Categories
Lectionary Series Year A

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (A)

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (A)

Harmony BibleOur Gospel reading today is from Mt 5:1-12 found in Sections 54a, b1.  Jesus explains during the first lesson on the “Sermon on the Mount” his wisdom, virtues and values he wishes to instill in those who would be his disciples. Even more in this message Jesus is passing on an anointing helping his recently appointed Apostles 2 who are to become like him. The beatitudes confound the braggart but comfort the biddable; they build up the disciple but bewilder the dissident. While Matthew eloquently includes nine statements of blessing, Luke offers just four and includes also the certain warnings – but both evangelists hope to help their readers re-frame their thinking to realize the Kingdom of God within their soul and society itself.


The Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Parsing the Collect, by Fr. Rob Eaton, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Hemet, CA


Section 54a | Setting of the Sermon (Sermon on the Mount)

[one_half last=”no”]Matthew 5:1-2
1 Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain.3  When he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He opened his mouth and taught them, saying, [/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Luke 6:17-19
17 He came down with them, and stood on a level place, with a crowd of his disciples, and a great number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases;4 18 as well as those who were troubled by unclean spirits, and they were being healed. 19 All the multitude sought to touch him, for power came out of him and healed them all. [/one_half]

Section 54b | Blessings of those who Inherit the Kingdom and Woes to those who do not

[one_half last=”no”]Matthew 5:3-12
3 “Blessed are5 the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.6 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.7  5 Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.8 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.9 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.10 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Luke 6:20-26
20 He lifted up his eyes to his disciples, and said, “Blessed are you who are poor, God’s Kingdom is yours. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when men shall hate you, and when they shall exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.

 

 

 

23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for their fathers did the same thing to the prophets.11 24 “But woe to you who are rich! For you have received your consolation.12  25 Woe to you, you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now,13 for you will mourn and weep. 26 Woe, when men speak well of you,14 for their fathers did the same thing to the false prophets. [/one_half]


RCL Readings: Micah 6:1-8; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12; Psalm 15


Group Dialog:

  1. What parallels do you see in today’s other assigned readings?
  2. If you are in a role of leadership, what lessons, values and virtues would you want to pass on to those who would help you expand your ministry?
  3. Do you think it is possible to be merciful without first experiencing mercy yourself? Why or why not?
  4. Describe how it feels to have an appetite for righteousness. What can we do to stimulate this kind of insatiable appetite for godliness?
  5. Do you have any pretensions that you can get by in life on your own power and possessions?
  6. Do you think you could enter heaven on your own merit or only by the grace of God provided you by Jesus justification.

Study Notes:

Categories
Lectionary Series Year A

Third Sunday after the Epiphany (A)

The Gospel Lectionary LogoThird Sunday after the Epiphany (A)

This week’s Gospel reading is from Matthew 4:12-23 which is found within four sections, but spans 11 sections in phases 2 & 3 in the Harmony of the Gospels1. In our study we’ll have to revisit our Chronology, see how Matthew2 sheds light on an old prophecy and why this region was such fertile ground for the Good News, as well as examine the the recesses of our own hearts and the lands to which we’ve been called to serve.


The Collect:
Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Parsing the Collect, by Fr. Rob Eaton, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Hemet, CA


Section 34 | Jesus’ Departure from Judea

Luke 3:19-20
19 but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done, 20 added this also to them all, that he shut up John in prison.

[one_fourth last=”no” class=”” id=””]Matthew 4:12
12 Now when Jesus heard that John was delivered up,3

 

 

he withdrew into Galilee.4¯5¯6[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth last=”no” class=”” id=””]Mark 1:14a
14a Now after John was taken into custody,

 

 

Jesus came into Galilee,[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth last=”no” class=”” id=””]Luke 4:14a

 

 

 

14a Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee,[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth last=”yes” class=”” id=””]John 4:3
1 Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John – 2 (although Jesus himself didn’t baptize, but his disciples), 3 he left Judea, and departed into Galilee. 4 He needed to pass through Samaria.[/one_fourth]

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[toggle title=”Sections 35a,b, 36 – Jesus’ Journey and Ministry through Samaria on his way to Galilee” open=”no”]

Section 35a | Discussion with a Samaritan Woman

John 4:5-26
5 So he came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son, Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being tired from his journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 9 The Samaritan woman therefore said to him, “How is it that you, being a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. So where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father, Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his children and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I don’t get thirsty, neither come all the way here to draw.” 16 Jesus said to her,“Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her,“You said well, ‘I have no husband,’ 18 for you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband. This you have said truly.” 19 The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour comes, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, will you worship the Father. 22 You worship that which you don’t know. We worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshipers. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah comes, he who is called Christ. When he has come, he will declare to us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one who speaks to you.”

Section 35b | Challenge of a Spiritual Harvest

John 4:27-38
27 At this, his disciples came, They marveled that he was speaking with a woman; yet no one said, “What are you looking for?” or, “Why do you speak with her?” 28 So the woman left her water pot, went away into the city, and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything that I did. Can this be the Christ?” 30 They went out of the city, and were coming to him. 31 In the meanwhile, the disciples urged him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about.” 33 The disciples therefore said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. 35 Don’t you say, ‘There are yet four months until the harvest?’ Behold, I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, that they are white for harvest already. 36 He who reaps receives wages and gathers fruit to eternal life; that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true, ‘One sows, and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you haven’t labored. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”

Section 35c | Evangelization of Sychar

John 4:39-42
39 From that city many of the Samaritans believed in him because of the word of the woman, who testified, “He told me everything that I did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they begged him to stay with them. He stayed there two days. 41 Many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of your speaking; for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”

Section 36 | Arrival in Galilee

John 4:43-45
43 After the two days he went out from there and went into Galilee. 44 For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45 So when he came into Galilee, the Galileans received him, having seen all the things that he did in Jerusalem at the feast, for they also went to the feast.[/toggle]
[/accordian]

Section 37 | Nature of the Galilean Ministry

[one_third last=”no”]Mathew 4:17
17 From that time,7 Jesus began to preach,8 and to say, “Repent!9 For the Kingdom10 of Heaven is at hand.”[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 1:14b-15
14b preaching the Good News of God’s Kingdom, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 4:14b-15

 

 

14b and news about him spread through all the surrounding area. 15 He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.[/one_third]

[accordian class=”” id=””]
[toggle title=”Sections 38, 39″ open=”no”]

Section 38 | Child at Capernaum Healed by Jesus while at Cana

John 4:46-54
46 Jesus came therefore again to Cana of Galilee, where he made the water into wine. There was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to him, and begged him that he would come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Jesus therefore said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will in no way believe.” 49 The nobleman said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way. Your son lives.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 51 As he was now going down, his servants met him and reported, saying “Your child lives!” 52 So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. They said therefore to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour, the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” He believed, as did his whole house. 54 This is again the second sign that Jesus did, having come out of Judea into Galilee.

Section 39 | Ministry and Rejection at Nazareth

Luke 4:16-31a
16 He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. and He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, 19 and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” 20 He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began to tell them, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 All testified about him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth, and they said, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” 23 He said to them, “Doubtless you will tell me this parable, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in your hometown.’ ” 24 He said, “Most certainly I tell you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. 25 But truly I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land. 26 Elijah was sent to none of them, except to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 There were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed, except Naaman, the Syrian.” 28 They were all filled with wrath in the synagogue, as they heard these things. 29 They rose up, threw him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill that their city was built on, that they might throw him off the cliff. 30 But he, passing through the middle of them, went his way. 31 He came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee.
[/note][/toggle]
[/accordian]

Section 40 | Move to Capernaum

Matthew 4:13-16
13 Leaving Nazareth, he came and lived in Capernaum,11 which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,12 14 that it might be fulfilled13 which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
15 “The land of Zebulun14 and the land of Naphtali,
toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
16 the people who sat in darkness15 saw a great light,
to those who sat in the region and shadow of death,16
to them light has dawned.”17

Section 41 | Call of the Four

[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 4:18-22
18 Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19 He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers for men.”18 20 They immediately left their nets and followed him.19 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them.20  22 They immediately left the boat and their father, and followed him.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 1:16-20
16 Passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17 Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you into fishers for men.”21 18 Immediately they left their nets, and followed him.22 19 Going on a little further from there, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them, and they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 5:1-11
1 Now while the multitude pressed on him and heard the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret. 2 He saw two boats standing by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 He entered into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered him, “Master, we worked all night, and took nothing; but at your word I will let down the net.” 6 When they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 They beckoned to their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. They came, and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord.” 9 For he was amazed, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had caught; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will be catching people alive.” 11 When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything, and followed him.[/one_third]

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[toggle title=”Sections 42,43″ open=”no”]

Section 42 | Teaching in the Synagogue of Capernaum Authenticated by Healing a Demoniac

[one_half last=”no”]Mark 1:21-28
21 They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue23 and taught. 22 They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes. 23 Immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, 24 saying, “Ha! What do we have to do with you, Jesus, you Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!” 25 Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” 26 The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!” 28 The report of him went out immediately everywhere into all the region of Galilee and its surrounding area.[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Luke 4:31b-37
31b He was teaching them on the Sabbath day, 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. 33 In the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 saying, “Ah! what have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!”

35 Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” When the demon had thrown him down in the middle of them, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 36 Amazement came on all, and they spoke together, one with another, saying, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” 37 News about him went out into every place of the surrounding region.[/one_half]

Section 43 | Peter’s Mother-in-law and others Healed

[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 8:14-17

14 When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever.

15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her. She got up and served him.

16 When evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick; 17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, “He took our infirmities, and bore our diseases.”[/one_third]

[one_third last=”no”]Mark 1:29-34
29 Immediately, when they had come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 He came and took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them. 32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick, and those who were possessed by demons. 33 All the city was gathered together at the door. 34 He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. He didn’t allow the demons to speak, because they knew him.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 4:38-41
38 He rose up from the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a great fever, and they begged him for her. 39 He stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her. Immediately she rose up and served them.

40 When the sun was setting, all those who had any sick with various diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. 41 Demons also came out of many, crying out, and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” Rebuking them, he didn’t allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.[/one_third][/toggle]
[/accordian]

Section 44 | Tour of Galilee with Simon and Others

[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 4:23-25

 

 

 

 

23 Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. 24 The report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them. 25 Great multitudes from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and from beyond the Jordan followed him.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 1:35-39
35 Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there. 36 Simon and those who were with him followed after him; 37 and they found him, and told him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 He said to them, “Let’s go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason.” 39 He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 4:42-44
42 When it was day, he departed and went into an uninhabited place, and the multitudes looked for him, and came to him, and held on to him, so that he wouldn’t go away from them. 43 But he said to them, “I must preach the good news of God’s Kingdom to the other cities also. For this reason I have been sent.”

 

44 He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.[/one_third]


RCL Readings: Isaiah 9:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23; Psalm 27:1, 5-13


Group Dialog:

  1. What hope do you find in Jesus’ choice to begin his ministry in Galilee?
  2. What do you How is your nation or region like Naphtali?
  3. Discuss the importance of repentance and believing the Good News.
  4. Read the other Lectionary readings and discuss how they reflect a similar message to today’s Gospel reading.
  5. In what ways do the prophesies Jesus fulfilled give you confidence and hope?
  6. Who have been the anointed teachers who have really influenced your life?
  7. Being a disciple is much more than being a student, and following religious traditions and disciplines. Each of us has to make a decision to intentionally follow Christ in our lives. when did you first make that choice? What recent choices have you made to remain His disciple?
  8. To what ‘fertile ground’ and people are you being called? How equipped are you to face rejection, trials, and temptations?

Study Notes:

Categories
Lectionary Series Year A

Second Sunday after Epiphany (A)

Second Sunday after Epiphany (Year A)

This Sunday’s Gospel Reading from John 1:29-42 spans sections 27 & 28 in the Harmony of the Gospels. The setting is in Bethany on the East side of the River Jordan and in Galilee. John the Baptist was certain that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah and he was not hesitant to tell others. His witness is


Collect:
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Parsing the Collect, by Fr. Rob Eaton, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Hemet, CA


Section 27 | John’s Testimony to Jesus as the Son of God

John 1:29-34
29 The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold,the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!1 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for he was before me.’2 31 I didn’t know him,3 but for this reason I came baptizing in water: that he would be revealed to Israel.” 32 John testified, saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven, and it remained on him.4 33 I didn’t recognize him, but he who sent me to baptize in water, he said to me, ‘On whomever you will see the Spirit descending and remaining on him is he who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.”5

Section 28 | Jesus’ First Followers

John 1:35-51
35 Again, the next day,6 John was standing with two of his disciples,7 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”8¯9 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.10 38 Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them,11 “What are you looking for?”12 They said to him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them,“Come, and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother, Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which is, being interpreted, Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is by interpretation, Peter). 43 On the next day, he was determined to go out into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him,“Follow me.”13 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”46 Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”14 Philip said to him, “Come and see.”15 47 Jesus saw Nathanael16 coming to him, and said about him,“Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”17 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!”18 50 Jesus answered him, “Because I told you, ‘I saw you underneath the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these!” 51 He said to him,“Most certainly, I tell you all, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”


RCL Readings: Isaiah 49:1-7;  Psalm 40:1-12; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9


Group Dialog:

  1. Perhaps you’ve long known the name of Jesus, and been a long-time church member but do you know him as the Messiah, your savior, and honor him as Lord taking his Word to heart and the Gospel to others?
  2. What are the names of Jesus which offer you most comfort, courage and confidence?
  3. Who introduced you to Jesus? What was the moment that you recognized Jesus as the Messiah and became his disciple?
  4. Without physical form, how can we introduce people today to Jesus?  Who has become Jesus’ disciple because you introduced them to him?

Prayers of the People:

Lives of the Church – Open our eyes Lord, we want to see you plainly. In our diligent study of the Word and heartfelt prayers let us lift our eyes beyond ourselves and temporal concerns to see you for who you are, and trusting with faith in what you have accomplished relinquish to you all our concerns and fears as well as surrender all our passions and possession to follow you. 

LocalLord, help us be aware and consider the plight and condition of those near us. Make us alert to the prompting of your Holy Spirit so that we would be prepared to give a reason for the hope that lies within us.  

Global – Lord Jesus, we know that you have called us to go make disciples. Give us such fascination, fondness and faith that we would not hesitate to obey your commands and do no less than invite our friends to meet you. By our word and deed may we shine the light of life you have ignited within us with love and courage.     

Study Notes:

Categories
Lectionary Series Uncategorized Year A

Fourth Sunday of Advent (A)

Advent 4-animationThis Sunday’s gospel reading comes from Mt 1:18-25 found in Phase 1, Section 9 of the Harmony of the Gospels1. The story recorded by the Apostle Matthew, probably while he was in Antioch was written with special concern for those steeped in Hebrew tradition. Today, we believe it speaks loudest to those who are law-bound and legalistic – battling with their reasoning, their desire to do what’s right, and the reality of their own thoughts and actions. Today’s message is tells the story of Joseph in the throws of such a battle in which mercy and ascent to a higher purpose win and many prophesies fulfilled.2

Collect:
P
urify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Parsing the Collect, by Fr. Rob Eaton, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Hemet, CA (Coming Soon)


Section 9 | Circumstances of Jesus’ Birth Explained to Joseph

Matthew 1:18-25
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ3 was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant4 by the Holy Spirit.5 19 Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly. 20 But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take to yourself Mary, your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She shall give birth to a son. You shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.” 22 Now all this has happened, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel;” which is, being interpreted, “God with us.” 24 Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife to himself;6 25 and didn’t know her sexually until she had given birth to her firstborn son. He named him Jesus.


RCL Readings: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18; Matthew 1:18-25; Romans 1:1-7


Group Dialog:

  1. Look over the notes in Veracity and Virtue. What singular aspect of this story is most astounding to you?
  2. What did Joseph’s immediate obedience to the angel’s message in his dream indicate about his beliefs and his relationship with God?
  3. As the son of Mary Jesus was fully human. Read Heb 2:18; 4:15 and talk about how Jesus’ life, teaching and choices relate to your own struggles.
  4. In what ways was Jesus the opposite of Adam? Consider the significance of Jesus’ divine nature: being Eternal; his power over disease; command over nature; authority over sin and control over death – even His own.
  5. Consider God’s law, the laws of your State and this nation, and your family rules – Seventeen verses in the New Testament describe Jesus as the “son of David.” Why would this have been important to the Hebrew people to whom Mathew wrote?
  6. What are some everyday decisions or life changing decisions in which we need to relinquish control and obey God?
  7. Can you trust the Scriptures and God in areas that we do not fully understand, like the incarnation? If not how might your unbelief affect your perception of God’s ability in the ordinary things in which we wish he would come to our aid?
  8. What does the incarnation of Jesus – Immanuel, (God coming to dwell with us) tell us about the  extent of God’s intent and desire for our reconciliation and redemption?
  9. Read the Gospel once more and also the other readings, then discuss what are the keys to having a “stable faith“?

Prayers of the People:

  • Lives of the ChurchSet us free, Lord, from the confinements of our own reasoning. Let us expand our understanding with the wisdom that comes by faith and trust fully in your very nature, Word, and purpose for us. 
  • LocalLord, embolden us to leave the comfort of our own creation and activities, to go with confidence in the power of your Spirit at work within us in and beyond our neighborhood, to be the light of Christ, to do good works, and share the Good News in the ministry of reconciliation.
  • GlobalOh God, your power and thoughts are so much greater than our own – vast and incomprehensible! Lift our eyes, our soul letting us see the greater plan, knit our souls desires to your very own, and help us embrace and empower every good work that you are doing to reach and reconcile the world to you in this very moment.

Notes:

Categories
Five Lectionary Series Year A

Third Sunday of Advent (Year A)

Third Sunday of Advent (Year A)

Jumping forward in time once again from last Sunday’s Gospel reading which recounted the story of the day Jesus came to John for his baptism (Phase 1 Sections 21-23), today’s Gospel reading comes from Mt 11:2-11 (Phase 5a, Section 57) nearly two years later wherein we read more of John the Baptist’s relationship to the Kingdom. The 3rd Sunday of Advent is the Sunday we light the pink candle of joy.


Collect:

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Parsing the Collect, by Fr. Rob Eaton, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Hemet, CA (Coming Soon)


Section 57 | John the Baptist’s Relationship to the Kingdom

[one_half last=”no” class=”” id=””]Matthew 11:2-19
2 Now when John heard in the prison1 the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples2 3 and said to him, “Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?”3

 

 

4 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.” 7 As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see?4 A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written,

‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’

11 Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptizer until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.5 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.6 14 If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come.7 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

 

 

16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions 17 and say,

‘We played the flute for you, and you didn’t dance. We mourned for you, and you didn’t lament.’8

18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’9

But wisdom is justified by her children.”[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes” class=”” id=””]Luke 7:18-35
18 The disciples of John told him about all these things. 19 John, calling to himself two of his disciples, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?” 20 When the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptizer has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?’ ” 21 In that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits; and to many who were blind he gave sight. 22 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you have seen and heard: that the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 23 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.”10  24 When John’s messengers had departed, he began to tell the multitudes about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously dressed, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written,

‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’

28 “For I tell you, among those who are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptizer, yet he who is least in God’s Kingdom is greater than he.”

 

 

29 When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they declared God to be just, having been baptized with John’s baptism. 30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the counsel of God, not being baptized by him themselves. 31 “To what then should I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children who sit in the marketplace, and call to one another, saying,

‘We piped to you, and you didn’t dance. We mourned, and you didn’t weep.’

 

33 For John the Baptizer came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’

34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man, and a drunkard; a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Wisdom is justified by all her children.”[/one_half]


Group Dialog:

  1. Have you ever felt like Elijah or John – confused about God’s plans, timing, and your role.
  2. Have you felt judgement when you doubt? What strength and lesson then can you find in today’s reading?
  3. In what circumstances have you had to reorient your thinking? What lessons did you learn?
  4. How has John’s message of repentance and preparation, and the fulfillment of the Messiah’s acts transformed your life?
  5. Discuss the kairos and chronos of God and your journey of faith.

Notes:

Categories
Lectionary Series One Year A

Second Sunday of Advent

The 2nd Sunday of Advent

Today’s Gospel reading is from Mt 3:1-12 found in section 21,22,23 of the Harmony of the Gospels which we will find jumps from last week’s reading from Jesus’ last week of life on earth backward in time to about 26 AD.  John the Baptist is ministering in an arid region south-east of Jerusalem calling Jerusalem to repentance and her re-commitment to her covenant with God.


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.

Parsing the Collect, by Fr. Rob Eaton, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Hemet, CA


Section 21 | His Person, Proclamation, and Baptism

[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 3:1-6
1 In those days, John the Baptizer1 came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 2 “Repent,2 for the Kingdom of Heaven3 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 ready4 the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight.”5 4 Now John himself6 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.7 6 They were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.8[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 1:2-6
2 As it is written in the prophets, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you: 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord! Make his paths straight!’ ” 4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins. 5 All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins. 6 John was clothed with camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 3:3-6
3 He came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for remission of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight. 5 Every valley will be filled. Every mountain and hill will be brought low. The crooked will become straight, and the rough ways smooth. 6 All flesh will see God’s salvation.’ ”[/one_third]

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 Sadducees9 coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers,10 who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore produce fruit11 worthy of repentance! 9 Don’t think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham12 for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 “Even now the ax13 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.14

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.”15[/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:

  1. What was John’s message?
  2. How did John compare himself to the one who would come after him?
  3. When have you heard God calling you to repentance and abiding in him?
  4. What benefits has repentance brought about in your life?
  5. What fallout has happened when you’ve chosen not to repent?
  6. How have you personally been transformed by the Gospel of Jesus?
  7. As the ministry of John the Baptist is focused on repentance, give space at the close of today’s study for a silent confession, and perhaps shared affirmation of faith using the Nicene creed.

Notes:

Categories
Lectionary Series Year A

First Sunday of Advent (A)

The Gospel lectionary for this Sunday, the First Sunday of Advent, is Mt 24:36-44 within Sections 139e and 139f in which Jesus tells five parables1 to impress on his disciples the importance of watchfulness for his second advent and faithfulness to the purposes of God.  He said this in the last week of his life2 – on Tuesday of Holy Week. While the assigned Gospel reading is found only in Matthew, both Mark and Luke record key aspects of the same teaching – and here’s the rest of the story…


The 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.

Parsing the Collect, by Fr. Rob Eaton, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Hemet, CA


Section 139e | Sign of Nearness but Unknown Time

[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 knows3 of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.4  37 “As the days of Noah5 were, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.6 38 For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage,7 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.8 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.9  [/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, 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.” 29 He told them a parable. “See the fig tree 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. 32 Most certainly I tell you, this generation 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. [/one_third]

Section 139f | Five Parables to Teach Watchfulness and Faithfulness

[one_third last=”no” class=”” id=””]Matthew 24:42-44

 

 

 

42 Watch therefore,10 for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes.11

 

 

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 44 Therefore also be ready, for in an hour that you don’t expect, the Son of Man will come.13 [/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.14 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, 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]Matthew 24:45-51; 25:1-30
45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing so when he comes.15 47 Most certainly I tell you that he will set him over all that he has. 48 But if that evil servant should say in his heart, ‘My lord is delaying his coming,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 the lord of that servant will come in a day when he doesn’t expect it, and in an hour when he doesn’t know it, 51 and will cut him in pieces, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites. That is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be. “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps,16 and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘What if there isn’t enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10 While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Most certainly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you don’t know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.17 14 “For it is like a man, going into another country, who called his own servants, and entrusted his goods to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one;18 to each according to his own ability.19 Then he went on his journey. 16 Immediately he who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 In the same way, he also who got the two gained another two. 18 But he who received the one talent went away and dug in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. 19 “Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reconciled accounts with them. 20 He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents in addition to them.’ 21 “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 22 “He also who got the two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another two talents in addition to them.’ 23 “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 24 “He also who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you didn’t sow, and gathering where you didn’t scatter. 25 I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.’ 26 “But his lord answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn’t sow, and gather where I didn’t scatter. 27 You ought therefore to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back my own with interest. 28 Take away therefore the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will be given, and he will have abundance, but from him who doesn’t have, even that which he has will be taken away.20 30 Throw out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’21


Group Dialog:

  1. What illustrations did Jesus use to show the suddenness of His return? What metaphor might you use today?
  2. What were the different events and signs which Jesus spoke of in these five parables?
  3. Readiness not calculation is called for. How do you ready yourself, and remain ready?
  4. What is your attitude toward the end times?
  5. How does your understanding and reckoning with the Scriptures (preparedness) and your readiness (poise and action) affect your attitude and ministry?
  6. Are you being a faithful servant and steward of the spiritual gifts God has entrusted to you, or have you been slothful or negligent in your spiritual service? What is the yield of what has been entrusted to you?

Notes: