Savior of the World

by Jill Rhodes

May 2004

So when the Samaritans came to Him, they were asking Him to stay with them... and they were saying to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world." 
John 4:40,42

God loves the world.  He loves His creation.  It was living under a curse.  So, He died to redeem it... He gave His only begotten Son for lost people -- because He didn't want them to be lost.  He does not want one person to perish.  He wants every man to have everlasting life... This is God's vision.  His vision is that one day before Him will stand a multitude which no man can number.  That multitude will be made up of people from every country, speaking every language, and being of every color, race, and nationality.  Hallelujah!  That's God's vision.  (Richard Grubb)

Come and See

God's Heart for the World

1.  Read Matthew 4:12-17.  Where did Jesus choose to live as He began His ministry? (v.13)  What was Galilee called at this time (v.15)?  Why do you think Jesus spent so much time in this area (v.14-16)?

2.  According to Matthew 4:23-25, from what areas were the crowds coming to hear Jesus?  How was Jesus ministering to them (v.23)?  What can you learn about God's heart from these verses?

3.  Read Matthew 10:5-7.  Why do you think Jesus gave these instructions to the disciples (Isa.60:1-5, Acts 1:8)

4.  Who is God laying on your heart today living in darkness that needs to see the great light of Jesus?  Take a moment right now and pray that God will draw them to His Son.

"We are God's hands and feet and mouth and ears to our generation."  (Richard Grubb)

God's Hope for the World

5.  Read Matthew 15:21-28.  who came to Jesus as He reached Gentile territory, and what was her heart's desire?

6.  How did the disciples respond (v.23)?  How did Jesus respond (v.24-26)  Do you think Jesus was talking more to the woman or His disciples?  Why?

7.  What was the result of the woman's persistence?  How is this an encouragement to you in your own life right now?

God's Healing for the World

8.  In Matthew 8:5-13 who came to Jesus and what did he ask?  Why was this unusual?

9.  What did Jesus say about this man's faith (v. 10-12)? How is this a challenge to you?

God's Heaven for the World

10.  In John 4, Jesus chose to reveal Himself as Messiah to the least likely candidate: a Samaritan woman.  What did she do as a result of meeting Jesus (John 4:28-30, 39-42)?

11.  Who came to see Jesus just prior to His death (John 12:20-22)?  What happened as the crowd gathered around Jesus (John 12:27-32)?  What do you think God was trying to communicate as His Son went to the cross?

12.  How will God's heart for the world be evident in heaven (Rev. 7:9-10)?  What do you think it will feel like to stand in this great crowd of the redeemed?

"God loves this world more than we can possibly understand. 
He is calling us to be His instruments of blessing--
to raise up a standard of righteousness throughout the world.
He has chosen us, blessed us, saved us from sin,
brought us into His kingdom, shown us His loving care--
all for a purpose.  He wants us to bless the whole world."
(Richard Grubb)

Come and Follow

13.  What is every Christian's mandate according to Matthew 28:19-20? Is there anywhere you are not willing to go to share the love and grace of your Savior?  Why?

14.  Read Acts 1:8.  What can you do personally to reach out and share Jesus in each of these areas? 
       Your Jerusalem (right where you live)
       Your Judea (close to home)
       Your Samaria (another culture)
       The Ends of the Earth (another country)

"Without a doubt there comes to many of us the choice
between a life of contraction and one of expansion;
a life of small dimensions and one of widening horizons
and larger visions and plans; a life of self-satisfaction
or self-seeking and one of unselfish or truly Christ-like sharing."
(John R. Mott)

Name Above All Names

At the name of Jesus every knee will bow... and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2:10-11

~ God of the Whole Earth ~  Isaiah 54:5

~ The Desire of All Nations ~ Haggai 2:7

~ The Lamb Who Takes Away the Sin of the World ~ John 1:29

~ A Ransom for Many ~ Mark 10:45

~ A Light to the Nations ~ Isaiah 42:6

~ The Glory of Israel ~ Luke 2:30, 32

~ God My Savior ~ Luke 1:46-47