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Week Nine - Matthew 12

Welcome to Week Nine of our Bible Study! During this past week’s study, we discussed the ministry of John the Baptist and what people were looking for when Jesus came on the scene. We were challenged to consider that point again: Are we looking for a savior that meets our criteria and terms or are we open to encountering the Savior as He is revealed to us in the scriptures? It’s a heady question to consider.

This week we study Matthew 12 and look at the interaction between religious leaders and Jesus. Again, we will consider the question, what were they looking for? Why is it that the people most equipped to recognize the Messiah refused to see him? While we live in different times and we aren’t Jewish leaders, many suffer from the same condition. On some level, we all want a god that fits our schedule and desires and that is the essence of religion, which is man expressing the answer to life’s most pressing question. Conversely, the essence of Christianity is simply “God said.” That’s it, God spoke to man through his word and through the Messiah, and now through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. To rightly be in fellowship with God, we need to see him as he is, not as we want him to be. So that is what we will try to do with the study this week. I do not pretend to have all the answers, but through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, we’ll open the word and let it speak to us.

As always, we have lots of things to discuss and ponder. I look forward to seeing you all Sunday at 7:30 pm.

Here are the details about joining us on Zoom.

About Zoom:  We will use Zoom for this Bible study. If you are using a computer, just type in www.zoom.com and select “Join a Meeting” at the top of the page, then enter the meeting ID: 696 778 0839.

If you are using a phone, iPad or other portable device, then you will need to download the free Zoom app. Once you have the Zoom app, just open it and select “Join” a meeting, and use this ID:  696 778 0839. I would encourage everyone to go into their Zoom settings and add in a name, at a minimum, so everyone can see who you are.

Alternately, if you don’t want to download the app, you can open your device browser and enter www.zoom.com and follow the instructions above.

Regardless of what device you use, once you join, you will enter a waiting room and then I will admit you. I will typically open the meeting about 10 minutes early so folks can get joined and work through any technical issues. You are free to join with or without video, but if you want to talk, which I really encourage everyone to do, please turn your camera on so we can see you.

I have the meeting set up so that it automatically mutes everyone when you join, so don’t forget to “unmute” when you want to talk. Again, I encourage everyone to discuss topics, answer questions, ask questions or otherwise participate in the discussion. Please jump in if you have information to help clarify a point or you just need to talk. It’s all fine!

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