All That Jesus Taught (Bible Study – 31 of 80) - Zac Poonen
Summary
Jesus taught not only through his words but significantly through his actions and how he related to people. The speaker emphasizes that understanding everything Jesus taught requires studying the entirety of the Gospels. Furthermore, the message stresses that God's will is always for our greater good, which sometimes means enduring suffering rather than immediate healing, as God's ultimate purpose is for His greater glory.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Healing the leper in Matthew 8Jesus comes down from the mountain and immediately cleanses a leper who bows down and asks for healing.
Refusing self-glory in ministryUnlike modern preachers who seek honor through public healing campaigns, Jesus tells the healed man to tell no one and simply show himself to the priest.
Understanding the old covenant contextJesus told the man to follow Moses' law because the old covenant was still active at that time, explaining why certain commands like tithing do not carry over directly into the new covenant.
God's willingness and higher purposes in sufferingWhile the Lord is always willing to meet our needs, He sometimes allows sickness or suffering, such as Paul's thorn in the flesh, to accomplish a greater spiritual good.
The centurion seeks healing for his servantA Roman military captain humbles himself to ask Jesus to heal his paralyzed servant lying at home.
The centurion's deep humilityRecognizing his own unworthiness for Jesus to enter his roof, the centurion asks Jesus to simply speak the word.
Recognizing authority and distance healingUnderstanding authority from his military background, the centurion believes Jesus can command healing from miles away without being physically present.
Jesus marvels at great faithJesus marvels at the centurion's faith, noting that He has not found such great faith anywhere in Israel.
Outsiders in the kingdom and the warning to believersJesus warns that many biological sons of the kingdom will be cast out while people from the east and west sit with the patriarchs due to a lack of faith.
Healing according to beliefJesus tells the centurion to go and lets it be done for him exactly as he believed, resulting in the servant's immediate healing.
The measure of faith determines what we receiveWe receive from God according to the measure of our faith, much like different sized vessels collecting rainwater, rather than merely by earnest human desire.
Faith must be based on God's wordTrue faith comes by hearing the word of Christ and having a definite promise from God, not by trying to work up imagination for earthly things.
Humility coupled with faithLike the centurion and the Canaanite woman, true faith is always tied to a humble willingness to take a low place before the Lord.
