Jesus’ turn toward Jerusalem is framed by two stories of healing. This brings into focus the healing that comes through Jesus to a world turned upside-down with pain.
(Matthew 17:14-20; 20:29-34)
Sermon Outline
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)
The Faith Problem (Matthew 17:14-20)
- The father and son: I want to believe
- The disciples: I thought I believed
- The teachers of the law: I won’t believe
- The Healer: No one believes
The Faith Solution (Matthew 20:29-34)
- Two blind men
- They heard so they cried
- They met a mountain so they cried louder
- They saw because they believed
The Faith Calling (James 5:13-16, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Luke 18:6-8)
- Have you heard? Then cry
- Is there a mountain? Then cry louder
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Discuss and summarize what you remember from the message today.
- Read Hebrews 11:1 aloud again. In light of that verse, what do you think each character (the crowd, the disciples, the father and his son) in Matthew 17:14-20 lacked when it comes to faith?
- Faith oftentimes can feel more like sinking sand than a firm foundation. Reflecting on your faith, which character in these stories are you most like. Why?
- In Mark 9:21-24 there is more detail about the conversation between the father and Jesus. The father says, “I believe, help my unbelief.” What do you think he means by this?
- Where in your life have you had the same state of faith?
- The question is often asked, “Why don’t we see healings and miracles and things like in the early church or other countries?” Why do you think these things don’t happen here?
- What is the difference between the faith of the characters in Matthew 17:14-20 and the faith of the two blind men in Matthew 20:29-34. Why do you think this difference exists?
- What have you heard about what God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) can do?
- Read Matthew 17:17 and 20. What is the cause of an unbelieving and corrupt generation? In light of what Jesus is talking about, does this describe your generation? Why or why not?
- There has been a lot going on in our world just within the past few years. It almost feels like a pressure cooker. What is Jesus’ calling to us? What are we going to do about it?