WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: Thank God today for all the things he has done in your world this week – those you have noticed, and those you have not yet seen or have overlooked. Understanding There’s been quite a bit of deafness in our journey with Jesus and the disciples this week – both from the Pharisees and the disciples themselves. The deaf man wanted a quick fix from Mr Miracle (v 32) – yet Jesus wanted to communicate what he was doing in a way that the man would understand. So he took time and used signs (vs 33–35) to explain that he was praying for his ears and his tongue, and spoke to him in his own language. The man would have understood what happened and received faith as well as healing. Faith and action Once again, Jesus says, ‘Please be quiet’, but is not obeyed (v 36). Look at how the people describe Jesus, though (v 37), as they begin to glimpse faith and action together. Soon Peter will get it too, and understand. Where are we deaf? And dumb? And where do we need to communicate more clearly our faith and the power of Jesus? Jesus has called us to live out our part in God’s story and to tell others about what he has done in our lives. Respond: How often do we stay at home or in church discussing God’s story because that feels safer? What might God be calling you to do well today? http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-08-04