A Walk with Jesus: Lesson 13

His opposition is increasing during the period preceding His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  Jesus is about 32 years of age now.

The table below traces the approximate steps of our Lord during this period in time.  His travels were on foot and by boat, on the plains, in the mountains and desert.

Source: Quick Verse Bible Atlas Mapping Tool.

Jesus’ journey begins at Nazareth (Matthew 13:54-58, see also Mark 6)

• Where did He go in Nazareth? __________________________
• What did their questions imply about His family heritage?
• What is the minimum number of siblings in Jesus’s family?
• What was Jesus’ response to their rejection?

Jesus’ charge to His disciples (Mark 6:6-13, see also Matthew 10)

• What authority did He give them?
• List the activities of these “missionaries?” (verses 12-13)
  • ________________________________
  • ________________________________
  • ________________________________
  • ________________________________
• What lessons can we learn from Jesus’ instructions to His disciples as to how we should be equipped when we witness?

Bible Parallel:  Isaiah 6:8-9 is an Old Testament parallel to “being sent.”  God’s people were not listening to their Lord.  Isaiah was granted a glimpse of the heavenly realms and cried out, “Woe is me!  I am ruined!  For I live among people with unclean lips, and I have seen the King, the Lord Almighty (Yahweh Elohim).”  And the Lord asks, “Whom shall I send?”  And Isaiah replied, “Here am I, send me.”  And the Lord said, “Go and tell.”

During this period in time, Herod beheaded John the Baptist. Some even thought that John was raised from the dead. But it was Jesus’ ministry that was obviously gaining a foothold and the news was spread over a wide area, that included king Herod.

Jesus returns to his base in Capernaum (John 6 – the Bread of Life chapter)

After Jesus completed his small tour through several towns and villages, He returns to Capernaum.  And then He leaves His base to the desert aread near Bethsaida where we are told of His miraculous feeding of over 5,000. This greeat story is told in all four gospels.  Read the story from John 6

• Verse six tells us that Jesus already knew what He was going to do, but decided to test His disciples. (Remember, they had just returned from their short missionary training trip). If the disciples performed acts of healing, told the good news about Jesus, why do you think that Jesus could not feed over 5,000 strong?
• After Jesus’ prayer, the food was distributed and we are told, “they had as much as they wanted.” The gathering process began and basketfuls remained. Which is the greater miracle, the feeding or the surplus that remained?
• Jesus is truly “the bread of life.” Not only does He sustain our physical needs but provides our spiritual food. Using this story, describe how we provide spiritual food to those who are hungry?

Jesus walks on the water. (Matthew 14:22-36)

• We are told that after the Feeding of the 5,000, Jesus went up into the hills by Himself to pray. The disciples left by boat from the Bethsaida area to Gennesaret.
• Here is a list of other prayers of Jesus at times of crises or important times.
  • At His baptism Luke 3:21
  • Before calling the disciples Luke 6:12
  • When people wanted to crown Him (current)
  • At His transfiguration Luke 9:29
  • His farewell prayer John 17 (High Priestly Prayer)
  • Before the agony of the cross Matthew 26:29
  • On the cross, for His enemies Luke 23:34
• Someone once said, “our two greatest enemies are fear and doubt.” Peter, thinking Jesus was a ghost, commanded that Jesus ask him out on the water if it was truly Him. Describe Peter’s experience in “riding the waves.”
• Note that the “hand of God” saved Peter from drowning. How has the hand of God saved you and me from drowning? 

Geography Information:

PHOENICIA (foh ni’ kih uh) Place name meaning, “purple” or “crimson,” translation of Hebrew “Canaan,” land of purple.” The narrow land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Lebanon Mountains between Tyre in the south and Arvad in the north.

DECAPOLIS (Dih kap’ oh lihs) Place name meaning, “ten cities.” A group of Greek cities referred to in Matthew 4:25; Mark 5:20; 7:31, originally ten in number but including more cities at a later time. Pliny named the ten cities as Damascus, Philadelphia (modern Amman), Canatha, Scythopolis, Pella, Hippos, Gadara, Dion, Raphana, and Gerasa (modern Jerash).

GENNESARET A town on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, just south of Capernaum.

HERMON, MOUNT (Huhr’ muhn) Place name meaning, “devoted mountain.” Site of sanctuary of Baal and northern boundary of Israel.  Hermon, being 9,100 feet above sea level, is the highest mountain in Syria.  The mount is significant for four reasons. (1) It was the northern border of the Amorite kingdom (Deut. 3:8; 4:48). (2) It marked the northern limits of Joshua’s victorious campaigns (Josh. 11:17; 12:1; 13:5). (3) It has always been regarded as a sacred mountain. (4) Some scholars believe the transfiguration of Jesus occurred on Hermon. (Source: Holman Bible Dictionary)

Tracing our Steps.  Let’s use this time to trace our walk with Jesus.  Think about this time in His life and remembering what He did for you and me.  Use this space to jot down your feelings about your walk today