Arabic Bible Help: Study1-p1

JESUS CHRIST LIVED 2000 YEARS AGO. In His day He affected many people by His miracles and teaching. He also created many enemies. Our imaginary time-machine takes us back to consider this very important person. We see what others thought about Him, and marvel that anyone could actually hate Him!

The teaching of Jesus about God’s love for sinners characterised the ministry of Jesus, which was “full of grace and truth”. He had come to seek and save the lost; He had come on an errand of mercy!

The story of the lost sheep compares people to the foolishness of straying sheep. The story of the lost son (see next page) shows the readiness of God to receive the returning sinner. The joy of the father in this parable reminds us that God delights to show mercy. He is not reluctant to grant forgiveness.

SUMMARY: The impact of Jesus on His own generation was enormous, as the crowds attending His ministry show. No one could ignore Jesus. They were either for Him or against Him. It is the same today!

Jesus had principally come to teach, not to heal. People flocked to hear Him. He was very interesting, but not always easy to understand without explanation.

He taught about the love of God for sinners. Man is described as hopelessly lost, while God is portrayed as taking the initiative in seeking, finding and restoring the lost “item” to its owner.