Vineyard Church of the Peninsula Vineyard Church of the Peninsula

Ever the unparalleled teacher, Jesus was intent on expanding his disciples’ understanding of the ways of his Father’s Kingdom. Step by step, so as not to overwhelm his disciples, he searched for occasions to illustrate it, to place its values within a memorable context. At times, it probably seemed to his band of friends that they were still processing the last revelation when something equally new and surprising (shocking?) was thrown at them.

John 4:1-8a, 25-38
1. vv. 1-4 – non-____________________ an ear ________________________

2. vv. 5-8a – _____________________________________________________


3. vv. 25-28 – demonstrates ________________________________________


4. vv. 31-34 – figurative _____________________________________________


5. vv. 35-38 – love ___________________________________________________

The disciples’ heads reeled with every fresh aspect of this Kingdom to which Jesus constantly referred. Sometimes, the revelations were simply brand-new, never-before considered. At other times, the revelations were deeply counter-intuitive, harshly in conflict with prevailing thought and teaching, raising the ire of the religious elite and unnerving the disciples with the force of their imperious anger. But, mostly, for these uneducated guys, Jesus’ words were a breath of invigorating, fresh air.

Mark 2:23-28
1. v. 23 – ____________________________________________________________



2. vv. 24 – ___________________________________________________________



3. vv. 25,26 – Declared kingdom _____________________________________



4. vv. 27,28 – Declared kingdom ______________________________________

Jesus was the instructor, and the disciples were his open-air, traveling classroom of twelve. The constant crowds clamored for spectacle while each display was intended to show his students further aspects of the character of the Kingdom of his Father. Jesus often tired of the sensation-seeking of the people, frequently retiring alone to pray or sneaking off with his small band of friends. Jesus’ intentionality of these times away often failed to register with his apprentices, but the truths were tucked away by the Holy Spirit for future reference.

Mark 9:30-37

1. v. 30 – Intense, _______________________________________________________

2. vv. 31,32 – Intense ____________________________________________________

3. vv. 33-37 – Intense ____________________________________________________

Jesus came embodying the Kingdom of God. All he did was à la Kingdom. Undoubtedly, it was also à la Galilee, the rural region where he had been raised. Once he had chosen the twelve young Jewish men who would become his representatives, his number one priority was to communicate to them the values, the ways, of his Father’s Kingdom. There was much for them to learn and even more to un-learn.

John 2:1-11

1. vv. 1-5 – Kingdom value – __________________________________________

2. vv. 6-10 – Kingdom value – _________________________________________

3. v. 11 – Kingdom value - ____________________________________________

Three and a half years. One mission. No Plan ‘B.’ Mission now complete. Sin and death forever vanquished. Guilt and shame washed away, things of the past. Abundant life, the new and irreversible reality: signed, sealed, and delivered. Jesus’ Resurrection can never be a ‘then’ event. It is eternally the new normal, the Divine invitation to be included in this Kingdom of Resurrection – this Kingdom now ours.

John 11:1-44
1. vv. 1-16 – ________________________________ of this Kingdom now ours


2. vv. 17-37 – _______________________________ of this Kingdom now ours


3. vv. 38-44 – _______________________________ of this Kingdom now ours

The most intense week in the life of Jesus is kick-started by an intense worship celebration as he makes his way into Jerusalem. There is also intense criticism and intense hatred in the air. No longer years or months or weeks, his ministry window is now just a few short, and very intense, days. But today, Jesus accepts, even welcomes, possibly craves, the praise and noisy chaos of his jubilant followers. He is aware of the contrasting atmosphere awaiting him elsewhere in this city that has his heart. His 3½ years of doing the work of his Father have all led to this pivotal week and the pulling together of the one common thread running throughout.

Luke 19:35-44, John 9:1-41

1. The blind man – __________________________________________________

2. The neighbors – ___________________________________________________

3. The Pharisees – _____________________________________________________

4. The man’s parents -__________________________________________________

5. The disciples – ________________________________________________________