Category: Year C

Christ the King | Proper 29 | Year C

Our Gospel reading this week, Luke 23:33-43, begins in Section 163 on Christ’s Journey to Golgotha and concludes in Section 164 which focuses on Jesus’ first three hours on the Cross. As you’ll see in the white space within the Harmony of the Gospels there’s must more to “the rest of this story” here and many more within the souls of the redeemed who are together worshiping Christ the King!

[fullwidth menu_anchor=”” backgroundcolor=”#e5e5e5″ backgroundimage=”” backgroundrepeat=”no-repeat” backgroundposition=”left top” backgroundattachment=”scroll” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderstyle=”solid” paddingtop=”20px” paddingbottom=”20px” class=”” id=””][fontawesome icon=”fa-caret-right” circle=”no” size=”small” iconcolor=”#e5e5e5″ circlecolor=”” circlebordercolor=”” flip=”” rotate=”” spin=”no” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””][fontawesome icon=”fa-sign-out” circle=”no” size=”medium” iconcolor=”” circlecolor=”” circlebordercolor=”” flip=”” rotate=”” spin=”no” animation_type=”flash” animation_direction=”right” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””]Within the chronology of the Harmony of the Gospels this passage falls on Good Friday so we encourage you to bookmark our Holy Week Mini-Series. Use this series as a Christian formation resource for your small groups, youth group, Sunday school or Bible study next Spring. Be sure to use the new virtual reality, short films, and prayer rooms to help each member of your group see the Holy Land up close in this study.

Note: This week concludes Year C. Take a look at the Gospel Lectionary as you begin to prepare your Bible study series for Year A.[/fullwidth]

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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.

Parsing the Collect – by The Rev. Rob Eaton, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Hemet, CA (used by permission)

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Section 163 | Journey to Golgotha ¹

[one_fourth last=”no” class=”” id=””]Matthew 27:31-34
31 When they had mocked him, they took the robe off him, and put his clothes on him,² and led him away to crucify him. 32 As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, and they compelled him to go with them, that he might carry his cross.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33 When they came to a place called “Golgotha”, that is to say, “The place of a skull,” 34 they gave him sour wine to drink mixed with gall. When he had tasted it, he would not drink. [/one_fourth]
[one_fourth last=”no” class=”” id=””]Mark 15:20-23
20 When they had mocked him, they took the purple off him, and put his own garments on him. They led him out to crucify him. 21 They compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross.³

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22 They brought him to the place called Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, “The place of a skull.” 23 They offered him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he didn’t take it.[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth last=”no” class=”” id=””]Luke 23:26-33a

 

 

26 When they⁴ led him away, they grabbed one Simon of Cyrene,⁵ coming from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it after Jesus.⁶ 27 A great multitude of the people followed him, including women who also mourned and lamented him. 28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’⁷ 30 Then they will begin to tell the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and tell the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things in the green tree, what will be done in the dry?” 32 There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death. 33a When they came to the place that is called The Skull, [/one_fourth]
[one_fourth last=”yes” class=”” id=””]John 19:16b-17
16b So they took Jesus and led him away. 17 He went out, bearing his cross,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to the place called “The Place of a Skull”, which is called in Hebrew, “Golgotha”, [/one_fourth]

Section 164 | First Three Hours of the Crucifixion

[one_fourth last=”no” class=”” id=””]Matthew 27:35-44
35 When they had crucified him, they divided his clothing among them, casting lots, 36 and they sat and watched him there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

37 They set up over his head the accusation against him written, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”⁸

 

 

 

 

 

38 Then there were two robbers crucified with him, one on his right hand and one on the left.

 

 

39 Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads, 40 and saying, “You who destroy the temple, and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” 41 Likewise the chief priests also mocking, with the scribes, the Pharisees, and the elders, said, 42 “He saved others, but he can’t save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God deliver him now, if he wants him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” 44 The robbers also who were crucified with him cast on him the same reproach.[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth last=”no” class=”” id=””]Mark 15:24-32

24 Crucifying him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots on them, what each should take.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25 It was the third hour, and they crucified him. 26 The superscription of his accusation was written over him, “THE KING OF THE JEWS.”⁹

 

 

 

 

27 With him they crucified two robbers; one on his right hand, and one on his left. 28 The Scripture was fulfilled, which says, “He was counted with transgressors.”

 

29 Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Ha! You who destroy the temple, and build it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 Likewise, also the chief priests mocking among themselves with the scribes said, “He saved others. He can’t save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, that we may see and believe him.”

 

 

Those who were crucified with him also insulted him.[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth last=”no” class=”” id=””]Luke 23:33b-34, 38, 35-37, 39-43
33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull,¹⁰ they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.¹¹ 34 Jesus said, “Father,¹² forgive them,¹³ for they don’t know what they are doing.”¹⁴

 

 

 

Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.¹⁵

 

 

 

 

38 An inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”¹⁶

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35 The people stood watching.

 

 

 

The rulers with them also scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others.¹⁷  Let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen one!” ¹⁸  36 The soldiers¹⁹  also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar, 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”

 

 

39 One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!” 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Don’t you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds,²⁰ but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 43 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”²¹[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth last=”yes” class=”” id=””]John 19:18, 23-24, 19-22, 25-27
18 they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the middle.

 

23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24 Then they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to decide whose it will be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which says, “They parted my garments among them. For my cloak they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things. 19 Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross. There was written, “JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” 20 Therefore many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘he said, I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25 But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour, the disciple took her to his own home.[/one_fourth]

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Group Dialog:

1. How do you feel about the suffering which Jesus experienced?
2. Why was Jesus’ Crucifixion essential to the reconciliation, well-being, and fortitude of every believer?
3. Earlier in Phase 5b (Mt 10:38, 16:24, Sections 70b, 83) Jesus says that every disciple must “take up their cross”. How is this to be interpreted in this day and age?
4. Is Simon’s story similar to you own? Did you come to be a disciple unwittingly, unintentionally or did you seek Him out as did John and Andrew (John 1:35-51, Section  28) and Saul/Paul (Acts 9:1-19; Gal 1:13; 1Tim 1:13-16)?
5. What questions (or fears) do you have about death, salvation, and your own eternal destiny? If you feel confident, please share how the grace of God and your understand of Scripture has resulted in such peace, confidence, and anticipation.
6. As we conclude Year C and the Season after Pentecost, how will this lesson affect your thinking as we enter Advent and Year A.

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Study Notes:

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

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

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Scripture:

Section 5 | Jesus’ Birth Foretold to Mary

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

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

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

Section 7 | Mary’s Song of Joy

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

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Group Dialog:

 

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Learning Objectives:

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Photo:

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Study Notes:

 

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.

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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]

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Group Dialog:

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Learning Objectives:

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Photo:

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Study Notes:

 

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.

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.

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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]

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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)?

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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.

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

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Study Notes:

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.

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.

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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]

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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?

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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.

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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.

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“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

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Notes: