Heavenly Father, we thank You for our many teachers and the students in their classes. Help us all to understand even more clearly through today's lesson our need to walk in daily fellowship with You in order to experience true success - not defined by this world, but by You - in life. Amen.
"The Biblical Meaning of Success" by Hugh Whelchel is an interesting read on this subject. What do you think about his definition of success? Tell us in the comments on this page!
In "God's Word for Today", David Fry writes:
The disciples had failed in one of life’s most basic tasks — providing food for themselves. But Jesus had a hot breakfast of fish and bread prepared for them on shore. It wasn’t the breakfast, however, that had caused Peter to jump out of the boat and swim to shore, but the very appearance of Jesus. Suddenly, food became an afterthought. The disciples had no doubt who Jesus was. Once again, Jesus had provided for them. Those words, “Come and dine,” must have been sweet to the disciples’ ears, and much more because they came from the Savior.
John told this story for one purpose: to illustrate how futile the disciples’ efforts were without the help of Jesus. We must have Jesus as our constant companion in order to experience true success.
Discussion: Why must we have Jesus as our constant companion in order to experience true success?
Source: Miracles of Jesus: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 42.
"After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself." (John 21:1)
In "Word Focus", William Sillings writes:
The word showed (ephanerosen — aorist) in verse 1 means “to make manifest, to make visible.” ... The verb means simply that Jesus appeared to the disciples in bodily form. It seems certain that no theological concept is actually implied. Nevertheless, it may be inferred from the events in this passage that not only did Jesus want to give them assurance of His bodily presence, but more than that, He wanted to help the disciples finally grasp who He really was — the divine Son of God, not just their teacher, not just their rabbi, not just an itinerant preacher, not merely a good leader. He was indeed God in the flesh.
Discussion: What are some similar misconceptions have about Jesus today?
Discussion: What does it mean for Jesus to be God in the flesh?
Source: Miracles of Jesus: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 40.
In the comments on John 21: in "Biblical Perspective" Dr. Gayle Woods gives us answers to this question:
Often when we are at a loss to know what to do, we revert to what is most familiar. This was the case with the disciples. The natural leader of the group stated what he was going to do. The others who felt the need for close companionship with those who had faced the same experiences for the past three years stated that they wanted to go along for the trip. These men were professional fishermen and knew the best time and the best places to go to fish. Their hearts were not in their pastime, however, and they continued to work throughout the night without catching any fish. They were tired, frustrated men without a purpose.
Discussion: Why were these men without purpose?
Source: Miracles of Jesus: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 41.
Read Genesis 41:53-42:7
“And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands“ (v. 57).
The greatest leader in the greatest country did not have the power to foresee or wisdom to respond to the challenges his dreams foretold. One greater than Pharaoh had foreseen the coming events and had the man of His choice in place.
Joseph had already endured an emotional famine. In prison, he had demonstrated the ability to interpret dreams accurately and give counsel based on the interpretation. He also possessed leadership and managerial skills developed in spite of his circumstances. Now God was going to use Joseph to guide Egypt and Joseph’s own family through the severe famine.
The dreams of Joseph’s youth were coming true! Others had mocked his dreams, yet those dreams had brought him to the place and time where God intended to use him. What if Joseph had become discouraged and quit believing in the dreams God had given him? What if Joseph had looked at the circumstances of his life and decided God did not care and was not able to fulfill the dreams He had given?
What famine or difficult circumstance have you experienced? Allow God to use that experience to bless someone in need today! (LAD)
Thro’ days of toil when heart doth fail . . .
When dangers fierce your path assail . . .
No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you.
— Civilla D. Martin
“God not only knows where He is taking you, but He also knows how to get you there!” (Roy Lessin).
This devotional is the Monday, January 11, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.
Lesson 7 - January 17, 2016
Focus Text: John 21:1-14
Central Truth: True success comes through the abiding presence of Christ.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list at least three ways they can work in partnership with God.
Lesson Outline:
Heavenly Father, bless our teachers as they explain how Christ performed miracles to give God glory and challenge their students to live for God's glory, rather than their own. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
The objective for today's lesson is: "By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify various improper motives people have in praying for miracles."
Discussion: What are some such improper motives in praying? (Feel free to add your comments below!)
In "Doctrinal Discussion", Dr. Glenn McClure points out five insights on divine healing from James 5:14-20:
For deeper explanation of these insights, please see your Adult Teacher's Insights, pages 37-38.