Note: All Scripture references in this lesson are from
The Bible by Jesus unless otherwise noted
A. BEGINS AT PASSOVER, A.D. 28: JOHN 5
1. I kept the law. “I obeyed the Old Testament to attend the Festival of Passover at Jerusalem at the end of My first full year of ministry” (John 5:1).
2. Pool of Bethesda. “A great number of sick” (5:3). Not for God. “Waiting for an angel to come stir the waters . . . first one in would automatically be healed” (5:4). I didn’t heal the multitudes.
3. I focused on most helpless. “A man who had been waiting unsuccessfully a long time” (5:5). I offered hope. “Would you like to be healed?” (5:6). He had excuses. “No one to put me in the water . . . someone jumps in before me” (5:7).
4. I healed only one of the crowd inconspicuously. “Take up your bed roll and walk” (5:2).
5. I left and went to the temple. “Later I found . . . don’t do the sin any more that was responsible for your lame condition” (5:14). Warning. “A worst thing will happen” (5:14).
6. I had a big argument with Jewish leaders. I am equal in power with God. “The Father and God the Son are equal” (5:19). Equal in authority. The Father raising the dead . . . also the Son” (5:21). Equal in nature. “All judgment is given to Me” (5:22).
7. The Jewish leaders planned to kill Me. “The Jewish leaders sought to kill Me because I said I was just like My Father” (John 5:1-12). “Men love darkness more than light, because they love evil” (John 3:19).
B. THE SECOND YEAR AND THE LONG DAY/SUMMER, A.D. 28: MARK 3:22-5:43
1. Early morning at Peter’s house in Capernaum. “Jews said I had a demon because I cast out demons. I answered, ‘How can satan cast out satan . . . if his kingdom is divided’” (Mark 3:22-23).
2. After breakfast. “My mother and brother came to the edge of the crowd and called Me to go with them.”
3. Mid-morning sermon. “A huge crowd gathered around Me, so I entered a boat . . . sat down . . . taught” (Mark 4:1). Sermon of sower and seed.
4. I left. Towards noon. “Let us cross to the other side” (4:35).
5. Midday storm. “A heavy storm came up, and the waves filled the boat . . . they woke Me up . . . we are sinking” (4:38). Miracle. “I . . . stopped the wind . . . peace! Be still!” (4:39).
6. Early afternoon. Blown off course. “A demon-possessed man . . . accosted Me” (5:5). Demons left him, entered 2,000 pigs . . . drowned. The farmers and town people “begged me to leave” (5:17).
7. Late afternoon. “When I crossed . . . back to Capernaum . . . a great multitude greeted Me” (5:21). Jairus, synagogue leader begged. “My daughter is at the point of death . . . come” (5:23). Unnamed woman. “Got in the crowd behind and touched the hem of My robe” (5:27). Not faith in touch, but faith in Me. “Daughter, your faith, not your touch has saved you. Go in power” (5:34).
8. Sun setting. Jairus was told. “Your daughter is dead” (5:39). I said, “Do not fear, only trust Me” (5:36). Unbelieving crowd and mourners. “They ridiculed Me” (5:40). I permitted no one to accompany Me” (5:37). I didn’t touch her, I talked. “Little girl, get up by My word” (5:41).
C. TAKE AWAY
1. My first year emphasis on teaching, second year miracles, third year problems.
2. I adapted my methods of healing to the occasion.
3. I focused on the young and old, 12 years of gladness, 12 years of sadness.
4. Long day reflected My busy schedule for 3.5 years.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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