Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church     
 
Pastor Tim Janiszewski - "Listening to Jesus: Week Six"

Links:

 

Messages of Grace

(Past Recorded Sermons) 

















 
This Sunday
February 21, 2016



Sermon Title:
"The Day Jesus Met His Match"



Scripture:
Matthew 15:21-28  
Picture of Pastor Tim
February 18, 2016
 
Dear MLEPC Members and Friends:
 
We continue to listen to Jesus through the Gospel of Matthew. Our goal is to hear from Christ as we read and reflect upon the first gospel between now and Easter Sunday (March 27). I encourage us to take time each day this week to read the passage indicated, to reflect, and then to pray as directed. By the power and presence of the Spirit, may you sense Christ at work in your life this week.
 
Monday--Read Matthew 15:29-39
  • Jesus used wonder-working power (vv. 29-31) so that the people "glorified the God of Israel." You likely don't have such power; nevertheless, what can you do so that others will glorify God on account of you?
  • In vv. 32-38, how does Jesus display compassion for people?
  • In v. 36, Jesus uses the same formula as He did when feeding the 5,000 (14:19). Why is this sequence important?
  • Prayer--Again, ask the Lord to take you, bless you, break you, and give you to do His work in the world to needy people.
Tuesday--Read Matthew 16:1-20
  • What is the "sign of Jonah" (v 4; see 12:38-42)? Why is it the most significant sign of all?
  • In vv 5-12, what is the "leaven of the Pharisees"? See 7:28-29 and 15:12-14. Why were the disciples to avoid it? What does this indicate about evaluating and discerning teaching that you listen to?
  • In v 18, Protestants interpret the "rock" as Peter's confession that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God." They thus look to Him as revealed in Scripture as the singular authority. Roman Catholics believe that Peter and his successors (popes) are the "rock." They therefore look to popes as Jesus' designated leaders of the Church. How is Jesus your Rock? What role do you think Christian leaders should play?
  • Prayer--Pray for Christ to be the sure foundation for your entire life by meditating on Matthew 7:24-27.
Wednesday--Read Matthew 16:21-28
  • In vv 21-23, Jesus responds sharply to Peter who suggests that Jesus will not go to suffering and death. Why do you think Jesus is so strident? Reread Matthew 4:1-11 in support.
  • What does it mean to take up your cross and to follow Jesus? How have you done so? How has it been hard to do so? What blessings have come when you've done it?
  • Think about our culture. In what ways do Americans try to gain the whole world at the risk of their souls?
  • Prayer--Lay down whatever keeps you from taking up the cross of Christ. Then pray for grace to take up the cross.
Thursday--Read Matthew 17:1-13
  • Why is Peter so eager to prolong the Transfiguration experience? Can you think of a personal spiritual encounter that you too wanted to extend? What was it? What impact did it have on you?
  • Why were Peter, James, and John terrified? What might this indicate about the "fear of God"? In the midst, what then gives assurance to the three of them and to you?
  • How was John the Baptist similar to the 9th century, B.C. prophet Elijah? See Matthew 3:4. How did they do to him whatever they pleased? See Matthew 14:1-12.
  • Prayer--Pray through each phrase in v 5. Affirm the role of Jesus in your life as you do so.
Friday--Read Matthew 17:14-27
  • In v 17 Jesus expresses frustration with the disciples who fail to heal the child. Why is He frustrated? Do you think Jesus ever has reason to be frustrated with you?
  • In vv 21-23, Jesus again foretells His death and resurrection. See Matthew 16:21. How are you preparing for Good Friday and Easter, now that they are just one month away?
  • In vv 24-27, what do you make of Jesus' view on paying taxes?
  • Prayer--That the Spirit will work great faith into you that overcomes your little faith moments.
Saturday--Read Matthew 18:1-14
  • How does Jesus measure greatness? How does it contrast with how greatness usually is viewed? Which model do you truly long for?
  • In vv 7-9, how does Jesus use vivid images to indicate how strenuously you are to battle temptation? Do you take the spiritual fight this seriously?
  • In view of the spiritual fight against temptation, what words of assurance does Jesus offer in vv 10-14?
  • Prayer--In prayer take assurance through v 14, "It is not the will of my Father that one of these little ones should perish."
Sunday--Sermon Passage: Matthew 15:29-39
 
Pastor Tim

++++

Having Trouble Viewing the Clip Art?

 

If you are having trouble viewing the clip art on this Pastoral E-Letter, please go to the top of the page and click where it reads "Click Here." If you have Outlook, please right click in the image block and "download pictures."