and give you a chance to invite it somewhere? Use these when you engage your hairdresser, co-worker, or neighbor.
Prepare some transitions from common topics of conversation that could lead into sharing some aspect of your faith story. Use the examples of common topics below and finish out what you would say.
14. Read Acts 16:16-40. The other incidents in Paul's visit to Philippi no doubt had a direct effect on Lydia. Summarize what happened to Paul and his companions.
15. How might these events have affected Lydia as a new believer? Think of her household, position in the community, business and any other areas.
16. Where was the last place Paul and his companions met in Philippi? In view of their notoriety, what does this tell us about Lydia?
17. It sounds as if Lydia's home was a hotel and conference center for believers and missionaries. In what ways can this hospitality be viewed as ministry? Discuss the importance of this ministry by Lydia and other women to the spread of the Gospel. See Acts 5:42, Romans 16:5,13 and Hebrews 10:23-25,32-34. Remember that the main road between Asia and Rome runs through Philippi. Notice the outcome of their faithfulness in Philippians 4:15-19 as Paul commends the Philippian church approximately ten years after his first visit.
18. Living Out His Love: Believers are told throughout the New Testament to practice hospitality. Read Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 5:10 and 1 Peter 4:9.
19. Read Romans 16:1-15. From the limited amount of information in vv. 1-2, describe Phoebe. Do some research to discover the meaning of her name.
From the Greek: Phoebe is described by Paul as a diakonon of the church. The word diakonon, "servant," is used for the office of deacon (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8,10,12) as well as used generally (Romans 15:8; 1 Corinthians 3:5). Use of the word with the phrase "of the church" strongly suggests some recognized position in the church at Cenchrea, a fact appropriate for a person serving as Paul's emissary. She was the emissary to deliver Paul's letter to the Romans.
Phoebe is also described by Paul as a prostasis, translated "great help/helper of many." The Greek word prostasis means "a protectress, patroness." It is a word of dignity and indicates the high esteem with which she was regarded, as one who had been a protectress of MANY. The word was used as a title of a citizen in Athens, who had the responsibility of seeing to the welfare of resident aliens who were without civic rights. Among the Jews, it signified a wealthy patron of the community.
20. Knowing the meaning of the words Paul used to describe Phoebe gives you a great deal more insight into Phoebe's life. Look up patroness in a dictionary. What would you add to your description of Phoebe in the previous question?
21. So, what was Paul's view of this woman, and how did he act on her behalf?
22. Living Out His Love: What can you learn from Phoebe's example, especially in her example as a patroness? In what ways can you be a patroness for other believers?
23. List the other women mentioned by Paul in Romans 16, including any information Paul gives us about them and their ministry to the church. In vv. 6 and 12, the Greek word translated "work hard" means “to labor with wearisome effort, to toil to the point of exhaustion." Would you say that Paul demonstrated that he had the same value for women as a follower of Christ that Jesus showed to women during His lifetime? Explain your answer.
Time: 49-62 AD Paul's Second & Third Missionary Journeys
Many of the places Paul visited during his three long journeys were strategic centers of culture, commerce and communication. The Gospel planted in them would spread quickly to surrounding towns and villages, and further afield too, as travelers took the good news home with them. Four of the most important places Paul visited were Athens, Corinth, Ephesus and Rome.
Paul met Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth, the city of shopkeepers, which was Greece's most important trade city. Corinth was two miles inland from the Gulf of Corinth at the foot of a rocky hill rising 1886 feet above sea level on top of which stood the temple of the goddess of love, Aphrodite. Corinth was the connecting link between Rome, the capital of the world, and the East. The city was a melting pot of approximately 500,000 people who relished the lack of standards and freedom that prevailed in the city. Corinth was filled with shops and had two theaters plus an amphitheater that hosted gladiatorial shows and athletics.
In Corinth, Paul joined Aquila and Priscilla as they worked on the same trade together—tentmaking. Tents were made of hand-woven strips of black or dark brown goat's hair about three feet wide sewn together and reinforced. Goat's hair is resistant to both heat and water, and once washed it shrinks and becomes taut. The skill of tentmaking was probably taught to Paul and Aquila in their youth. It was a Jewish tradition to teach young boys a trade. Additionally, Paul's native province of Cilicia was noted for its goat's-hair cloth called cilicium that was largely used in tentmaking.
Paul and his new friends left Corinth and traveled to Ephesus, the City of Artemis. Ephesus was also an important trading center at the junction of the Asiatic caravan route to the east and the sea route to Rome in the west. Paul left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus and went to Caesarea. It is in Ephesus where Aquila and Priscilla met Apollos (Acts 18).
Some time later we find Priscilla and Aquila back in Rome. They had lived in Rome previously until they were required to leave by Claudius. That is when they went to Corinth and met Paul. Rome was the capital of the empire, top ranking in political importance, geographical position and sheer magnificence. Located on the river Tiber around seven hills approximately 18 miles from the Mediterranean, Rome was full of temples, theaters, palaces, baths and administrative buildings. But in contrast to this lavish splendor, the ordinary people lived in tenements often three or four stories high. Many were so poorly built that they were nearly falling down. Picture the environment Paul, Aquila and Priscilla were in as you do your study and refer to the map to track their journeys.
*Information adapted from Handbook of Life in Bible Times and Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary.
1. Read Acts 18:1-17. What was the political/social/emotional climate of Corinth? How did the Jews in Corinth respond to the Gospel? How did the Gentiles respond to the Gospel?
2. Paul preached the Gospel successfully gaining converts for Jesus. But, then what happened to him? How did God encourage Paul?
3. Describe Priscilla and her life situation using everything that is revealed in this passage.
Historical Insight: Displaced from Rome because of an edict in AD 49 or 50 from Claudius for all the Jews to leave Rome, Aquila and Priscilla had come to Corinth to ply their trade…Suetonius, a biographer of Roman emperors, described what may have been the occasion for such a decree. In his Life of Claudius he referred to the constant riots of the Jews at the instigation of Chrestus. Possibly, the name Chrestus is a reference to Christ. (Walvoord and Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament, p. 405)
4. What brought Priscilla and her husband Aquila together with Paul? Approximately how long did Paul stay with them?
5. Describe what it would have been like for Priscilla and Aquila to have Paul as a daily companion, co-worker and influencer.
Think About It: We prepare our children to know certain basics about who they are and their life before we send them to kindergarten—their name, parents’ names, address, phone number, how to obey, how to share, and more. How do we typically assimilate new Christians into their walk with Christ? Usually, we invite a new Christian to church or to a small group and assume those activities will fill in their gaps of understanding. But, unless a class, small group study, or sermon series is designed to give the basics of the faith in easily understandable language, those new believers aren’t going to get established. Out of love for God and for new Christians, those of us who are growing Christians need to be willing to establish new and young believers. Are you willing?
6. Living Out His Love: Whether or not Priscilla and Aquila were Christians before they met Paul, they were certainly Christians by the time they left Corinth. And, knowing that Paul was willing to leave them in Ephesus to carry on ministry there tells us that Paul felt they were established in their faith. To establish means, “to build a solid foundation, to provide strong roots.” All Christians (new or old) need to be established in some basic information:
When you were a new or young believer, what did someone use to establish you? Did you go to a new believers’ class? Have you been rooted with this basic information? Of the list above, what do you feel that you still need to know?
7. Read Acts 18:1-17. What kind of pressure do you think may have been brought to bear on Priscilla and Aquila because of their association with Paul? Consider the effect this could have had on their business and the choices they needed to make.
8. Living Out His Love: Have you ever had to take your stand for an unpopular cause that was right? What was the cost to you? What did you gain? Reflect on Acts 18:9-10 and let God speak to you through His Word. Share your insights with the group.
9. Read Acts 18:18-28. Priscilla and Aquila accompanied Paul as he sailed for Syria. Ephesus was a stop on the way. What happened when they arrived in Ephesus? In what ways would staying in Ephesus be a step of faith for Priscilla?
10. Describe Apollos. Discuss his encounter with Priscilla and Aquila, including their attitude and approach. What is the significance of the word "they" in verse 26?
11. Deeper Discoveries (optional): To see the importance of how Priscilla and Aquila established Apollos in his faith, read 1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:5-6,22; 4:6; 16:12 and Titus 3:13. Briefly describe what became of Apollos.
12. Living Out His Love: Where are the new and undiscipled believers besides anyone you bring to Christ yourself? Most likely, they are where you are presently connected—Bible studies, mothers’ groups, where you work or live, and in your church. Don’t assume that woman sitting next to you knows her identity in Christ. She may not be a believer yet. She may be a new believer. She may be a long-time believer who has never been discipled and feels ignorant compared to others. Are you willing to be a “Priscilla” to her?
Are you willing to trust Jesus to give you both willingness and opportunity to be a “Priscilla” to another woman? Who is Jesus leading you to disciple to move further along in her faith? Trust Him and invite her to get together with you this week and talk about it. Read “Alison’s Story” below to see what this looked like in the lives of three women.
Focus on the Meaning: Does “pay attention” and come alongside her” sound like mentoring? Yes, it does. Mentoring is someone older in the Lord helping someone younger in the Lord understand and apply biblical truth to everyday life. It is the “how” of discipling.
13. Read 1 Corinthians 16:19. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians from Ephesus. He mentions Priscilla and Aquila in 16:19. What are they doing? How is their home being used?
14. Read Romans 16:3-4. What does Paul call Priscilla and Aquila in these verses? Based on what you know about them already, what were they likely doing in Rome?
From the Greek: "Priscilla" had another name, Prisca (Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19), the latter being more formal. Luke normally used the colloquial, diminutive form of names (e.g., Silas, Sopatros, Priscilla, Apollos), but Paul preferred their formal names in his writings (e.g., Silvanus, Sosipatros, Prisca, Epaphroditus). Nevertheless he sometimes used the more popular form of a name (e.g., Apollos, Epaphras). (Dr. Constable’s Notes on Acts, p. 261)
15. What might have Paul been referring to when he said "they risked their lives for me?" Refer back to previous questions.
16. Why should all the Gentile churches be grateful to them?
17. Read 2 Timothy 4:19. This is Paul's last letter. What does his mention of Priscilla and Aquila tell us about his friendship with them?
18. Aquila and Priscilla, as a married couple, worked together in their trade and in their ministry. Describe what you think their relationship must have been like. What joys and risks did they share?
Historical Insight: Priscilla's name frequently appears before her husband's—"Aquila"—in the New Testament (e.g., 18:18-19, 26; Rom. 16:3; 2 Tim. 4:19). This may indicate that she came from a higher social class than Aquila, or that others regarded her as superior to him in some respect. However, when first introduced in Acts 18:2, Luke mentioned Aquila first. (Dr. Constable’s Notes on Acts, p. 261)
19. Make a list of adjectives describing Priscilla and Aquila individually and as a couple.
20. What was the overall scope of their influence together?
21. Living Out His Love: Read 1 Peter 3:1-16; John 14:15 and 15:9-12 to answer one of the following sections:
22. Which account of women in the New Testament was your favorite? Why?
23. In what ways has this study increased your confidence that Jesus truly does care for women?
24. What choices have you made as a result of this study?
My story is your story. It is a telling of making yourself available to God in the ordinary. However, when we make ourselves available to God and His agenda, what seems common becomes extraordinary. We serve a humble God who partakes in the “small” of our lives and writes the most beautiful stories.
I am a member of a newly planted church. At the time of my story, our church was on a tight budget. At one of our meetings, the pastor presented the budget and said that our church did not have the funds to pay a housekeeper. The meeting was held right after our church service that day, and many members and non-members were there. I raised my hand and said I would be willing to clean and try to set up a team to take care of this job once a week.
The next Sunday, two beautiful young ladies came up to me and asked if they could help me with the weekly cleaning. I had never laid eyes on either Monica or Ronda before and teased them about being ministering angels.
The following week, we met and talked a bit before we cleaned. I began to learn that neither of them had been attending a church for a while and that they lived together along with Monica’s boyfriend Mark. I shared my testimony with them and asked them about their faith journey and a bit about their background. That day as I was driving home I realized this was about more than cleaning. The Lord had just laid into my hands the opportunity to disciple.
The pastor met with both Monica and her boyfriend Mark to encourage them to move out of their living arrangement. Mark attended our church alongside Monica and had come from a different church background.
Monica and I met after our cleaning time one week for coffee, and she asked me some questions about the Lord and her life. When I counseled her, she became agitated and said, “You sound just like my mother!” I told her I was a mother and tried to express to her how I cared. I wondered if this would change our relationship, but God had plans for Monica and me.
Ronda, the other young lady, leaned into our relationship a little more than Monica, and I thought maybe she was the one that God intended for me to spend more time in discipling. I did at first, but as time went on, circumstances took her to a job that made it hard to meet because of distance.
After about a year, our church budget was able to support a housekeeper, and we no longer needed to clean. By this time, Monica and I had become good friends. She was originally from another state, and I believe she eventually enjoyed the fact that I was like her mother. I saw her make great leaps by moving closer to her job and living with another roommate.
One Sunday, I noticed on Facebook that Monica had gone for a walk earlier that morning and expressed gratitude to God for her life. This was a new attitude for her. I had just been to a disciplemaking training event a few months earlier, and I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to ask her if she would be willing to meet for a Bible study. As I walked out of the prayer room that Sunday morning, Monica was standing right there! I knew what that meant, so I asked her what she thought of meeting, and she said excitedly, “Yes!” She said she had wanted to do a study.
After praying and asking the Lord about this, during my first meeting with Monica, I asked her what she would enjoy doing during our meetings. She replied that she wanted to learn more about cooking. So, the first time we met, we roasted a chicken together!
We also chose a Bible study to do together that would give her a good foundation for her faith. I did my best to make the time and place easy for Monica because she lived forty minutes away. It was such a joy to meet with her. At first, I could tell that she was developing a new habit of being in the Word of God, and it was not always easy for her to make the time or feel confident about the study. I was humbled when she would ask me questions. Sometimes I did not know the answers, and I would tell her that I would do my best to find it out. We prayed about her job, her family, and her boyfriend and thanked the Lord for putting us together. She really wanted to get married, and I encouraged her to wait on the Lord and trust that He had His best in mind for her.
The trials would continue to come, and she would find herself seeking the Lord more. It was so beautiful to watch. Mark, while visiting family, was taken to jail for an offense. He began to ask us to pray about the outcome of this situation and the court case. The Lord had given my husband and I a real heart for this young couple. The men at church prayed with Mark and graciously guided him to a deeper dependence on God.
As months went by, Mark and Monica became like a new couple. They altered their time together to be more productive instead of wasting time partying. They both were changing right before our eyes. Monica began building relationships with several of the women at church and found support through their examples and friendship. She even led an exercise program one night a week as an outreach ministry.
We sometimes would just talk when we met. It wasn’t a forced or restricted time together. I felt pressed to allow the Lord to work through our time for what He saw to be most important. Sometimes we would walk her dog afterwards and just laugh and share.
Mark was put on probation, and he was concerned that he would have to serve it out in another state where the offense was made. However, through prayer he received the good news that he could stay at his job and home during the probation.
Soon after, he proposed to Monica! We continued to meet a few times, but job and wedding plans took the front stage. My husband and I felt like surrogate parents at their wedding. It was so special to be a part of this beautiful story!
Now that Monica is married, we don’t spend as much time together. She now works and lives a good distance away. But I know that regardless of this, we will always be close at heart.
Monica has expressed that she feels a calling to reach out to young women and guide them in the Lord. She is now beginning to be a leader and disciple others. Multiplication is the fruit of discipling.
Monica and I met just a few days ago. She still has questions, dreams and hopes in which she asks for guidance. I am humbled. God does use the ordinary.
As a side note, I do not hear from Ronda. I pray for her. I know God did not introduce me to her in vain. Sometimes, we disciple, and the person moves out of our lives; sometimes they stay. Sometimes our discipling seems disappointing and does not seem as successful as Monica’s story. We have to trust that it is all in God’s hands and just remain available.
Free online training at http://evantell.org/TrainingOutreach. Choose “Online Training / Personal Evangelism”. Watch video #3.
Has anyone ever taken a Bible and shown you how you can know you’re going to heaven? May I?
The Bible contains both bad news and good news. The bad news is something about you and me, and the good news is something about God. Let’s discuss the bad news first.
Since there was no way you could come to God, the Bible says that God decided to come to you.
Is there anything keeping you from trusting Christ right now? Would you like to pray right now and tell God you are trusting His Son as your Savior?
The Bible teaches that God loves all humans and wants them to know him. John 10:10; Romans 5:1
But humans have sinned against God and are separated from God and his love. Draw a chasm. This separation leads only to death and judgment. Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:2
But there is a solution. Draw bridge. Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins (the bridge between humanity and God). 1 Peter 3:18; 1 Timothy 2:5; Romans 5:8
Only those who personally receive Jesus Christ into their lives, trusting him to forgive their sins, can cross this bridge. Everyone must decide individually whether to receive Christ. John 3:16; John 5:24
God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life. John 3:16; 10:10
Humans are sinful and separated from God. Thus, they cannot know and experience God’s love and plan for their lives. Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23
Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for humanity’s sin. Through Jesus, you can know and experience God’s love and plan for your life. Romans 5:8; John 14:6
We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and then we can know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives. John 1:12; Ephesians 2:8-9
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
“Has anyone introduced you to Jesus so you could know Him? May I?”
When offered a gift you want, you take it and say thank you. It’s forever yours. Is there anything keeping you from trusting in Jesus right now?
There are two options to use in writing your faith story. Use Option 1 if you have a specific turning point in your life leading to salvation (you remember what life was like before). Use Option 2 if you became a Christian as a child and at some point in your teen or adult years you chose to not only believe in Jesus but to follow Him as His disciple.
Although the tendency is to spend most of the time on your “before Christ” experience, only give enough information so the women know why you needed Christ in your life. Tell them what you needed so that some may identify with you.
1. Identify what your life was like. What were your attitudes, needs, and/or problems? From what did you get your security or happiness? How did those areas begin to disappoint you? To what source did you look for security, peace of mind, or happiness? In what ways were your activities unsatisfying?
2. Find 2-3 words to describe what only Christ could fill or do in your life (e.g. loneliness, feelings of insignificance, anger, rejection).
3. Briefly share a personal example that captures the needs and attitudes from this time of your life as identified above.
Share when and how you first heard the gospel and/or were exposed to Christianity. What brought you to the place of being willing to listen? Who influenced you? How and when did you decide to follow Jesus? Describe how you felt, what truths you heard, what you thought about them, how you felt after you made the decision. Give the gospel in this section. Use 1 or 2 relevant scripture verses.
1. Spend the most time on this. What conditions in your life before Christ has now been satisfied by a relationship with Him? What does it look like in your life to have a relationship with Christ? How long did it take before you noticed changes? What are your blessings? Where do you struggle? How do you depend on Him through those struggles? What difference does having Him in your life make during those times? Emphasize what you have learned about God’s grace to you.
2. Briefly share a personal illustration that shows the wonderful difference that Christ has made in your life.
Wrap up by inviting them to trust in Christ as you did!
As you tell your story, what is the one big idea you want everyone to walk away remembering? This is your main idea—kind of like a theme. “Jesus satisfied my loneliness” or “To live is knowing Christ in my life.” Think about those comments a woman might make that gives you an opening to tell this part of your story.
Whether you like to be spontaneous or need everything written down, it helps to script what you will say. It forces you to think through what you will say to maintain your main idea. It helps you to manage your allowed time.
Write it as you would speak it—shorter sentences, peppy words that are clear and simple. Use everyday terminology. For example, instead of saying “my testimony,” say “the story of my life.” See “Screen Your Language” below for other alternatives. Include specific illustrations that give them snapshots of your life, not only general descriptions of your life events. Practice telling your story several times. Make eye contact with the listener to draw her into your story.
Write out your five-minute faith story in the space below. Remember only spend 30% of the time on your “before,” just enough to have them identify with your need at that time. Spend another 30% on the decision time, and spend the rest of the time on what knowing Christ has done for you. Always end by inviting them to join your adventure.
Those who trusted Christ as children often feel they "have nothing to tell" because they don’t have a dramatic story. Yet, your story is the one every parent wants for their children! In the case of childhood believers, there occurs a later, mature decision to follow Christ as His disciple where more obvious life changes occurred. If you are in this category, therefore, focus on that later turning point in telling your story. Although the tendency is to spend most of the time on your “before” experience, only give enough information so the women know why you needed Christ in your life. You want them to be able to identify with you.
1. Identify what your life was like as a young Christian or living as just a believer not a disciple. Share when and how you first heard the gospel and/or were exposed to Christianity. What were your attitudes, needs, and/or problems? From what did you get your security or happiness?
2. Briefly share a personal example that captures the needs and attitudes from this time of your life as identified above.
3. Although the tendency is to spend most of the time on your “before” experience, only give enough information so the women know why you needed to trust Christ more with your life.
What brought you to the place of being willing to listen or of wanting to be more than just a believer? Who influenced you? How and when did you decide to be Jesus’ disciple? Describe how you felt, what truths you heard, what you thought about them, how you felt after you made the decision. Give the gospel in this section if you haven’t already done so in the previous section. Use 1 or 2 relevant scripture verses that God used to draw you to Himself. Emphasize what you have learned about God’s grace to you.
1. Spend the most time on this. What conditions before this time has now been satisfied by a deeper relationship with Him? How long did it take before you noticed changes? What does it look like in your life to have this closer relationship with Christ? What are your blessings? Where do you struggle? How do you depend on Him through those struggles? What difference does having Him in your life make during those times? What remarkable thing has Jesus done in your life (or in the last three years)?
2. Briefly share a personal illustration that shows the wonderful difference that following Christ has made in your life.
Wrap up by inviting them to trust in Christ as you did!
As you tell your story, what is the one big idea you want everyone to walk away remembering? This is your main idea—kind of like a theme. “Jesus satisfied my loneliness” or “To live is knowing Christ in my life.”
Whether you like to be spontaneous or need everything written down, it helps to script what you will say. It forces you to think through what you will say to maintain your main idea. It helps you to manage your allowed time.
Write it as you would speak it—shorter sentences, peppy words that are clear and simple. Use everyday terminology. For example, instead of saying “my testimony,” say “the story of my life.” See “Screen Your Language” below for other alternatives. Include specific illustrations that give them snapshots of your life, not only general descriptions of your life events. Practice telling your story several times. Make eye contact with the listener to draw her into your story.
Write out your five-minute faith story in the space below. Remember only spend 30% of the time on your “before,” just enough to have them identify with your need at that time. Spend another 30% on the decision time, and spend the rest of the time on what knowing Christ has done for you. Always end by inviting them to join your adventure.
The following is taken from Stonecroft Speaker Workshop, sponsored by Stonecroft Ministries.
Many of the words we use to share our faith may be meaningless, too churchy or clichéd to the people we’re attempting to reach. If you were an unbeliever, would you understand the following? (Note: Common Christian clichés are in italics.)
I heard the plan of salvation and was told that I needed to be saved. So, I went forward to be born again. The Lord spoke to me and then opened the door of my heart to show me God’s plan for my life. I learned to stand on God’s word and began to walk with the Lord. I turned away from worldly things, and it has been such a blessing.
Instead of these clichés (left), what could you say (alternatives on the right)?
Cliché |
Alternative |
Scripture or Bible verse |
A place in the Bible where it says… |
Believe |
Trust, accept |
Born again, converted |
Changed, transformed (with explanation) |
Christian |
Follower of Christ |
Confess |
Admit, agree with God |
Found the Lord, got saved |
Accept Christ make a decision to follow Christ |
Grace |
God’s totally unearned forgiveness |
Gospel |
God loves us and sent His Son so that we can find forgiveness and new life through Him |
Have a burden |
Be concerned |
Know |
Believe, trust, be certain |
The Lord |
God, Creator, Jesus |
The Holy Spirit |
God’s Spirit, the Spirit of God |
Praise |
Thanking God for His greatness |
Pray |
Talk with God, ask God |
Preach |
Talk about |
Repent |
To be sorry about wrongs and to turn from them to do right |
Salvation, saved |
Forgiven of wrongs and given eternal life |
Savior |
Jesus, God’s Son, who forgave my wrongs and gave me eternal life |
Share |
Discuss, explain |
Sin, sinner |
Acting against God’s will and offending God’s character; the wrong things that we do |
Testimony |
Telling my story |
Witness |
Tell, show |
Worship |
Giving honor and glory to God |
Other commonly used “churchy” terms also could be baffling to a nonbeliever. What could you use instead of the following:
In most cases, you may want to avoid using theological words such as justification or the sovereignty of God unless you explain them well.
If you are praying with nonbelievers present, even with believers, be careful how often you address God by name in prayer. Prayer is simply talking to God. In normal speech, you wouldn’t continually repeat someone’s name, but many Christians think it necessary to mention God’s name after every five words or so. This is disconcerting to non-Christians. Write out your prayer if this is a temptation for you.
Above all, be real and be normal.
Be cautious about using these in your faith story.
The following resources were used in the preparation and writing of this study.
A.T. Robertson, Robertson’s Word Pictures of the New Testament, Broadman Press, 1932.
John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament, Victor Books, 1985.
The NIV Study Bible New International Version, Zondervan Bible Publishers, 1985.
Dr. Tom Constable’s Notes on Luke accessed at www.soniclight.com
Dr. Tom Constable’s Notes on Acts accessed at www.soniclight.com
Melanie Newton, Lifestyle Disciplemaking Training
Jesus Cares for Women by Helene Ashker, Navigator Press.
Vickie Kraft teaching notes on New Testament women
Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary
New Unger’s Bible Dictionary
Handbook of Life in Bible Times