Meeting the Master - Matthew 11:28-30; Ephesians 2:4-9; James 5:13-15

by David Woods

Discussion: Who are some of the important people you have met?

While I was in college, I had the privilege of meeting Senator Sam Brownback. I was on an airplane with a bunch of other guys going to the Promisekeepers gathering in Washington, D.C.

Senator Brownback came back and shook my hand and said, "Hello." He continued on back. I remember that he talked a couple minutes with the now Missouri State Senator Delbert Scott. But my contact with Brownback was just a handshake.

Senator Brownback is a fairly important and influential person. But I'm not sure how my meeting him that day has had much impact on my life. If I were to see Brownback again, I know he would not even remember me.

One day some time ago, I met another person - Jesus Christ. While Jesus is not much esteemed by man people, He has had a profound impact on my life. And I know that Jesus knows my name. He knows all about me and has great interest in my welfare.

The scripture verses we are looking at today talk about the ways Jesus impacts our lives.

Read Matthew 11:28-30

Discussion: How are our sins burdensome to us?

Discussion: What does it mean for Jesus to be meek and lowly in heart?

Discussion: Why is Jesus' meekness and lowliness of heart the reason why we should come to Him?

Discussion: What does it mean for Jesus' yoke to be easy? What does it not mean?

Read Ephesians 2:4-9

Discussion: List the different descriptions of God's grace in these verses.

Discussion: What is the significance that the believer was once dead in his/her sins but now has been made alive in Christ?

Discussion: I realize that it make take the new Christian some time to fully learn how to live in a Christlike way. However, it concerns me that seemingly more and more Christians do not leave the old life of sin behind. Can we truly expect God to fully deliver us from all the trappings - addictions, habits, etc. - of sin? How can we better impress this upon Christians within our sphere of influence?

Read James 5:13-15

Discussion: What does James see as the general solution to any situation the Christian finds himself/herself in?

Discussion: What are some other scriptures that indicate God's concern for the person's complete wholeness (free from sickness and sin)?

(Healing of the ten lepers - the nine were cleansed, but the thankful man was proclaimed to have been made well, etc.)