Key Thought: There are many things that can keep us from rest in Jesus. We may not always be aware of the actions and attitudes that separate us from our Savior..
.July 17, 2021

1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 10:34-39..

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. Why did Jesus say He didn’t come to bring peace, but a sword?
3. Personal Application: What is the key to bearing a cross – whether voluntarily or one not of our own choosing? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “When Jesus comes, He’s going to have to change human nature. Nobody gets along. There is too much yelling, arguing, crime, and murder. Even Christians are caught up in all the divisiveness.” How would you respond to your friend?

2. Have a volunteer read Luke 12:13-21.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. Is planning for the future selfish and a disregard for God’s kingdom? What is Jesus warning us against?
3. Personal Application: Why does it seem that no matter how much we have, we always want more? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “How does selfishness affect our relationship with God, our spouse, families, church, neighbors, and workmates?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Luke 22:14-30.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. Why did the disciples get sidetracked from the Last Supper’s importance to focus on who would be the greatest
3. Personal Application: Does focusing on Jesus on the cross give us a powerful remedy against the desire for self-exaltation? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “There are many ambitious people in the church. Many of our evangelists, pastors, and administrators are ambitious and have worked diligently to achieve their positions within the church. If they weren’t ambitious, they might not be in the positions they are in. What challenges do you see in wanting to be a church leader?“ How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Matthew 23:1-13..

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. What are the four main characteristics of a hypocrite?
3. Personal Application: How can we learn to see this trait in ourselves?” Share your thoughts.
4. 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!(0)

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Studying the last week of Jesus’ ministry on earth prior to His crucifixion is always a source of encouragement and inspiration. It also offers a snapshot of how restlessness and ambition drive people to do and say ill-advised things.

Read Luke 22:14-30 and think about Jesus’ emotions as He hears His disciples argue during this solemn meal over who among them should be considered the greatest (Luke 22:24). Why did the disciples get sidetracked from this momentous occasion and focus on human greatness?

Image © Krieg Barrie from GoodSalt.com

We seldom discuss with others who is the greatest in our church, our family, or our workplace. We may think about it a lot, but who, really, openly talks about it?

This was not the first time that this question was raised in the community of Jesus’ followers. Matthew 18:1 reports the disciples’ bringing the question to Jesus and framing it in a more abstract way: “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (NKJV). Jesus’ answer involves an object lesson. After calling a child, he sets the child in the center of the group. Eyes are opened wide; eyebrows are raised. Jesus’ action requires an explanation, and in Matthew 18:3 the Master offers that, too: “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (NKJV).

Conversion is foundational for finding true rest in Jesus. We recognize that we need outside help. We suddenly realize that we cannot depend on ourselves but need to rely on Jesus. We experience a transformation of our values and ambitions. Jesus tells His disciples: Trust Me and rely on Me like this child. True greatness is giving up your rights and embracing kingdom values.

Unfortunately, it seems that the disciples had not yet learned this lesson by the time Jesus ate the last supper with them. Their bickering and infighting ruined a moment of perfect communion that was never to be repeated.

All this, even after years of being with Jesus, ministering with Jesus, and hearing and learning at His feet? What a sad example of just how corrupt the human heart remains! On the more positive side, however, think about the ever-present reality of the Lord’s grace, that despite this pathetic discussion among His followers, Jesus didn’t give up on them.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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