Archive for the ‘danger’ tag
August 1, 2010: Jesus Calms a Storm
The text for this lesson is Luke 8:22-25
Key Points
- Jesus calmed the wind and waves to assure the disciples that He is the Savior and to strengthen their faith in Him. Jesus is with us in His Word, Baptism, and Holy Communion, assuring us that He is our Savior and strengthening our faith in Him through all the storms of life.
- Law: Like the disciples, I am afraid when the storms of life beset me; I sometimes doubt that God is with me and will save me.
- Gospel: Jesus gives me His Word, Holy Baptism, and His real presence in Holy Communion to assure me that He is my Savior and to strengthen my faith.
Discussion Points
- How does the calming of the sea show Jesus’ power over sin? How does this miracle show God’s love?
- In what ways does Jesus demonstrate His divine and human natures in this text?
- Why should we remember Jesus’ power over the wind and waves?
- What are some spiritual dangers?
- When we encounter storms in our daily lives, where can we turn to or look for help?
- How do you know God is with you and will save you?
- How does knowing God is always with you help when you feel afraid?
- God did not want humans, His creation, to perish or be destroyed eternally, so He sent His Son, Jesus to perish for us. How did Jesus perish for us?
- Why did Jesus perish on our behalf?
- What does this mean for us?
June 21, 2009: David, the Shepherd Boy
The text for this lesson is 1 Samuel 16:11; 17:32–35; Psalm 23.
Key Points
- While David tended his flock, the Lord was David’s shepherd—protecting him, leading him, and providing for him.
- Law: Many jobs involve real danger, and though we are often unaware of it, Satan has the power to do us harm at any moment.
- Gospel: Our Good Shepherd walks with us even through the valley of the shadow of death, assuring us that no matter what evil we encounter, He will defend us into eternal life.
- Law: As we handle the tasks assigned to us, we may rely on ourselves and wrongly think we are the ones doing great things.
- Gospel: God accomplishes great things and honors us by using us.
Context
The Lord delivered Israel out of Egyptian slavery in 1446 BC and led them into the Promised Land in 1406. After the deaths of Moses and Joshua, various judges exercised leadership in Israel, from about 1380–1050 BC. Israel, however, wanted a king; they foolishly rejected the Lord’s kingship over them (1 Samuel 8:1–9).
Saul reigned from 1050 until 1010. He wickedly disobeyed the Lord’s Word (1 Samuel 13:1–14; 15:23), and so the Lord rejected him and chose “a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14) to replace him. In about 1025 David was anointed to succeed Saul as king (1 Samuel 16:1–13) and took the throne in 1010.
