Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 8:23-9:8

April 18, 2013 by Bret Capranica Preparing for Sunday

Read through Matthew 8:23-9:8
What are the 3 miracles performed by Jesus in this section? Which verses correspond to each of them?
What examples of strong faith do you find in these 3 miracles?
What examples of weak or no faith do you find?
List all the titles used to address Christ in the passage. Who uses which title? What do you learn about who Christ is?
List the responses to the miracles you see in the passage. How do these responses compare with what we have seen in the first 3 miracles (8:1-17)?
Rather than tell the paralytic he was healed, why did Jesus tell the paralytic his sins were forgiven (9:1-2)?

What circumstances surround you that are challenging you? What does your current response say about the nature of your faith (i.e., like that of the disciples on the raging sea)? What does your response to your most challenging circumstances reveal about how much you understand the identity and authority of Jesus?
Jesus' miraculous authority in delivering two fierce and terrorizing demon-possessed men left an entire city opposed to Christ, not grateful for him. How have you seen Christ's authority divide people around you? Where and in what ways do you see your loyalties?
What do you find yourself longing for more: the forgiveness of sin or displays of miraculous power to alleviate your circumstances? How much are we trusting in Christ to deal with our sin as well as our circumstances?
What does true faith look like in light of these 3 miracles?

Who could you share your current struggles with who would encourage you in trusting Christ through them, rather than sinking into discouragement and doubt?
What relationships around you respond to Jesus as the townspeople of the Gadarenes did to Jesus? How could you pray for them? Serve them? How did Jesus respond to them? Should you act similarly?
How could you deepen your confidence in Christ to overcome your sin? What does your response toward your sin suggest about how you view his authority over sin? Pray that Christ will give you a deeper dependence upon him to overcome your sin.
Pray for thsoe who will be leading the service this Sunday: Dawson Bryant, music; Sam Karl, Elders' Prayer and Scripture reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Meditate on the lyrics of the songs we will be singing Sunday. Consider how these songs will strengthen your love for Christ and submission to his authority. Prepare yourself to sing with the congregation this Sunday.