Message Notes for July 18, 2021
Series: “Life with Friends” Title: Leave the Spitting to Jesus

Key passage:
Mark 7:31-37  Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

What we learn about Jesus:

He wants to invest in our lives.

He is the Savior of the world.

He is good.

He deeply cares for us.

He is personal.

He still amazes.

Be a friend of Jesus and befriend others to Jesus.
Notes:

Family/Group Study Notes for July 18, 2021
Series: “Life with Friends” Title: Leave the Spitting to Jesus

How have you encouraged a friend to Jesus?
Read Mark 7:31-37. Why did these people want to bring this man to Jesus? What would be reasons you would want to bring someone to Jesus? Why do you think Jesus pulled the man aside? How could you help people understand Jesus’ uniqueness to each person? What qualifications did this man have to meet Jesus face to face? What does this say to us when bringing people to Jesus?
How do these passages describe the goodness of God? Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 4:15-16, 2 Peter 3:9, Psalm 31:19-20, Psalm 145:5-7, Psalm 33:1-12, Psalms 107:1-9, Nahum 1:7-8.
In the start of this passage from Mark 7:31, Jesus had been traveling with his disciples to other regions where he was not known as much. Jesus often took time away with just the disciples to spend time with them – to train, listen and discuss God’s kingdom agenda. How would this time be different from the daily interactions of following?
Think about your life and interactions with Jesus both alone and with your family. Do you have extended times that you spend with Jesus in His word – listening, praying, and discerning? When is the last time you have spent several days alone with Jesus or with your friends studying and listening to Jesus? What would be the value of having this time for yourself? Your family? Your close friendships? Your business partners? What would be some next steps?
Share a time when you were amazed by Jesus?
Gather with each other and pray for each other, our nation, your church, and your growth in faith.