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
Lectionary Series Year C

Third Sunday of Advent (C)

Our Gospel lesson this Sunday is from Luke 3:7-18, which we place in Phase 1 of Jesus Ministry. In our regular study through the Harmony of the Gospels we read Sections 22, 23 in week 14. You will find our additional study notes, commentary and questions in that study.

As part of our lectionary series and this years special Advent mini-series, we offer you this additional reflection for use with your adult forum or for use by the mid-week Bible study small groups who follow the Sunday lessons.

Scripture:

Section 22 | His Message to the Pharisees, Sadducees, Crowds, Tax Collectors, and Soldiers

[one_half last=”no”]Matthew 3:7-10
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance! 9 Don’t think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 “Even now the ax 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 multitudes 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 | His Description of the Christ

[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 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 fork 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. 8 I baptized you in water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”[/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.” 18 Then with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

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Categories
5b

Pure Hearted Devotion

Week 74 | Section 82

Our study this week packs in the significance of Jesus’ devotion and the same which he beckons from within his true followers.

Scripture:

Section 82 | Peter’s Identification of Jesus as the Christ and First Prophesy of the Church

[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 16:13-20
13 Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi,

he asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 They said, “Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven.” 20 Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ. [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 8:27-30
27 Jesus went out, with his disciples, into the villages of Caesarea Philippi.

On the way he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” 28 They told him, “John the Baptizer, and others say Elijah, but others: one of the prophets.” 29 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 He commanded them that they should tell no one about him.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 9:18-21
18 As he was praying alone, the disciples were with him,

and he asked them, “Who do the multitudes say that I am?” 19 They answered, “ ‘John the Baptizer,’ but others say, ‘Elijah,’ and others, that one of the old prophets has risen again.” 20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21 But he warned them, and commanded them to tell this to no one,[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

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Categories
5b Five

Who Do You Say That I Am?

Week 73 | Section 82 | Phase 5b
Broadcast 12/4/15

As we listen to people and ourselves, as we examine our own life, our values, choices, speech, and behavior in good times and bad we get a glimpse of how we might honestly answer Jesus’ chief question today, ‘Who do you say that I am?‘

In respect of their relationship and allegiance to Jesus, He challenged his disciples to be clear about their response to this simple question, for it will their shape their worldview, and transform the world for generations to come.

Scripture:
[one_third last=”no” class=”” id=””]Matthew 16:13-20
13 Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man,1 am?” 14 They said, “Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ,2 the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you,3 but my Father who is in heaven. 18 I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven.” 20 Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no” class=”” id=””]Mark 8:27-30
27 Jesus went out, with his disciples, into the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” 28 They told him, “John the Baptizer, and others say Elijah, but others: one of the prophets.” 29 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 He commanded them that they should tell no one about him.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes” class=”” id=””]Luke 9:18-21
18 As he was praying alone, the disciples were with him, and he asked them, “Who do the multitudes say that I am?” 19 They answered, “ ‘John the Baptizer,’ but others say, ‘Elijah,’ and others, that one of the old prophets has risen again.” 20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

21 But he warned them, and commanded them to tell this to no one.[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

Learning Objectives:

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Study Notes:

Categories
Lectionary Series Year C

Second Sunday of Advent (C)

Out of silence came hope, and this week’s Gospel reading we hear news of love rather than law. John’s voice resonated out in the wilderness and along the shores of the Jordan, inviting us people to a new life, a new way of being, while preparing them for the one to come – the long awaited Messiah.

Advent 2-Love

Collect: Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Gospel Reading: Luke 3:1-6, Section 20, 21 in Phase 1

Section 20
[one_half last=”no” class=”” id=””]Mark 1:1
1 The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes” class=”” id=””]Luke 3:1-2
1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar,1¯2 Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, 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,4 [/one_half]

Section 21 

[one_third last=”no” class=”” id=””]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.”5

 

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” class=”” id=””]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.6  5 All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him.[/note]The message how ever confronting, is comforting, liberating. indeed, love readies the heart for much joy.[/note] 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” class=”” id=””]Luke 3:3-6
3 He came into all the region around the Jordan,7 preaching the baptism of repentance8 for remission of sins.9 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.10 6 All flesh will see God’s salvation.’ ”1112[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  1. What forms of governance rule your life?
  2. How have your own sins wrinkled your path and taken you into valleys dark and cold?
  3. What does Jesus teach about our obedience and interaction with God, groups, and governments?
  4. What experiences and lessons have most influenced the attitudinal, behavioral, and spiritual changes in your life?
  5. If you were baptized, share the experience with the group and how it has that transformed your way of being, thinking, doing?
  6. What’s it like to feel the forgiveness and grace of God with regards to the sins you’ve committed since your baptism (commission/omission)?

Learning objectives: allow and encourage deep transformation, affirm the value of baptism, grasp the power of God’s grace and forgiveness, learn repentance, walking the walk.

Image: This is the second image in our advent mini-series.

Study Notes:

Categories
Lectionary Series Year C

First Sunday of Advent (C)

As we prepare for the First Sunday of Advent in Year C1, we invite you to participate with us throughout the year adding your comments and reflections within each post in the Lectionary Series, or as you create a small group and journey with Jesus in a chronological study in the Harmony of the Gospels.

In this season of advent we’ll be focusing in on the virtues of hope, love, peace and joy. These virtues are the mandate of every soul, but sadly since the dawn of humanity people have sought to satisfy their desire for such in all sorts of manner, but none will suffice save those who adventure forward with Christ, the new dawn.
Advent 1-Hope
Collect:
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Gospel Reading:  

Luke 21:25-36 | Harmony of the Gospels, Sections 139d,e,f2

Section 139d

[one_third last=”no” class=”” id=””]Matthew 24:29-31
29 But immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken; 30 and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. 31 He will send out his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.3[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no” class=”” id=””]Mark 13:24-27
24 But in those days, after that oppression, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, 25 the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

27 Then he will send out his angels, and will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes” class=”” id=””]Luke 21:25-27
25 There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars;4 and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves; 26 men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.5[/one_third]

Section 139e

[one_third last=”no” class=”” id=””]Matthew 24:32-41

 

32 “Now from the fig tree learn this parable. When its branch has now become tender, and produces its leaves, you know that the summer is near. 33 Even so you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34 Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away, until all these things are accomplished. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 36 But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 “As the days of Noah were, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ship, 39 and they didn’t know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and one will be left.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no” class=”” id=””]Mark 13:28-32

 

28 “Now from the fig tree, learn this parable. When the branch has now become tender, and produces its leaves,6  you know that the summer is near; 29 even so you also, when you see these things coming to pass, know that it is near, at the doors. 30 Most certainly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things happen. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 32 But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes” class=”” id=””]Luke 21:28-33
28 But when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.”7 29 He told them a parable. “See the fig tree8 and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see it and know by your own selves that the summer is already near. 31 Even so you also, when you see these things happening, know that God’s Kingdom is near.9 32 Most certainly I tell you, this generation10 will not pass away until all things are accomplished. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.11[/one_third]

Section 139e

[one_third last=”no” class=”” id=””]Matthew 24:42-43

 

 

42 Watch therefore, for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes.

 

 

43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.12[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no” class=”” id=””]Mark 13:33-37
33 Watch, keep alert, and pray; for you don’t know when the time is. 34 “It is like a man, traveling to another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, and to each one his work, and also commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch. 35 Watch therefore, for you don’t know when the lord of the house is coming, whether at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning; 36 lest coming suddenly he might find you sleeping. 37 What I tell you, I tell all: Watch.”[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes” class=”” id=””]Luke 21:34-36
34 “So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life,13 and that day will come on you suddenly. 35 For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth. 36 Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  1. What was the context of this discourse? Where was Jesus and what was about to happen?
  2. When you read verses about the end times, what feelings are stirred within you? Are they negative or positive? Aware of such emotion and thought, what do you feel compelled to do, accomplish, change, or say?
  3. What are your concerns and questions about the end times?
  4. Is it important for Christians today believe in the second coming?  Why?
  5. What aspects of your life (issues, secrets, goals, etc.) makes you anxious. What do you do when you’re under pressure and feeling anxious? In such times, what activities and spiritual disciplines help you re-establish a sense of faith, hope and love?
  6. What encouragement does Jesus give his disciples then and now? Read: Psalm 10:16-18; I Thessalonians 3:9-13; II Thessalonians 2:13-17; I Peter 5:6-9.
  7. How do Old Testament prophecies describe the end times? Read Isaiah 13:9-10; Ezekiel 32:7-8; Joel 2:30-31.
  8. How does Jesus describe His return? Compare this passage with John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:16-18; Revelation 1:7.
  9. What eschatological view14 do you hold? Is it essential for us to agree on this topic?

Image: 1 of 5 part image theme we’ll present in this Advent mini-series. Depending on your church’s traditions and appreciation for liturgical arts you may see (or recall) an advent candle. The first candle lit is sometimes called the “candle of prophecy” as by it we remember the message of the Old testament prophets, who foretold the Messiah’s birth. Others call it the “hope candle” recognizing that we who are in Christ, have a wellspring of hope which lights the path and illuminates God’s Word to enliven our souls.

Learning Objectives:

A responsible response in light of Jesus second coming. Let hope be well rooted and produce spiritual fruit throughout your life by the power of God’s grace at work in you.

“Unless you can read the Bible right, unless you can understand salvation by grace, you’ll never have a sure and certain hope. But once you understand it’s all about me, Jesus Christ, then you can know that you have peace. You can know that you have this future guaranteed, and you can face anything.” – Tim Keller

Notes:

Categories
Lectionary Series

Last Sunday after Pentecost – Christ the King Sunday (B)

This Sunday is called “Christ the King Sunday”. Christ the King Sunday was not created with the Book of Common Prayer or previous forms of liturgy, but began in 1925 by Pope Pius XI. In that time Mussolini’s campaign was gaining popularity among many European people and Fascism was spreading throughout Europe. “Christ the King Sunday” was meant to send a clear message – Christ reigns within the hearts of all his people, He is King over all creation, and his Kingdom is eternal. That’s a message that preached then and still today with world powers, wars, terrorism, and human depravity which do great injustice, but do not shake the foundation of Heaven.

Though Americans aren’t accustomed to royalty, kings and such, we are very clear about wanting our freedom. Ultimately and ironically that is exactly what we get when we surrender fully to the Lordship of Christ. So on this day we celebrate and declare that “Christ and no other is our King”.  The assigned reading is from John 18:33-37, which falls within Section 159 in Phase 5d of the Harmony, on Good Friday of Holy Week.

Collect:

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Scripture:

Section 159 | First phase of the Roman Trial, Jesus before Pilate

[one_fourth last=”no” class=”” id=””]Matthew 27:2, 11-14

 

2 and they bound him, and led him away, and delivered him up to Pontius Pilate, the governor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11 Now Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “So you say.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 When he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. 13 Then Pilate said to him, “Don’t you hear how many things they testify against you?” 14 He gave him no answer, not even one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth last=”no” class=”” id=””]Mark 15:1b-5
1b the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, bound Jesus, carried him away, and delivered him up to Pilate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered, “So you say.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 The chief priests accused him of many things.

4 Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they testify against you!” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate marveled.[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth last=”no” class=”” id=””]Luke 23:1-5

 

1 The whole company of them rose up and brought him before Pilate.

 

 

 

 

2 They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting the nation, forbidding paying taxes to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.”

 

 

 

 

 

3 Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “So you say.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 But they insisted, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place.”[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth last=”yes” class=”” id=””]John 18:28-38
28 They led Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Praetorium1. It was early,2 and they themselves didn’t enter into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the Passover.3 29 Pilate therefore went out to them,4 and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered him, “If this man weren’t an evildoer, we wouldn’t have delivered him up to you.” 5  31 Pilate therefore said to them, “Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law.” 6 Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” 7  32 that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spoke, signifying by what kind of death he should die. 8   33 Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, called Jesus, and said to him,

 

“Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered him, “Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “I’m not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate therefore said to him, “Are you a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” When he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no basis for a charge against him.[/one_fourth]

Group Dialog:

  1. Consider the setting and the events – “Who’s in charge here?” Pilate? The screaming crowds? The religious leaders? Jesus? God?
  2. What would our lives look like if we truly submitted to the will of Christ in all matters which concern us?
  3. Based on your actions – what are your values? what are your priorities? what rules your life?
    Consider using the Field Guide for Ministry Discernment and Discipleship or reading more about Emotivational Needs.
  4. What allegiances to earthly powers (political, religious, social, personal) lead you to deny, ignore, or rebel against Christ the King?

Christ is King, but not like any other earthly king. He’s the King who wore a crown of thorns, the King whom they crucified, the King who rose from the dead, the King who reigns eternal.

Categories
Five

Caution: Poisoned Religion

Week 72 | Sections 80, 81a,b
Recorded 11/20/15

Caution: Poisoned Religion

More than two and a half years into his ministry1 and the Pharisees still resist Jesus’ person, claims, and authority. Their behaviors indicate that they are more concerned with maintaining power than proclaiming the truth. Their’s is a hazardous and poisoned religion – man-centered, and destructive to the soul.

Scripture:

Section 80 | Return to Galilee and encounter with the Pharisees and Sadducees

[one_half last=”no”]Matthew 15:39,16:1-4
39 Then2 he sent away the multitudes, got into the boat, and came into the borders of Magdala.3 1 The Pharisees4 and Sadducees5¯6 came, and testing him,7 asked him to show them a sign from heaven .8¯9  2 But he answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 In the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you can’t discern the signs of the times!10 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” He left them, and departed. [/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Mark 8:9b-12
9b Then he sent them away. 10 Immediately he entered into the boat with his disciples, and came into the region of Dalmanutha. 11 The Pharisees came out and began to question him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, and testing him.

12 He sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Most certainly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” [/one_half]

Section 81a | Warning about the error of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians

[one_half last=”no”]Matthew 16:5-12
5 The disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread.11 6 Jesus said to them, “Take heed 12 and  and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 13  7 They reasoned among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.” 8 Jesus, perceiving it, said, “Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, ‘because you have brought no bread?’ 9 Don’t you yet perceive, neither remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 10 Nor the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 11 How is it that you don’t perceive that I didn’t speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

12 Then they understood that he didn’t tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Mark 8:13-21
13 He left them, and again entering into the boat, departed to the other side. 14 They forgot to take bread; and they didn’t have more than one loaf in the boat with them. 15 He warned them, saying, “Take heed: beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” 16 They reasoned with one another, saying, “It’s because we have no bread.” 17 Jesus, perceiving it, said to them, “Why do you reason that it’s because you have no bread? Don’t you perceive yet, neither understand? Is your heart still hardened? 18 Having eyes, don’t you see? Having ears, don’t you hear? Don’t you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They told him, “Twelve.” 20 “When the seven loaves fed the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They told him, “Seven.” 21 He asked them, “Don’t you understand yet?”[/one_half]

Section 81b | Healing a blind man at Bethsaida

Mark 8:22-26
22 He came to Bethsaida. They brought a blind man to him, and begged him to touch him. 23 He took hold of the blind man by the hand, and brought him out of the village. When he had spat on his eyes, and laid his hands on him, he asked him if he saw anything. 24 He looked up, and said, “I see men; for I see them like trees walking.” 25 Then again he laid his hands on his eyes. He looked intently, and was restored, and saw everyone clearly. 26 He sent him away to his house, saying, “Don’t enter into the village, nor tell anyone in the village.”

Group Dialog:

  1. As most medicinal products and treatments available have labels warnings and negative side effects, what side effects and warnings are inherent to a) religion and b) being a disciple of Jesus.
  2. In what ways have routines and temporal needs impeded your focus on things eternal, and interrupted a missional life (phase 5)?
  3. How do people today trade the God’s mercy, truth, and grace for man-made traditions and rituals? In what way have you done this?
  4. Are the decisions you make in life for your own benefit or for God’s glory? Are there ‘benefits’ which you would be wiser to forfeit rather than forfeit the well-being of your soul?

Learning Objectives:

Photo: A warning label on an auger. Here are a few more humorous warning labels:

  • A fishing lure: Harmful if swallowed.
  • An electric router: This product not intended for use as a dental drill.
  • Underarm deodorant: Do not spray in eyes

Study Notes:

Categories
Lectionary Series

Twenty Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (B)

Sunday’s Gospel reading is from Mark 13:1-8 (sections 139a vs 1-4; and 139b vs 5-13).  As with the last few weeks, the reading is part of Phase 5 in the Harmony of the Gospels. Today’s reading falls on what would have been the Tuesday before his crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection. Oddly enough this passage is not appointed to read on Holy Tuesday, but the Word of God does not return void, no matter when it is read. Jesus’ apocalyptic discourse urges every reader and disciple to choose this day, and this very moment whom we shall serve, worship, and abide.

Scripture:

Section 139a | Setting of the Discourse
[one_third last=”no” class=”” id=””]
Matthew 24:1-3
1 Jesus went out from the temple, and was going on his way. His disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the temple. 2 But he answered them,“You see all of these things, don’t you? Most certainly I tell you, there will not be left here one stone on another, that will not be thrown down.” 3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?”[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no” class=”” id=””]
Mark 13:1-4
1 As he went out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, see what kind of stones and what kind of buildings!”1 2 Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone on another, which will not be thrown down.”2 3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be? 3 What is the sign that these things are all about to be fulfilled?”4[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes” class=”” id=””]
Luke 21:5-7
5 As some were talking about the temple and how it was decorated with beautiful stones and gifts, he said, 6 “As for these things which you see, the days will come, in which there will not be left here one stone on another that will not be thrown down.”

7 They asked him, “Teacher, so when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are about to happen?”5[/one_third]

Section 139b | Beginning of Birth Pains
[one_third last=”no” class=”” id=””]
Matthew 24:4-14
4 Jesus answered them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will lead many astray. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you aren’t troubled, for all this must happen, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places. 8 But all these things are the beginning of birth pains.

9 Then they will deliver you up to oppression, and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s sake. 10 Then many will stumble, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another.

 

 

 

 

 

 

11 Many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray. 12 Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end will be saved. 14 This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.[/one_third]

[one_third last=”no” class=”” id=””]
Mark 13:5-13
5 Jesus, answering, began to tell them,“Be careful that no one leads you astray. 6 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and will lead many astray. 7 “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be troubled. For those must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of birth pains.

9 But watch yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them.

10 The Good News must first be preached to all the nations. 11 When they lead you away and deliver you up, don’t be anxious beforehand, or premeditate what you will say, but say whatever will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 “Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. 13 You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake,

 

but he who endures to the end will be saved.

[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes” class=”” id=””]Luke 21:8-19
8 He said, “Watch out that you don’t get led astray, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is at hand.’ Therefore don’t follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and disturbances, don’t be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won’t come immediately.” 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places. There will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake. 13 It will turn out as a testimony for you. 

14 Settle it therefore in your hearts not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to withstand or to contradict. 16 You will be handed over even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will cause some of you to be put to death. 17 You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake. 18 And not a hair of your head will perish. 19 “By your endurance you will win your lives.[/one_third]

Collect for this Sunday: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Collect for Holy Tuesday: Almighty ever-living God, who as an example of humility for the human race to follow caused our savior to take flesh and submit to the Cross, graciously grant that we may head his lesson of patient suffering and so merit a share in his Resurrection.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Group Dialog:

  1. How often do we demand that Jesus answer and act according to our schedule, agenda, or convenience?
  2. In what situations do you find yourself most frustrated and even demanding of God?
  3. Have you been led astray by poor teaching and blind obedience in the past? What did it take to get back on track?

Learning Objectives:
Life is something we learn about through its peak moments of deep pain and great joy. All the rest of the time we spend trying to assimilate both, to make sense of them, to make ourselves capable of both. Choose to take your questions to God and rest in the assurance of his sovereignty, rather than having a questioning spirit.

Study Notes: 

Categories
Five

Come to Jesus

Week 71 | Sections 79a,b

Intro

Scripture:

Section 79a | Healings in Decapolis
[one_half last=”no” class=”” id=””]Matthew 15:29-31
29 Jesus departed from there, and came near to the sea of Galilee; and he went up into the mountain, and sat there.

30 Great multitudes1 came to him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others, and they put them down at his feet. He healed them, 31 so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, the injured healed, the lame walking, and the blind seeing—and they glorified the God of Israel.

[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes” class=”” id=””]Mark 7:31-37
31 Again he departed from the borders of Tyre and Sidon,2 and came to the sea of Galilee, through the middle of the region of Decapolis.

 

 

32 They brought to him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech. They begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 He took him aside from the multitude, privately, and put his fingers into his ears,3 and he spat, and touched his tongue. 34 Looking up to heaven, he sighed,4 and said to him, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be opened!” 35 Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was released, and he spoke clearly. 36 He commanded them that they should tell no one, but the more he commanded them, so much the more widely they proclaimed it. 37 They were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes even the deaf hear, and the mute speak!”[/one_half]

Section 79b | Feeding of the Four Thousand in Decapolis5 
[one_half last=”no” class=”” id=””]Matthew 15:32-38
32 Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away fasting, or they might faint on the way.” 33 The disciples said to him, “Where should we get so many loaves in a deserted place as to satisfy so great a multitude?” 34 Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” 35 He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground; 36 and he took the seven loaves and the fish. He gave thanks and broke them, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.

37 They all ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over. 38 Those who ate were four thousand men, in addition to women and children.

[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes” class=”” id=””]Mark 8:1-9a
1 In those days, when there was a very great multitude, and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to himself, and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have stayed with me now three days, and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them away fasting to their home, they will faint on the way, for some of them have come a long way.” 4 His disciples answered him, “From where could one satisfy these people with bread here in a deserted place?” 5 He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” 6 He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves. Having given thanks, he broke them, and gave them to his disciples to serve, and they served the multitude. 7 They had a few small fish. Having blessed them, he said to serve these also. 8 They ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets of broken pieces that were left over. 9a Those who had eaten were about four thousand.[/one_half]

Group Dialog:

  1. What is the reputation, demographics, and ethos of region you live?

Learning Objectives:

Caring enough to bring people to Jesus, spiritual yearning, healing, sharing the Good News,

Photo: abc

Study Notes:

Categories
Lectionary Series

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (B)

In This Sunday’s Gospel reading we find an exemplary reason for devoting oneself to a chronological study in the Harmony of the Gospels.  While the lectionary reading is from Mark 12:38-44, this can be found in Sections 137a and 138 (which begs the question of what happened in Section 137b. While our timelines are not not yet complete (at the writing of this post) they will prove helpful in future years. The whole sequence of events in our study today takes place at the Temple in Jerusalem on Tuesday of Holy Week (sections 131-140) just after Jesus’ triumphal entry and days before his crucifixion.  As you can see in the pdf handout of our mini-series, it was a busy day in the life of Christ. Read the lesson, study notes, and further thoughts then open up a lively conversation in your weekly Bible Study or Sunday school class about the day’s events and the pangs that strike the depths of your heart while reading this passage.

Scripture:

Section 137a | Seven Woes against the Teachers of the Law and Pharisees
[one_third last=”no” class=”” id=””]Matthew 23:1-36
1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples, 2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses’ seat. 3 All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and don’t do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them. 5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the fringes of their garments, 6 and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7 the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi, Rabbi’ by men. [/one_third]
[one_third last=”no” class=”” id=””]Mark 12:38-40
38 In his teaching he said to them,“Beware of the scribes,

 

 

 

 

who like to walk in long robes, and to get greetings in the marketplaces, 39 and the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts: 40  those who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes” class=”” id=””]Luke 20:45-47
45 In the hearing of all the people, he said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of those scribes

 

 

 

who like to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts; 47 who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these will receive greater condemnation.”[/one_third]
Mt 23:8 But don’t you be called ‘Rabbi,’ for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers. 9 Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. 13 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation. 14 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for you don’t enter in yourselves, neither do you allow those who are entering in to enter. 15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of Gehenna as yourselves. 16 “Woe to you, you blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obligated.’ 17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold? 18 ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obligated?’ 19 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift? 20 He therefore who swears by the altar, swears by it, and by everything on it. 21 He who swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him who has been living in it. 22 He who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him who sits on it. 23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. 24 You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel! 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and unrighteousness. 26 You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that its outside may become clean also. 27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and decorate the tombs of the righteous, 30 and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we wouldn’t have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ 31 Therefore you testify to yourselves that you are children of those who killed the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. 33 You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna? 34 Therefore behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city; 35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar. 36 Most certainly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation.

Section 137b | Jesus’ Sorrow over Jerusalem
Matthew 23:37-39 
37 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not! 38 Behold, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me from now on, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”

Section 138 | A Poor Widow’s Gift of All She Had
[one_half last=”no” class=”” id=””]Mark 12:41-44
41 Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and saw how the multitude cast money into the treasury. Many who were rich cast in much. 42 A poor widow came, and she cast in two small brass coins, which equal a quadrans coin. 43 He called his disciples to himself, and said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury, 44 for they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on.”[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes” class=”” id=””]Luke 21:1-4
1 He looked up and saw the rich people who were putting their gifts into the treasury. 2 He saw a certain poor widow casting in two small brass coins.

3 He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them, 4 for all these put in gifts for God from their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, put in all that she had to live on.”[/one_half]

Group Dialog:

coming soon

Further Thoughts:

While Holy Week isn’t for months (March 27, 2016), there no bad time to ponder the lessons in today’s Gospel reading. When hearing the clergy read the Gospel we ought to be struck by the message of faithful giving, but even more the widow put in everything she had – as would Jesus when he laid down his life on the cross. The moment must have been bearing down upon him, and ruminating in the minds of his disciples as they discussed and shared the events of that week and recorded them with great detail in their writings.

While some might like to focus the lesson on giving, the real theme of this day in the life of our Lord is about our posture and relationship to Jesus. We see this especially in the narrative sequence (sections 131-140) in the Harmony of the Gospels, in which our reading appears to take place about mid-day, and a significant lesson is captured by Matthew 23:8-39 wherein Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the religious leaders.

Study Notes:

coming soon