Learning Jesus | Introduction
Welcome to Learning Jesus! Our prayer is that God would transform each of us into Little Jesus-es as we follow the words and deeds of Jesus in all four gospels. God is committed to transforming us (Phil 1:6); He has given us His Word and His Son for that very purpose. This study will engage you in the very Word that chronicles His Son’s life, so be ready for radical transformation!
Of course, such radical transformation takes sacrificial commitment on our part as well. So that we can grow, Learning Jesus includes a healthy variety of daily and weekly activities we call “rhythms” (reading Bible and short commentary, answering questions, journaling, prayer, community discussion and community experiences). We cannot overstate the value of the rhythms of personal learning, worship, & living out truth and group learning, worship, & living out truth. The Spirit moves in both these arenas teaching you personally and then teaching the group through one another, and it is a wonder to experience.
Here is how the lessons will typically be laid out: For the first five days of each lesson, you will read 1-3 pages of Scripture, usually from more than one gospel.* (To help audio learners or those with busy schedules, an audio of each day’s reading is available at http://gracelaredo.org/learningjesus.) Once you have completed the reading, work through the three basic questions for that day. Sometimes a “Deep Think” question or two will be provided, but this is an optional challenge. On the sixth day, the “Reflection” questions will help you process how the week’s readings fit together and challenge you to live them out as Jesus did. Typically your group will focus on the Central Passage of each week and the Reflection Questions. But group discussion is fluid; each group will decide how to use this time.
To access your week’s lessons, go to http://gracelaredo.org/learningjesus. Then either -- Print out the pdf of each week’s lesson so you can write out your answers directly on paper...OR... Access the week’s lesson online on your device. From there you can either answer the questions in your head or use a journal to record your thoughts. Some questions can be answered by speaking or writing praises and petitions to God. Writing your ideas down in some fashion is recommended since you can go back to your answers when you meet with your group. To prepare for group time, put a star next to insights you gained and a big Q next to questions or ideas where you need your group’s input.
Ultimately, this study simply offers a structure to help you read through the entire gospels chronologically to intentionally grow in your relationship with God each day. We understand putting this daily time aside is a sacrifice and that it may take a few weeks to find a rhythm that works best for your schedule. We greatly encourage you to persist until you find what works. When you do, share your ideas with others.
Beloved church, we share these details so that we can both start and finish well this walk with Jesus through His life. May He mulitply your time as you commit. May He multiply your love for Him as you persist. We are confident that He Himself is the reward both along and at the end of this journey.
*Ariel’s Harmony of the Gospels integrates each day’s reading in interlinear Bible formatting, which will make it easier for you to follow the Bible Reading Plan. If you wish to purchase this book, which is just a chronological compilation of the gospels, go to ariel.org. Click “Store”; then click “Books”; then to “Search.” Or go to https://www.ariel.org/search-results?keyword=ariel's+harmony+of+the+gospels