 A Year with Jesus Week 7: The Way PDF file at bottom Read: John 14:6; Acts 9:1-2; Acts 19:9, 23; Acts 22:4; Acts 24:22. Way, The. One of the earliest names applied to the Christian community (Acts 9:2). It was apparently used by both the Jewish and the secular community and appeared in both positive and negative assessments of the church (19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). Paul’s use of the term in his defense before Felix suggests that the name had at least quasi-official acceptance (24:14, 22).[1] Followers of the Way. Christianity was far from being simply an abstract belief; it was a whole way of life. The new way of living was obvious to those around Christians and to the Christians themselves, for they were following Jesus’ life style, the way he had lived and taught. Soon the term “this Way” or “the Way” meant Christian. Thus Saul (the pre-Christian name of Paul) was sent to Damascus to arrest anyone belonging to “the Way” (Acts 9:2). Christians may also have used the term to describe themselves; Luke referred to the Christian movement as “the Way” (Acts 19:9, 23; 24:22). It is the only name Christians and non-Christians both may have used for the new movement.[2] 1. One of the things that makes Jesus different than all other founders of religions and philosophical worldviews is that he does not merely point to a way of thinking or living, though he does. But he also says he is the way. a. Describe how Jesus “is” the way. How do you understand his words in John 14:6 about declaring himself to be way? b. Describe how Jesus points to the way. What “way(s)” is Jesus pointing to? 2. Why do you think the early disciples of Jesus were called “followers of the Way” by outsiders? 3. What does it mean for you to think of Jesus as “the way of salvation” or the “way to God?” 4. What does it mean for you to think of Jesus as your “way of life?” 5. How is “the way of Jesus” different than the ways of the world? 6. In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to follow the way(s) of Jesus? Why do you think that is? 7. What are some spiritual habits you can implement in your life to help you better recognize Jesus as “the Way?” 8. What are some spiritual habits you can implement in your life to help you better follow the way(s) of Jesus? 9. What spiritual friend do you have who you can share your struggles with? Pray with? And who will help hold you accountable in your pursuit of following Jesus as the Way, as well as the ways of Jesus? 10. Contact the person you mentioned in the above question and set up a time to meet and discuss the issues raised in these questions, to pray together, and to begin an accountable relationship with one another. [1] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Way, The. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 2134). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. [2] Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Christians, Names For. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 1, p. 432). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. 
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 A Year with Jesus Week 6: The Bread of Life PDF file at the bottom Scripture: John 6:25-59. One of the most simple, yet profound statements Jesus ever made was, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). The Greek words Jesus used were simple enough. Artos simply referred to bread in contrast to meat and could also designate the shewbread, consecrated bread, in the temple (Matt. 12:4). Jesus said this to a multitude of people who were following Him after He miraculously fed them with five loaves and two fish. They followed Jesus because He had satisfied their appetites, and not because they had seen a sign from God (John 6:26). To those caught in the drudgery of sustaining life, Jesus said “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man shall give to you” (John 6:27, ). In other words, Jesus told the people that the food they were striving and working for would not give them eternal life. But if they believed in Him, they would have eternal life. [1] 1. Read John 6:25-59. 2. What miracle had Jesus just done in John 6:1-15? What connection does Jesus make with that miracle and why the people are now looking for him (John 6:25-27)? 3. What does Jesus tell the people they should really be looking for? 4. According to Jesus in verse 28-29, how can we work for the food that endures? 5. In verses 30-34, the people appear to still not understand what Jesus is saying. They start appealing to the manna that God gave through Moses. What were the limitations with that manna? 6. In verse 35, Jesus declares that he is the “bread of life.” What is he really referring to here? What makes this bread different than all other kinds? 7. How do we receive this bread of life Jesus speaks of here? 8. What does Jesus say his Father’s will is in verses 38-40? Explain in your own words what this means. 9. How did the people respond to Jesus in verses 41-42? Why? 10. Read verses 46-59. What is Jesus telling the people here? 11. Relate the Scripture in this lesson to the sacrament of Holy Communion. 12. Why do you think those who heard Jesus’ teachings often confused the physical and the spiritual – the temporal and the eternal? Why do we still do so? 13. How would you explain the key points of Jesus in these verses to a friend who is not a Christian? 14. What does it mean to you to call Jesus the bread of life? Have you trusted in him in the way he talks about in these verses? 15. Write a prayer giving thanks to our Lord Jesus, who offered himself to us and the bread of life. [1] Carpenter, E. E., & Comfort, P. W. (2000). In Holman treasury of key Bible words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew words defined and explained (p. 245). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
 A Year with Jesus Week 5: The Wisdom of God PDF File at bottom Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Colossians 2:2-3; James 3:13-18; Psalm 111:10. The wisdom of God is deeply embedded in his works in creation and in the story of redemption. The wisdom of God is evident in all his divine purposes and decrees, and it is perfectly embodied in his Son, the divine Logos, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3). God is “omnisapient,” all wise.[1] The wisdom of God is God fully exercising his infinite knowledge, and yet it is his delight to share this wisdom with his finite creatures. Wisdom is a communicable attribute of God. Humans therefore have the capacities for reason, logic, perception, creativity, anticipation, and many more. Wisdom is right reason, right logic, right perception, etc. We are promised blessings if we will use these capacities in wisdom. The Scripture teaches that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov 9:10; cf. Job 28:28; Ps 111:10). True discernment and godly insight come only from a right affection toward the ultimate source of these qualities.[2] 1. How would you define wisdom? 2. Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. 3. How is the “wisdom of the world” described in these verses? 4. How is God’s wisdom perceived by the world? Why? 5. Describe what Paul means by saying God’s wisdom is foolish to the world and the wisdom of the world is foolishness to God? 6. What role does God’s “foolish things” play in relation to the world? Why do you think God chose to use what the world considers foolish as his plan to redeem the world? 7. Read verses 30-31. How is the life, death, and teaching of Jesus foolishness to the world? How is Jesus, in reality, the wisdom of God? 8. Read Colossians 2:2-3. How is Jesus the key that unlocks God’s hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge? 9. Read James 3:13-18. How does James portray “earthly wisdom?” 10. How does James characterize “heavenly wisdom?” 11. How does Jesus embody or fulfill the heavenly wisdom James describes in James 3:17-18? 12. What are some ways you seek to grow in wisdom? Describe what you have learned in that pursuit? 13. What role does humility play in a person’s pursuit of wisdom? Why is it so important? 14. Read Psalm 111:10. Why is our relationship to God the key to growing in wisdom? [1] Olivero, M. (2018). God’s Wisdom. In M. Ward, J. Parks, B. Ellis, & T. Hains (Eds.), Lexham Survey of Theology. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press. [2] Olivero, M. (2018). God’s Wisdom. In M. Ward, J. Parks, B. Ellis, & T. Hains (Eds.), Lexham Survey of Theology. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
 A Year with Jesus Week 4: High Priest PDF file at the bottom Scripture: Hebrews 4:14 - 5:10; Hebrews 9:1-28; Hebrews 7:23-28. The most important responsibility of the high priest was to conduct the service on the , the tenth day of the seventh month each year. On this day he alone entered the Holy Place behind the veil before God. Having made sacrifice for himself and for the people, he brought the blood into the Holy of Holies and sprinkled it on the mercy seat, God’s “throne.” This he did to make atonement for himself and the people for all their sins committed during the year just ended (Ex. 30:10; Leviticus 16). It is with this particular service that the ministry of Jesus as high priest is compared (Heb. 9:1–28).[1] Jesus as High Priest. The New Testament’s most important references to the high priest are found in the Epistle to the Hebrews, referring to Jesus. Qualifying Himself to be a merciful and faithful high priest by becoming a man of the seed of Abraham (Heb. 2:11–18), He is sympathetic with our weaknesses (Heb. 4:15). He did not assume the office of high priest for glory (Heb. 5:5), but was called by God to the office, and not of the order of Aaron, but of Melchizedek (Heb. 5:10). He had no need, as the sons of Aaron, to offer sacrifices for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people; for He had no sin (Heb. 7:27–28). They offered animal blood that could never take sin away (Heb. 10:1–4). But he offered His own blood (Heb. 9:12) once for all (Heb. 9:26; 10:10, 12). They were many priests, because they died (Heb. 7:23); His is an eternal priesthood because He lives forever (Heb. 7:25). Their priesthood was performed in an earthly model of the real sanctuary (Heb. 8:5); He performs His ministry in heaven itself (Heb. 4:14; 9:11), seated at the right hand of God (Heb. 10:12). By His one offering He has achieved His goal—the sanctification of His people. We may therefore come directly into the presence of God through the “one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5).[2] 1. Read Hebrews 4:14 - 5:10. What does verse 14 say about Jesus as our High Priest? How should that impact our lives? Why? 2. Instead of being a distant deity and aloof savior, how does verse 15 describe Jesus? How does that description of Jesus as our High Priest encourage you? 3. According to verse 16, what are we now able to do that we were unable to do before? What emotions do you experience as you contemplate the great blessings we find in this verse? 4. Read Hebrews 5:1-6. How is Jesus similar to and different from other High Priests? 5. Read Hebrews 9:1-5. Describe what these verses say about the Holy Place. 6. According to Hebrews 9:6-10, how effective was the ministry of the High Priest under the old covenant? What was the Holy Spirit teaching us through this? 7. What does Hebrews 9:11-28 say about the work of Jesus? How does this work differ from the work of High Priest in the Old Testament? 8. Based on 9:11-28, write down all the benefits you receive from this work of Jesus. 9. Read Hebrews 7:23-24. How is Jesus different from the High Priests of the old covenant? 10. What does verse 25 say is the result of that difference? 11. What do verses 26-28 say about the High Priest, and Jesus in particular? 12. Write a prayer of thanksgiving for what you learned about Jesus in these verses. Ask God to help you live in light of the wonderful news that Jesus, as our Great High Priest, offers to all who trust in him. [1] Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., & Harrison, R. K., Thomas Nelson Publishers (Eds.). (1995). In Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc. [2] Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., & Harrison, R. K., Thomas Nelson Publishers (Eds.). (1995). In Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.
 A Year with Jesus Week 3: Word PDF file at bottom Scripture: John 1:1-18; 1 John 1:1-5; Revelation 19:11-16. WORD, THE — a theological phrase that expresses the absolute, eternal, and ultimate being of Jesus Christ (John 1:1–14; 1 John 1:1; Rev. 19:13). The Old Testament spoke of the word of God as the divine agent in the creation of the universe: “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made” (Ps. 33:6). In the New Testament, the Gospel of John declared, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Through the incarnation of Christ, God has come to dwell in our midst. Through the life and ministry of Jesus, a unique and final revelation of God has been given—one superior to the revelation given through the Law and the Prophets. In Christ, the Word of God, God’s plan and purpose for mankind is clearly revealed (2 Cor. 4:4; Heb. 1:1–3). [1] 1. Read John 1:1-18. Who is the Word? How is “the Word” described in these verses? 2. What do you learn about the Word in these verses that is good news for you? What emotions do you feel from reflecting on this good news? Why? 3. If you have a study Bible, look in your notes that relate to these verses. What are some ways “God’s Word” is described in the Old Testament? 4. Read 1 John 1:1-5. How do these verses describe “the Word?” What key ideas are emphasized in this text? 5. How have you “seen and heard” (experienced) the Word of life? 6. As you come to understand that Jesus is the “Word of life,” what do you think your response should be from reading 1 John 1:1-5? 7. Read Revelation 19:11-16. Write down all the ways Jesus is described in these verses. 8. What is the Rider’s name, according to Revelation 19:13? What do you think John (the author of Revelation) is teaching us by telling us his name? 9. Compare the references to “the Word” that we find in Revelation with what we read in John’s Gospel and first epistle. How are they similar? Different? What is being emphasized? What does John want us to know? 10. What thoughts and emotions do you experience as you reflect upon John’s description of the Word, in Revelation? 11. Write a prayer below to communicate what you have learned about Jesus from this lesson. Spend some time adoring and thanking God for taking on our flesh and dwelling among us. Perhaps areas in which you need to repent come to mind. Or maybe you have questions to ask God. Take time to write all these down. 12. What are some key ideas and/or questions you have that came from spending time with these Scriptures and questions? Share them with your group. [1] Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., & Harrison, R. K., Thomas Nelson Publishers (Eds.). (1995). In Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.
 A Year with Jesus Week 2: Lord PDF at bottom Read Philippians 2:5-11; Romans 10:8-13; Luke 6:46-49 “During Jesus’ lifetime, the title “Lord” (Greek: kyrios) was commonly used as a title of respect, such as the modern use of “sir.” After his resurrection, however, the title became a way to reference Christ’s divine status as Yahweh (see esp. Isa 45:21–24 and Phil 2:9–11), predicated on the Septuagint’s use of this Greek word to translate the Hebrew word Yahweh.”[1] kurios (κύριος, 2962), properly an adjective, signifying “having power” (kuros) or “authority,” is used as a noun, variously translated in the NT, “ ‘Lord,’ ‘master,’ ‘Master,’ ‘owner,’ ‘Sir,’ a title of wide significance, occurring in each book of the NT save Titus and the Epistles of John.[2] 1. What does Philippians 2:5-11 teach you about the Lordship of Jesus? 2. What does Romans 10:8-13 teach you about the Lordship of Jesus? 3. What does Luke 6:46-49 teach you about the Lordship of Jesus? Lord of All A Transforming Truth One of the most powerful biblical truths that has transformed both my life and ministry is the touchstone proposition that Jesus Christ is Lord over both the temporal and the eternal. To paraphrase Dutch theologian and statesman, Abraham Kuyper, there is not a square inch in all the universe that Jesus Christ does not claim as his own. That means Jesus Christ is Lord over our salvation, theological, philosophical and ethical views, our thoughts, words, behaviors, attitudes, values, family life, work, checking account, priorities, political views, what we watch on TV and the Internet, what we read, our friendships, our service and witness, and so on. He is Lord over it all. That means he has the right to exercise authority over all of it and may properly expect our obedience in every sphere of our lives. In fact, Jesus asks us what’s the use of calling him Lord if we’re not going to do what he commands (Luke 6:46). The Pathway to Freedom To be sure, he is a loving, gracious, good, patient, compassionate, and merciful Lord, but he is Lord nonetheless and we may not rebel against him with impunity. Amazingly, once we come to know him and relate to him as our Lord, he invites us to go deeper in our relationship and know him as brother and friend. The paradox is only as we submit to his Lordship in every sphere of our lives do we become free enough to pursue all he has created, redeemed and called us to be. A New Worldview This view of Christ’s Lordship ought to inform the way we see the world in which we live. Like a pair of eyeglasses with the proper prescription, we can only see things aright as we look at the world around us through the lens of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I love the way C.S. Lewis put it. He wrote, I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. Our fallen nature prevents us from seeing everything perfectly, but we should know because Jesus is Lord, we are able to see the world much closer to the way he desires us to see it. Whether We Recognize Him or Not The truth is, Jesus is Lord over heaven and earth whether we choose to recognize his Lordship or not. However, we are able to live far more faithfully when we are living in harmony with who he is. Things do not work well when we are trying to be our own Lord. Have you noticed? Is He Your Lord? Part of my own calling is to serve others by helping them come to a place where they too will bow before Christ, confess him as their Lord, and live in joyfully harmonious submission with that reality. I deeply desire to help folks understand what it means to submit to Christ’s Lordship in every sphere of their lives, beginning with their salvation. It is vital to realize the Christian faith is not a self-help program that will be of use to anyone (or even make sense) apart from a person dying to self and becoming a new creature in Christ. Only then can a person live the life God calls them to live. Only then is Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, living in and through them by his Spirit (Romans 14:9). Walking Points
[1] Calhoun, S. (2018). Jesus’ Titles. In M. Ward, J. Parks, B. Ellis, & T. Hains (Eds.), Lexham Survey of Theology. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press. [2] Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W., Jr. (1996). Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Vol. 2, p. 379). Nashville, TN: T. Nelson.
 A Year with Jesus Week 1: Jesus (PDF at the bottom) Read Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-33 The name “Jesus” is the Greek form of “Joshua” and was a common Jewish name. It literally means, “the Lord is salvation,” or, “God saves.” 1. What do the verses above say about why God commanded Mary and Joseph to name their baby, “Jesus?” 2. In what ways did Jesus fulfill the meaning of his name? 3. What do the following verses say about “the name” of Jesus?
4. There is a hymn that declares, “Jesus, there’s just something about that name.” From reading the New Testament, we know the Apostles not only preached and taught in the name of Jesus, but also were able to cast out demons and heal people “in the name of Jesus.” What does the name, “Jesus” mean to you? Why? 5. Christian author, Josh MacDowell once suggested that people could go to a cocktail party and discuss great thinkers of the past and religious figures such as the Buddha or Confucius without an eyebrow being raised, but as soon as the name of Jesus was mentioned, the party would come to a screeching halt. Do you agree with that? Why or why not? (If so, why do you think that would happen?) 6. We know it is not merely the name of Jesus, but the person connected with it who has the power to forgive sin, heal the sick, and drive out demons. What does the Bible say about how a person can know Jesus and gain access to the power associated through his name? 7. Does it encourage you to know that God did not remain aloof from his creation, but entered our world – into our very lives – through the person of his Son, Jesus? Why or why not? Describe the difference it has made in your life to be able to call upon the name of Jesus. 8. Take some time throughout this week to reflect upon “the name of Jesus” and give thanks to him for how he has worked (and continues to work) in your life. *** Is your Jesus your temporal and eternal hope? ***
I mentioned at the end of the sermon I preached in December, that in 2021 I would provide a weekly resource focused on a title or description of the person and work of Jesus. My hope is that this "year with Jesus" will encourage you to reflect on our glorious Lord Jesus, and thereby, help you desire to know him better, love him more, become more like him, and grow in your worship of him and service to him.
Blessings, Dale |
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