In the healing of the official's son, we see Jesus perform a miracle from a distance, and he performs a miracle that could have possibly been interpreted as having a different cause. Because Jesus wasn't there and because the timing of the healing was conveyed secondhand, the official could have chosen to believe that it was all some crazy coincidence. But, because of his softened heart, the official (and his whole family) saw this sign for what it truly was: a demonstration of God's glorious power to stoke the fires of their genuine faith.
Application Questions
1. When you think of miracles, do you usually think of how limited they are in scope and impact? If not, why not?
2. How does the recording of Jesus'signs in the gospels stoke the fires of your genuine faith?
3. What keeps you from recognizing the“less common kinds of God's action” in your life as God's“signs” (miracles), designed to display his glory and stoke the fires of your genuine faith?
4. How do the“signs” (miracles) you have seen in your own life stoke the fires of your genuine faith?
03. The Official’s Son
“Jesus knew the official’s need was more than simply the fever that threatened the life of his son.”
July 7, 2019
01. Signs and Wonders
June 23, 2019
The miracles performed by Jesus are signs that teach us about God, ourselves, and the world around us. But today, many people struggle to believe that they happened in the first place. In a time when we assume there is always a natural explanation for everything, can we still believe in miracles? And even if we believe in them, how are we supposed to respond to them? The signs and wonders of Jesus are more believable than many assume, and they show us more than we realize. Application Questions 1. Do you struggle with the idea of miracles? Why or why not? 2. How do Jesus' miracles teach you about who he is? 3. How do Jesus' miracles lead you to trust in him more?
02. Water and Wine
June 30, 2019
Too often, we read our Bibles thinking,“If only I could have been there and seen these things, it wouldn't be so hard for me to believe.” But Scripture gives us a different picture. Jesus revealed His glory through the miracles that He performed, and in our Bibles we have all of the signs that we need to believe. Application Questions 1. Think about this miracle in comparison to Jesus' other miracles. What is different about this one? How do those differences impact the way you understand and relate to Jesus? 2. Think about Jesus' interactions with the different individuals in this story. How do His words and actions towards them shape the way you understand His words and actions towards you? 3. In light of the glory of Jesus revealed in this passage, what are some steps that you can take in response to deepen your trust in Jesus?
04. The Lame Walk
July 14, 2019
John's retelling of Jesus healing a paralyzed man and then encountering the religious authorities in a temple teach us about who Jesus is and what he has come to do. Far from just healing a man and leaving, he both chases the man down later and encounters the religious authorities. In both situations, we find Jesus pointing them away from where they thought they'd find wholeness, and pointing them to himself instead. Application Questions 1. What are the situations you try to get into to find wholeness in your life? 2. Do you understand your relationship with Jesus as based entirely on his grace? 3. How are you tempted to get Jesus to partner with you to get what you desire? How would your life look different if Jesus was what you desired most?