MENU

Where the world comes to study the Bible

22. Walking on the Water

I. OBSERVATION

A. Passage Selected: Matt. 14:22-33

Also in John 6:15-21, Mark 6:45-52

B. Progression Stated: Geographical and Ideological

C. Presentation Summarized:

1. Context 14:22-24

Jesus has just been offered the crown, but without the cross. He’s fed the 5000 and sent them away, now He sends the disciples ahead of him to Bethsaida, and He stays behind to pray.

The disciples are in the boat in the middle of the lake (3 miles from shore). 3:00-6:00 in the morning. They’ve been rowing a while, probably against the wind.

We mentioned once before that every time the disciples get in a boat, it is time for another test.

2. Content 14:25-33
a. Jesus alone on the water (25-26)

Mark says Jesus was intending to pass them by. Picture it: The disciples are exhausted, they’ve been rowing for hours against the wind and are probably going nowhere and here comes Jesus, making good time.

The disciples think it is a ghost. We laugh and ridicule them, but their blunders are there for us to learn from . This is an example of their lack of faith.

b. The Disciples in the boat: fear (27-28)

(1) The response of Jesus

“Don’t be afraid. It is I.” The phrase “It is I” also means “I am.” It was the normal response of a person identifying themself, but with Jesus it takes on special significance. Here He is identifying himself to them as the one who can walk on the water, i.e. God. He will use the phrase later in the Garden and knock the soldiers back with the power of the statement.

(2) The request of Peter

“Lord, if it is you...” Peter models for us what we do. Lord, I know it is you, but.... Lord, I know you are sovereign, but... Lord, I trust you, but.... Peter is asking for proof. We all want proof.

Jesus just says, “Come.” What control. What gentleness. He didn’t lecture Peter.

c. Peter with Christ on the water: faith (29)

(1) In success

This is not rash or impulsive. The Lord does not rebuke him.

(2) In failure

This is rash. He is successful and soon forgets where his success came from. Verse 30 says, “seeing the wind.” He begins looking at the circumstances. He gets his eyes off God. Then he sinks.

We sometimes do great things for God and are ok until we start to think about it. When we do start thinking about it and analyzing it, we are in trouble. It is then that we often start thinking that we are doing it on our own.

d. Peter in the water: failure (30-31)

(1) His condition

He looks at the circumstances. Peter’s story is the story of all of us. We usually begin good. But in the middle of the situation, we get our eyes off Jesus. We begin to look at our situation and we have no faith.

(2) His cry

The only thing one bound for destruction can cry. “Lord, Save me!”

(3) His conviction

Jesus says Peter’s problem is his lack of faith, his doubt. When the circumstances appear overwhelming, it is the result of doubt. If we are trusting God, then nothing will seem overwhelming, because nothing is overwhelming to God. When my kids have a problem, break something or get their shoestrings in a knot, it is overwhelming to them and they come to me and ask “would you fix this…” They assume that I can do anything. They are still young. But they have the attitude that we should all have towards God.

e. Peter in the boat with Jesus (32-33)

(1) Rescue

When they climbed in the boat the wind died. John also reports that the boat immediately arrived at the other side, which in itself seems like another miracle.

(2) Reverence

In Matt 14:33 the disciples say, “You are certainly God’s Son!” How do you reconcile their confession in Matt with the hardness of heart statement in Mark? The Mark passage points out that they did not understand who He was before now. Now they are beginning to understand.

II. INTERPRETATION

  • Absence of faith in the person of Jesus Christ brings failure.
  • He has the power over the natural elements.

    III. APPLICATIONS

  • Jesus often sends us into the storm to test and strengthen our faith. No pain ... no gain (in understanding or faith or whatever God needs to work on.)
  • A hardened heart keeps me from seeing Christ for who he really is. (Mark)
  • There is no success in service for those who have no faith. They failed with the feeding of the 5000. They struggle here too.
  • The danger of self-confidence is obvious.
  • There is safety in the person and power of Christ.
  • Prayers don’t have to be long to be effective. He didn’t follow the “ACTS” formula. (Adoration, Confession, Thanks and Supplication).

    • Related Topics: Miracles

    23. Delivering the Syrophoenician’s Daughter

    I. OBSERVATION

    A. Passage Selected: Matt. 15:21-28

    B. Progression Stated: Biographical and Ideological

    C. Presentation Summarized:

    1. Context

    Jesus He wanted to be alone, but couldn’t escape the crowds and people in need so He goes to Tyre. This is the only time He left Israel during his ministry.

    The discussion on kosher food and defilement in the previous context is very related to our story. The importance of these things was that they made Israel separate from the rest of the world. But Jesus is going to do away with some of these distinctives. In Jn 4, with the woman at the well, Jesus foretells the doing away with worship in Jerusalem. Here we have a removing of the dietary laws.

    This miracle is a hinge to show the movement from the Jews to the Gentiles.

    She has everything going against her. She is a Gentile woman - a Canaanite woman - with a demon possessed daughter. There are many barriers - racial, social, cultural, spiritual.

    2. Content
    a. The plea of the woman 15:21-22

    “Lord, Son of David...” She is coming with understanding of who He really is. This is very impressive. But Jesus doesn’t answer her. Why not? I think He is leading her along to develop the understanding of the disciples. He is setting up what is going to happen. He will respond to her later.

    b. The pride of the disciples 15:23

    The disciples were annoyed. Over and over again we see their great pastoral hearts. She is persistent.

    c. The place of the woman 15:24

    Jesus was sent only to minister to Israel. Rom 15:8 He came to make a legitimate offer of the kingdom to Israel.

    d. The persistence of the woman 15:25-27

    (1) Her reverence

    She has understanding and faith. (vs 25)

    (2) His rejection

    Who were the children? Who were the dogs? Is this politically incorrect language? Gentiles were dogs to the Jews. This argues for authenticity of the scriptures because it would be tempting to tone down Jesus’ seemingly cruel words here.

    (3) Her response

    She responds with amazing understanding and faith. She is asking if Jewish failure can’s result in Gentile blessing. Can’t Gentiles have what Jews reject. She reveals what God is doing in the world. Israel’s failure will result in Gentile blessing. Rom 9-11. He fed 5000 Jews, now he will go feed 4000 Gentiles. There are no more restrictions on the basis of food. Peter didn’t learn this till Acts 10. Jesus doesn’t call Gentiles “dogs” anymore because they are no longer outsiders.

    Matt 8:, Luke 7:, John 4:, Matt 16:21f. All miracles of healing of Gentiles. All done from a distance. Gentiles were viewed as far away and Jews as being near. There may be some significance to this.

    e. The power shown to the woman 15:28

    (1) Jesus hails her faith

    (2) Jesus heals her daughter

    II. INTERPRETATION

  • Israel has rejected the provision of Christ which is now becoming available more openly to the Gentiles. Salvation is still of the Jews, but it is now available to Gentiles. How could God bring such good out of such rejection? God causes all things to work together for good.

    III. APPLICATIONS

  • Faith is the great equalizer of cultural and personal backgrounds.
  • Spiritual insight leads to spiritual blessing.
  • Rejection of privileged responsibility may bring replacement in God’s service. (a few of the parables show this also.)
  • We do have the privilege of bringing our troubles to God.
  • There is a place for well grounded boldness in the Lord. She doesn’t quit. He wants me to be bold in coming.
  • She is bold, but not proud. She is humble and understands she is a “dog.” She didn’t say, “Can’t you have other children?” We as Gentiles can’t afford to get cocky. Rom 11 says that if the wild branches that get grafted in get cocky, they will be cut out.
  • Success in prayer comes from a humble approach.
  • Beware of a lack of compassion (disciples’ model)
  • There are a lot of “little people” who know a lot of theology and live it.

    • Related Topics: Miracles

    24. Healing the Deaf and Dumb Man

    I. OBSERVATION

    A. Passage Selected: Mark 7:31-37

    B. Progression Stated: Biographical

    C. Presentation Summarized:

    1. Context 7:31

    Still with the Gentiles. He has been for several months. Some think that the trip from Tyre through Sidon lasted about eight months as he ministered to the Gentiles in that area.

    2. Content 7:32-37
    a. Jesus with the multitudes (32)

    The term used means “deaf/stammerer” Stop and think about what it would be like to have the condition of the person being healed.

    b. Jesus with the man (33-35)

    (1) The manner

    Privately

    (2) The method

    They want him to lay hands on him, but He does it a different way. He touches the ears and then touches his tongue (spits) and then touches the tongue of the other. Perhaps this is a way of communicating visually with the man what He was about to do.

    It is the command which heals not the power of the saliva. The most repeated method of healing in the miracles is the “WORD” of God.

    (3) The miracle

    A complete healing. All of the miracles are complete healings except one which is accomplished in two steps for teaching purposes. That separates true miracles from what we witness on TV today.

    c. Jesus with the multitudes (36-37)

    (1) His request

    He tells them not to tell anyone. Perhaps to keep the multitudes from looking for a miracle worker. He was looking less for a following than for people of faith to follow. We like crowds (quantity). He likes quality.

    (2) Their response

    Astonishment but not salvation.

    II. INTERPRETATION

  • He has the ability to heal all manner of disease and proves himself to be the Messiah.
  • The miracle work of Messiah among the Jews is now available among the Gentiles.

    III. APPLICATIONS

  • I should not dictate to Jesus his methods of operation.
  • The work of Christ reflects the character of God. “He does everything well.”

    • Related Topics: Miracles

    25. Feeding the 4000(+)

    Contrasts Between the Feeding of the 5000 and the 4000.

    (Some think it is the same, but that is not possible. Matt and Mark record both.)

    5000

    4000

    at bethsaida

    decapolis

    sat on the grass

    sit on ground (no grass mentioned)

    Jesus wanted rest before

    Jesus traveling before - no mention of rest

    afterward there is a storm

    no storm

    multitude from nearby

    multitude from a long distance away

    Jewish

    Gentiles

    5000 fed

    4000 fed

    with him 1 day

    been with him 3 days

    5 loaves and 2 fish

    7 loaves and a few fish

    Not enough money

    Can’t find enough

    different word for basket (hand basket)

    (big basket)

    remain: 12 basketsfull

    7 basketsfull (not tied to Israel’s number 12)

    found in all gospels

    found only in Matt and Mark

    Jesus mentions both Matt 16: 5-12, Mk 8:20

    		  

    I. OBSERVATION

    A. Passage Selected: Mark 8:1-10

    Also in Matt 15:32

    B. Progression Stated: Logical

    C. Presentation Summarized:

    1. Context

    (Contrasts between the 5000 and the 4000)

    Syrophoenecian woman’s daughter healed in Tyre. Now He’s in the Decapolis. Dealing with Gentiles.

    Dietary Laws in Matthew - shows movement toward Gentiles since Israel was rejecting Him.

    2. Content
    a. The problem 8:1-5

    (1) Of the multitudes (1-3)

    No food.

    (2) Of the disciples (4-5)

    No faith. How could they commit the same sin twice in a row? We would never do that.

    b. The solution 8:6-10

    (1) The supply (6-7)

    (2) The satisfaction (8-10)

    Gentiles experiencing the blessings of Messiah.

    II. INTERPRETATION

  • The bread of life, Jesus, is now ministering in Gentile territories as he did in Jewish territory. He is available to them as well.
  • By the work of God, they can have the provision of God as well.

    III. APPLICATIONS

  • Sometimes we need repeated lessons to learn the truth.
  • How do you handle failure in your students or your children? Patiently teach them.
  • Patience and persistence is the hallmark of ministry.
  • If Jesus thanked God for provisions, shouldn’t I?
  • Start with what you have. Don’t wait until you think you have enough. Move out in faith.
  • If I reject God, I will be replaced by someone else.

    • Related Topics: Miracles

    26. Healing the Blind Man of Bethsaida

    I. OBSERVATION

    A. Passage Selected: Mark 8:22-26

    B. Progression Stated: Logical

    C. Presentation Summarized:

    1. Context

    You need to understand the movement from the feeding of the 5000 to the 4000. Jesus was showing the disciples that everything they need for ministry they get from Jesus. The miracles also showed a movement from the Jews to the Gentiles. Jesus was preparing them for a world wide ministry after He left.

    Whomever God chooses for ministry, he prepares them before and provides for them during their ministry. Don’t every say, “How am I going to do all this?” except to recognize that “you” can’t but “He” can and will provide.

    Then they are in the boat and are afraid. They ask Jesus if He doesn’t care. What is wrong with that? Does presence of hard times mean God doesn’t care? That implies that if God doesn’t care, He will not provide for us.

    Mark 8:9bf show that the pharisees ask for a sign. How many miracles have we seen so far? 23. It is amazing that they could ask this. So, neither the people nor the disciples are “getting it.” From here on out, Jesus starts performing private miracles or miracles in remote places away from Jerusalem. He gives up on the pharisees and focuses on the disciples.

    The disciples are now in a boat and have forgotten to bring bread. Jesus asks them why they are talking about bringing the bread. They have still not understood. They still think the problem is that they don’t have enough - like they are supposed to supply it. They don’t need to worry. Jesus could supply bread if they got hungry. If Jesus could feed 5000+ and 4000+ couldn’t he feed 12?

    How much was left after the 5000+ were fed? 12 baskets. How much after 4000+? 7 baskets. There were more crumbs left after the Jews ate than the Gentiles. There may be some significance to this. It may mean better response from Gentiles.

    Now we come to Bethsaida and there is a miracle performed in two stages. It is not because Jesus’ batteries were low. It was a symbol for the disciples. It represents the two stages of understanding of the disciples.

    Takes place back near the feeding of the 5000. Another reminder.

    2. Content
    a. Blind with no sight (22)

    (1) Presentaton of the man

    (2) Privacy with the man

    b. Blurred with little sight (23-24)

    (1) Healing (23)

    (2) Result (24)

    This is private and so there is no chance of a “blurred” testimony to the nation.

    c. Beholding with total insight (25-26)

    (1) The healing

    This does not teach that some miracles happen gradually. This was a very deliberate teaching opportunity for the disciples and done in two distinct stages not a gradual improvement over a day, week, etc.

    Some think the two stages teach that some things are hidden now, but when the Spirit comes all things will be seen clearly. That is not in the context. In fact the context teaches that they should have understood everything already.

    (2) The prohibition

    The text doesn’t say that the man disobeyed, so we can assume he did obey.

    Reasons for secrecy

  • Relates to the gradual development of discipleship. They are not ready for all of it.
  • To avoid a premature conflict with Israel. It is bad enough without them seeing everything He did.
  • The gradual self-revelation / progressive revelation of Himself to Israel.
  • To discourage miracle mania among the multitudes.
  • To allow the transition to the Gentiles.

    It is not because He knew He wasn’t really the Messiah and didn’t want people to think that. Some teach this (cf. Ried ... )

    II. INTERPRETATION

  • He has the power to open blind eyes both physically and spiritually.
  • He can clean up blurred vision - physically and spiritually

    III. APPLICATIONS

  • Jesus doesn’t always work the same way.
  • Multitudes don’t determine priorities.
  • God is not forced to act according to our expectations. He did it a different way.

    Ray Stedman suggests the following application from this miracle:

    If you have the spiritual blahs, here we have a model of what todo:

    First, “Do you not perceive or understand?” Study the revelations of God to you — scripture and events. Use your mind.

    Second, he asks, “Are your hearts hardened?” Analyze the state of your heart. Are you dull, or do you respond? If we are not excited, if we do not feel a response of joy, it is because the mind has grasped it but the heart has not.

    Third, Jesus repeats the phrase, “Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear?” Do not just look at the events you are seeing and think that is all there is to it. It is a parable, a parallel to something deeper and more important, concerning your spirit. As these men were being fed by the loaves and the fishes, he was saying to them, “Don’t think of this merely as a way of getting a good, quick, free meal. Understand that I am the source for everything in life

    Finally, “Do you not remember?” Look back at what has happened and recognize that God has been at work in your life. What is happening right now is not just an accident. It is part of a bigger plan.

    • Related Topics: Miracles

    27. Casting the Demon out of the Lunatic Boy

    I. OBSERVATION

    A. Passage Selected: Mark 9:14-29

    Also in Matt 17:14-21 and Luke 9:37-42

    B. Progression Stated: Ideological

    The main idea revolves around the faith of all those involved.

    C. Presentation Summarized:

    Chiastic structure of miracle:

    Disciples

    Unable

    Son - Demon

    Control - it’s history

    Father

    Faith is the point

    Son - Demon

    Control - it’s end

    Disciples

    Unbelief

    1. Context

    Confession of Peter and transfiguration have just occurred.

    How many have heard about the mountain top experience followed by the valley of defeat? What is wrong with that? It is a different group of disciples. This is a “meanwhile, back at the ranch” account.

    The transfiguration is a confirmation of the faith of the inner core of the disciples who have struggled with the concept that he has to die so he gives them a taste of the coming glory to bolster their faith. While he is bolstering these disciples’ faith, the other disciples down in the village are having their faith tested.

    2. Confusion of faithlessness 9:14-18
    a. The antagonistic scribes

    The disciples and scribes are arguing, but when Jesus shows up, the crowd leaves and runs to see Jesus. Surely this didn’t settle well with the scribes.

    Why was the crowd amazed and run to see Jesus? Mark 9:15 Some say it was because Jesus’ face was glowing like Moses’ was after He cam down off of Mt. Sinai.

    b. The agonizing father

    (1) The hopelessness of the son

    Over the condition of his son. The demons were really damaging the son. Luke points out that it is life threatening. It could kill him.

    (2) The helplessness of the disciples

    3. Conviction of faithlessness 9:19
    a. The response

    He convicts the disciples and others for their lack of faith. He makes reference to the fact that He is going to have to leave, and what are they going to do when He is no longer with them? If they don’t have faith, they are going to be helpless.

    b. The request

    He asks the father to bring the son.

    4. Confrontation of faith 9:20-27
    a. Demonstration of demonic power

    It demonstrates its control over the boy.

    b. Demonstration of Divine power

    The father says, “If you can.” I think somehow God is offended when someone says this. Jesus’ response is “If I can?” My ability is not the problem. Your faith is the problem, “All things are possible to him who believes.”

    Do we really believe that? Do we pray with faith that God can change my situation? We have not because we ask not. We shy away from the name it and claim it televangelist crowd and condemn them, but we have thrown out the baby with the bath water. What is your impossible situation? Are most of your prayers over things you can handle even if God doesn’t do anything.

    “I do believe...” What is happening with the father that should have happened with the disciples? The father ASKED. The disciples never asked for help.

    5. Correction of faith 9:28-29

    Why were they unable? Because they did not ask for help. No prayer.

    Most manuscripts add “fasting” here, but the two oldest don’t have it. It was probably added later due to the popularity of fasting in the early church. I can’t imagine that if you run into a demon possessed person, that you would have to postpone the excorcism for several days so that you could fast, and then cast out the demon.

    II. INTERPRETATION

    What is the connection between prayer and faith?

  • This miracle stresses the need of the disciples to maintain constant contact in faith through prayer with the one person who has the power that they need.
  • There is especial need for prayer when involved in spiritual warfare. Eph 6:

    III. APPLICATIONS

  • If I don’t pray, it reveals a lack of faith. Either I don’t think I need help, or I think He can’t or won’t help. What is really going on is — I doubt the Power and Goodness of God.
  • Unbelief is a sure road to spiritual failure.
  • I should not question God’s ability, but I should pray for help with my faith.
  • Sometimes God may need to correct my faith, before He will help.
  • I can’t do it. = Humility
  • He can do it. = Faith
  • I appropriate His power. = Prayer

    • Related Topics: Miracles, Demons

    28. The Coin in the Fish’s Mouth

    I. OBSERVATION

    A. Passage Selected: Matt. 17:24-27

    B. Progression Stated: Logical

    Illustration in natural world that leads to understanding of supernatural. The logic of analogy.

    C. Presentation Summarized:

    1. Context

    There are actually fish in the sea of Galilee which pick the fertilized eggs off the sea floor and hold them in their mouths until they hatch. Some use this to prove that this was not a miracle. But the response to that is how did Jesus know that that particular fish had a coin in its mouth, that Peter would catch the right one and how did he know its denomination or amount.

    2. Content
    a. Does He pay? 17:24

    It seems that Jesus had not been at the Passover - perhaps up in Gentile territory. Therefore he wasn’t around to pay the tax. When the temple tax collectors ask if Jesus pays, Peter’s impulsive response is, “Yes, he does.”

    b. Who should pay? 17:25-26

    Royalty goes free. Sons are exempt. They don’t pay taxes. This is a political / kingdom illustration, but we are not talking about kings and taxes and politics. This is a religious issue - temple tax. Who pays the temple tax? All the citizens of Israel. Who goes free? The Son of God. After all the temple is God’s House.

    Jesus didn’t have to pay the tax. What is the claim? His deity for one and that other believers are exempt too.

    c. He does pay 17:27

    Jesus pays the tax just to avoid offending, but He’s already made His point. This is yet another instance where we see that the old system is finished and Jesus disengaging from Israel.

    II. INTERPRETATION

  • As son of the temple owner, he is exempt from the temple tax. And as such, so are the rest of God’s family. And you become part of the family by faith - believing in Jesus. OT saints believed in God and had to pay the tax. Now he is telling them that they don’t need to pay the temple tax anymore. The Temple is going down. He has taken the keys of the kingdom from the Jews and given them to the Disciples and the Gentiles.

    III. APPLICATIONS

  • What does Peter’s presumption do? It shows that Peter doesn’t believe that what Jesus is here to do could have any effect on the present system. Presumption can retard spiritual development and understanding. It keeps me from appropriating the progressive revelation of God.
  • Where is his presumption grounded? Fear of criticism, pride...
  • We should avoid offending others. Our purpose being to make them more receptive to the gospel.
  • Sometimes we need to avoid claiming our rights for the benefit of others.
  • Certain things belong to the government and certain things belong to God.

    • Related Topics: Miracles

    29. Healing of the Man Born Blind

    I. OBSERVATION

    A. Passage Selected: John 9:1-41

    B. Progression Stated: Logical and Ideological

    C. Presentation Summarized:

    1. Context

    In John 6: Jesus fed 5000 and then said He was the Bread of Life (John 6:35). In John 8:12 he claimed that He was the Light of the World. Now he provides physical and spiritual light to a blind man.

    This miracle has messianic significance. In the OT it is God himself who is associated with the giving of sight to the blind (Ex. 4:11, Ps. 146:8). In a number of passages in Isaiah (29:18, 35:5, 42:7) it is considered to be a messianic activity:

    John 8:59 shows that they wanted to kill Him. They understood his claims.

    2. Content
    a. The initial conversation and cure of the man 9:l-12

    (1) The question of the disciples (1-2)

    In light of the placement of this account in the narrative, it appears that the Evangelist wants to suggest that this man is representative of all humanity. The fact is that mankind is not by nature receptive to the light (1:5,10). Rather all mankind is spiritually blind from birth. It is the role of the Light who comes into the world to enlighten every man (cf. 1:9).16

    The disciples are guilty of a “Job’s friend” type of theology. They assumed that there was something sinful about the conception or the lives of the parents or the man sinned in the womb.

    One of the main reasons this type of theology is so popular, is because if we can assign blame for misfortune, then it offers us the false hope that if I am good, nothing like that will happen to me.

    (2) The answer of Jesus (3-5)

    The purpose is for the benefit of the man and the witness of Christ. “While it is day” is a metaphor for present opportunity. He is here now and able to do things in front of them, soon he will be leaving.

    He repeats the statement that He is the light of the world (cf 8:12).

    (3) The result for the blind man (6-7)

    The means - spittle and touch again. Here he makes mud pies (which violates the sabbath rule against kneading). The word “siloam” means “sent” and may be a reference to the fact that Jesus was sent by the Father and Jesus sent the man.

    (4) The report of the blind man (8-12)

    A man called Jesus. I don’t know where he is.

    b. The indicting confrontation of the man with the Pharisees 9:13-34

    (1) The man and the Pharisees (13-17)

    They want to know how he had received his sight? They were not interested in the welfare of the man, just that someone had worked on the Sabbath. (Another Sabbath miracle.)

    The Pharisees conclude He can’t be from God, because he is a Sabbath breaker. The man concludes he might be a prophet.

    (2) The Jews and the parents (18-23)

    The parents are afraid of the leaders and wouldn’t say anything.

    (3) The man and the Jews (24-34)

    They know he is from Nazareth. The question might be referring to who his father was. Perhaps they think Jesus is illegitimate because he was born too soon after the marriage. Or the question could

    No one has ever heard of opening the eyes of someone born blind - increase in the power factor here.

    The formerly blind man makes several true statements, follows the logic and comes to the correct conclusions. Thus, the Pharisees are indicted for not coming to the same conclusions and being the godly leaders they were supposed to be.

    c. The invited confession of the man by Jesus 9:35-41

    Jesus found him out... Jesus healed him of his blindness, but the man didn’t really understand who it was that healed him. So Jesus found the man a second time to deal with his spiritual blindness. Perhaps the man wasn’t ready at the time of the healing to believe, but after the questioning of the Pharisees, he had had time to think about everything and was now ready.

    (1) The faith of the man (35-38)

    Although the majority of Greek manuscripts read “Son of God,” the oldest and best manuscripts read “Son of Man.” I think “Son of Man” fits the context of judgment better (cf. Dan 7:13) The “Son of Man” phrase means more than just any son to this man. It has special significance and the blind man recognizes it. He just hadn’t made the connection before now that Jesus was the son of man. It is at this time that he becomes a believer. Not when he was making deductions earlier.

    (2) The function of Jesus (39-41)

    He reveals the truth and gives sight to the blind.

    He conceals the truth and further blinds those who can “see.”

    (i) The purpose of Christ’s ministry

    His purpose is both salvation and judgment. He saves those with faith and judges those with lack of faith. In this context the condition for salvation is the confession of need (recognizing blindness) And those who say they see are self-righteous. Saying you “see” means you don’t recognize your sin. Therefore you don’t see a need for salvation.

    Christ’s purpose was to save the world, but the consequence of rejecting His salvation is judgment. Priority desire is to save. Resultant action may be condemnation. Did I know when I had children that I would have to spank them. Yes. Did I have children so that I could spank them? No.

    (ii) The problem of Israel’s mentality

    II. INTERPRETATION

  • Jesus as the Son of Man is the Light and the Lord in whom one should place faith and before whom one should worship, otherwise there will be judgment.
  • Shows how little compassion the Jewish leaders had for the people. They were only concerned with rules.

    III. APPLICATIONS

  • From the Pharisees we learn that: Self-righteousness is blind. Light rejected brings darkness. He came to blind those who could see. That is a tough statement.
  • From the Parents we learn that: Fear of others can keep one from accepting Christ. Fear of being booted out of your group.
  • Sometimes a good defense is a good offense.
  • Not all sickness is the result of sin.
  • Can God allow a man to be born blind for His glory. You have to stretch your theology / understanding of God to include this one. God is bigger than we expect. Suffering and tragedy can fit into the good plan.
  • And again I’m impressed with the fact that the “layman” understands the obvious truth while the “scholars” argue over the technicalities.
  • People always want to know “how,” but the correct question is “who?”

    • Related Topics: Miracles

    30. Healing of the Woman with the 18-Year Infirmity

    I. OBSERVATION

    A. Passage Selected: Luke 13:10-17

    B. Progression Stated: Logical

    C. Presentation Summarized:

    1. Context

    Another Sabbath miracle.

    In the central section of the travelogue, in the center of a giant chiasm are two miracles which frame the very center.-- The doubled over woman and the man with dropsy.

    O. Doubled Over

    P. International mission and growth

    P’ Israel rejection

    O’ Dropsy

    2. Content
    a. Revelation of the miracle 13:10-13

    Note the twofold problem and the twofold solution: Physical ailment caused by a demon

    b. Response to the miracle 13:14

    It is hard to believe the comment of the synagogue officials. Surely no one could be this calloused.

    c. Rebuke of the miracle 13:15-17

    He rebukes their hypocrisy and of their mixed up value system.

    They would release their ox. Jesus released the woman from what bound her (satan). I think Satan was not the only thing that was binding. The religious leaders were too.

    II. INTERPRETATION

  • Jesus demonstrates the hypocrisy of Israel’s leadership for perverting the Sabbath and having no compassion for people. The Sabbath was made for the benefit of man, not for bondage. The Sabbath was a sign of the mosaic covenant (the law). What God did in the law was make provision for men by sacrificing animals. They had taken the animals and made them more important than humanity. They not only had missed the Sabbath, they had missed the very point of the law.

    III. APPLICATIONS

  • Humanity is more important than animals. I can’t help but think about our animal rights activists who put the existence of a salamander, a fish or a bird over the welfare of people. And recently we’ve heard several news stories about people keeping pit bulldogs and bobcats in a residential neighborhood and these animals severely injuring people.
  • Hypocrisy and lack of compassion is the result of and evidence of an unrighteous religious system.

    • Related Topics: Miracles

    31. Healing the Man with Dropsy

    I. OBSERVATION

    A. Passage Selected: Luke 14:1-6

    B. Progression Stated: Logical

    C. Presentation Summarized:

    1. Context
    2. Content
    a. The plot 14:1
    b. The plant 14:2
    c. The proposition 14:3-4a
    d. The procedure 14:4b
    e. The point 14:5
    f. The perplexity 14:6

    II. INTERPRETATION

    Same as bent over woman

    III. APPLICATIONS

    Same as bent over woman

    Related Topics: Miracles

    Pages