How Jesus Talked to People Lesson 10 How
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How Jesus Talked to People
Lesson 10 How Jesus talked to the Demoniac’s Father(Mark 9) Talking to People with Doubts
Key Principles to Remember: ◇ Jesus was always prepared to teach ￭ Make time to talk to people ￭ Be prepared to be interrupted ◇ Different approaches are needed for different people and different situations ￭ Talking to people is an art and a puzzle ◇ Being rooted in God's Word ￭ Great churches don’t transform people ◇ Being rooted in love and compassion for others (we were once lost and still sin) ￭ It is more important that people see your love and interest than your views. The goal is not to be agreeable; the goal is transformed people. 3
The Story of the Doubters (Mark 9: 14 -29) • What are some references to “belief and unbelief” in this story? “ Group Crowd Gathered (for a show? ), rush to meet Jesus Recall: we can’t change a crowd Scribes Arguing with the disciples Disciples Unable to cast out the demon 4 “faithless…unbelieving”
Wrestling with Doubt “ • Imagine being the Father. What different things would be difficult / discouraging about this situation? ü Trials of prolonged family illness ü Child suffers = parent suffers ü Potential personal guilt and shame in community ü Others? • In what ways can disciples (Christians) can be causes of doubt? 5
How did Jesus talk to the Doubting? “ 6 • Mark 9: 19 Speak the hard truth • Mark 9: 20 Focus on the specific challenge in front • Mark 9: 21 Difficult, open ended questions • Mark 9: 25 Express the connection between faith, doubt, and prayer
The Bible’s view of Doubt (Psalm 73) “In their most inner thoughts, even the most devout Christians “ know that there is something illegitimate about belief. Underneath their profession of faith is a sleeping giant of doubt…In my experience, the best way to conquer doubt is to yield to it. ” -Dan Barker (preacher turned atheist) in Losing Faith in Faith Doubt = Our state of mind when personal experience makes what we know in our minds unreal in our hearts. Psalm 73: 1 -5 What is the nature of the psalmist’s stumbling feet? 7
The Bible’s view of Doubt (Psalm 73) • Psalm 73: 15 -16 Question your doubts. “ 8 • Psalm 73: 17 Approach GOD with these doubts. • Psalm 73: 18 Compare your footing.