What Jesus Said: Red Letter Series
[[Week 1 – Jesus]]
Bear Grylls (British Adventurer) – “And Jesus, the heart of the Christian faith is the wildest, most radical guy you’d ever come across.”
What did Jesus say about His IDENTITY and His MISSION???
Who is Jesus? One Person of the Trinity
What did He call Himself or say about Himself?
Son of God (John 2:14-17) – Clearing of the Temple – “Do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.”
Son of Man (John 9:25-38) – Healing Man Blind from Birth – “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” “It is He Who is speaking to you.”
Messiah who is called Christ (John 4:7-10, 26) – Woman from Samaria – “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ”) Jesus says, “I Who speak to you am He.”
Messiah, Son of Living God (Matthew 16:13-17) – “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Lord of Sabbath / Greater than the Temple (Matthew 12:6-8)
All Authority in Heaven and on Earth (Matthew 28:18-20)
Where did He come from and When?
He is before Abraham (John 8:58) – “Before Abraham was, I am.”
Alpha and Omega, First and Last, Beginning and End (Revelation 22:13)
Where is He now?
Right hand of God (Matthew 26:63-67) – “From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Luke 22:69) – “But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”
Why did He come?? To Serve God and Serve Others
The Mission:
Serve and Give Life as Ransom for Many (Matthew 20:25-28) Gives His Life (John 5:21-22)
Lift up Life & Take it up Again (John 10:17-18) – “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down My life that I may take it up again.” (John 3:14-17)
Save Lives (Luke 9:55-56) – “For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Save Those Who Believe (John 13:14-17)
(John 3:14-17)
Provide Life in Abundance (John 10:10-11) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Open Eyes to Truth (John 9:39) – “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” – To give sight to those who were spiritually blind. Testify to the Truth (John 18:37) – To Pilate, Jesus says, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world – to bear witness to the truth.”
Forgives Sins (Matthew 9:2-5) – Paralyzed Man – “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” This foreshadows the forgiveness of sins we are offered because of Christ Jesus. (Luke 7:48, 1 John 1:9 – “if we confess, He is faithful to forgive,” Ephesians 1:7)
Fulfill Law (Matthew 5:17) – “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 26:47-54) – as Peter is cutting off Malchus ear, “But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled.” (John 18:11) – “Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given Me?”
What Others Said about Jesus:
Read John 1:35-43. This passage discusses the call of the disciples of Jesus. In this passage, what does it say about who Jesus is?
What Jesus Said about Jesus:
Read John 6:48-51.
What does Jesus call Himself?
Where does Jesus say He came from?
What does this passage talk about doing? What are the results of this action?
Read John 10:25-30. The Jewish people were questioning Jesus and this is His response. What does Jesus say about Himself in this passage?
Read John 18:1-9. This is the account of the arrest of Jesus. The Roman soldiers were looking for Jesus of Nazareth.
How many times did Jesus ask who they were looking for? What was His response?
Why do you think that everyone fell over the first time Jesus said “I am He”?
Verse 9 speaks of why this all happened. What was the reason? (See John 17:12)
———————————————————————————————
What Jesus Said: Red Letter Series
[[Week 2 – Devil]]
Jesse Ventura (wrestler, politician) “In wrestling, my mustache made me look more like a villain. A good mustache can give you the look of the devil.”
What did Jesus say about Satan and Demons?
Who is Satan?
Father of Lies, a Liar (John 8:44)
Murderer from the beginning (John 8:44)
Prince of the world (John 14:30)
Prince of the demons (Mark 3:22)
Where did Satan come from?
“And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.’” (Luke 10:18)
Where is Satan now?
Satan is roaming the world. He is the Prince/Ruler of the World (John 14:30).
“The eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).
Tossed into the lake of fire in Revelation 20:10.
Where is Satan going?
Satan is going to be cast out. (John 12:31-32)
As Christ goes to the Cross, it seems as if the prince of the world is victorious, but it is actually the same time as he is cast out of the earth as he had been already cast out of heaven. This is a gradual thing, but one that has already been achieved and will surely come.
Satan has already been judged and stands condemned (John 16:11)
The Power of Satan
Satan can take away the word as soon as heard, if we’re not receptive / don’t believe (Mark 4:15)
Satan can tempt – Satan even tempted Jesus (Luke 4:1-13)
Satan can keep someone bound – bound woman 18 years that Jesus healed on Sabbath (Luke 13:16)
Satan can disgrace/distress us if he cannot destroy us – he desired to sift Peter as wheat (Luke 22:31-32)
True Power found in Jesus
Pray for deliverance from evil one – Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:13)
Remember there is power in the name of Jesus
The disciples drove out demons in His name (Matthew 10:8, Luke 10:17-20)
Jesus rebuked demons (Matthew 17:14-20)
Jesus delivered demon-possessed daughter from a distance (Matthew 15:22-28)
The demon possessed man who lived in tombs fell on his knees before Jesus (Mark 5:1-19)
Remember, Jesus is victorious!
What Others Said:
Read 2 Peter 2:4. This passage speaks of angels that sinned, hell, and judgment.
Who were the angels that sinned and who were they “working for”/serving?
What does this passage say happened to them and where are they now?
What Jesus Said:
Read Matthew 12:43-45. This passage speaks about evil spirits that comes out of a person.
What do the spirit do?
This passage is challenging. We can see that the man who once had one evil spirit, now has a total of eight. What can you glean from this passage?
Read Mark 5:1-20 (also see Matthew 8:28-34 and Luke 8:26-39).
This passage is one that shows us a lot about demons, though Jesus says very little if you look at the Synoptic passages. What can you glean about demons from these readings?
In question 2, we read about a person who went from one evil spirit to having eight more. When looking at Mark and Luke, what do we learn about this demon-possession?
Food for thought: Why did the demons ask to go into the pigs? Why did Jesus agree?
———————————————————————————————
What Jesus Said: Red Letter Series
[[Week 3 – Heaven]]
Jimi Hendrix (guitarist, singer-songwriter) “You have to go on and be crazy. Craziness is like heaven.”
What did Jesus say about heaven?
Jesus DOES NOT talk much about what heaven will be like.
Jesus talks mostly about HOW YOU GET INTO HEAVEN, and that the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN HAS BEGUN NOW and we are to live in light of that truth.
Heaven is a place
It is a place where God is & His presence is made known (Matthew 6:9, John 14:23-31).
It is NOT bodiless beings floating around through clouds.
Heaven is a place only Jesus has been
Only He has gone to heaven (John 3:13)
Only He came from heaven – called the Bread from Heaven (John 6:35-51)
Heaven is a place prepared for us
It is a place that was prepared since the creation of the world (Matthew 25:34)
It is a place of treasures and joy and reward (Matthew 6:20)
Heaven is a place with enough room (John 14:2)
Even though there is a lot of room, not everyone will enter.
Not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter (Matthew 7:21)
Must be born again (John 3:3), Hear & believe – cross over from death to life (John 5:24)
Heaven is a place of fellowship
In fellowship with one another and with God (Matthew 26:29)
God of the living (Matthew 22:32, Luke 20:38)
Jesus communion with us in heaven
Heaven is a place of justice (Luke 16 – The Rich Man & Lazarus)
Separation between heaven (good place) & hell (bad place)
Jesus lets us know that it is not easy to get in heaven. Read Matthew 18:2-4 and Matthew 19:14. What do these verses say about how to get into heaven? What does this mean?
The world has a system that rates who is better by comparing possessions, accomplishments, beauty, and talent. Read Matthew 5:17-20. How are things different in heaven?
Jesus is very clear – preparation for heaven is important. Read Matthew 25:1-13. What does this parable teach us?
Jesus often spoke in parables. If you read Matthew 13, you will note numerous parables that speak about the kingdom of heaven. Read Matthew 13:31-52.
We read the kingdom of heaven compared to numerous items. What do each of these comparisons mean?
Mustard seed (v. 31)/Yeast (v. 33) –
Hidden treasure (v. 44)/Pearl (v. 45) –
Net (v. 50) –
———————————————————————————————
What Jesus Said: Red Letter Series
[[Week 4 – Hell]]
Arthur Rimbaud (French poet) – “I believe that I am in hell, therefore I am there.”
George Herbert (Welsh poet, Anglican priest) – “Hell is full of good meanings and wishings.”
The OT word for hell is “Sheol” and it was used to describe the world of the dead. In the NT, a few words are used. “Hades” (place for departed spirits), “Tartarus” (place where fallen angels stay until final judgment – 2 Peter 2:4 – this word is only used in this verse as “Tartarus” is Greek mythology word used to describe the place where enemies of gods are sent), and “Gehenna” (place for lost / condemned).
“Gehenna” (“Gêhinnōm”) – the place used as a trash dump because of the valley of sons of Hinnom where children were sacrificed by fire. Referred to as “lake of fire” in Revelation (20:11-15). Gehenna is the place of post-resurrection torment where the unredeemed people experience everlasting judgment.
What did Jesus say about hell?
Hell is a choice
God is righteous. God is just. He demands eternal punishment for those who sin. The Bible says “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Even so, anyone can avoid this punishment.
C.S. Lewis wrote in The Problem of Pain that “the doors of hell are locked on the inside.”
Believe in Jesus – saved from condemnation
Don’t believe in Jesus – stand condemned
Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. – John 3:18
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. – Mark 16:16
Hell is a place of divine judgment
For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. – John 5:21-23
The one who rejects Me and does not receive My words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. – John 12:48
Hell is a place of darkness
While the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. – Matthew 8:12
Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ – Matthew 22:13
And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. – Matthew 25:30
Hell is a place of separation
Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn. – Matthew 13:30
Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. – Matthew 25:32
Hell is eternal torment
He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. – Matthew 24:51
Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. – Matthew 25:41
And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. – Matthew 25:46
If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. – Mark 9:43
Hell is a fiery furnace
But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. – Matthew 5:22
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. – Matthew 7:19
They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. – Matthew 13:42
So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. – Matthew 13:49-50
And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. – Matthew 18:9
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ – Luke 16:24
Hell is a place of destruction and death
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. – Matthew 7:13
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. – Matthew 10:28
Read Luke 16:19-31 – The Rich Man and Lazarus. Understand that this parable’s message is about money/stewardship. Nonetheless, the parable gives us some information about hell that was commonly known among the Jewish listeners as taught from the Old Testament that we can use to glean more understanding.
This parable speaks mostly about two main people. Who are these people? How are they both described?
Both Lazarus and the Rich Man die. Where do they go right after they die? What was different between the wording of what happened & what does this mean? (v. 22)
In Verse 24, the Rich Man asks for comfort from Lazarus but is quickly denied this request. Read v. 25-26. What does this tell us about hell?
In Verse 27, the Rich Man asks if Lazarus could visit his family to warn them of the torment. Abraham’s response tells us what?
———————————————————————————————
What Jesus Said: Red Letter Series
[[Week 5 – Believe]]
FEAR / ANXIETY / WORRY / FAITH / BELIEVE
Franklin D. Roosevelt (President) – “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Anxious about life
Fear storms
Worry about tomorrow
We laugh at God (Mark 5:40 – the Healing of Jairus Daughter)
We limit God (Matthew 14:17 – the Feeding of Five Thousand)
We doubt God (Matthew 8:25-26, Luke 8:24-25 – Jesus Calms the Storm)
What Jesus Said…
Don’t be anxious (Matthew 6:25-34, Luke 12:22-34)
You are valuable
God knows your needs
Tomorrow has its own trouble
Have no fear (Matthew 10:26-33, Mark 5:36)
Do not let your heart be troubled (John 14:1)
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
Now what?
Do you want to get well? (John 5:5-14 – Healing at the Pool for a 38 year invalid)
Lord, if you are willing? (Matthew 8:2-4 – Healing of Leper)
Believe
Go, it will be as you believe (Matthew 8:5-13 – Centurion’s faith)
See glory of God – God is glorified (John 11:40 – Raising of Lazarus)
Read Matthew 17:14-21
Why did Jesus say they couldn’t cast out demons?
Not all Bible translations have Matthew 17:21. Read the verse. The disciples were said to have little faith. What was neglected in their faith walk that is mentioned here as requirements to cast out these particular demons?
Read Mathew 21:18-22 and Mark 11:20-25. The fig tree was cursed by Jesus because it gave a false appearance of bearing fruit, as a fig has fruit before the leaves. When Jesus curses the fig tree, He demonstrates His power.
What does Jesus say we can do if we speak without doubting in our hearts?
How does Jesus describe prayer in these passages?
Read Luke 5:5. This verse is part of the passage that discusses the calling of the disciples of Jesus. We read that James, John, and Peter fished all night and received no return on their labor. Jesus shows up and they pull the boat away from shore. Jesus teaches and then He tells the fishermen to cast their nets.
What gets in the way of us letting down our nets in life?
Personal reflection: In this passage, we read that the men already spent all night fishing, but then they respond to Jesus, “But at Your word,” and they obey. How can we be people that say, “At Your Word” in obedience to our Lord?
———————————————————————————————
What Jesus Said: Red Letter Series
[[Week 6 – Obey]]
Katherine Hepburn (Actress) – “If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.”
Obedience is to be Continual
John 5:8 – “Jesus said to him, ‘Get up, take up your bed, and walk.’”
Get Up
Pick up your mat
Walk
John 5:14 – “Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, ‘See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.’”
Stop Sinning
Obedience is Sacrificial
Matthew 8:18-22, Luke 14:25-33, John 6:60-65
Luke 9:62 – “Yet another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’”
Obedience confirms Relationship
Sheep Listen – John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
Abide in Word – Disciple – John 8:31 – “You are truly My disciples if you remain faithful to My teachings.”
Obedience = Friend of Jesus – John 15:14 – “You are My friends if you do what I command you.”
Obedience = Brother, sister, mother – Matthew 12:50, Mark 3:35, Luke 8:21
Obedience is all about Love
Love = Obedience – John 14:23-26 – yes, it’s hard but we have the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to teach all things, remind of everything
Obedience = Remain in Love – John 15:10 – “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”
Love me – Obey teaching –Not all who obey enter Kingdom – Matthew 7:21-27, Luke 6:46-49
Obedience comes with Rewards
Obedience / Keep Word = Never see death – John 8:51 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”
Blessed are those who hear word & obey – Luke 11:28 – “But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!’”
What Others Said:
Read 1 Samuel 15:20-22.
What does this verse tell us about obedience?
What is the difference between obeying God’s Word and providing God an offering / sacrifice?
What Jesus Said:
Read Matthew 7:21. In this verse, Jesus makes it clear that those who say, “Lord, Lord” may not necessarily enter heaven. What does this say to us?
Read Acts 9:1-9. We read about what Saul (Paul) was doing to persecute the early Christians. Jesus meets him on Damascus Road and asks why Saul is persecuting Him. What is Jesus command to Saul in Acts 9:6?
The conversion of Saul to Paul is found in Acts 9, 22, and 26. Read Acts 22:8-10.
What questions does Saul (Paul) ask Jesus?
After Jesus revealed to Saul (Paul) Who He is, he immediately wanted to obey Jesus—he asked Him what he was to do. What does this tell you about obedience?
This passage mentions first knowing Jesus and then obeying Him. It is also true that as you continue to walk in obedience, you know Jesus deeper. Why is this true?
———————————————————————————————
What Jesus Said: Red Letter Series
[[Week 7 – Serve]]
Love / Compassion / Serving God & Others / Care
Annie Lennox (singer songwriter) – “Humankind seems to have an enormous capacity for savagery, for brutality, for lack of empathy, for lack of compassion.”
Common statement “Jesus had compassion” (Matthew 15:32, Matthew 20:34, Mark 8:2)
Luke 7:12-15 – As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
YOU WILL BE BLESSED – Matthew 5:7 – Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
JESUS SET THE EXAMPLE – John 13:12-17
IT IS A COMMAND
Mark 12:30-31 – And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
John 13:34-35 – A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another
WHAT YOU DO FOR OTHERS, YOU DO FOR JESUS – Matthew 25:34-40 – Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Matthew 5:38-48, Luke 6:27-36
Matthew 5:41 – And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
Read Luke 10:25-37 – The Parable of the Good Samaritan
The man who was heading down from Jerusalem to Jericho was attacked by robbers and left for dead. Why would the priest and Levite pass him by?
The priest and Levite passed this man who was left for dead. How does this relate to us being the passerby’s? What causes us to pass by those in need? What keeps us from showing compassion?
The person who assisted the man in need was known as what type of person? Why was this type of person one who stood out?
What did the Samaritan do for this man in need? How would you describe his actions?
———————————————————————————————
What Jesus Said: Red Letter Series
[[Week 8 – Give]]
Treasure / Greed / Money / Stewardship / Generosity
Al Pacino (actor) – “Money makes your life easier. If you’re lucky to have it, you’re lucky.”
The Treasure Isn’t Ours (Luke 12:13-21)
The Rich Fool did not recognize where the abundance came. He took it all for himself. He stored up treasures but was not rich toward God, the One Who blessed him, Who entrusted him to manage the treasures.
The Responsibility Is Ours (Mark 12:17)
And Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him. – Mark 12:17 [NASB]
Accountability is Promised (Luke 19:11-27 The Parable of the Ten Minas)
“His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’ (v. 22-23)
Reward is Promised (Matthew 25:14-30 – The Parable of the Bags of Gold)
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (v. 23)
The Treasure Isn’t Here (Matthew 6:19-21)
Read Luke 16:1-14 (The Parable of the Shrewd Manager or Parable of the Unjust Steward)
Who is hearing Jesus speak this parable? Who is mentioned in this parable?
What can you tell about the Shrewd / Dishonest Manager?
We read in verse 8 that the master commended the dishonest manager. Many incorrectly take this to mean that Jesus commends the shrewd manager’s poor behavior that got him into this mess. Jesus is not commending the dishonesty. Consider how each of us are managers of what God has given us. Read Luke 16:8 again.
Who is Jesus drawing a contrast between?
Read verse 9 again. Unrighteous wealth means worldly wealth. This isn’t saying we are to acquire wealth in a dishonest way. It is making a statement regarding the way money can corrupt people to act unrighteous. What is Jesus encouraging us to do in this passage?
Read verses 10-13 again.
Finish this statement: Those who can be trusted / faithful with little…
What are the “true riches” (v. 11)?
Verse 13 says we cannot serve two masters. How is money to fit into our life?
———————————————————————————————
What Jesus Said: Red Letter Series
[[Week 9 – Forgive]]
Anger / Judgment / Forgiveness
Sophia Petrillo to Dorothy Zbornak on “The Golden Girls” – “Anger is a lot like a piece of shredded wheat caught under your dentures. If you leave it there, you get a blister and you gotta eat Jell-O all week. If you get rid of it, the sore heals and you feel better.”
YOU ALWAYS LOSE WHEN YOU LOSE YOUR TEMPER
Anger / Judgment / Unforgiveness – all get in the way of our relationship with Jesus
Unable to focus on Jesus
Unable to worship completely – something is in the way
Offensive to God
Detrimental to our relationships
Anger is ok, don’t sin (Ephesians 4:26), One given to anger sins (Proverbs 29:22)
One slow to anger has great understanding (Proverbs 14:29)
Quick tempered act foolishly (Proverbs 14:17)
Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS – Jesus said they shall be called SONS OF GOD (Matthew 5:9)
Forgiveness is a sign of our spiritual birth (Matthew 6:14) – you forgive and you will be forgiven
OWN UP – even when you don’t feel like you did something wrong – JESUS DID!!
1 Corinthians 13:5 – Love is NOT rude, does NOT insist on own way, NOT resentful/irritable – Why do we have to always be right? Why are we bitter?
What does Jesus say?
RECONCILE FIRST
“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too” – Mark 11:25 [NLT]
“Leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:24 [ESV]
NO RETALIATION
Matthew 5:38-48 – turn cheek, go two miles, PRAY
TRUTH ABOUT JUDGMENT
Non-believers
Cannot judge outside the church. God will judge. We are to share truth and grace (Jesus Christ)
Believers
John 7:24 – Don’t judge by appearance. Use right judgment. Our judgment is usually heavily biased. We magnify the mistakes of others and minimize our own.
Luke 17:3-4 – if brother sins, rebuke, if repent forgive – even 7 times
Matthew 18:15-35 – if brother sins: approach alone, approach with a few, approach church
Life with Jesus is…
Life changing
Hurt, anger, bitterness, resentment – exchanged for – peace, joy, love, contentment
Life giving
Forgiveness equals deeper understanding of God’s love and mercy. This helps us to develop a grateful spirit that leads to more intimate fellowship with Jesus.
Read the Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11).
What was Jesus doing before the woman was brought before Him? Who was present?
The passage says that the Law of Moses commands that an adulterous woman be stoned. Read Deuteronomy 22:22. Is this true?
Jesus did not condemn the woman as the people desired. Instead He was writing on the ground. He said the one without sin should cast the first stone. The people deserted. In what manner? Consider why you think this happened.
Read the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35).
Verse 24 and verse 28 speak about the amounts owed. What are the differences? What does this say to us?
In verse 32, we read about mercy shown. What is mercy? How did the servant receive mercy from the king?
The final verse of this passage speaks about what is expected of each of us. What is expected? What is the only way this can happen?
———————————————————————————————
What Jesus Said: Red Letter Series
[[Week 10 – Follow]]
Discipleship / Spiritual Maturity / Spiritual Priorities
THE COST OF BEING A DISCIPLE – LUKE 14:25-35
Love God more than anyone else (Matthew 10:37)
Anyone who loves family more than Me is not worth (v. 38-39)
Disciples have partnership with Jesus – John 15:1-21 – Abide in Me & I in you
Forsake all that you have (Luke 14:33)
Don’t cling to anything but God
Disciples will follow Jesus everywhere – John 12:26
Count the cost (Luke 14:28)
Understand the cost of following Jesus
Sacrifice
Deny yourself & take up the cross (Luke 9:23-26)
Disciples remain faithful to My teaching – John 8:31-32
Live every word from the mouth of God – Matthew 4:4
Take up cross DAILY – Luke 9:23
Benefits of Discipleship
– for those who desire to know and obey God
– relationship with God of the Universe!
– Blessed are those who hunger & thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied
– able to live life as God intended, for the reason you were created.
– with a hundred times more houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, property (Matthew 19:29, Mark 10:29-30)
A disciple is one who worships. Read John 4:23-24.
What does this verse say?
How can you live this out?
A disciple is a servant. Read John 13:1-17.
What is a servant?
How can you live this out?
A disciple is a witness. Read Matthew 28:18-20.
What is the Great Commission?
How can you live this out?
What does it mean:
To live for yourself or to deny yourself?
To ignore the cross or to take it up?
To seek to save your life (and lose it) or to lose it (and actually find it)?
To gain the world or forsake the world?
To lose your soul or keep it?
———————————————————————————————
What Jesus Said: Red Letter Series
[[Week 11 – Honor]]
Glory / Honor / Pride / Humility
John 13:12-17 – When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
OUR LIGHT SHINES FOR GOD’S GLORY
Matthew 5:14-16 – You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
HE ALONE GETS THE GLORY
Luke 17:7-10 – “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”
John 3:30 – He must increase, but I must decrease.
Revelation 5:12 – saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
Revelation 1:6 – and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
CHILD-LIKE HUMILITY IS GREATEST
Matthew 18:2-4 – And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 20:25-28 – But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
THE HUMBLE ARE EXALTED
Luke 14:8-11 – “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 18:9-14 – To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE HEART
Matthew 15:8-9 – This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
Luke 16:15 – And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
REJOICE THAT YOUR NAME IS IN HEAVEN
Luke 10:17-20 – The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
John 12:26 – If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
Read Luke 17:7-10. This passage discusses a master and a servant. The question proposed is “does he (the master) thank the servant because he did what he was commanded?”
Why is this question so important? What does it mean?
The passage later speaks of “unworthy servants.” Why are the servants unworthy? How does this relate to us?
Read Luke 20:46-47. This passage talks about the scribes who lived life for all to see.
What does this passage say they did?
What will happen to these people? Why do you think this will happen?
Read John 7:17-19. In this passage, Jesus speaks about whether the teaching is from God or His own authority.
What does the passage say about a person who speaks on his own authority?
How does this relate to our own lives?
———————————————————————————————
What Jesus Said: Red Letter Series
[[Week 12 – Pray]]
In Jesus Name
“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” – John 14:13-14
Abide in Him
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. – John 15:7
God loves when you tell God Who He is to you.
Individual Prayer
Matthew 26:36 – Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.”
If Jesus needed a place to go alone to pray, don’t you think you do?
Matthew 6:6 – But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
God does not value corporate prayer above personal prayer (ex: handmade cards from kids are the ones you save).
Persistent and Bold
Ask, Seek, Knock – Continuous (Not Single Request – Present Tense)
“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?” – Matthew 7:7-11
Made in Faith
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:24-25
Without Ceasing
Pray without ceasing – be aware He is with you all day long – Luke 18:1-8
Prayers for You
Jesus prays for all believers – John 17:20-26
Greater Things
John 14:12-14 Greater things – ask/done
Read Matthew 6:9. This passage begins the Lord’s Prayer. We read, “Our Father.” What does that mean to you? Is He your father? Do you feel like you are a child of God?
The verse continues, “Hallowed be Your name.” This basically says, “Holy be Your name.” This is a form of reverence. The word reverence means “deep respect.” Do you have deep respect for God? Do you approach Him with respect?
Read Matthew 6:10. This passage speaks about loyalty to God and His kingdom. We claim this when we say, “Your kingdom come.” It means we seek His Kingdom. This is a Kingdom that offers deliverance. This is a Kingdom of a Sovereign Savior. Are you seeking His Kingdom? Do you want His Kingdom?
The passage continues with “Your will be done.” This is a submission to God’s will. This is proclaiming the desire for God’s will to be done in your life and in the entire world. This is also a recognition that you are the servant and He is the Master. Do you pray for God’s will? Do you seek His will for your life?
Read Matthew 6:12, 14-15. This passage asks for forgiveness as we also have forgiven. This means we have ALREADY forgiven those in our lives that need forgiveness. This means that when we approach God, we need to have a cleared plate. We should not be harboring any unforgiveness. Is there anyone you haven’t forgiven yet? Is there something that you are allowing to get in between you and God? Remember God has forgiven us of much more than we are ever asked to forgive of others.
Read Matthew 6:11. This verse recognizes the provision of God. We often take for grant the provisions of God. This verse helps us to remember that He alone is our provider. Not only should we approach God with reverence, but we should approach God with humility. Do you acknowledge your dependence on God? Do you come before Him with gratitude that He continues to provide? Do you ask for His continued provision, recognizing all you have comes from Him?
Read Matthew 6:13. This verse again speaks of humility. We humbly ask God to help us—to “lead us not into temptation.” The verse continues to ask for deliverances from “the evil one.” With saying this, we understand that we are weak and that there are temptations. We understand that we need God’s help to stand up to these temptations, to not succumb to the temptations. This recognizes that the devil is prowling around trying to steal, kill, and destroy. Do you ever ask God to help you fight temptation? Do you have something tempting you right now, and you need His help to stand firm? Do you realize that the devil will not stop until he can do everything in his power to steal, kill, and destroy? Ask Him to strengthen your step. Ask Him to deliver you.
Tania Gutekunst 