Author: Greg Troxell

Disciple, entrepreneur and catalytic leader. Advocate of the sharing economy. Ministering to youth, new Christians, and equipping the saints. Developing the Emotivational practice. Founder of www.harmony.bible.

Categories
Two

Zeal for your House

Zeal for Your House

Week 20 | Sections 30, 31

Zeal for Your HouseThis week while we read about Jesus cleansing the temple, we are challenged to examine ourselves, our traditions and the busyness and commerce we’ve allowed and perhaps even brought into our local church.

Being a disciple is all about having a relationship with God, not programs and products. What have we busied ourselves with that in truth, undermines the very foundations of our faith?

Scripture:
Section 30 | John 20:12
12 After this,1 he went down to Capernaum,2 he, and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few days.

Section 31 | John 2:13-22
13 The Passover3 of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.4 14 He found in the temple those who sold5 oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting. 15 He made a whip of cords, and threw all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out6 the changers’ money and overthrew their tables.7 16 To those who sold the doves, he said, “Take these things out of here! Don’t make my Father’s8 house a marketplace!”17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will eat me up.”9¯10 18 The Jews11 therefore answered him, “What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?”12 19 Jesus answered them,“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”13  20 The Jews therefore said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple! Will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he spoke of the temple of his body.14This is the second time that Jesus speaks of his resurrection.  22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

Group Dialog:

  1. What needs to be cleansed out (again) of our life?
  2. What traditions need to be cleansed from the practice of our congregation.
  3. How would you rank your zeal? Allegiance to Jesus? Your identity known to others as one of Jesus’ disciples?
  4. What revelations have you had that caused a radical life change?
  5. What ways have you been closed off to the truth, and the revelation of God?
  6. What is it you want to experience when you gather as the church?
  7. What does it mean to be the church?

Learning Objectives:

Applying the truth we know, let the seed of truth and the Gospel grow in you, rid our lives of false idols, be the church, trust in the power of the risen Lord, divine authority

Study Notes:

Categories
Two

The First Miracle

The First Miracle

Week 19 | Sections 29, 30

The First MiracleToday we read of Jesus’ first miracle at a wedding in the town of Cana. Its a beautiful example of how God is involved and cares about the the details of our daily lives. In our lesson today we learn about Jesus’ power, and the importance of community and our own transparency.

 

Scripture:

John 2:1-11 (Section 29)1
1 The third day,2 there was a marriage3 in Cana of Galilee.4 Jesus’ mother was there. 2 Jesus also was invited, with his disciples,5 to the marriage.6 3 When the wine ran out,7 Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.”4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come.”8 5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.” 6 Now there were six water pots of stone9set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece.10 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them,“Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the ruler11 of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn’t know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!” 11 This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

John 2:12 (Section 30)
12 After this, he went down to Capernaum,12 he, and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few days.13

Group Dialog:

  1. What can we expect of God in the way of miracles?
  2. Why do you think there is a lack of miracles in America?
  3. What spiritual and social dangers are there in being self-sufficient?
  4. What blessings can we receive by receiving from God, an agency, friend, or family?
  5. How are the adverse affects of shame?
  6. How can transparency cultivate the miracle of community (communitas)?
  7. Share a few recent examples of the church helping others in need. What do you feel as you hear these stories?
  8. What is it that you need right now? Will you ask for it in prayer or from a friend?

Learning Objectives:

miracles, community that transforms, prosperity and poverty, helping others, humility, transparency.

Study Notes:

 

Categories
Two

Jesus’ First Followers

Jesus' First Followers

Week 18 | Section 28

Jesus' First FollowersIn today’s reading, Jesus is recognized again as the Lamb of God and gathers first five followers. We can learn quite bit of Evangelism 101 observing how Jesus begins his relational ministry and continued on to invite them to be his disciples.

Scripture:

John 1:35-51
35 Again, the next day,1 John was standing with two of his disciples,2 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”3¯4 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.5 38 Jesus turned and saw them following,6 and said to them, “What are you looking for?”7  They said to him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them,“Come, and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother, Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which is, being interpreted, Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is by interpretation, Peter). 43 On the next day, he was determined to go out into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him,“Follow me.”8  44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”46 Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”9 Philip said to him, “Come and see.”10 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him,“Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”11 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!”12 50 Jesus answered him, “Because I told you, ‘I saw you underneath the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these!”13 51 He said to him,“Most certainly, I tell you all, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Group Dialog:

  1. Do you consider yourself to be a disciple of Jesus (or a church-goer)? Why?
  2. Who shared the Good News with you? To whom have you had the opportunity to share the Gospel, or your conversion story?
  3. What is the present spiritual need… in your life? …in the souls of those whom you know are still not Jesus disciple? What an you do to share the Good News with them?
  4. Of those ‘names of Jesus’ in this passage which comforts/encourages you most?

Learning Objectives:

evangelism, friendship evangelism, obstacles to faith, words of knowledge,

Study Notes:

Categories
Two

Behold, the Lamb of God

Behold, the Lamb of God

Week 17 | Section 26, 27

Behold, the Lamb of GodWord of John the Baptist’s ministry reached Jerusalem and concerned enough of the Jews there that they sent the a cadre of priests and scholars to investigate. Was he Elijah? The Prophet? or the Messiah? Why was John baptizing folks? In humility, John replied, I am “a voice” and I my role is to “make straight the way of the Lord”. These were familiar words to such learned Jews that should have resounded as good news, but perhaps it was their self-interest for personal significance that prevented them from responding to the good news. Let those who have ears to hear, hear what the spirit has to say.

Scripture:

Section 26
John 1:19-28
19 This is John’s1¯2 testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem3¯4 to ask him, “Who are you?”¯5  20 He declared, and didn’t deny, but he declared, “I am not the Christ.”6 21 They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?”7 He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?”8 He answered, “No.” 22 They said therefore to him, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness,9 ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” 24 The ones who had been sent were from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, “Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize in water,10 but among you stands one whom you don’t know.11 27 He is the one12 who comes after me, who is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to loosen.” 28 These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.13

Section 27
John 1:29-34
29 The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold,the Lamb of God,14¯15 who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for he was before me.’16  31 I didn’t know him,17 but for this reason I came baptizing in water: that he would be revealed to Israel.” 32 John testified, saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven, and it remained on him. 33 I didn’t recognize him, but he18 who sent me to baptize in water, he said to me, ‘On whomever you will see the Spirit descending and remaining on him is he who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.”19

Group Dialog:

  1. What anxieties have upset your life? Were they God-sent or spawn in fear, doubt, and uncertainty?
  2. What is your vocation in ministry?
  3. What experiences do you have of receiving foreknowledge?
  4. How do you discern the will of God, and the activity of God in your life?
  5. How does one go about testing to know whether what is begin preached is accurate, true, honoring God, and faithful to the Scriptures?
  6. What are the names of Jesus which offer you most comfort, courage and confidence?

Learning Objectives:

vocation, humility, commitment, disciple, servant-leadership, service, Messiah, prophesy, discernment, spiritual gifts, christian community, God’s perfect timing, responsibility of spiritual leaders

Study Notes:

 

 

 

Categories
Two

Temptations of Christ

Temptations of Christ

Week 16 | Section 25

Temptations of ChristImmediately after Jesus was baptized he was led into the desert by the Holy Spirit and there he was tempted fiercely by Satan. Just after his baptism having heard God affirm him saying “you are my Son”, Satan jumps on the opportunity to confuse Jesus by trying to undermine his identity, distort God’s Word, and redirect his purpose. Wonderfully, Jesus spiritual foundation, knowledge of Scripture, and integrity protected him being deceived.

Scripture:
[one_third last=”no”]Matt 4:1-11
1 Then Jesus was led]note]Heb 2:18, 4:15[/note] up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.1 2 When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward. 3 The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”2 4 But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’ ”3 5 Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you.’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’ ” 8 Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. 9 He said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.”4 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’ ”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 1:12-13
12 Immediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness. 13 He was there in the wilderness forty days tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and the angels were serving him.[/one_third]

[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 4:1-13
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness 2 for forty days,5 being tempted by the devil. He ate nothing in those days. Afterward, when they were completed, he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ ”6 5 The devil, leading him up on a high mountain, showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 The devil said to him, “I will give you all this authority, and their glory, for it has been delivered to me; and I give it to whomever I want.[The Devil indeed had the authority to do so (Rev 11:15), but the temptation was to get the Messiah to forfeit his Eternal purpose for temporal authority. Had he done so we would not have a Savior. Jesus is clear about this point (John 18:36) as were the Apostles 2Cor 4:17; Eph 2:2; 6:12.[/note]¯7

7 If you therefore will worship before me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered him, “Get behind me Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’ ”8 9 He led him to Jerusalem, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, cast yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, ‘He will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you;’ 11 and, ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest perhaps you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”9 12 Jesus answering, said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ” 13 When the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from him until another time.10[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  1. Give some thought to the question, How does temptation most often come upon you?
  2. From today’s lesson what can you learn about temptation and overcoming it?
  3. What Scripture passages have given you most resolve and fortitude to resist temptation and fulfill the ministry to which God has called you? (2Tim 1:6; James 4:7)
  4. Which of these temptations is most difficult for you? 1. Fear of scarcity; 2. Worldly possessions and social opinion; 3. Self reliance vs trusting God to lead and guide.

Learning Objectives:

Baptism, Trinity, Deity & Humanity of Christ, sin, humility, acceptance, angels, heavenly ranks, devil, temptation, overcoming temptation

Study Notes:

Categories
Two

Jesus’ Baptism

Jesus' Baptism

Week 15 | Section 24

Jesus' BaptismToday we begin the second phase of Jesus ministry, which we will study over the next two months. In history these events took place over a period of about 12-15 months.

Now Jesus’ baptism, the event in today’s story, occurs when he is about 30 years old. John had been baptizing folks for over six months and had prophesied that one day one greater than he would come. Well that was the day. Though without sin, Jesus modeled for those present and all humanity the imperative and principle attitude and action of salvation and ministry – humility and acceptance.

Bethany on the East side of the Jordan River | Sonlife Video

This video is provided by Sonlife – one of our Ministry Partners.

Section 24
[one_third last=”no”]Mat 3:13-17
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.1 14 But John would have hindered him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?”2 15 But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.”3 Then he allowed him. 16 Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him. 17 Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”4[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 1:9-11
9 In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

 

 

10 Immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting,5 and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.6 11 A voice came out of the sky, “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”7¯8[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 3:21-23a

 

 

 

 

21 Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also had been baptized,9¯10 and was praying. The sky was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form like a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying “You are my beloved Son. In you I am well pleased.” 23 And Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age.11[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  1. What is the work of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in this section?
  2. What does it take for Jesus to please God? What had he done?
  3. Who am I in the eyes of God? How is this reflected in my actions, thoughts, and feelings?
  4. What way can we pass on a blessing to others this week?

Learning Objectives:

Baptism, Trinity, Deity & Humanity of Christ, sin, humility, acceptance, prayer, discernment of God’s activity among us, grace, acts of righteousness, pleasing God,

Study Notes:

Categories
One

Along the River Jordan

Along the River Jordan

Week 14 | Sections 22, 23

Along the River JordanThis week we wrap up the first phase of Jesus’ life and ministry.  We want to stress to you the importance of our spiritual foundations and the faith experiences we are provided in life (as well as those we provide our children, friends and new church members).

These iconic experiences are like spiritual cairns or thresholds in the believers life which later serve as touch points that allow us to express our faith and relate with others. Of course, it redemption calls for surrender; and those who continually seek God shall find him and be blessed by his grace, mercy, and power.

Scripture Passages:

Section 22
[one_half last=”no”]Matthew 3:7-10
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees1 coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers,2 who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?3¯4  8 Therefore produce fruit5 worthy of repentance! 9 Don’t think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham6 for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 “Even now the ax7 lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.[/one_half]

[one_half last=”yes”]Luke 3:7-14
7 He said therefore to the multitudes8 who went out to be baptized by him, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore produce fruits worthy of repentance, and don’t begin to say among yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father;’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones! 9 Even now the ax also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire.” 10 The multitudes asked him, “What then must we do?” 11 He answered them, “He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what must we do?” 13 He said to them, “Collect no more than that which is appointed to you.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, saying, “What about us? What must we do?” He said to them, “Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages.”[/one_half]

Section 23

[one_third last=”no”]Matt 3:11-12
11 I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.

 

12 His winnowing fork9 is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.”[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 1:7-8
7 He preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen.10 8 I baptized you in water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”11[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 3:15-18
15 As the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he was the Christ, 16 John answered them all, “I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire, 17 whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor, and will gather the wheat into his barn; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”12 18 Then with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  1. What stirs up conflict within you and among your family, friends and neighbors? What do you do to mediate these conflicts?
  2. How has your life changed as the fruit of the Holy Spirit has become more prevalent throughout your life?
  3. Begin a conversation about eternal life (heaven and hell) and that of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
  4. What does it take to produce good fruit? How do you go about doing that?

Learning Objectives:

grace, repentance, transformation, conflict, law, baptism, salvation, humility, fruit of the spirit

Study Notes:

Categories
One

Prepare the Way of the Lord

Prepare the way of the Lord

Week 13 | Sections 20, 21

Prepare the way of the LordAs we continue our chronological reading of the gospels, Jesus has now grown to be a man. This is when the Apostle Mark begins his Gospel record in which he aims to emphasize the activities and miraculous works of Jesus. John was already preparing the way, softening the hearts of his listeners away from self-righteousness and indifference with a message of repentance and baptism of those who desired release.

Scripture:
Section 20
[one_half last=”no”]Mark1¯2 1:1
1 The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.3[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Luke 3:1-2
1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea4, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.[/one_half]

Section 21
[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 3:1-6
1 In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 2 “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make ready the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight.” 4 Now John himself wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then people from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him. 6 They were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 1:2-6
2 As it is written in the prophets, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you: 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord! Make his paths straight!’ ” 4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins. 5 All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins. 6 John was clothed with camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. [/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 3:3-6
3 He came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance5 for remission of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight. 5 Every valley will be filled. Every mountain and hill will be brought low. The crooked will become straight, and the rough ways smooth. 6 All flesh will see God’s salvation.’ ”[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  1. How have you personally been transformed by the Gospel of Jesus?
  2. How might our church and community be transformed if we engaged in active dialog about the reality of our faith. asked and listened to the stories of others?
  3. How does daily repentance help prepare your heart and mind to be messengers of the Gospel, and a servant of God?
  4. As the ministry of John the Baptist is focused on repentance, give space at the close of today’s study for a silent confession, and perhaps shared affirmation of faith using the Nicene creed.
  5. Think back on your baptism (infant or adult) share a related lesson of faith and God’s faithfulness that you hold dear, that gives you strength as you continue in the faith.

Learning Objectives:

Repentance, record of your journey in faith, baptism, dedication, inward transformation, sacrament, sincerity, peace, right living, fulfillment of prophesy, vocation.

Study Notes:

Categories
One

Traveling Mercies

Traveling Mercies

Week 12 | Sections 16, 17, 18, 19

Traveling MerciesSometimes unfortunate events turn out to be an integral thread of God’s handiwork in the tapestry of our lives. Jesus’ childhood journeys to Bethlehem, Nazareth, Egypt and Galilee are evidence of such and the experiences of Jesus early years helped prepare him for a lifetime of ministry.

Scripture:

Section 16
[one_half last=”no”]Matthew 2:19-23
19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, 20 “Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child’s life are dead.” 21 He arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there. Being warned in a dream, he withdrew into the region of Galilee,23 and came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Luke 2:39
39 When they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.
[/one_half]

Section 17
Luke 2:40
40 The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

Section 18
Luke 2:41-50
41 His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast,43 and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn’t know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they didn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you.” 49 He said to them,“Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 They didn’t understand the saying which he spoke to them.

Section 19
Luke2:51-52
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

 

Group Dialog:

  1. What lessons of faith are you learning now?
  2. How has your life thus far prepared you for a unique ministry with others?
  3. Are you prepared to give a reason for the hope in you?

Learning Objectives:

Parenting, Spiritual Parents, individualism and community, hi-low context culture, autonomy and interdependence, discerning God’s leading, making sense of our past, spiritual growth, the soul yearns for God.

Study Notes:

Categories
One

We Saw His Star

We Saw His Star

Week 11 | Section 14, 15

We Saw His StarToo many people in this world are consumed by the need for power. King Herod, being one of them, pursued Jesus – the infant born “King of the Jews” and sought his destruction trying to defend his perception of power. However, God’s plan of salvation was not to be stopped, and Herod’s unrighteous acts simply added to the list of prophesies that would be fulfilled by Jesus.

Rather than trying to justify our value or argue for seats of power, we should follow the lead of those magi who were among the first to worship him in humility and awe.

 

Scripture:
Matthew 2:1-121 | Section 14

1 Now2 when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men3¯4 from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east,5 and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ would be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is written through the prophet, 6 ‘You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah: for out of you shall come a governor, who shall shepherd my people, Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod secretly called the wise men, and learned from them exactly what time the star appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me word, so that I also may come and worship him.” 9 They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 They came into the house6 and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.7 12 Being warned in a dream8 not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country another way.

Matthew 2:13-18 |Section 15

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream,9 saying, “Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.” 14 He arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt,10 15 and was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under, according to the exact time which he had learned from the wise men.11 17 Then that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying,18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; she wouldn’t be comforted,because they are no more.”12

Group Dialog:

  1. The writings of the prophets had circulated and prepared even the magi to come worship the new king. How did God work to prepare your heart to worship the Lord even before you believed?
  2. Talk about these paradigms: power and authority; worship and self-aggrandizement; control and stewardship.
  3. What can we learn from today’s lesson about the providence and power of God and the will of human beings?
  4. What would you be inclined to bring Jesus if he were to appear again in our lifetime? What do you offer Him each day?

Learning Objectives:

prophesy (ordained and foreknown), providence; discernment, decision, God’s will, divine intervention,  humility, seasons of service, servant-leadership,