The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. Psalm 111:2
Instructions
To complete your homework, read the scriptures and assigned online articles and answer the associated questions. If more detailed instructions are needed, they are provided in the appropriate section.
Lesson: The Character of God in Creation – A Case Study
Name of God: Jehovah Rapha – The God who Heals
Read Luke 4:18-19 and Matthew 9:1-8
1. What role did healing have in Jesus’ ministry on earth?
The Bible records twenty-three different accounts of Jesus healing various people.
People who had leprosy (Matthew 8:2-3; Mark 1:40-41; Luke 5:12-13; Luke 17:11-19)
People who were ill (Matthew 8:14-15; Mark 1:30-31; Luke 4:38-39; Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-29; Luke 8:43-48; Luke 14:1-4; John 4:46-54)
People who were demon possessed (Matthew 8:28-32; Mark 5:1-13; Luke 8:26-33; Matthew 9:32-33; Matthew 12:22; Luke 11:14; Mark 1:23-26; Luke 4:33-35; Matthew 17:14-18; Mark 9:17-27; Luke 9:37-42)
People who were either paralyzed or otherwise disabled (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10; Matthew 9:2-7; Mark 2:3-12; Luke 5:18-25; John 5:1-9; Luke 13:11-13)
People who had passed away (Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:22-42; Luke 8:43-48; Luke 7:11-15; John 11:1-44)
People who were blind (Matthew 9:27-31; Mark 8:22-26; John 9:1-7)
People who were deaf (Mark 7:31-37)
People who were injured (Luke 22:47-51)
2. After reviewing the list of the people Jesus healed, choose three different accounts and answer the following five questions (for each account):
Whom did Jesus heal in this story?
Of what did Jesus heal him or her (be specific)?
How did Jesus heal him or her?
What was the outcome of the healing?
What role did faith have in the healing of the ill or afflicted person?
Read John 11:1-44
This chapter includes the account of Jesus healing Lazarus and bringing him back to life.
3. Why do you think that Jesus chose to remain in Bethany two more days after learning of Lazarus’ illness? (11:3-4)
4. Why do you think Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead was significant? (11:25)
5. Why was Jesus moved to tears when he saw others morning Lazarus? (11:33-36) How does this demonstrate Romans 12:15?
Creation Example
The ocean is full of marine animals who are capable of regeneration or healing from injuries. Crabs and lobsters can regrow lost appendages. Sea urchins can regrow lost spines or tube feet. Sea stars, brittle stars and octopuses can regrow lost limbs. Some sea slugs, known as the sacoglossan sea slugs, not only have the remarkable distinction of being animals capable of photosynthesis due to the capture of cloroplasts from consumed algae, but can also grow entire new bodies in three weeks if decapitated. Perhaps one of the most incredible examples, however, is found in one of the sea cucumber’s defensive mechanisms. When attacked by a predator, a sea cucumber will eject its internal organs and respiratory tract as a distraction. They can then regrow them in as little as one month.
6. Choose one of these examples of radical healing in marine life (or find another one that interests you). Research this animal’s capability and describe in detail how it can heal from a potentially-life threatening injury.
7. Why do you think God gave these animals such amazing abilities to heal from severe injuries?
8. What do these animals tell us about God’s capability and desire to heal?
9. What are different ways that God can choose to heal people today?
10. Reread John 11:38-40. What does Jesus’ response to Martha’s practical and real objection tell us about the role of faith in healing?
11. How can you apply this information to your life practically?
Sometimes God chooses not to heal in this lifetime. Speaking about her years-long journey with a debilitating, chronic illness: “I would say about halfway in [that season] I stopped focusing on healing…I got to a point where I was like, ‘God, I don’t even care about the healing. I’m so intimate with you right now and this is where I’m getting the most satisfaction, spending time with you.’ I stopped asking for healing…When that happened and I wasn’t focused on the circumstance anymore, but I fixed my eyes on Jesus, that is when the healing [gradually] came.” – Jonali Bulsiewicz
There is something unique in suffering that allows us to experience God in such a transcendent way that we cannot understand it unless we go through it.
12. Read John 9:1-3; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Isaiah 57:1-2 and Philippians 1:21. How can these verses help to shape our perspective regarding illness and death?
Instructions: Vocabulary
The following words are mentioned in your assigned reading. Research the definitions for each of the words and write down their meaning to ensure that you understand the information included in your assigned reading.
Aboral
Ambulacral
Ampullae
Aristotle's Lantern
Bilateral Symmetry
Calyx
Coelom
Cuverian tubules
Madreporite
Oral
Ossicles
Pedicellariae
Radial Canal
Radial Symmetry
Respiratory Tree
Test
Tube Feet
Tubercle
Instructions
Go to each of the assigned web sites to read and take notes on the appropriate article. Links are provided below. For each of the assigned articles, your notes should include the following points:
Provide a summary of the key points of the article. If you had to give a presentation on the article, what information would you include in your notes?
List concepts or information that you found most interesting about the topic.
List any information that was presented from an evolutionary standpoint. Note any portion of the information that is truth.
List any words or information that you do not understand. Research these words and or concepts on your own.
We will review this information in our class lecture and discussion.
1 | Exploring Our Fluid Earth
Article: Phylum Echinodermata
2 | Marine Education Society of Australasia
Article #1: Sea Stars
Article #2: Brittle Stars
Article #3: Sea Urchins
Article #4: Sand Dollars
Article #5: Sea Cucumbers
Article #6: Crinoids
Instructions
Go to each of the assigned web sites to watch the video provided. Take notes on the key points of each video. Document the highlighted features or behaviors of the animal species as applicable.
Watch a Sand Dollar Bury Itself | Monterey Bay Aquarium (Time: 0:22)
Rare Moment Feather Star Is Caught Swimming | Caters Clips (Time: 0:36)
The Weird World of the Sea Urchin | Earth Touch (Time: 2:53)
Sea Cucumber Fights with Guts (Literally) | National Geographic (Time 2:20)
Sea Stars Eating Mussels | Shape of Life (Time 2:47)
Here are a few species of echinoderms that can be seen locally in South Florida.
Now it is time to apply what you've learned! In Romans 1:20, the Bible says that we can learn about God’s character by looking at what He made. Consider both the biblical and biological information that was discussed in this lesson and then write out your answers to the following questions.
This week we read Scriptures describing God as our restorer. How can you see this character of God in the echinoderms that He created?
Take a few moments to consider all of the different types of animals that God made. Think about one aspect of these animals that you enjoy. Tell God about it by writing it out on paper. Then write out a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord praising Him for His Creation.