I had been pushing myself with lots of walking prior to going on a cruise trip with my husband’s family.
On the last full day of the cruise, my husband and I walked over ten miles in one day.
When I stood up after the evening meal, I could not put any weight on my left foot.
I was still limping the next day when we had to navigate getting off the ship and through the airports to return home.
Once we were finally home and I elevated my feet, I realized both feet were in pain.
For the next three years, I lived in tennis shoes because of this injury. Going barefoot was excruciating.
Thankfully, over time and with a commitment to wearing good shoes and plenty of stretching exercises, I have only occasional flare-ups.
Are you wondering why I’m talking about my crippled feet on a Bible study blog?
Read the following passage:
Why does David show kindness to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth? (See 1 Samuel 20:14-15, 42)
This passage mentions Mephibosheth’s crippled feet twice. Why is this detail important? (See 2 Samuel 4:4 and note how Mephibosheth became crippled.)
How well could a crippled person care for and defend themselves back then? Now?
Now consider the following passage from the New Testament:
What is the reason given in verse one for John writing these words?
Who is our advocate when we do wrong according to verse one?
How do we know if we and others really know God and Christ? (See verse three)
Bringing both passages together
David was faithful to his promise to Jonathan and provided generously for Mephibosheth.
Does David’s treatment of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel anticipate Christ’s advocating for us? Why or why not?
How are you like Mephibosheth as you come before God?
Remember, Mephibosheth did not cause his own crippled feet. His injury was a circumstance beyond his control. Yet, he still had a responsibility to be obedient and loving.
Because I over-exercised in bad shoes, I caused my foot issues. Even so, I also am called to be obedient and loving, regardless of whether I am in any kind of pain.
No matter our circumstances, whether caused by others or ourselves, we are all called to obedience and love.
Consider the following response of Christ regarding the greatest commandment.
What does obedience to Christ’s commands have to do with God’s love for us?
When have you extended generosity toward another person out of obedience to God?
Describe a time someone extended generosity towards you out of obedience to God.
Who is God placing on your heart as you read this study? What can you do to encourage them this week?