God’s Plan Revealed

1. God’s Plan Revealed May 3

2. Quotes on Hindsight • Hindsight is always twenty-twenty. • Hindsight is an exact science. • Hindsight is the time machine, you will live certain perils over and over but the second time around will be more painful than the first.

3. Quotes on Hindsight • If hindsight of some women was as good as their foresight, they wouldn't be wearing slacks. • In retrospect it becomes clear that hindsight is definitely overrated! • If I had to live my life again I'd make all the same mistakes--only sooner.

4. Hindsight • Today we look at how the disciples did not fully understand Jesus’ predictions about His death when He told them  It took hindsight, reflecting afterwards on His warnings to give them full understanding

5. Listen for how Jesus makes a stern rebuke. Matthew 16:21-23 (NIV) From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

6. Listen for how Jesus makes a stern rebuke. [22] Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" [23] Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

7. Do Not Oppose God’s Plan • What did Jesus say was going to happen in Jerusalem? • How did Peter react to the news that Jesus would suffer and die? Remember, this is immediately after … • Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the Messiah • Jesus’ declaration that Peter was exactly right and this was the foundation of the Church

8. Do Not Oppose God’s Plan • How did Jesus characterize Peter’s objections? • In what way did Peter have in mind the “things of man” as opposed to the “things of God”? • Why do we sometimes oppose God’s plans?

9. Listen for more details about the events in Jerusalem. Mark 10:33-37 (NIV) "We are going up to Jerusalem," he said, "and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, [34] who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise."

10. Listen for more details about the events in Jerusalem. [35] Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask." [36] "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. [37] They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory."

11. Pay Attention to God’s Plan • What details does Jesus reveal here about what will happen in Jerusalem? • With what attitude did James and John confront Jesus? • What did James and John want from Jesus? • What did James and John’s request reflect about their character?

12. Pay Attention to God’s Plan • What kinds of things do we sometimes focus on when Jesus is trying to tell us something from His Word or in a sermon or a Bible study? • What sort of unreasonable requests do we sometimes make of God? Why do we? • What would be requests that would be in line with God’s plans for one’s life?

13. Listen for the disciples response in this passage. Luke 9:44-45 (NIV) "Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men." [45] But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.

14. God Reveals Details as Needed • How would you respond to someone (especially Jesus) who talked about their own death several times? • Why do you think Jesus felt in necessary to talk repeatedly of his impending death? • What kinds of goals in life do people in our culture commit themselves to pursue no matter what?

15. God Reveals Details as Needed • If Christ knew suffering and death awaited him in Jerusalem, why was He determined to go there? What do we know in hindsight that makes it all plain? • About what other future events (for the church, for the believer) has God given us some warning or glimpse? • Since we only have limited details about these things now, how should we view the future?

16. Application • Remember that God uses both good times and bad times to accomplish His purposes in our lives • He doesn’t cause the bad times, but He will give you the strength to go through them • He will use the bad times to cause spiritual growth and maturity in your life • Be sure to thank Him for His blessings and the daily strength He gives

17. Application • Don’t miss what God is trying to tell you • Ask God to give you concentration each week in the preaching service • Take notes to help you pay attention • Ask God to give you focus as you read His Word – then the courage and wisdom to apply it

18. Application • If you are wondering what God has planned for you, communicate with Him • Read what He has to say to you each day • Talk to Him and tell Him of your hopes, dreams, discouragements • Remember James 1:5 (NIV) If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

19. God’s Plan Revealed May 3