One oddly encouraging thing about the Gospels is seeing just how confused Jesus’ disciples were. When Jesus was being literal, they took Him metaphorically. When He was being metaphorical, they took Him literally. They always seemed to be a few steps behind. Even after the miracle in John 6 when He fed the five thousand, there was a subsequent event when a smaller crowd of four thousand had gathered, and the disciples wondered how they would be fed (Matt. 15:32-38)!
This is encouraging nonetheless because it means our ignorance is no hindrance to God. Our spiritual callousness seems to be a prerequisite for His awakening grace. In this passage, Jesus taught that it was the Spirit who enlightened sinners to know and believe in the gospel. Our blindness is no difficulty for God. We must really be loved by God! If He gave us this gift apart from our efforts and despite our blindness, He really must care for us and want us to be His people, His children.
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Adults
Every week for Volume 4: From Captivity to the Wilderness, Ken Braddy, Lifeway’s director of Sunday School, will offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Adults.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Students
Every week, student ministry leaders offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Students. Listen in as he shares:
- The main point of the session
- Any challenges and opportunities for additional discussion that may arise during this session
- Encouragements for leaders
Podcast (studentsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
A Final Reminder
Don’t forget, you can find tools to help you prepare and lead the discussion in the Additional Resources for this volume. We hope these are a blessing to you as you walk through this session together.
*This week’s leader devotional is written by Jared Wilson. It is adapted from the daily devotions for Unit 25, Session 3 from The Gospel Project for Adults’ Daily Discipleship Guide.
