7: Jesus and Those in Need – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: Jesus demonstrated the work of the Prophets : good news for the poor, freedom for the oppressed, healing for the broken-hearted.

August 17, 2019

1. Have a volunteer read Luke 4:16-21.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
Why do you think Jesus presented His ministry as the Messiah in this manner?
Personal Application: How do we balance meeting the physical needs with sharing the three angel’s messages to the world? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states: “Jesus healed many people in His ministry. He gave His apostles the power to do the same. But today we see very few manifestations of miracle healing happening. Is it because of a lack of faith, more modern medical cures, or something else? ” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Matthew 12:15-21.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
What does healing all the people that came to Him and telling them not to reveal it tell us about Jesus?
Personal Application: Why should we avoid politics in trying to help the downtrodden? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why does the prophecy say that the Gentiles should trust in His name? I thought Jesus was a Jew who came to the House of Israel? Wouldn’t this inflame the Jews in prejudice and hatred against the Gentiles and make it harder for Jesus to be accepted by the Jews?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Matthew 21:12-16.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
Why were the priests and scribes so displeased by Jesus’ healing the blind and the lame?
Personal Application: What are some of the dangers that a church today could get involved in that focuses more on income than in helping the poor? Share your thoughts
Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Do you think there is anything wrong with having benefit suppers, fairs, auctions, and yard sales at the church? Does this distract from the focus of our church’s mission?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Isaiah 53:3-6.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
How might we today be guilty of not desiring Christ, hiding our faces from Him, esteeming Him not, and being like sheep gone astray
Personal Application: Why show we always keep the injustice of Christ being punished for our sins before us as we seek to help the downtrodden? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Amen!