Mark 10: 46-52

• Jericho: ‘Fragrant’, 15 miles from Jerusalem.
• Jesus was going to Jerusalem for the Jewish feast of Passover
• Bartimaeus, this is the only place where name of person who is healed by Jesus is mentioned!
• Double meaning of Bartimaeus: Greek – Honorable man, Hebrew Heir or son of unclean, spiritual blindness.
• Popular theology among Jews was, blindness is punishment from God for sin, see (John 9:34) Blind man with Pharisees. (Check out, Jesus heals the disabled man at Pool of Bethesda)
• His name possibly can mean son of blind man.

Q. What do you think about Bartimaeus?

• Poor, beggar, one of many beggars on the road to Jerusalem, did not own much, his only possession could be his garment
• Dejected, downcast, desperate, and yet bold, persistent, hopeful, sincere in his request

Q. What was his response when he heard about Jesus? What did he know about Jesus?

• He began to call onto Jesus, shout a loud. He was persistent.
• He must have heard about Jesus, his miracles, healing, his claims, teachings
• He must have believed that Jesus can heal him

Q. What does title ‘Son of David’ mean to Jews?

• Promised Messiah, One who is to come from the lineage of King David
• See John 7:42, Mat 21:9, Isa 35:5

Q. What was crowd’s response?

• Twofold, first they rebuked him, and then encouraged him!

Q. What did he do when Jesus called him?

• He threw his coat, his garment, his only possession, which may come on his way to reaching to Jesus
• Old garment of self-pity or self righteousness, old self
• He was ready to get rid of anything that comes on his way

Q. Why did Jesus ask him question?

• Very unique feature of Jesus’ ministry
• It is to confirm his faith, public proclamation of his trust in Jesus (Jesus asking, do you really believe that I can heal you)
• “What do you want Jesus to do in your life?”

Q. What can we learn from Bartimaeus?

• His faith – Jesus can heal him
• He showed his faith by actions
• He was persistent in his call to Jesus
• He followed Jesus thereafter.

Application:

• We all need healing; it can be physical or spiritual. Jesus can heal us, but we need to come to him, put our trust in him.

“To see beyond the present is Wisdom, but to see beyond possible is Faith.”More Bible Studies:

• Jesus Heals at the Pool of Bethesda | John 5:1-15
• Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12
• Jesus and Beelzebub – Mark 3:20-30 | Bible Study
• John the Baptist in the Wilderness – Matthew 3:1-12
• Jesus Heals the Leper – Mark 1:40-45 | Bible Study

Jesus Heals the Blind Man – Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52 | Bible Study is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

• Luke 9:10-17
• John 8:1-14
• Matthew 14:13-21
• Mark 6:32-44

Background of the Miracle:

• “Feeding the 5000″ is the only miracle recorded by all four gospels.
• Disciples came from their mission, they were tired and hungry, did not have time to eat. They needed rest.
• Jesus just heard about the death of John the Baptist (Mat 14:13). (Ministry of John the Baptist)
• Jesus wanted him and his disciples to withdraw from the crowd so that they can have some rest.
• They headed to Bethesda, by boat to discourage crowd from following them. (Check, Jesus healed disable man at Pool of Bethesda)
• They were trying to get away from them.

Bethesda – Fisherman’s House:

• Bethesda – meaning “Fisherman’s house”, it was home of Philip, Andrew and Peter.
• Mini vacation on weekends!
• Crowd was all in need, physical, emotional, spiritual. They sought teaching and healing, they were already gathered at the place, before Jesus arrived.
• Mark 6:34 says that he had compassion on them because they were life sheep without shepherd.

How do we respond when they invade our privacy?

• So many times, when we are tired and weary, under stress, and people come to us in need, and we try to avoid them. They come with hope of getting something, to share or to have fellowship. Are we available to their needs.
• Jesus had compassion on them; he welcomed them not out of duty or obligation, but out of love and care.
• Think of an incident, when you are so tired and need rest, and your friend comes and you start thinking “oh, no, how do I get rid of him?” you don’t have to go too far to find such situation.
• Jesus as a caregiver, first to his disciples and then to the crowd.
• Jesus taught them about the kingdom of God, healed them (for hours). (The Beatitudes – Poor in Spirit – Kingdom of Heaven)
• Jesus must be teaching well, that crowd did not disperse in the evening; they were too engrossed into listening to Jesus.
• Think of church meeting, when preacher goes little above time, and people start looking at their watch, start dispersing.

“Give them something to eat”

• Crowd are not worried, disciples are. It’s like they come and tell Jesus, “its time to close, let them go.”
• Jesus reply is startling, “give them something to eat.” – What!
• Are you crazy, 5000 men, women, and children. We don’t have enough money to feed them. It is like a eight month’s wages, thousand of dollars, are we going to use all that for feeding them one meal?
• Think practically, let them go. Jesus’ ways does not seem practical at times.
• See, Judge 6-7: Gideon’s army of 300 men winning against 150,000 midianites.

“What do you have?”

• Jesus asks another question, “What do you have, go and see?”
• Boy with five loaves of bread and two fishes
• How can few pieces of loaves, fishes feed the 5000?
• Totally inadequate, impossible to feed, but this is all they had.
• Jesus prepared them for Miracle – All were hungry, he didn’t want chaos, disorder, shoving, pushing. He wanted to organize, order.
• Another example of miracles in orderly fashion, our God is organized.
• Disciples don’t understand, why is he doing that? However, confused they are, they followed what he said.
• So many times, he wants us to act in faith, though it may sound foolish or silly.
• Jesus did not do miracle first and then told them about organizing crowd.
• Prayer of thanksgiving – most important part of miracle
• Giving thanks to father, not credit on himself, but exalting God the father. Thanking and blessing God.
• He then broke them and distributed them.
• Five thousand people, it must have taken few hours to do that.
• All were fed and satisfied.

Jesus’ final assignment for his disciples:

• Jesus’ final assignment for his disciples, “go and gather broken pieces.” To make them realize that God’s provision is more than adequate. (He in fact, later on reminds them about it in Mark 8:19)
• Profound impact on disciples, all gospels have account of it.

Why this miracle?

• This miracle created a problem for Jesus’ ministry.
• In was Lesson of discipleship for his disciples. (Seven Conditions of Christian Discipleship)

“What do YOU have?”

• Off course, our resources are way inadequate to the need of this world. But we are to bring what we have to him. And put it into his hands.
• He will in turn, bless them and place them into your hands back, multiplied, more powerful than you can ever imagine.
• Too often, we are overwhelmed by the need, and give up, questioning adequacy of God.
• When we see the world, we are stunned by the need all around us and whole world, people are deserting God, so much of pain, and suffering, persecution, hurt, wars. And we realize that our resources are very limited. We can not help due to lack of resources.
• Jesus is looking for people who are ready to believe, trust him, who are willing to bring whatever little they have. (instead of complaining or stepping back)
• God’s provision is more than adequate. Are we ready to trust him, believe that though task is immense, Our God is more than sufficient.
• All we need to do is to bring our resources, gifts, talents, time, energy, and he is going to bless them and multiply them. (Discover your spiritual gifts)

Also Check out: Against All Odds: God’s Math Doesn’t Need to Add UpMore Bible Studies:

• Jesus Calming the Storm – Bible Lesson
• Bible Study Updates from BibleSEO
• Miracle of Jesus at Cana Wedding – John 2:1-11 | Bible Study
• Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12
• Jesus Heals at the Pool of Bethesda | John 5:1-15

Feeding the 5000 | Bible Study is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

• Mark 4: 35-41
• Matthew 8:23-27
• Luke 8:22-25

How do you feel if you are in one of these storms in the sea? How will you react to the situation? Where would you go for help? Let us look at what the disciples of Jesus reacted in such a life threatening storm.

Q. Mark 4:35 starts with ‘that’ day. Which day is he talking about?

• The day started with chapter 4, when Jesus started teaching the crowd. He taught them lots of stories and parables and performed many miracles.
• At the end of the day, Jesus and his disciples would be tired, needed rest. They went into boats for rest. This was often the case to find rest, so that crowd cannot follow Jesus. (Mat 14:13)

Sea of Galilee: is 680 feet below sea level and surrounded by hills.

Q. What did Jesus tell his disciples?

• “Let us go over the other side.”

• Surely, they did not expect the miracle, by their reaction after Jesus calming the storm. (Mark 4:41)
• They assumed that they are all going to die.
• Angry and frustrated to see Jesus sleeping – “Don’t you care, if we die?”! (Questioning God – Psalms 13)
• Is he insane? How can he sleep in such a situation?
• There seems to me, two storms raging – one in the sea of Galilee and the other in the hearts of disciples!

Q. What did Jesus do? What were disciples’ reaction?

• Jesus calms the Storm and the sea.
• He got up, rebuked the wind and the sea!
• “Quiet, be still.”
• Jesus demonstrated his power over the wind and the waves – over the Nature. (also check, Jesus feeding five thousand)
• I suppose, it was wind and wave’s time to be terrified!
• At once, there was a complete calm.
• Disciples might be wondering, was that a dream? What has just happened?
• They were shocked and terrified, even more than before!

Q. What can you learn about the nature of Jesus here?

• Mark 4:38 – He was tired – Man.
• Mark 4:39 – His power over nature – God
• He was God and Man both. (This is the greatest mystery of all!)

Q. Why did Jesus ask, “Where is your faith”?

• Because he told them, “Let us go to the other side.”!
• Fear is the absence of faith and trust.
• It was a powerful discipleship lesson. (7 conditions of Christian discipleship)

Q. What was disciples’ response?

• “Who is this”? – Not mere teacher for sure. (Mark 4:38)
• “Who can command the wind and the wave?”
• “Who can calm the storm and the sea?”

Bible Study Lessons:

• We may not go through the physical storm as the disciples did. But we all have been through many other storms in our own lives like sickness, loosing job, failures, personal weakness, death of loved one, accident, depression, hopelessness…, where we feel helpless.
• We may think or feel like God does not care. He is sleeping. He is not answering our prayers.
• But thank God that Jesus is in our boats! He is in control. (Captain of our boat)
• We need to completely trust him. (This is a lot harder to do that to say.)
• I have been through many storms in my personal walk (sailing) with Jesus, and I have seen his faithfulness and power at work in due time. I have learnt not to doubt, but to completely trust him.
• I have learnt not to be afraid but totally rely on his power and promise in the storms of my life. (I have not completely succeeded yet, I must say!)
• We may think that Jesus is a teacher, leader, speaker or great man… But it is when we realize his true identity, we can entrust him our whole life.
• You may have heard the famous Story of Tight rope Walker:

A tightrope walker amazed a crowd of onlookers by successfully walking across a rope which stretches across the mighty Niagara Falls. After his performance, the performer asked the crowd, “How many of you believe that I can carry a man on my back while walking the tightrope across the falls?” Many of the people in the crowd enthusiastically raised their hands. Then the performer asked another question: “Which of you is willing to actually let me carry you across the falls?” Of course, not a single person volunteers!

Are you willing to entrust your whole life to Jesus?

More Bible Studies:

• Feeding the 5000 | Bible Study
• Jesus and Beelzebub – Mark 3:20-30 | Bible Study
• Jesus’ Disciples Names: List, Meaning and Occupation
• Questioning God – Psalm 13
• Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12

Jesus Calming the Storm – Bible Lesson is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

• During past one and half years, it has grown from few page-views to more than 75,000 – 100,000 page-views per month.
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It’s been a great year and half, and we hope that next 12 months will be even better! Please share your comments or suggestions.

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Here are some of the early bible studies.

• Life of Moses: Bible Character Study
• How to do Quiet time
• Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh
• Jesus heals at the Pool of Bethesda: John 5:1-15
• Woman with Alabaster Jar and Jesus: Luke 7:36-50
• 9 Ways God speak to His People
• Manuscript Bible Study Method
• Leading Small Group Bible Study
• Jesus heals Paralytic Man: Mark 2:1-12

More Bible Studies:

• Bible Study Updates from BibleSEO
• Exclusive: Christian Web and New Media Award 2009 Runner Up
• How to Lead Small Group – Practical Suggestions
• How to Lead Small Group Bible Study Effectively
• The Life of Moses: Biblical Character

Over Half a Million Page Views is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

John 5:1-15

Q. Where did the incident take place?

• The Pool of Bethesda
• Near sheep gate. Sheep gate was the gate used to bring sheep into the city to the temple for sacrifice. (Nehemiah 3:1)
• The Bethesda pool has been discovered by archeologists in 1960s.

Q. What was the occasion?

• Feast of Jews & Sabbath
• Three feasts of Jews
  1. Feast of Passover & unleavened bread
  2. Feast of Pentecost
  3. Feast of tabernacles

Q. Why were there lot of disabled people near Bethesda pool?

• Waiting for angel to come and stir waters. (Angels and Demons in the Bible)
• It is common to hear about hot springs in which people got or claimed to get healed in ancient times. Even today, in many parts of the world, people go to some of these hot springs, which supposedly have healing power!
• We are not sure exactly weather the pool water had some miraculous power.
• John 5:4 (KJV) – “For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.”
• Note: Verse 4 is not included in the New International Version.  Some of the later found manuscripts do not contain this verse, so it has been left out in the later bible translation like NIV.

Q. What can you learn about the condition of the disabled man?

• He was disabled for 38 years (older than Jesus)
• He would have tried everything he could have.
• There was nobody to help him (John 5:7) His family may have left him there.
• He was lying there near Bethesda pool in a hope that some day he may get chance to be the first one to get into pool.
• Persistent
• He wanted to be well. But he could not do it by himself. He needed somebody’s help.
• He sincerely thought that if I can reach there at right time, I can be healed. The only problem was that he could not!
• He did not even know who Jesus was. Jesus came up to him.

Q. What did Jesus ask him? And what was his reply?

• It was a strange question -”Do you want to get well?” He had been there all these year desperately trying to be well. With this question, Jesus was offering him help. Perhaps, nobody would have asked him to help for years!
• If I am to rephrase the man’s answer in one sentence, it would be, “Yes, I want to be well, I just can’t get there.” Put yourself in his place – you may be desperately trying for physical or emotional healing, peace, joy, purpose, or any personal victory over temptation. Jesus asks us the same simple question!

Q. What was Jesus’ reply?

• “Get up, pick up your mat and walk.” – You don’t have to go there. Your healing is right here, right now. You don’t have to wait for angel to come to the pool.
• The man was instantly healed. (After suffering from it for 38 years)

Q. Why were Jews not happy?

• The man was carrying his mat on sabbath. Pharisees and the teachers of the law had many laws regarding Sabbath about how much to walk or work on sabbath.
• They were insensitive to the man who was healed after 38 years.
• They cared about laws more than people. (People First!)
• Think of a blind man get healed and in his joy, he may cross the road and the cop gives him ticket in spite of knowing that he was just healed!!!

Q. What can we learn from the fact that he did not even know Jesus?

• He did not even know who healed him.
• Can we say, that miracles are not always consequence of faith?
• Jesus again found him, it is as if Jesus is literally pursuing him.

Q. Why did Jesus talk to him about sin? Where does sin come into picture? Do you think sickness is the result of sin?

• He was physically healed, but he also needed spiritual healing.
• I don’t think, Jesus meant that his sickness or disability was the result of sin. Check out the surprisingly similar passage of healing blind man in John 9:1-12.
• It was a reminder of much greater healing and change from inside. After all, what can be worst than 38 years of sickness?
• Jesus also gave the similar command to the woman caught in the adultery in John 8: 1-11. (John 8:11)
• The man took heed of Jesus’ instruction, thus proclaiming boldly about Jesus healing him.

Bible Study Lessons:

You may be experiencing some sickness, disease, some hurt, pain for very long time. You may be struggling with some personal sin or weakness. And You may have tried everything in your power to get well. But you may have realized that you cannot do it on your own.

Jesus is asking the same question to you, “do you want to get well?”More Bible Studies:

• Jesus Heals the Blind Man – Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52 | Bible Study
• Shriveled Hands – Jesus Heals on Sabbath – Mark 3:1-6
• Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12
• Feeding the 5000 | Bible Study
• Jesus Heals the Leper – Mark 1:40-45 | Bible Study

Jesus Heals at the Pool of Bethesda | John 5:1-15 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Mark 1:40-45

Q. Visualize condition of the Leper.

• Rejected by family, friends, community
• Outcast from the community and city
• No one would have touched him for days. If anyone touches him, he will also become unclean.
• Leprosy is not something, you can romanticized. It is one of the most hated and rejected diseases. (Check out Jesus healing the Disabled Man at Bethesda)
• He would need physical, social, spiritual healing.
• His self-esteem would have been lost.
• According to Moses’ Law, the leper has to pass through at least 14 days of ‘cleansing’ process before he can enter the city and see Jesus.

  

Q. What does his request say about his state of mind?

• The leper was desperate and downcast. In Jesus, he saw his last rescue!
• His lack of confidence in himself – “If you are willing, you can make me clean!”
• This man would have tried everything, he could, to cure himself. But nothing could cure his decaying body.  In Jesus, he saw hope, a healer, savior who can help him out of this condition. And so he came to him kneeling and beseeching.
• It is out of such state of mind of helplessness and self-pity, he cried out. “If you are willing, you can heal me.”
• I believe that in the Kingdom of God, this is your qualification, when you realize that you are nothing in yourself, but a helpless person, who desperately need a healer and Savior.

Q. What was Jesus’ response to the leper?

• He was moved by pity, filled with compassion.
• He stretched out his hands and touch him! people around him would have been shocked to see that!
• “How can he touch him? He would also be ‘unclean’.” Some might have whispered!
• There is a reverse phenomenon here, Jesus’ touch can cleanse the ‘unclean’.
• I believe that even Jesus’ touch would have healed his soul. For what seems like a simple gesture by Jesus, was a great expression of comfort and acknowledgment, as if Jesus is saying, “I love you and care for you despite of your wounds and disrupted body and soul.”
• Jesus healed his body and soul.
• I am not going to focus today on this man’s failure to follow Jesus’ warning. I guess his joy was too great to be contained to himself. That did caused hindrances for Jesus’ public ministry.

Bible Lessons & Prayer:

This passage is the reminder that your greatest qualification in the Kingdom of God, is when you realize your own unworthiness. How often we come to Jesus without putting aside ourselves, expecting him to do great things for us. (or expecting us to do great things for him!).

More I dig deeper into this story. I find my own story of encounter with Jesus – ‘A Leper’s Story‘!

Jesus, Even you touch is so relieving and soothing to our stressed, tensed, pitiful heart and soul for it reminds me that You love me and care for me.

More Bible Studies:

• Beatitudes: Blessed are Poor in Spirit – 8 Part Series
• The Sadducees and Jesus – Question about Resurrection
• Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness – Beatitudes Bible Study | 4 of 8
• Persecuted for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study – Part 8 of 8
• Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12

Jesus Heals the Leper – Mark 1:40-45 | Bible Study is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Mark 3:1-6:

Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

Background:

• Who: Jesus, his disciples, Pharisees, People
• Where: Synagogue
• When: Sabbath
• Jesus had an argument with Pharisees about Sabbath, just before this incident. (Mark 2:23-27)

Q. What was Pharisee’s intention?

• To investigate Jesus closely so that they can accuse him.
• They were after him to find fault in him.
• They even followed Jesus into synagogue to see if they can accuse him.
• They were so much annoyed by Jesus that they forgot that ‘Synagogue should be the place of worship!’
• (Also check, Jesus’ authority questioned by Teachers of the Law)

Q. What was their attitude towards the man with shriveled hand?

• Totally ignorant
• Did not care or see his needs.
• They were seeing him as a ‘trap’.
• They cared about rules and laws more than the need of that man.

Q. By their actions, what did Pharisees agree indirectly?

• In the midst of this conspiracy, they agreed that Jesus had a power to heal and he could heal that man.
• But in their stubbornness, they were not ready to believe that this supernatural power was from God.

Q. What was Jesus’ reaction?

• First of all, He could perceive their plot and thoughts, without them telling anything!
• He intentionally made that man stand in front of everybody.

Q. What do you think the response should be, ‘which is lawful on the sabbath, to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?

• Answer is pretty obvious, to do good, to save life.
• But, they remained silent because of their stubborn heart.

Q. Why was Jesus angry?

• Because of their silence
• Their stubborn and closed heart
• Insensitive to the need of the disabled man
• Jesus was angry and sad (distressed) at the same time.

Q. Is it OK to be angry?

• It is ok to be angry for the right cause, at the right time. (Eph 4:26)
• It is important how you express your anger.

Q. What was the impact of this incident on this man?

• Completely healed / restored
• By healing him on Sabbath, Jesus also showed that he cared about people more than the Sabbath. (Mark 2:27)

Q. Who were Herodians?

• Jewish political party
• King Herod’s supporters
• Jesus was causing the instability politically, so He was threat to the Herodians.
• Herodians and Pharisees would normally be enemies due to their different agenda.
• In spite of their differences, Pharisees were ready to negotiate with Herodians, so that they can KILL Jesus.
• Can ‘Plotting to kill’ be lawful on Sabbath?

Applications:

• Don’t be too legalistic to ignore the needs of people
• As Christians, we need to be careful that we ‘walk the talk’, people around us always watch our actions closely (especially when we least expect).

More Bible Studies:

• Jesus Heals the Blind Man – Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52 | Bible Study
• The Parable of the Great Feast | Luke 14:15-24 | Bible Study
• The Scribes Questions Jesus’ Authority – Mark 11: 27-33
• Jesus and Beelzebub – Mark 3:20-30 | Bible Study
• Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12

Shriveled Hands – Jesus Heals on Sabbath – Mark 3:1-6 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Mark 3:20-30:

Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house. I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.” He said this because they were saying, “He has an evil spirit.” (Mark 3:20-30)

Similar passage: Matthew 12:22-37

Q. Why did Jesus’ family come to take charge of him? And why did they think ‘He was out of mind’?

• Jesus was becoming very popular
• His claims and behavior were unusual
• He was directly challenging the authority of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. (Authority of Jesus questioned in the temple)
• He seemed like a religious fanatic
• Embarrassment and fear
• overly hectic schedule of teaching
• They might have thought of taking him home for rest and food (He and his disciples were unable to even eat due to huge crowd. (Jesus feeding five thousands)
• His family could have meant mostly his brothers. Since his brothers had not believed in him yet. (John 7:5)

Even Paul was thought to be out of mind (Acts 26:24). Is there a pattern here?

Q. Who was Beelzebub?

• Lord of flies or dung
• Beelzebub is mentioned in 2 Kings 1:1-16 as God of Ekron. (You must read this passage!)
• Satan – Prince of demons (Check out, Angels and Demons in the Bible)
• Matthew 12:24-25: Lord of dung

(Note: “teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem” – Jesus was in Galilee which was north of Jerusalem (Judea). But Jerusalem was the ‘City on a Hill’, so often in the gospels, it is mentioned as ‘come down from Jerusalem’).

Q. What/Why did Teachers of the Law accuse him of?

• Possessed by Beelzebub.
• Driving out demons with the help of prince of demons!
• They did accept the fact that Jesus cast out demons.
• It was beyond the doubt, they could not deny the reality of his miracles or supernatural powers.
• But they refused to believe that this power was from God, because then they have to accept in his claims to be ‘Messiah’.
• Due to their hardheartedness or pride, they did not believe in him.
• Instead they were jealous of his increasing popularity, so they tried to destroy his reputation by accusing him of ‘possessed by Beelzebub’.

Q. How did Jesus answer him?

• Jesus used three examples in his parables

1. Kingdom
2. House
3. Strong man’s house

• He used simple logic to disprove their false claims
• Why would Satan let his ‘possession’?
• Satan’s kingdom can not stand if he cast himself out!
• Similarly, house also cannot stand, it is is divided.

Q. How did Jesus show his superiority?

• In the third parable, he talked about strong man’s house. In order to take possession, he first have to tie up the strong man.
• Jesus could only cast out demons, if he first tie up (or defeat) the possessor (Satan).
• So, Jesus was saying, that he and prince of demons are not working together.
• Not only that, but that He has a superior power to defeat Satan and rescue people out of his possession.

Q. Why is ‘Blasphemy against Holy Spirit’ an unpardonable sin?

Blasphemy against Holy Spirit is

• Attitude of disbelief and unrepentant heart
• Deliberate, ongoing rejection of the work of Holy Spirit
• Hardheartedness or stubbornness to deny the work of Holy spirit
• Continually rejecting, resisting and insulting Spirit of God
• It is one thing to deny the Spirit of God ignorantly, but if you deliberately reject his work (despite of knowing his power at work), then you are on very dangerous ground.
• There are many resources available, if you would like to research about this subject.

Q. Why did Jesus declare ‘Eternal Sin’ to the scribes (teachers of the Law)?

• They claimed that Jesus had an evil spirit.
• They described work of Spirit of God as work of Satan!

Application:

• Teachers of the Law accused Jesus of having evil spirit, but in return, they accused themselves of an Eternal Sin.
• It reminds us of how stubborn man can be!
• Have you been falsely accused for doing God’s work? Don’t be surprised. You are not alone. (Matthew 5: 11-12)

More Bible Studies:

• Angels and Demons – Biblical Perspective
• Temptations of Jesus in the Wilderness | Bible Study
• The Scribes Questions Jesus’ Authority – Mark 11: 27-33
• How to Overcome Temptation
• Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12

Jesus and Beelzebub – Mark 3:20-30 | Bible Study is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

• John 2:1-11:
• Miracle of Water Into Wine

Q. What was the wedding like in an eastern culture? Who were invited? How long can it go?

• In Eastern cultures, wedding was like a social event, family, friends, distant relatives, neighbors are all invited. (Parable of Great Banquet)
• Wedding celebration can go upto 2-3, even 7 days.

Q. The passage starts with ‘On the third day’, So was is it referring to? How was Jesus’ Schedule like?

Let us trace back Jesus’ schedule for this week.

• 1st Day – John spoke about Messiah (John 1:26-28)
• 2nd Day – John testifies about Jesus (John 1: 29)
• 3rd Day – Jesus’ first disciples – Andrew and Simon Peter (John 1:35)
• 4th Day – More disciples – Philip and Nathaniel (John 1:43)
• 7th Day – Jesus at the Wedding (John 2:1)

It seems like John is giving account of major event on every day of the week. This is quite fascinating. In some ways, this gives us idea of what happened during first few days of Jesus’ public ministry.

Q. Where was Cana?

• Small town in Galilee (you can locate Cana in your bible map). It is this place where Jesus performed his first miraculous sign, in his public ministry. (John 2:11)
• Jesus also performed another miracle in Cana. (John 4:46 – “Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum.”)
• Cana is also mentioned in John 21:2 as a Nathanael’s home town.

Q. What does it mean to run out of food in the Wedding in that culture?

• Public disgrace, shame for the family
• In some eastern cultures, legal actions can also be taken against it.

Q. Why did Mary tell Jesus about the problem?

• To report, or just to inform, or may be to do something about it.
• Her anticipation is clear from her instruction to servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
• (Mary may seem like a meddler! But it is quite common for the elders to help out in some critical situation during wedding)

Q. What do you think about Jesus’ address to his mother?

• “Dear Woman”, sounds strange! Nonetheless, it was a respected term.
• (Jesus used similar words on the cross, John 19:26 -”When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son..”)

Q. Why did Jesus tell, “My time has not yet come”?

• Jesus implies that the time has not yet fully come to publicly reveal his true identity.
• Compare it with John 12:23, John 12:27, John 13:1, John 16:25 and John 17:1.
• (Jn 17:1 – “After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you”.)

Q. What were those six stone jars for?

• They were for the purpose of Jews washing their hands before they begin to eat and for other purification purposes.
• Each stone jars, can approximately contain 20 gallons of water. So, its about 120 gallons of water (~450 liters). (Total number of wine bottles, click here)

Q. Who was the master of banquet?

• Wedding planner.

Q. What does wine represent in the bible?

• Wine is often considered a symbol of Joy. (Isaiah 55:1)

Q. How many people knew that Jesus performed this miracle? What can we learn from this passage?

• His mother, his disciples, and the servants.
• This was the first miracle Jesus performed. It was very low profile. Very few people knew about it. It was at the wedding, in very insignificant town, in front of the servants.
• Jesus cares for the insignificant.
• He can turn our ordinary life into exceptional for his Glory (John 2:11)
• There is a wonderful poetic expression of miracle of water into wine: “The conscious water saw its God and blushed.”

More Bible Studies:

• Joseph in the Gospel of Matthew – Matthew 1:18-25 | Bible Study
• Feeding the 5000 | Bible Study
• The Parable of the Great Feast | Luke 14:15-24 | Bible Study
• Jesus Calming the Storm – Bible Lesson
• How to Do Quiet Time – Time Alone with God

Miracle of Jesus at Cana Wedding – John 2:1-11 | Bible Study is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Mark 2: 1-12

Q. The passage starts with Jesus entering Capernaum again. So, What did Jesus do on his first visit to Capernaum?

• Preached in the synagogue (Mark 1: 21-34)
• Healed many sick and diseased (Jesus heals the Leper, Jesus heals at Pool of Bethesda)
• Drove out demons from demon-possessed
• The whole town was gathered to see Jesus (Mark 1: 32-34)
• Jesus was very well known, he was a famous figure. So, when people heard that Jesus was in town again (Mark 2: 1), there was such a huge crowd that there was no room in the house.

Q. What was the scene at the house?

• House full! No room even outside the door
• People must have brought many sick, demon possessed, expecting Jesus to heal them
• Scribes (Teachers of the Law) were present there to test him or check him
• Jesus was preaching the word to them

Q. Who do you think, were those four men? What was their motive?

• They could be friends, relative or family members to the Paralytic man
• Wanted their friend to be healed
• The Paralytic man’s situation seemed to be very critical from the urgency or extreme measures which they took.

Q. What would have they thought when they saw that there was no room? Visualize their conversation. Imagine yourself into that situation.

• Disappointed
• May be next time (Well, we did our part by bringing him here!)
• Let us wait here for Jesus to come out!
• Let us go back, we will bring him again!

Q. What do you think about their decision?

• Now or never!
• Desperate measures
• Tough, difficult and quite strange decision (they decided to open the roof of somebody’s house, it wasn’t their house, after all!)
• Imagine also the paralytic man’s agreement in this decision

Q. Visualize the setting in the house.

• Jesus was preaching the word.
• Everyone was listening. And suddenly, there was a noise on the roof.
• And before, anybody could realize what was happening, there was a man lowered down from the roof by four men! Quite an attention grabber!
• (You can do some research on the location of the house roof )

Q. What can be inferred form these four men’s action?

• They knew about his friend’s desperate need
• They showed amazing faith
• The paralytic man on his part, showed amazing trust in his friends
• They did not give up
• They were sure that if somehow if we can make him meet Jesus, he would be healed

Q. What do you think about Jesus’ reply, “Son, your sins are forgiven”?

• Healed him spiritually first!
• They got more than they expected.

Q. What was Jesus claiming to be? What did Scribes think?

• Jesus claimed that he had an authority and power to forgive one’s sins
• Only God can forgive sins, So he was claiming to be equal to God.
• Jesus announced his forgiveness in front of crowd. Compare it with Luke 7:48.
• He was clearly claiming his divinity.
• There was a popular opinion at that time that disease is the effect of the sin

Q. What do you think is easier, ‘your sins are forgiven’ or ‘get up, take your mat and walk’?

• It may be easier to say that your sins are forgiven, because you don’t see the results. It is spiritual. You cannot see visible change.
• But to say to the paralytic man, get up and walk,  he must be healed, you can see the physical change.
• I am still wondering what Jesus meant by this question. But one thing is clear, he proved his claim to have power to forgive sins, by  healing him physically as well.

Jesus showed his divinity

• By reading thoughts of teachers of the law
• By forgiving sins of the paralytic man
• By healing him

Application:
It is fascinating to see the faith of those four men and their actions. They were willing to bring his friend to Jesus at any cost. I think, as a christian, we often bring our friends (who do not know Jesus) tentalizing close to Jesus. But the last step of introducing him to Jesus, needs faith and desparation. It requires extreme measures. Are we willing to take that risk and  do something which would seem like awkward, strange and often risky?

We often forget about the paralytic man, who is mostly silent in the whole episode. But none of these could have possible without his mutual consent. He was also willing to go to any extent to see Jesus. He received more than he expected. He received spiritual and physical healing.

Are we prepared to take extreme measures to meet Jesus?

More Bible Studies:

• Jesus Heals the Blind Man – Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52 | Bible Study
• Jesus Heals at the Pool of Bethesda | John 5:1-15
• Feeding the 5000 | Bible Study
• Jesus and Beelzebub – Mark 3:20-30 | Bible Study
• Jesus Heals the Leper – Mark 1:40-45 | Bible Study

Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide