Peter, James, and John went up a high mountain with Jesus. When they reached their destination, the three disciples had an amazing experience. First, they saw Jesus with two others shining in heavenly light. Then, a bright cloud came over them, and they heard a voice say, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” The disciples were very afraid, and they fell on their faces in awe and worship. When the cloud disappeared, the disciples found themselves alone with Jesus.
Discussion Questions
Talk about the divine voice and the meaning of what was said. Why do you think the three disciples were given this magnificent experience? Sometimes people say that they’ve had a spiritual experience. What is meant by that?
What do you think many people wanted but were disappointed? Fortunately, the apostles stayed with Jesus. They were steadfast in their loyalty to him. What does that mean? Why do you think the apostles remained loyal to Jesus?
When Jesus’ boat landed, a man named Jairus begged Jesus to heal his daughter who was near death. Jesus agreed to go with him to his home. After a short delay, they arrived and were told the girl had died. Jesus said, “Fear not, only believe.” They entered the house and saw people weeping and wailing. But Jesus said the girl was not dead, just sleeping. Jesus went to the bedside of the girl, took her hand, and told her to rise up. At this, the girl awoke, rose up out of bed, and walked.
Discussion Questions
Jesus spoke to the family and disciples about this saying, “Tell no man,” about it. Why? When Jesus arrived, he said, “Fear not, only believe.” That is good advice for all of us. What do we believe about God that helps us when we feel fearful?
Jesus sat in a boat on the Sea of Galilee and taught a large crowd that had gathered on the shore. He told the people a parable saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field.” The joyful man, who found the treasure, sold everything he owned in order to buy the field that contained the hidden treasure. Jesus told parables like this so people could easily remember what he said and begin to understand more about the kingdom of heaven.
Discussion Questions
What does this parable tell us about the kingdom of heaven? What kind of treasure would we find in the kingdom of heaven? Remember that Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God,” and “The Kingdom of God is within you.”
The people were amazed at what happened, and they glorified God. But the Pharisees did not join in. Why? The paralyzed man received forgiveness of sin as well as healing for his body. Why do people say that forgiveness heals?
A Roman centurion, who lived in Capernaum, had a beloved servant who became very ill. He decided to ask the Capernaum elders to speak to Jesus about it. Thus, Jesus agreed to go to the centurion’s house. When the centurion saw Jesus coming, he sent friends outside to say, “I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” When Jesus heard this, he said, “I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”
Why was a centurion living in Capernaum? The elders told Jesus that the centurion loved the Jewish people and that he had built them a synagogue. So, why did he think he was not worthy? Where did his great faith come from?
