Ministry

The Revelation of the Christ

Teaching with Authority

• Jesus started his teaching ministry when he came to his hometown and read from the Scriptures (Luke 4:14-22).
• Jesus’ teaching was characterized as having authority (Matt 7:28-29), unlike the scribes (Mark 1:21-22).

Teaching for Change

• Jesus’ teaching raised the bar concerning holiness (Matthew 5-7).
• At Jesus’ Transfiguration, the Father told the disciples to listen to him (Matt. 17:5).
• Jesus’ teaching often caused the crowds to decrease instead of increase.  
• When many disciples walked away from his challenging teachings, Peter said, “To whom else can we go? You have words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

Teaching in Parables

• He often spoke in parables so those with Kingdom eyes could understand (Matt. 13:10-17).
• Yet even his disciples had to have private explanations from time to time (Mark 4:10-20).
• Jesus’ utilizing parables made his lessons memorable and explained hidden spiritual things (Matt. 13:34-35).

The Supplication of the Christ

“But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray” (Luke 5:16).

• Jesus prayed alone (Matt. 14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 9:18; 22:39-41), in public (John 11:41-42; 12:27-30), before meals (Matt. 26:26; Mark 8:6; Luke 24:30; John 6:11), before important decisions (Luke 6:12-13), before healing (Mark 7:34-35), after healing (Luke 5:16), and to do the Father’s will (Matt. 26:36-44) just to name a few.
• In heaven, he now lives to make intercession for us (Heb. 7:25).

“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

• What are some of the amazing things that the disciples witnessed Jesus do?
• With all the disciples experienced, they asked Jesus to teach them one thing:

“He was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples’” (Luke 11:1).

• At that time, Jesus gave what we call the Lord’s Prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer

• Honoring God - For what reasons do you have to glorify God today?
• Committing to Follow God’s Will - Is there anything you need to change?
• Depending Upon God’s Provision - What needs do you need to put in the hands of God?
• Forgiving Others - Who do you need to forgive?  
• Keeping Us from Temptation - Any danger areas?
• Praising God - Any reasons to worship?

The Manifestation of the Christ

• Jesus showed that he could perform the impossible (Luke 18:27).
• His miracle or sign part of his ministry was to increase people’s faith (Mark 9:23).
• No matter the amazing nature of these miracles, Jesus’ followers had difficulty trusting in him when the next impossible situation presented itself (Matt. 14:13-21).
• Jesus was also aware of those who were following his signs and not actually him (John 2:23-25).

“Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’” (John 20:28).

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