Bible study - trialling a different method...

Luke 9:10 – 20 GMG Tuesday 26^th March 2013

Verses	Application
10-11 The apostles returned and reported on what they had done. Jesus took them away, off by themselves, near the town called Bethsaida. But the crowds got wind of it and followed. Jesus graciously welcomed them and talked to them about the kingdom of God. Those who needed healing, he healed.	When we tell Jesus how we have obeyed him and what happens as a result, he takes us away by ourselves for rest and regrouping. But we have to be prepared to share his love and attention with others who need him.
Bread and Fish for Five Thousand	Feeding many others with the nourishment they need
12 As the day declined, the Twelve said, "Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the farms or villages around here and get a room for the night and a bite to eat. We're out in the middle of nowhere."	We might have good ideas for what we think God should do, but...
13-14 "You feed them," Jesus said.	...Jesus thinks otherwise. It is up to us...
They said, "We couldn't scrape up more than five loaves of bread and a couple of fish—unless, of course, you want us to go to town ourselves and buy food for everybody." (There were more than five thousand people in the crowd.)	...to use the little we have or can get hold of. Our dreams are too small for what God is going to do.
14-17 But he went ahead and directed his disciples, "Sit them down in groups of about fifty." They did what he said, and soon had everyone seated. He took the five loaves and two fish, lifted his face to heaven in prayer, blessed, broke, and gave the bread and fish to the disciples to hand out to the crowd. After the people had all eaten their fill, twelve baskets of leftovers were gathered up.	Yet when we listen to Jesus and do what he tells us, he uses the little we give him and makes it huge, more than enough for everyone's needs. What happened to the leftovers? Was it used to feed the animals? But what animals, apart from pigs, use human food?
Don't Run from Suffering
18 One time when Jesus was off praying by himself, his disciples nearby, he asked them, "What are the crowds saying about me, about who I am?"	Do I know what others think about Jesus? Have I discussed their ideas with them so I understand where they are coming from?
19 They said, "John the Baptizer. Others say Elijah. Still others say that one of the prophets from long ago has come back."	So if I know what others say, I can be ready for Jesus' question when he asks me:
20-21 He then asked, "And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?"	Do I have an answer?
Peter answered, "The Messiah of God."	...do I know that Jesus is the Saviour, the King, just as Peter did. Am I ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN?