Luke 7.9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”

Motivational speaker Les Brown: “Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.”

The Miracles of Jesus ~ Poised for a Miracle

Discussion Questions:

• What sort of things do you think help us be in a place where God can freely answer our prayers & give us His blessing?
• In Matthew 15, Jesus performed a miracle of feeding 4000 men plus women & children. Unlike the first time Jesus did this, this crowd was probably gentile. What does that reveal to us about how Jesus cared for people?
• Why do you think Jesus repeated this miracle with his disciples?
• Read Mt. 15.32-33 and discuss if you think the disciples had learned anything since the first time they faced this test of faith.
• In Luke 7.1-10 Jesus healed a Roman Centurion’s servant. Review the story and discuss what sticks out most to you about the surprising attitude of the soldier?
• How is he a good example to us?
• Read Luke 9.27-36. What did Jesus promise that, at the time, sounded impossible?
• In what unique way did Jesus fulfill his promise with 3 of his disciples?
• What was significant about the change in Jesus’ physical appearance?
• What was significant about the cloud that engulfed them, the voice & what the voice told them to do?
• How are these words from heaven relevant to our lives?
• Read Mt. 21.18-22. What was the fig tree symbolic of?
• How might this story also serve as a warning for America today?
• Read Lk. 22.47-51. What did Peter do under stress & why was this actually working against God’s will?
• What is the difference between what Peter did here & someone today protecting their family from a violent attacker?
• What did Jesus do to the injured soldier & how might this serve as an example to Christians today?
• 15.1 reads A soft word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. How might we apply this principle to the tense times we all are currently facing?
• What is a noticeable way, based upon these stories, that you can be better poised for a miracle?

Matthew 14.16-18 So Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said.

David Wells: Worldliness is whatever makes righteousness look strange and sin look normal.

The Miracles of Jesus ~ Miracles of Provision

Discussion Questions:

• In Luke 5 Jesus provided Peter with a large catch of fish that almost broke the nets. Jesus also turned water into wine (Jn. 2.7-9) & directed Peter to retrieve a coin from a fish’s mouth in Mt. 17.27. What do you think it was like to actually witness such miracles?
• Do you believe you have ever experienced the Lord providing for you in some miraculous & unexpected way? Please share!
• 14.13-21 is the story of Jesus feeding the “5000”. Do you remember the sad context of this story related to Jesus’ cousin John the Baptist?
• How does Jesus respond to the bad news in verse 13?
• How are his plans interrupted in the same verse?
• What is the emotion Jesus shows towards the people in verse 14 & what does it reveal about Jesus?
• In verse 15 what were the practical minded disciples concerned about?
• Were their concerns silly or actually valid?
• Do you think there are times in our lives where we allow valid concerns to take too much of our time and attention?
• According to verse 16 Jesus told his disciples to do something that was absolutely impossible for them to accomplish. Why do you think he did this?
• What makes sense about their response in verse 17 & in what way are they clearly missing the point Jesus was making?
• How are Jesus’ words to his disciples in verse 18 also valid in our lives when we find ourselves inadequate to meet the needs at hand?
• In practical terms, what would verse 18 look like; 1. When bills are larger than income; 2. When the future is scary and unknown; 3. When you have a seriously ill loved one; 4. When your prayers remain unanswered?
• According to Mt. 14.19-20, in what way was the miracle Jesus did almost secretive?
• Considering the total number of people fed, in what way was the miracle obvious?
• Look up and discuss at least a couple of the following scriptures: Malachi 3.10; Lk. 6.38; Phil. 4.14&19; Mt. 6.25-34.
• Do you think most believers today personally practice these principles?
• If every believer practiced 2 Cor. 9.6-9, what difference would it make in the church?