12: Power and Authority of the King (2) (Mt 8:23-9:13)

I.       The Basics

A.     Setting

These events took place around the sea of Galilee during Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. He first crossed over to the Gadarenes and later returned to His home town.

B.     Key Verse

“‘But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’ --then He said to the paralytic, ‘Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house’” (9:6).

C.     Did You Know…?

1.       Sea of Galilee (8:24): The position of the lake in the Jordan rift below sea level with the high mountains to the E and W creates a natural condition for storms. The cool air masses from the mountain heights rush down the steep slopes with great force causing  violent eruptions of the lake. Such tempests are not infrequent and are extremely dangerous to small craft. ^{9, vol. 2/646}

2.       Gergesenes/Gadarenes (8:28): The region around the city of Gadara, six miles southeast of the Sea of Galilee. Mark and Luke identify the region by the capital city Gerasa, located about 35 miles southeast of the Sea. ^8/1450

3.       Tax collectors (9:10): see notes in lesson 7.

II.    Observation

A.     Outline

(8:23-27)

(8:28-34)

(9:1-8)

(1-2)

(3)

(4-8)

(9:9-13)

(9)

(10-13)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

III. General Analysis

4.       In what ways did the Lord demonstrate His authority in this passage?

5.       Record the various reactions of the people to Jesus’ words and actions.

6.       What were the objections of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees?

IV.  Segment Analysis

A.     8:23-27

1a.What situations in your life have come upon you like a sudden storm?

1b.What has this story taught you about dealing with these situations?

B.     8:28-34

2. Why did the people of the town beg Jesus to leave their region?

3. What lesson can we learn from the people’s rejection of Jesus?

C.     9:1-8

4. What is blasphemy? Why did the teachers of the law think that Jesus blasphemed?

5. Explain 9:5-6.

D.     9:9-13

6. What lessons can we learn from Jesus’ calling of Matthew and His words to the Pharisees?

7. Explain “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” and “For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

E.     Final Thoughts

8. What caused the teachers and Pharisees to criticize Jesus? How can we avoid making the same mistake today?