~Open in prayer~
Icebreaker
• Will you be cooking Thanksgiving dinner?
• Who was your favorite elementary school teacher?
• What is your favorite animal?
MESSAGE REVIEW
After quarantine, we were separated, and many of us in different parts of the world were locked down. Racial division and political lines were being drawn. People who have been friends their entire lives are blocking each other. The enemy wants nothing more than for us to be isolated and apart from one another. Just because we listen to music or worship online, it does not mean we are in the presence of God. The word says that when two or more touch and agree with someone, your Father will do it. There are some things that we need to do in the house of the Lord and the presence of God – TOGETHER!
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT!
•Read Matthew 8:1-3 Jesus Cleanses a Leper- When the leper approached Jesus and asked him to heal him, Jesus took authority over that sickness that usually was a death sentence. That man walked away healed. Why was it important for Jesus to take authority over the leper’s healing?
•Read Matthew 8:5-13 Jesus heals a Centurion’s Servant- When the centurion approached Jesus, he asked him to heal his servant. Jesus said He would come to his home, but the centurion knew that this was not necessary. He explained he understood authority and when he tells his soldiers to do something they listen. He said to Jesus, You just say the word and it will be done. Jesus marveled at his response with the amount of faith the centurion had. What was different about the centurion’s response to Jesus? Why did this bless Jesus?
•Read Matthew 8:16-17 Jesus Healed Many in the Evening – Many were brought to Him who were demon-possessed, He cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. He fulfilled the spoken word by Isaiah the prophet saying: “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses”. How did Jesus continue to use His authority to heal and deliver people?
•Read Matthew 8:18-20 The Cost of Discipleship – When a scribe came to Jesus and said, “Teacher I will follow You wherever You go,” Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Jesus meant that He was not yet at the cross. He was giving His body so that He can have another body, the Body of Christ so He can live in their hearts forever. Have you asked Jesus to come live in your heart? Will you move when He tells you to move in life?
•Read Matthew 8:23-26 Wind and Wave Obey Jesus – Jesus was sleeping in the boat after a full day of ministry. The sea began to storm and waves covered the boat. The disciples then woke Him and said “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” Jesus told them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He rebuked the winds and the sea and there was great calm. Why was Jesus irritated with the disciples for showing little faith? Should the disciples have used their authority after watching Jesus exercise His the entire day?
PRAYER FOCUS & REQUESTS
Ask your members if they have any prayer requests or praise reports. Encourage one another to use the God given authority every believer has access to.