Embedded Files
Sabbath Afternoon - July 27, 2024
Scripture Reading for the Week:
Mark 10:1-52; Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:24; Galatians 4:1-2; Romans 6:1-11; Isaiah 11:1-16.
Thought for Meditation:
There are miracles to be wrought in genuine conversions, --miracles that are not now discerned. The greatest men of this earth are not beyond the power of a wonder-working God. If those who are workers together with Him will be men of opportunity, doing their duty bravely and faithfully, God will convert men who occupy responsible positions, men of intellect and influence. Through the power of the Holy Spirit many will accept the divine principles. Converted to the truth, they will become agencies in the hand of God to communicate the light. They will have a special burden for other souls of this neglected class. Time and money will be consecrated to the work of the Lord, and new efficiency and power will be added to the church.--The Acts of the Apostles, p. 140. {ChS 204.1} Christian Service, 1925
Memory Text:
“However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, ‘Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you’ ” (Mark 5:19).
This week's SS Lesson will disclose the characteristics of different dramatic stories which Jesus has done various miracles that demonstrates and displays of power to draw a closer understanding that He is the Son of God.
Study Outline:
Sunday - July 28, 2024
Calming a Storm
Monday - July 29, 2024
Can You Hear a Whisper Above a Shout
Mark 5:1-20; Numbers 19:11; Numbers 19:16; Leviticus 15:1-33; Leviticus 11:7.
Tuesday - July 30, 2024
On the Roller Coaster With Jesus
Mark 5:21-24; Mark 5:25-34; Mark 5:35-43; Mark 1:22; Mark 3:2; Mark 3:6; Luke 13:14; Mark 3:20-35,
Wednesday - July 31, 2024
Rejection and Reception
Mark 6:1-6; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 4:23; Mark 6:7-30; Mark 15:1-47.
Thursday - Aug. 1, 2024
A Different Kind of Messiah
Mark 6:34-52; John 6:14-15; Acts 21:38; Numbers 27:17; 1 Kings 22:17; 2 Chronicles 18:16; Ezekiel 34:5-6; Mark 10:45.
Friday - Aug. 2, 2024
Insights and Further Study
From the Pen of Inspiration
Points to Ponder Upon
Sunday - July 28, 2024
Calming a Storm - Beating the Storm
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. {Mark 4:39}
Infinite Power of Our Redeemer
The disciples were at first affrighted, but above the roaring of the angry tempest is heard the words the disciples longed most to hear, “Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid.” Their confidence is restored. “Jesus; it is Jesus!” was spoken from one to the other. “Be not afraid; it is Jesus, the Master.” {CTr 242.4}
Jesus said to winds and waves, to the troubled waters, “Peace, be still.” Oh, how many times have we in our experience been in a similar position as were these disciples. How many times has Christ revealed Himself to us and turned our sorrow into joy. Oh, powerful Redeemer, gracious and compassionate Saviour, able with Thine infinite power to calm all tempests, able to revive all hearts. He is our Redeemer. We may trust Him in the storm as well as the sunshine.—Letter 5, 1876. {CTr 242.5} Christ Triumphant, 1999
Why are ye Fearful?
Never did a soul utter that cry unheeded. As the disciples grasp their oars to make a last effort, Jesus rises. He stands in the midst of His disciples, while the tempest rages, the waves break over them, and the lightning illuminates His countenance. He lifts His hand, so often employed in deeds of mercy, and says to the angry sea, "Peace, be still." The storm ceases. The billows sink to rest. The clouds roll away, and the stars shine forth. The boat rests upon a quiet sea. Then turning to His disciples, Jesus asks sorrowfully, "Why are ye fearful? have ye not yet faith?" Mark 4:40, R.V. {DA 335.3} Desire of Ages, 1898
Our Refuge, Strength, and a Very Present Help in Trouble
Some have stormy tempers; but He who calmed the stormy Sea of Galilee will say to the troubled heart, "Peace, be still." There is no nature so rebellious that Christ cannot subdue it, no temper so stormy that He cannot quell it, if the heart is surrendered to His keeping. {HP 17.4}
He who commits his soul to Jesus need not despond. We have an all-powerful Saviour. Looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith, you can say, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea" (Psalm 46:1, 2). . . . {HP 17.5} In Heavenly Places, 1967
Consider the Following
Tired after a tiring day, Jesus fell into a deep sleep as they traveled to the other side of the lake (Mark 4:35-36, 38a).
This passage follows the common pattern for a revelation from God (Mark 4:40-41):
(1) Demonstration of power: “he said to the sea: Be silent, be still”
(2) Human fear: “they feared with great fear”
(3) “Do not be afraid”: “Why are you so afraid?”
(4) Revelation or message: “How do you not have faith?”
(5) Human response: “Who is this?”
A strong wind arose that endangered the boats that were traveling (Mark 4:37). The disciples woke up Jesus and he calmly silenced the wind (Mark 4:38-40).
Monday - July 29, 2024
Can You Hear a Whisper Above a Shout - Beating the Demons
Mark 5:1-20; Numbers 19:11; Numbers 19:16; Leviticus 15:1-33; Leviticus 11:7.
“When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him” (Mark 5:2)
Purity and Holiness of Christ Against Evil Forces
The antagonism that exists between the spirit of Christ and the spirit of Satan was most strikingly displayed in the world's reception of Jesus. It was not so much because he appeared without worldly wealth, pomp, or grandeur, that the Jews were led to reject him. They saw that he possessed power which would more than compensate for the lack of these outward advantages. But the purity and holiness of Christ called forth against him the hatred of the ungodly. His life of self-denial and sinless devotion was a perpetual reproof to a proud, sensual people. It was this that evoked enmity against the Son of God. Satan and evil angels joined with evil men. All the energies of apostasy conspired against the champion of truth. {GC88 506.3} The Great Controversy, 1888
True LOVE Attracts from Christ to Others
Here are two brethren laboring together. Will these brethren, if the spirit of Christ reigns in their hearts, be found warring against each other? Will they cherish envy, evil surmisings, and hard feelings against each other? Impossible. Neither one will possess exalted views of himself while he undervalues his brother. Each will esteem the other better than himself. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” The love here spoken of is not that sentimentalism, that low order of love, that attracts the affections from Christ and places them upon one another. The love here described is pure; it arises from having the affections centered upon Jesus, making him first, and last, and best in everything. {HS 125.6} Historical Sketches, 1886
Consider the Following
❖ The landing was spectacular. Within a few minutes, everyone was running scared toward the boats. And Jesus? He discussed with the devil the conditions of his surrender.
❖ Under his harsh manners, the demon-possessed man recognized in Jesus the one who could free him. Although his cry was drowned out by the demon's voice, Jesus was able to hear it clearly, and responded to the man's faith.
❖ Jesus brought man out of his unclean home (the tombs), and the inhabitants of the region from their unclean work (the pigs). The man was clean, his fellow citizens remained in their filth.
❖ This story teaches us that Jesus hears our request, and can help us overcome any difficulty we struggle with.
Tuesday - July 30, 2024
On the Roller Coaster With Jesus - Overcoming the Disease
Mark 5:21-24; Mark 5:25-34; Mark 5:35-43; Mark 1:22; Mark 3:2; Mark 3:6; Luke 13:14; Mark 3:20-35,
“He took her by the hand and said to her, “Tabitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” (Mark 5:41)
Healthful Living Principles
All gospel workers should know how to give the simple treatments that do so much to relieve pain and remove disease.-- Ministry of Healing, p. 146. {CME 28.4} Every gospel worker should feel that the giving of instruction in the principles of healthful living is a part of his appointed work. Of this work there is great need, and the world is open for it.--Ministry of Healing, p. 147.
Perfect Representation of True Godliness
Christ gave a perfect representation of true godliness by combining the work of a physician and a minister, ministering to the needs of both body and soul, healing physical disease, and then speaking words that brought peace to the troubled heart.--Counsels on Health, p. 528. {CME 41.4} A Call to Medical Evangelism and Health Education, 1933
Conditions of Answered Prayer
But only as we live in obedience to His word can we claim the fulfillment of His promises. The psalmist says, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." Psalm 66:18. If we render to Him only a partial, halfhearted obedience, His promises will not be fulfilled to us. {CCh 303.3}
In the word of God we have instruction relative to special prayer for the recovery of the sick. But the offering of such prayer is a most solemn act, and should not be entered upon without careful consideration. In many cases of prayer for the healing of the sick, that which is called faith is nothing less than presumption. {CCh 303.4} Counsels for the Church, 1991
Consider the Following
❖ We once again find ourselves with a second “sandwich” story:
(1) Mark 5:21-24. Jairus looks for Jesus.
(2) Mark 5:25-34. A woman is healed.
(3) Mark 5:35-43. Jesus heals Jairus' daughter.
❖ Despite the seriousness of the situation, Jesus interrupts his journey for something seemingly trivial: someone has touched him (Mark 5:30-32). Couldn't he have resolved that later? Wasn't
the girl's life more important?
❖ But God does not see as we see. If the girl died, he could resurrect her. If the woman walked away, she would be left in spiritual darkness, thinking that a magical power had healed her.
❖ Believing in Jesus is the main point. For her and for Jairus (Mark 5:34, 36). And also for you and me.
Wednesday - July 31, 2024
Rejection and Reception -Overcoming Rejection and Challenges (1 and 2)
Mark 6:1-6; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 4:23; Mark 6:7-30; Mark 15:1-47.
“And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching” (Mark 6:6)
Appeal to Presumption - The Price of the World's Redemption
Satan then took Christ to the pinnacle of the temple, and challenged Him to cast Himself down, saying, "If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down; for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee; and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone." Thus Satan tried to lead Christ to commit the sin of presumption. He reminded Him that God had promised to protect Him by angel ministration. But no temptation could induce the Saviour to accept the challenge. "It is written again," He said, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." Christ's time to show His divine power had not yet come. He was fully aware of the glory He had with the Father before the world was. But then He willingly submitted to the Divine will, and He was unchanged now. This was His time of trial and temptation; He must endure the test however cruel and cutting it may be. He saw Himself uplifted on the cross of Calvary, having suffered a shameful rejection at the hands of His own nation. But He knew that by suffering and sorrow and a cruel death He was to bruise the serpent's head. The giving of His life was to be the price of the world's redemption. {BEcho, July 23, 1900 par. 6}
The Specification of the Prophecy Fulfilled
For forty days Christ remained on the earth, preparing the disciples for the work before them and explaining that which heretofore they had been unable to comprehend. He spoke of the prophecies concerning His advent, His rejection by the Jews, and His death, showing that every specification of these prophecies had been fulfilled. He told them that they were to regard this fulfillment of prophecy as an assurance of the power that would attend them in their future labors. "Then opened He their understanding," we read, "that they might understand the Scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." And He added, "Ye are witnesses of these things." Luke 24:45-48. {AA 26.2} The Acts of Apostles, 1911
Consider the Following
Why did the Nazarenes reject Jesus (Mark 6:1-6)?
❖ Have you ever been rejected like Jesus was, or had to go through some crisis that is difficult to understand? What did you learn from that experience that you can use to help someone going through the same experience?
❖ We come to the third “sandwich” story:
(1) Mark 6:7-13. Mission of the disciples.
(2) Mark 6:14-29. Death of John the Baptist.
(3) Mark 6:30. Report of the disciples.
❖ Jesus proposes to his disciples a great challenge: to be sent to preach in pairs, after receiving some practical advice (Mark 6:7-10).
❖ While they preach freely, John remains in prison. In contrast to the success of the disciples, John seals his testimony with death.
Thursday - Aug. 1, 2024
A Different Kind of Messiah - Overcoming Incomprehension
Mark 6:34-52; John 6:14-15; Acts 21:38; Numbers 27:17; 1 Kings 22:17; 2 Chronicles 18:16; Ezekiel 34:5-6; Mark 10:45.
“For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened” (Mark 6:52)
A Glimmer of Light -Link in the Living Chain of Truths and Promises
And for the same reason Christ’s disciples today do not comprehend important matters of truth. So dull has been the comprehension of even those who teach the truth to others that many things cannot be opened to them until they reach heaven. It ought not to be so. But as minds become narrow, they think they know it all, and set one stake after another in points of truths of which they have only a glimpse. People close their minds as though there were no more for them to learn, and should the Lord attempt to lead them on they would not take up with the increased light. They cling to the spot where they think they see a glimmer of light, when it is only a link in the living chain of truths and promises to be studied. . . . {CTr 299.5}
Lack of Comprehension Ends at Utter Hopelessness
Jesus had several times attempted to open the future to His disciples, but they had not cared to think about what He said. Because of this His death had come to them as a surprise; and afterward, as they reviewed the past and saw the result of their unbelief, they were filled with sorrow. When Christ was crucified, they did not believe that He would rise. He had stated plainly that He was to rise on the third day, but they were perplexed to know what He meant. This lack of comprehension left them at the time of His death in utter hopelessness. They were bitterly disappointed. Their faith did not penetrate beyond the shadow that Satan had cast athwart their horizon. All seemed vague and mysterious to them. If they had believed the Saviour's words, how much sorrow they might have been spared! {AA 25.2} The Acts of Apostles, 1911
Close Together in Christian Fellowship
The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness to meet men and in their daily intercourse to speak words that would lead sinners to Christ. Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian fellowship. They drew nearer and nearer to God, and as they did this they realized what a privilege had been theirs in being permitted to associate so closely with Christ. Sadness filled their hearts as they thought of how many times they had grieved Him by their slowness of comprehension, their failure to understand the lessons that, for their good, He was trying to teach them. {AA 37.1} The Acts of Apostles, 1911
Consider the Following
Jesus' disciples needed to share with him at length the details of their mission; and John's
disciples needed to understand why their teacher had died.
Jesus withdrew with them, but a large crowd came forward and waited for him on the shore.
When he saw them, “he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34).
They were a leaderless people, with no one to guide them (1 Kings 22:17). They were looking for a Messiah to free them from Rome. But Jesus offered them a Messiah who would free them from sin (Mark 10:45).
Faced with the miracle of the fish, the crowd wanted to make Jesus their political leader (Jn. 6:14-15). The disciples, for their part, had not understood Jesus' role either (Mark 6:52).
What did Jesus do? He refused the honors, and prayed (Mark 6:45-46).
Friday - Aug. 2, 2024
Insights and Further Study
The apostles were Christ's personal attendants. They traveled with him from place to place throughout the cities and towns of Palestine. They partook with him of his frugal fare, and with him were sometimes hungry and often weary. They followed him through the crowded streets, by the side of the lake, and in the lonely wilderness. They saw Jesus in every phase of his life. They witnessed his miracles, and heard his lessons of instruction. And it was the design of Christ that these followers should be co-partners with himself to build up, strengthen, and advance his kingdom in the world. He therefore commissioned his disciples to go forth and carry the message he had given them. He bade them lift their voices to the traders in vanity, and break the spell of infatuation, bringing to mind eternal interests. "The kingdom of God is at hand," was to be their message. {RH, February 1, 1898 par. 4}
From the Pen of Inspiration
“The strength of every soul is in God and not in man. Quietness and confidence is to be the strength of all who give their hearts to God. Christ has not a casual interest in us but an interest stronger than a mother for her child.... Our Saviour has purchased us by human suffering and sorrow, by insult, reproach, abuse, mockery, rejection and death. He is watching over you, trembling child of God. He will make you secure under His protection." EGW (Dependence Upon God, January 9)
Points to Ponder Upon
What are the characteristics of the miracles that shows who Jesus is?
How can we gain the true knowledge and understanding of things we fear and afraid of?
In what way did the miracles gain favor in the public ministry of Jesus?
What hope could God's people in these last days be realized in the midst of good and evil forces?
Why did Jesus not allow other disciples to witness the miracle in (Mark 5:35-43), except Peter, James and John?
In what way does the experience of the twelve disciples differ from that of John the Baptist?
Based on the statement above, {RH, February 1, 1898 par. 4}, why did the disciples fail to understand Christ's mission, when in fact they have a personal/physical contact with Jesus?
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse