Matthew 8:5-13 and Sunday School Lesson 3

Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, pleading with him, (Matthew 8:5)
      Jesus, thank you for receiving and listening to all who come to you. Give us the strength of character to come to you in our hour of need.

saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” (Matthew 8:6)
      Jesus, thank you that you hear our prayers and petitions for others. Thank you for interceding for us. Please raise up many more intercessors throughout this diocese.

And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” (Matthew 8:7)
      Thank you, Jesus, for making house calls.

The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” (Matthew 8:8 )
      Lord, I am not worthy that you should come to me, but speak the word only and I shall be healed.

“For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” (Matthew 8:9)
      Holy Spirit, please help us truly to be servants operating under the authority of Jesus with your guidance.

When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” (Matthew 8:10)
      Father, bring us to such faith in Jesus.

“And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 8:11)
      Holy Spirit, help us all come throughout this diocese to sit with your saints in your kingdom. Prepare our hearts to come to the Diocesan Convention in June and receive the blessings you have there for us.

“But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:12)
      Jesus, many are called, but few are chosen. Help us answer your call day by day.

Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour. (Matthew 8:13)
      Holy Father, let our belief in Jesus result in the healing of many. Bless the ministry of healing throughout this diocese. Thank you.

A word received: Keep turning to me.

Friday: 102 * 107:1-32; 2 Kings 19:1-20 1 Cor. 9:16-27 Matthew 8:1-17
Saturday: 107:33-43, 108:1-6(7-13) * 33; 2 Kings 19:21-36 1 Cor. 10:1-13 Matthew8:18-27

      Notes from the Front Line

STUDY GUIDE: SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 03, October 2, 2011
Theme Verse: 19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)
Readings: Matthew 21:33-43; Philippians 3:7-21; Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:7-14
Optional: John 15:1-17 and When I would gather them, says the LORD, there are no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree; even the leaves are withered, and what I gave them has passed away from them.” (Jeremiah 8:13)
On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it. (Mark 11:12-14)
Memory Verse: Restore us, O God of hosts; cause your face to shine, and we shall be saved! (Psalm 80:7)
Next Week: Matthew 22:1-14; Philippians 4:4-13; Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23

      Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43
A word received: Notice: this follows immediately after the parable of the two sons. I want you to consider the role of obedience in the fruit and life of my Holy Spirit.

A word received: How is your obedience to me given? Is it grudgingly given or joyfully given or given not at all? Look at the temptation the tenants faced in their desire to keep everything for themselves. Where are your temptations and how do they affect your obedience?

A word received: Spend time with me and ask me to hold up the mirror of truth to you.

      Epistle: Philippians 3:7-21
A word received: I have given you my Spirit so that you may obey me.

      Old Testament: Isaiah 5:1-7
A word received: I want you to yield up good fruit.

      Psalm: Psalm 80:7-14
(verse 7) A word received: Pray for the restoration that only I can bring to pass.

      John 15:1-17

A word received: My father and I are both there to help you grow and bear fruit. I am the vine and the only place where you can be truly fruitful. My father is the vinedresser and prunes out of his love for you. Turn to him for his pruning with love.

Albany Intercessor