1. According to Luke 9:37, many people met Jesus when He came down from the mountain where He was transfigured. 2. This morning we studied passages that tell us about 5 men who met Jesus. 3. Four of the men met Jesus because someone introduced them to the Lord. 4. In the Scriptures we read about many other people who met Jesus because someone brought them to the Lord. 5. In our lesson we are examining five occasions when people brought their friends and loved ones to the Lord to receive a blessing from Him. 6. Let us begin by examining . . .
Discussion:
I. MATTHEW 8:16-17
A. We learn from these verses that many people possessed with demons were brought to Jesus, and He cast the demons out. B. In addition, Jesus "healed all that were sick." C. By casting out these demons and healing the sick,: 1. Jesus demonstrated His compassion as well as His divine power 2. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy found in Isaiah 53:4. D. Observation: Were these people able to come to Jesus without assistance?
II. MARK 10:13-16
A. These verses show how "young children" ["infants" -- Luke 18:15] were brought to Jesus. B. The disciples apparently did not feel that Jesus needed to be bothered by these children; however, He was highly displeased with the disciples. C. It seems that Jesus was especially fond of children -- He took time from His busy schedule to hold these children and bless them. D. Observation: Were these children able to come to Jesus without assistance?
III. LUKE 5:18-25
A. On this occasion a man afflicted by palsy was brought to Jesus. B. Thankfully, he had some good friends who were not easily discouraged. C. This man received 2 blessings from Jesus: "forgiveness" and "healing." D. Observation: Could this man go to Jesus without assistance?
IV. JOHN 4:28-30, 39-42
A. Earlier, Jesus had a conversation with this woman at Jacob's well. B. She left the well and went to the city where she told the people about the Lord. C. The people left the city and went to Jesus. D. The Lord gained many believers that day. E. Observation: Would these people have known that Jesus was near if the woman had not told them?
V. ACTS 10:24b
A. Cornelius had been instructed to send for Simon Peter who would give him a special message. B. While Cornelius waited for Peter, he invited his relatives and close friends. C. These people eventually became Christians (vs.48; Mark 16:16). D. Observation: Would these relatives and friends of Cornelius have learned about Jesus if Cornelius did not invite them to hear Peter's message?
Conclusion:
1. Jesus wants everyone to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28-30). 2. It is our responsibility to introduce others to the Lord so they can receive the rest that He provides.
