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.

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5c

Authentic Faith in Action

Week 91 | Sections 104-105

Today’s study envelops the story of Mary and Martha as well as Jesus’ second presentation of “The Lords Prayer”. In the two we stories we see authentic faith in action.

Audio

Scripture:

Section 104 | Jesus’ Visit with Mary and Martha

Luke 10:38-42
38 As they went on their way, he entered into a certain village,1 and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.2 39 She had a sister called Mary,3 who also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.4 40 But Martha was distracted5 with much6 serving, and she came up to him, and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister left me to serve alone? Ask her therefore to help me.” 41 Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.7”

Section 105 | Lesson on How to Pray and the Parable of the bold Friend

Luke 11:1-13
1 When he finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray,8 just as John also taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father9 in heaven, may your name be kept holy10. May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ ”11  

5 He said to them, “Which of you, if you go to a friend at midnight, and tell him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him,’ 7 and he from within will answer and say, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give it to you’? 8 I tell you, although he will not rise and give it to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will get up and give him as many as he needs. 9 “I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he won’t give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, he won’t give him a scorpion, will he? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

Group Dialog:

  1. How do you balance and value both being and doing?
  2. What do you make of Jesus’ willingness to be received into a “woman’s home” and teach a woman in the cultural context of his day? How might overlooking and respecting cultural norms be a blessing to some and challenging to others? How can we know when to do one or the other?

Learning Objectives: Spiritual disciplines stimulate our faith: 1) The inward disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study; 2) The outward disciplines: Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service 3.) The corporate disciplines: Confession, Worship, Guidance, Celebration.

Special Prayer: O God, heavenly Father, whose Son Jesus Christ enjoyed rest and Refreshment in the home of Mary and Martha of Bethany: Give us the will to love you, open our hearts to hear you, and strengthen our hands to serve you in others for his sake; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.

 

Study Notes:

Categories
5c Five

Our Kinsman Redeemer

Week 90 | Section 103

The second half of what we call the “Golden Rule” calls us to “Love your neighbor as yourself” so as we’ll see, the stewardship of others and being in community is not an option.  Neither we nor others are defined by our circumstances or past experiences, but by the power of God at work in us and our choices in the sacrament of this present moment.1 As we are a most fickle ally it is most fortunate for us that our destiny is in the hands of our merciful kinsman redeemer.

Podcast – coming soon

Section 103 | Story of the Good Samaritan

Luke 10:25-37
25 Behold, a certain lawyer2 stood up3 and tested him, saying, “Teacher,4 what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”5 28 He said to him, “You have answered correctly.6 Do this, and you will live.”7 29 But he, desiring to justify himself,8 asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?”9 30 Jesus answered,10 “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan,11 as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, 34 came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the host, and said to him, ‘Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.’ 36 Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “He who showed mercy12–13 on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do14 likewise.”15

 Group Dialog

  1. Why do you think the question as to how one can be certain of their future is so common?
  2. How are mercy and love similar and distinct?
  3. What is your experience in following the Golden Rule? What undermines your ability to go and do likewise?
  4. How have you learned to overcome your fears and and restrain reactive violence and self preservation in its various forms?
  5. Speak about the characteristic of integrity and ongoing role of mercy in our lives as you ponder this reading.
  6. What segregation do you see in your community (neighborhood, family, church, workplace, school, etc)? How then have you aimed to exercise the ministry of reconciliation and be an agent of mercy?

Learning Objective

Whether you believe in evolution from sludge or creation both views recognize a universal connection and bond from the very origins of all that is. Love unites persons in communion. The notion of creation and Jesus’ redemption reconciles all humanity as a single family, so we must learn to treat one another as brothers and sisters, no less than neighbors, and extend love and mercy to both.

Notes

 

Categories
5c Five

Commissioned and Blessed

Week 89 | Sections 102 a,b

In this episode we learn about when Jesus commissioned the 70 (or 72). While some of the disciples had spend up to two years with Jesus, all of those commissioned were now responsible to share good news aligning all their attention, intentions and actions to do his will, to go, and be disciples who make disciples.

Scripture

Section 102a | Commissioning on the Seventy

Luke 10:1-16
1 Now after these things,1 the Lord also2 appointed seventy others3 4–5, and sent them two by two6 ahead of him into every city and place where he was about to come. 2 Then he said to them, “The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your ways. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.7  4 Carry no purse, nor wallet, nor sandals. Greet no one on the way.8 5 Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ 6 If a son of peace9  is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Remain in that same house, eating and drinking the things they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Don’t go from house to house.10 8 Into whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat the things that are set before you. 9 Heal the sick11 who are there, and tell them, ‘God’s Kingdom has come near to you.’12  10 But into whatever city you enter, and they don’t receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust from your city that clings to us, we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that God’s Kingdom has come near to you.’13 12 I tell you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city. 13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you. 15 You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades.14 16 Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me. Whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”15

Section 102b | Return of the Seventy

Luke 10:17-24
17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”16  18 He said to them, “I saw Satan having fallen like lightning from heaven.17 19 Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.18 Nothing will in any way hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, don’t rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” 21 In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.” 22 Turning to the disciples, he said, “All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is, except the Father, and who the Father is, except the Son, and he to whomever the Son desires to reveal him.” 23 Turning to the disciples, he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things that you see, 24 for I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see the things which you see, and didn’t see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and didn’t hear them.”19 

Group Dialog

  1. What passages, in addition to this, clarify the “Gospel message” we are to believe and share?
  2. Why do you suppose Jesus’ selected out of the multitude of disciples just 70 more witnesses? Was it based on vocation, maturity, or perhaps immaturity and the need to learn a lesson?
  3. What is your personal account(s) of how that message changed your life?
  4. How might your (lack of) understanding of sovereignty, grace and spiritual empowerment/authority affect the ministry of proclamation?
  5. What are the consequences (temporal and eternal) of unbelief and rejection of the message?
  6. Why do you suppose Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs?
  7. How is your sense of success, challenged by this passage?
  8. What would happen in your life (and in those you know) if you valued most on what Jesus rejoices in this passage?
  9. In your church (or small group) how many laborers of the Gospel are there? Two by two, how many towns or people might your church reach?
  10. What are the necessary requirements for being “sent on mission”? Are the specific duties and goals from this passage that we should universally apply to missions today? Do you feel qualified? Do you feel called? What are you doing?

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Learning Objectives

Go and be vulnerable. In your vulnerability you will be blessed even more because of your dependence on the Lord whom sent you.

Notes

Categories
5b

The Day I Met Jesus

When we see things from God’s perspective, we begin to understand that his way is perfect and we can trust in him completely – even when things don’t look so bright. Make a commitment to see people and situations from God’s perspective, trusting that he can make a difference and weave all things together for the sake of the Gospel.

 

Scripture:

Section 100a | Healing of a Man Born Blind

John 9:1-7
1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned,1 this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”2  3 Jesus answered, “Neither did this man sin, nor his parents;3 but, that the works of God might be revealed in him. 4 I must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day. The night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 When he had said this, he spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva, anointed the blind man’s eyes with the mud, 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So he went away, washed, and came back seeing.

Section 100b | Response of the Blind Man’s Neighbors

John 9:8-12
8 The neighbors therefore, and those who saw that he was blind before, said, “Isn’t this he who sat and begged?” 9 Others were saying, “It is he.” Still others were saying, “He looks like him.” He said, “I am he.” 10 They therefore were asking him, “How were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “A man called Jesus made mud, anointed my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went away and washed, and I received sight.” 12 Then they asked him, “Where is he?” He said, “I don’t know.”

Section 100c | Examination and Excommunication of the Blind Man by the Pharisees

John 9:13-34
13 They brought him who had been blind to the Pharisees. 14 It was a Sabbath when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 Again therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes, I washed, and I see.” 16 Some therefore of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, because he doesn’t keep the Sabbath.” Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” There was division among them. 17 Therefore they asked the blind man again, “What do you say about him, because he opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” 18 The Jews therefore didn’t believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and had received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight, 19 and asked them, “Is this your son, whom you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20 His parents answered them, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but how he now sees, we don’t know; or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. He is of age. Ask him. He will speak for himself.” 22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if any man would confess him as Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age. Ask him.” 24 So they called the man who was blind a second time, and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He therefore answered, “I don’t know if he is a sinner. One thing I do know: that though I was blind, now I see.” 26 They said to him again, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I told you already, and you didn’t listen. Why do you want to hear it again? You don’t also want to become his disciples, do you?” 28 They insulted him and said, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses. But as for this man, we don’t know where he comes from.” 30 The man answered them, “How amazing! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God, and does his will, he listens to him. 32 Since the world began it has never been heard of that anyone opened the eyes of someone born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 They answered him, “You were altogether born in sins, and do you teach us?” Then they threw him out.

Section 100d | Jesus’ Identification of Himself to the Blind Man

John 9:35-38
35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and finding him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” 36 He answered, “Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have both seen him, and it is he who speaks with you.” 38 He said, “Lord, I believe!” and he worshiped him.

Section 100e | Spiritual Blindness of the Pharisees

John 9:39-41
39 Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, that those who don’t see may see; and that those who see may become blind.” 40 Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.

Group Dialog:

  1. What is it about belief that is transformative, empowering and catalytic?
  2. What are some immediate and ultimate causes and results of suffering and disease?
  3. When might (might not) sin in a person’s life be the cause of their illness, blindness, car accidents, death, trials, or demise?
  4. Talk about causation, consequence and consecration.
  5. Surely you’ve heard people ask, “why do bad things happen in the world” or “why do good people suffer”? After reading this passage and considering what you know of Jesus’ teaching – How would you answer these questions?
  6. Finish the sentence: “Once I was _______ but since I become a disciple of Jesus now I ______.”
  7. If you can, share about a time when you were unable to answer how God did something for you which had undeniably happened in practical or emotional-spiritual sense.
  8. Have you ever been afraid to take a stand in defense of another’s innocence or wellness? Why?
  9. What physical or emotional misfortune in your life has turned into an opportunity for God to demonstrate his power?
  10. Do you think the man was born blind in order to show God’s glory or that in his blindness God’s glory could be shown? How does this line up with the events of your own life and that of those you love?
  11. What blinded you from knowing the truth before your decision to follow Jesus?

Learning Objectives:

  • The message of John chapter 9 is that God does not do things the way the world thinks they should be done.
  • When we insist on going about things our own way or rely on the world’s values and processes, we are more likely to become frustrated and discouraged.
  • Instead of focusing solely on your problems, seek how God might use my problems to demonstrate his power.
  • Your testimony, and not just those with scholarly knowledge, is what the world yearns to hear.
  • Each of us ought to evaluate the way we use our time. Are you doing the works of God? Are you honoring your vocation? Is what you are doing in ministry ?

Photo:

coming soon

You may also enjoy watching this movie clip of this passage.

Notes:

 

Categories
5b

I am the Light of the World

Intro

Scripture:

Section 98 | Conflict over Jesus’ Claim to be the Light of the World

John 8:12-20
12 Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world.1 2 He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”3 4 13 The Pharisees therefore said to him, “You testify about yourself. Your testimony is not valid.” 14 Jesus answered them,“Even if I testify about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from, and where I am going; but you don’t know where I came from, or where I am going. 15 You judge according to the flesh. I judge no one. 16 Even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent me. 17 It’s also written in your law that the testimony of two people is valid. 18 I am one who testifies about myself, and the Father who sent me testifies about me.” 19 They said therefore to him, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20 Jesus spoke these words in the treasury, as he taught in the temple.5  Yet no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

Section 99a | Jesus’ Relationship with the Father

John 8:21-30
21 Jesus said therefore again to them, “I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sins. Where I go, you can’t come.” 22 The Jews therefore said, “Will he kill himself, because he says, ‘Where I am going, you can’t come’?” 23 He said to them, “You are from beneath. I am from above. You are of this world. I am not of this world. 24 I said therefore to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.” 25 They said therefore to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you. However he who sent me is true; and the things which I heard from him, these I say to the world.” 27 They didn’t understand that he spoke to them about the Father. 28 Jesus therefore said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing of myself, but as my Father taught me, I say these things. 29 He who sent me is with me. The Father hasn’t left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” 30 As he spoke these things, many believed in him.

Group Dialog

  1. What is the brightest light you have ever seen? How did you feel in the presence of that bright light? By contrast, What is the darkest dark that you have ever experienced and how did you feel?
  2. On different occasions in the New Testament, Jesus uses the following words to define himself: bread, light, vine, shepherd, way, truth and life. What human condition was He addressing when using each of these metaphors?
  3. When Jesus says that he is the light of the world during the Feast of Booths (Feast of Tabernacles), What do you think every Jew there should realize about who he is claiming to be?
  4. Do you think believers can sometimes walk in darkness while they think they’re walking in the light? If so, how How can this happen and What danger lies in wait for them/us? How can we prevent that from happening to ourselves?
  5. In John 8:24 Jesus spoke about “dying in one’s sin”, What are your thoughts, fears, questions and resulting actions about his statement?
  6. In what ways do some people you know question Jesus’ claim to be “the light of the world”? What is Jesus’ response?
  7. Talk about the qualities of light as it is used to define the nature and ministry of Christ and Jesus’ disciples.

Learning Objectives

  • Jesus is the Messiah. Throughout the Old Testament light is one of the names of the Messiah (Psalm 27:1; 119:105; and Proverbs 6:23, Isaiah 9:2, 6; 42:6- 7; and 60:1-3).

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Notes:

Categories
Uncategorized

Onward and Upward

Week 81 | Sections 93, 94, 95

The journey to one’s destiny calls for unfeigned courage, humility, and encouragement where it might be found, for the road is not often easy.  In our reading today Jesus makes his journey onward and upward, traveling southward from Capernaum to Jerusalem.

Scripture

Section 93 | Complete Commitment Required of Followers

[one_half last=”no”]Matthew 8:19-22
19 A scribe came,1 and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20 Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”2 21 Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.” 22 But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Luke 9:57-62
57 As they went on the way, a certain man said to him, “I want to follow you wherever you go, Lord.” 58 Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 He said to another, “Follow me!” But he said, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.” 60 But Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce God’s Kingdom.” 61 Another also said, “I want to follow you, Lord, but first allow me to say good-bye to those who are at my house.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for God’s Kingdom.”[/one_half]

Section 94 | Ridicule by Jesus’ Half Brothers

John 7:2-9
2 Now the feast of the Jews, the Feast of Booths, was at hand. 3 His brothers therefore said to him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that your disciples also may see your works which you do. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, reveal yourself to the world.” 5 For even his brothers didn’t believe in him. 6 Jesus therefore said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. 7 The world can’t hate you, but it hates me, because I testify about it, that its works are evil. 8 You go up to the feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, because my time is not yet fulfilled.” 9 Having said these things to them, he stayed in Galilee.

Section 95 | Journey through Samaria

[one_half last=”no”]Luke 9:51-56
51 It came to pass, when the days were near that he should be taken up, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem.3    52 and sent messengers before his face. They went and entered into a village of the Samaritans, so as to prepare for him. 53 They didn’t receive him, because he was traveling with his face set towards Jerusalem. 54 When his disciples, James and John, saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from the sky, and destroy them, just as Elijah did?” 55 But he turned and rebuked them, “You don’t know of what kind of spirit you are. 56 For the Son of Man didn’t come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” They went to another village. [/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]John 7:10
10 But when his brothers had gone up to the feast,

then he also went up, not publicly, but as it were in secret.[/one_half]

Small Group Dialog:

  1. What has it meant, taken, and cost you to find and follow Jesus?

Learning Objectives:

abc

Photo:

Study Notes:

Categories
5b

Treatment and Forgiveness of other Sinners

Week 80 | Section 92

In today’s lesson the Gospel writers graciously allow us to hear one voice, that of Matthew.  On the heals of Jesus previous instruction concerning causing others to sin, comes his teaching that hones in our our attitude and behavior as Christians.  It’s likely that Jesus’ lesson is steeped from the cauldron of the disciples’ debate which was still stirring discord over the question, of “who should be the greatest?” or who was to blame for such a foolish squabble.1

Section 92 | Treatment and Forgiveness of a Sinning Brother

Matthew 18:15-35
15 “If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. 16 But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector. 18 Most certainly I tell you, whatever things you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever things you release on earth will have been released in heaven. 19 Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.” 21 Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven.2   

23 Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants. 24 When he had begun to reconcile, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’ 27 The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 “But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29 “So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’ 30 He would not, but went and cast him into prison, until he should pay back that which was due. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord called him in, and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me. 33 Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?’ 34 His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors, until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don’t each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds.”

Small Group Dialog:

  1. How are the two parts of today’s reading connected?
  2. What is the promise that Jesus makes about our agreement in prayer in the context of sin, offense, and reconciliation?
  3. How would you outline the steps of reconciliation?
  4. Reflect together on how the “Prayer of St. Francis” might apply to this passage.
  5. Have a dialog about confrontation, contrition, conformity, and the resulting confidence in the grace of God.

Learning Objectives:

discipline, prayer, forgiveness,

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Study Notes:

 

 

Categories
5b

Perils of an Unbelieving Generation

Our Study today comes from Section 87 in the Harmony of the Gospels. We’ve discussed the topic of demons, demoniacs, and deliverance various times before but we’ve never provided you a full listing of the Biblical accounts of Jesus liberating demoniacs. This is the last of ten (10) reported instances1 in which Jesus had delivered people from demons (sometimes just one and other times plural), and finally that this type of ministry would continue in Section 181. Quite simply, this is not a topic that can be dismissed easily from the life of believers today and perhaps the fact that it has been is why the Church is in such sad state today. Jesus uses the fact of such power as an element of his testimony; and his resurrection was once again final evidence of his divine authority over even the strongest demonic force. Therefore, if there is any doubt or confusion in your mind about this topic in the life of Jesus or the life of the believer today, let us once and for all put this to rest.

Scripture:

Section 87 | Healing of Demoniac Boy and Unbelief Rebuked

[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 17:14-21

 

 

 

14 When they came to the multitude, a man came to him, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic, and suffers grievously; for he often falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to your disciples, and they could not cure him.”2

 

17 Jesus answered, “Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring him here to me.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18 Jesus rebuked him, the demon went out of him, and the boy was cured from that hour.

 

 

 

19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, “Why weren’t we able to cast it out?” 20 He said to them, “Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 But this kind doesn’t go out except by prayer and fasting.3[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 9:14-29
14 Coming to the disciples, he saw a great multitude around them, and scribes questioning them. 15 Immediately all the multitude, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and running to him, greeted him. 16 He asked the scribes, “What are you asking them?” 17 One of the multitude answered, “Teacher, I brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit; 18 and wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth, and wastes away. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they weren’t able.”

 

19 He answered him, “Unbelieving generation,4 how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 They brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth.5 21 He asked his father, “How long has it been since this has come to him?” He said, “From childhood. 22 Often it has cast him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.”6 23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!”7 25 When Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you,8 come out of him, and never enter him again!” 26 After crying out and convulsing him greatly, it came out of him. The boy became like one dead, so much that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and raised him up; and he arose. 28 When he had come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?”

 

 

29 He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing, except by prayer and fasting.”[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 9:37-43a

 

 

 

37 On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great multitude met him. 38 Behold, a man from the crowd called out, saying, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 Behold, a spirit takes him, he suddenly cries out, and it convulses him so that he foams, and it hardly departs from him, bruising him severely. 40 I begged your disciples to cast it out, and they couldn’t.” 41 Jesus answered, “Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” 42 While he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him violently.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

43a They were all astonished at the majesty of God. [/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  • Who are the characters in today’s reading? What preconceived ideas, emotions, and situations might be influencing their actions, conversations, and results?
  • Based on the events of the story and what you already know about Jesus would you consider Jesus to be greater than his disciples? Why?
  • Why is Jesus able to do what his disciples could not?
  • Trust and Faith. Now how do we get such faith?

Learning Objectives:

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Study Notes:

Categories
5b Five

When Kingdom Comes

Week 75 | Section 84

Our study this week could be considered to be the explanation of the paradox provided in our last study which we closed before the end of the year. Groups may like to combine these two weeks but others will find the subject matter ever-pressing on the minds of young believers and people who have differing eschatological views, disbelief of Pentecost, and bold denial of the very nature and mission of Jesus Christ. These three verses have generated much controversy through the generations but a few truths will remain evident and essential as we conclude our study today.

Scripture:

Section 84 | Coming of the Son of Man and Judgement

[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 16:27-28

 

27 For the Son of Man1 will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds.2 28 Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”3[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 8:38-9:1
38 For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation,4 the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him,5 when he comes in his Father’s glory,6 with the holy angels.” 9:1 He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see God’s Kingdom come with power.”7[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 9:26-27
26 For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed, when he comes in his glory, and the glory of the Father, and of the holy angels.

27 But I tell you the truth: There are some of those who stand here8 who will in no way taste of death9 until they see10 God’s Kingdom.”11[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  1. As Jesus closes his discourse with his disciples (see Section 83) he utters yet another prophetic message about His second coming. What did He say He would do? What did he say he would be like? With whom did he say he would be when he returns?
  2. Compare this passage with Romans 2:6, 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Peter 1:17; Revelation 2:23 and discuss your understanding of Jesus’ second coming.
  3. In the coming reckoning, and in this very moment, are you more inclined to aim to justify yourself and your action or accept the reconciliatory work which Jesus accomplished for you and the world on the cross?
  4. To which spiritual authority do you bow? Are you inclined to take God at his Word or embrace the philosophies of this present age?

Learning Objectives: Divinity of Jesus, Authority of Jesus, enduring love of God for his people, power given us in Christ, end times, security of salvation by the eternal work of Christ.

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Study Notes:

Categories
Lectionary Series Year C

Fourth Sunday of Advent (c)

Our Gospel reading this Sunday is from  Luke 1:39-55. Actually, the clergy have the option of stopping at vs 45 or including 46-55. As this entry is part of our Lectionary Series and the Advent mini-series, we’ve decided to include the entire reading.  You may like to review our study notes in our regular study series through the Harmony of the Gospels in weeks 5 and 6 (covering sections 5,6,7).

Strangely this week’s Gospel reading goes backward in time, as last week we read from Luke 3-7-18. However, both of these readings fall within the first phase of Jesus’ life and ministry.

Scripture:

Section 5 | Jesus’ Birth Foretold to Mary

Luke 1:26-28
26 Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and give birth to a son, and will call his name ‘Jesus.’ 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God. 36 Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing spoken by God is impossible.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.”The angel departed from her.

Section 6 | Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s Song

Luke 1:39-45
39 Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah, 40 and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 She called out with a loud voice, and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!”

Section 7 | Mary’s Song of Joy

Luke 1:46-56
46 Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord. 47 My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed. 49 For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name. 50 His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him. 51 He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down princes from their thrones. And has exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers,to Abraham and his offspring forever.” 56 Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house.

Group Dialog:

 

Learning Objectives:

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Study Notes: