Welcome to week 6 of The Miracles of Jesus by Hampton Keathley IV, Th.M. and hosted by bible.org

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:-) Christina

Monday (06/02/08) Casting the Demon out of the Lunatic Boy

I. OBSERVATION

A. Passage Selected: Mark 9:14-29

Also in Matt 17:14-21 and Luke 9:37-42

B. Progression Stated: Ideological

The main idea revolves around the faith of all those involved.

C. Presentation Summarized:

Chiastic structure of miracle:
Disciples ----------------------- Unable
Son - Demon-------------------Control - it’s history
Father--------------------------Faith is the point
Son - Demon--------------------Control - it’s end
Disciples------------------------Unbelief

1. Context

Confession of Peter and transfiguration have just occurred.

How many have heard about the mountain top experience followed by the valley of defeat? What is wrong with that? It is a different group of disciples. This is a “meanwhile, back at the ranch” account.

The transfiguration is a confirmation of the faith of the inner core of the disciples who have struggled with the concept that he has to die so he gives them a taste of the coming glory to bolster their faith. While he is bolstering these disciples’ faith, the other disciples down in the village are having their faith tested.

2. Confusion of faithlessness 9:14-18

a. The antagonistic scribes

The disciples and scribes are arguing, but when Jesus shows up, the crowd leaves and runs to see Jesus. Surely this didn’t settle well with the scribes.

Why was the crowd amazed and run to see Jesus? Mark 9:15 Some say it was because Jesus’ face was glowing like Moses’ was after He cam down off of Mt. Sinai.

b. The agonizing father

(1) The hopelessness of the son

Over the condition of his son. The demons were really damaging the son. Luke points out that it is life threatening. It could kill him.

(2) The helplessness of the disciples

3. Conviction of faithlessness 9:19

a. The response

He convicts the disciples and others for their lack of faith. He makes reference to the fact that He is going to have to leave, and what are they going to do when He is no longer with them? If they don’t have faith, they are going to be helpless.

b. The request

He asks the father to bring the son.

4. Confrontation of faith 9:20-27

a. Demonstration of demonic power

It demonstrates its control over the boy.

b. Demonstration of Divine power

The father says, “If you can.” I think somehow God is offended when someone says this. Jesus’ response is “If I can?” My ability is not the problem. Your faith is the problem, “All things are possible to him who believes.”

Do we really believe that? Do we pray with faith that God can change my situation? We have not because we ask not. We shy away from the name it and claim it televangelist crowd and condemn them, but we have thrown out the baby with the bath water. What is your impossible situation? Are most of your prayers over things you can handle even if God doesn’t do anything.

"I do believe...” What is happening with the father that should have happened with the disciples? The father ASKED. The disciples never asked for help.

5. Correction of faith 9:28-29

Why were they unable? Because they did not ask for help. No prayer.

Most manuscripts add “fasting” here, but the two oldest don’t have it. It was probably added later due to the popularity of fasting in the early church. I can’t imagine that if you run into a demon possessed person, that you would have to postpone the excorcism for several days so that you could fast, and then cast out the demon.

II. INTERPRETATION

What is the connection between prayer and faith?

*This miracle stresses the need of the disciples to maintain constant contact in faith through prayer with the one person who has the power that they need.
*There is especial need for prayer when involved in spiritual warfare. Eph 6:

III. APPLICATIONS

*If I don’t pray, it reveals a lack of faith. Either I don’t think I need help, or I think He can’t or won’t help. What is really going on is — I doubt the Power and Goodness of God.
*Unbelief is a sure road to spiritual failure.
*I should not question God’s ability, but I should pray for help with my faith.
*Sometimes God may need to correct my faith, before He will help.
*I can’t do it. = Humility
*He can do it. = Faith
*I appropriate His power. = Prayer

Tuesday (06-03-08) The Coin in the Fish’s Mouth

I. OBSERVATION

A. Passage Selected: Matt. 17:24-27

B. Progression Stated: Logical

Illustration in natural world that leads to understanding of supernatural. The logic of analogy.

C. Presentation Summarized:

1. Context

There are actually fish in the sea of Galilee which pick the fertilized eggs off the sea floor and hold them in their mouths until they hatch. Some use this to prove that this was not a miracle. But the response to that is how did Jesus know that that particular fish had a coin in its mouth, that Peter would catch the right one and how did he know its denomination or amount.

2. Content

a. Does He pay? 17:24

It seems that Jesus had not been at the Passover - perhaps up in Gentile territory. Therefore he wasn’t around to pay the tax. When the temple tax collectors ask if Jesus pays, Peter’s impulsive response is, “Yes, he does.”

b. Who should pay? 17:25-26

Royalty goes free. Sons are exempt. They don’t pay taxes. This is a political / kingdom illustration, but we are not talking about kings and taxes and politics. This is a religious issue - temple tax. Who pays the temple tax? All the citizens of Israel. Who goes free? The Son of God. After all the temple is God’s House.

Jesus didn’t have to pay the tax. What is the claim? His deity for one and that other believers are exempt too.

c. He does pay 17:27

Jesus pays the tax just to avoid offending, but He’s already made His point. This is yet another instance where we see that the old system is finished and Jesus disengaging from Israel.

II. INTERPRETATION

*As son of the temple owner, he is exempt from the temple tax. And as such, so are the rest of God’s family. And you become part of the family by faith - believing in Jesus. OT saints believed in God and had to pay the tax. Now he is telling them that they don’t need to pay the temple tax anymore. The Temple is going down. He has taken the keys of the kingdom from the Jews and given them to the Disciples and the Gentiles.

III. APPLICATIONS

*What does Peter’s presumption do? It shows that Peter doesn’t believe that what Jesus is here to do could have any effect on the present system. Presumption can retard spiritual development and understanding. It keeps me from appropriating the progressive revelation of God.
*Where is his presumption grounded? Fear of criticism, pride...
*We should avoid offending others. Our purpose being to make them more receptive to the gospel.
*Sometimes we need to avoid claiming our rights for the benefit of others.
*Certain things belong to the government and certain things belong to God.