Courage and Strength
OPENING THOUGHT
One day, all the field mice living on a farm gathered together for a meeting. They had grown tired of the barn cat catching them all and wanted a change. One of the older mice suggested tying a bell around the cat’s neck, and all the others agreed to the plan. The old mouse asked who would tie the bell to the cat, to which all the other mice responded, “Not I! Not I!” Then the mice went back to their holes, and everything stayed the same.
Courage would have made a huge difference in this story, but none of the mice possessed it. When we look to Jesus, we can see that he is full of courage, and it changed the world for the better. Let’s dive into Jesus’ courage and strength and see how we can bring that into our lives.
EXPLORING GOD’S WORD
John 2:14-17
What was the status quo at the temple at this time? Was this something that should have been accepted? If not, would courage be needed to change it?
Why did Jesus take the approach that he did? Was this the response that was needed
Was Jesus concerned with the response of those who he was driving out of the temple? Should those responses be considered when having to take a courageous stand?
How often does our courage need to look like this example? On the occasions it might, do we let our courage make us this bold?
Mark 3:1-6
Was courage required for Jesus to perform this healing?
How often do we find ourselves in a situation where doing the right thing might be disdained by those around us? Is this the type of courage we will most likely have to imitate?
How do we maintain the strength to ignore the opinions of others and maintain the courage to do what is right?
John 18:4-5
Where did Jesus draw the courage to hand himself over?
What situations might we find ourselves in that might be like this one? How can we replicate this example of courage in our lives?
Philippians 4:13
What does Paul mean when he says the Lord strengthens us?
How do we draw on the strength of the Lord?
