Christ is the Protector and Provider

OBJECTIVE

This lesson will help the students understand that Christ is their protector and provider

INTRODUCTION - 2 Minutes

Ask the students: "Have you ever had a moment when you felt absolutely terrified? How did you feel? What was the situation?"

HOLY SCRIPTURE

"But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him" (Mark 4:40)

• John 18
• Luke 22: 35
• Mark 4:34-41

CONTENT (KEY POINTS)

Examples showing Christ as a protector?:

• Christ being arrested and making sure His disciples were free in John 18:1-9.Christ in the garden prayed about none of His disciples being lost. He was worried about them. He prayed about St. Peter not being "sifted as wheat" by Satan. When He was being arrested He became a shield between the disciples and the temple guards that came to arrest them. Christ went forward when they came and asked them "Whom are you seeking" when they responded "Jesus of Nazareth" and He said "I am He" they fell to the ground. They could not get to Him. It was only after He said I told you I am He, Let these the disciples go that they could then arrest Him. In this way Christ protected the disciples.
• When Jesus asked them if they lacked anything in Luke 22:35 prior to being arrested, this showed that He was personally responsible for them. As long as He was with them, they were protected by Him.
• Christ warns them about the destruction of Jerusalem.
• Old Testament example - Three Holy Youth in the furnace. The pre-incarnate Christ appeared in the furnace and protected the three youth.
• Christ sleeping on the boat during the storm (Mark 4:34-41)

APPLICATION

When we are with Christ, no harm can come to us.

(Must clarify what "with Him" means). The Eucharist is THE physical presence and the Gospel is where we sharpen the image of Christ in us. Therefore He says, "Watch and pray lest you enter into temptations," And He said this immediately before the people come to arrest Him. In the Eucharist He also says, "he who eats My Body and drinks My Blood, abides in Me."

When we partake of the Eucharist, we are with Him. When we are with Him, we know that He protects us. And even though "bad" things may happen we will be safe. It is important to understand that while there are examples of Christ protecting us, we should remember that His ultimate purpose is to keep us from spiritual death.