Category: Five

This final phase (sections 53-184) can be seen to have three sub-parts: Apprenticeship beginning in Section 53; Training beginning in Section 70b; and Anointing beginning in Section 143; however the overall theme and principle of Phase five is Missional. The Gospels are replete with stories from these last 15 months in the life of Christ (and into this present moment). It begins with the appointing of the first twelve apostles, includes scores of miracles, the parables of Christ, many teachings to his disciples, his trial, crucifixion, resurrection, later appearances, and the Great Commission. Disciples in this phase have a lifestyle which is renown. The fruit and followers from years of ministry humbles their heart by the knowledge of the grace and Truth of God which saved and transformed their life, and among them some are called to significant roles and international ministry. Simple or immense their ministry aims to honor Christ alone.

Categories
Five

The Kingdom of Heaven – part three

The Kingdom of Heaven - part 3

Week 57 | Sections 64 f,g

The Kingdom of Heaven - part 3In Jewish tradition, leaven was associated with sin and also the unleavened bread they ate in the dessert in their exodus from Egypt. Jesus flips the traditional imagery in this parable. While instilling in the apostles an understanding  of how God’s eternal purpose will be carried out through the apostles, and the church today.

Scripture:

Section 64f
[one_half last=”no”]Matthew 13:33-35
33 He spoke another parable1¯2 to them. “The Kingdom of Heaven3 is like yeast,4 which a woman5 took, and hid, in three measures6 of meal,7 until it was all leavened.8” 34 Jesus spoke all these things in parables to the multitudes; and without a parable, he didn’t speak to them, 35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation9 of the world.”[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Mark 4:33-34

 

33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it.10  34 Without a parable he didn’t speak to them; but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.11[/one_half]

Section 64g
Matthew 13:36-43
36 Then Jesus sent the multitudes away, and went into the house.12 His disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the darnel weeds of the field.” 37 He answered them,“He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, 38  the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the children of the Kingdom; and the darnel weeds are the children of the evil one. 39  The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40  As therefore the darnel weeds are gathered up and burned with fire; so will it be at the end of this age. 41  The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his Kingdom all things that cause stumbling,13 and those who do iniquity, 42  and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth. 43  Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.14¯15

Group Dialog:

  1. What godly transformation is happening within your soul?
  2. What is our responsibility in regards to the purposes of God?
  3. Do you know your vocation? Do you feel equipped? How are you preparing yourself to better serve God?
  4. Looking back at the expansive growth of the church in the first century, what questions and convictions do you have for this day and age?
  5. How are you making yourself ready to receive, understand and nurture the good seed in the soil of your life?
  6. What do you anticipate will happen to you in the last days?

Learning Objectives:

The multiplying power of the Gospel, the activity of the Holy Spirit within the Church today, receive the Word and let it work throughout your life as well as throughout your circle of friends; follow Jesus teaching 2Tim 3:10; and be fruitful and feed his sheep (John 21:15-17). See also “The Keys to Building Organizational Capacity” (NCD, Natural Church Development, measuring outcomes, 8 Essential Qualities of Healthy Churches)

Photo: Sourdough tastes delicious. This recipe not only helps us understand this parable, but it turns out some amazing homemade sourdough in about a week.

The preacher’s quote to which Greg referred in the audio was actually lyrics from the 1985 song “Angry Young Men” by Randy Stonehill, (video) (lyrics) (website)

Study Notes:

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Five

The Kingdom of Heaven – part two

The Kingdom of Heaven

Week 56 | Sections 64c,d,e

The Kingdom of HeavenLast week we introduced this series of parables about the Kingdom of Heaven which Jesus told his disciples over the course of a very long day (section 61-65). In part two we learn with the disciples a bit more about the end of times, the perseverance, pains, and perils along the journey.

Scripture:

Section 64c | Mark 4:26-29
26 He said, “God’s Kingdom1 is as if a man should cast seed on the earth, 27  and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, though he doesn’t know how.2¯3¯4 28 For the earth bears fruit: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29  But when the fruit is ripe, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”5 

Section 64d | Matthew 13:24-30
24 He set another parable before them, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while people slept, his enemy came and sowed darnel weeds also among the wheat, and went away. 26 But when the blade sprang up and produced fruit, then the darnel weeds appeared also. 27 The servants6  of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where did these darnel weeds come from?’ 28 “He said to them, ‘An enemy7 has done this.’ “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them up?’ 29 “But he said, ‘No, lest perhaps while you gather up the darnel weeds, you root up the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First, gather up the darnel weeds, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ ”

[one_half last=”no”]Section 64e | Matthew 13:31-32
31 He set another parable before them, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field; 32 which indeed is smaller than all seeds. But when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches.”8[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Mark 4:30-32
30 He said, “How will we liken God’s Kingdom? Or with what parable will we illustrate it? 31 It’s like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, though it is less than all the seeds that are on the earth, 32 yet when it is sown, grows up, and becomes greater than all the herbs, and puts out great branches, so that the birds of the sky can lodge under its shadow.”9[/one_half]

Group Dialog:

  1. Why is the idea of the Kingdom Heaven so important?
  2. If not for the Kingdom of Heaven, why do you live, labor, and love?
  3. What would you like to change now to ensure your spiritual vitality and viable service for the Kingdom and purposes of God?

Learning Objectives:

The importance of our heavenly priority, spiritual disciplines to further our spiritual vitality and service in ministry, the hope of heaven.

Photo: An organic field in the Salinas Valley, CA. There they rotate crops to enrich the soil, they till the soil, prepare the field for each crop, sow the seeds, send out the laborers week after week to maintain the crop for a bountiful harvest.

Study Notes:

Categories
Five

Jesus Teaches in Parables

Jesus Teaches in Parables

Week 55 | Section 64a,b

Jesus Teaches in ParablesJesus’ parables sparked interest among his followers and for generations to come. In this study we’ll explore the reason for parables and also delve into the first of nine parables about the Kingdom at this time in Jesus’ ministry.

Scripture:

Section 64a
[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 13:1-3a
1 On that day1Jesus went out of the house, and sat by the seaside. 2 Great multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat, and sat, and all the multitude stood on the beach. 3a He spoke to them many things in parables,2 saying,[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 4:1-2
1 Again he began to teach by the seaside. A great multitude was gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat in the sea, and sat down. All the multitude were on the land by the sea. 2 He taught them many things in parables, and told them in his teaching, [/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 8:4
4 When a great multitude came together, and people from every city were coming to him, he spoke by a parable.3 [/one_third]
Section 64b

[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 3:b-23
3b “Behold, a farmer went out to sow. 4 As he sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Others fell on rocky ground,4 where they didn’t have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of earth. 6 When the sun had risen, they were scorched. Because they had no root, they withered away. 7 Others fell among thorns.5 The thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Others fell on good soil, and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.6 9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”7  10 The disciples came, and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 He answered them, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them.8 12 For whoever has, to him will be given, and he will have abundance, but whoever doesn’t have, from him will be taken away even that which he has. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don’t see, and hearing, they don’t hear, neither do they understand. 14 In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled,9which says, ‘By hearing you will hear, and will in no way understand; Seeing you will see, and will in no way perceive: 15 for this people’s heart has grown callous, their ears are dull of hearing, they have closed their eyes; or else perhaps they might perceive with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again; and I would heal them.’10¯11 16 “But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.12 17 For most certainly I tell you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and didn’t see them; and to hear the things which you hear, and didn’t hear them. 18 “Hear, then, the parable of the farmer. 19 When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom, and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes, and snatches away that which has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown by the roadside. 20 What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 What was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word, and understands it, who most certainly bears fruit, and produces, some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.”13[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 4:3-25
3 “Listen! Behold, the farmer went out to sow, 4 and as he sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds came and devoured it. 5 Others fell on the rocky ground, where it had little soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil. 6 When the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. 7 Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. 8 Others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing. Some produced thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times as much.” 9 He said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.” 10 When he was alone, those who were around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11 He said to them, “To you is given the mystery of God’s Kingdom, but to those who are outside, all things are done in parables, 12 that ‘seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest perhaps they should turn again, and their sins should be forgiven them.’”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 He said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How will you understand all of the parables?14 14 The farmer15 sows the word.16  15 The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes, and takes away the word which has been sown in them. 16 These in the same way are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy. 17 They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble.17 18 Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word, 19 and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.18  20 Those which were sown on the good ground are those who hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, some thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times.”

 

21 He said to them, “Is the lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it put on a stand? 22 For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be made known; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light. 23 If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 He said to them, “Take heed what you hear.19With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you who hear. 25 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he who doesn’t have, even that which he has will be taken away from him.”20[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 8:5-18
5 “The farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the road, and it was trampled under foot, and the birds of the sky devoured it. 6 Other seed fell on the rock, and as soon as it grew, it withered away, because it had no moisture.

7 Other fell amid the thorns, and the thorns grew with it, and choked it. 8 Other fell into the good ground, and grew, and produced one hundred times as much fruit.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

9 Then his disciples asked him, “What does this parable mean?” 10 He said, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of God’s Kingdom, but to the rest in parables; that

‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’ 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 Those along the road are those who hear, then the devil comes, and takes away the word from their heart, that they may not believe and be saved.

13 Those on the rock are they who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root, who believe for a while, then fall away in time of temptation. 14 That which fell among the thorns, these are those who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.

 

 

 

 

15 Those in the good ground, these are those who with an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it tightly, and produce fruit with perseverance.

 

16 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a container, or puts it under a bed; but puts it on a stand, that those who enter in may see the light. 17 For nothing is hidden that will not be revealed; nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 Be careful therefore how you hear. For whoever has, to him will be given; and whoever doesn’t have, from him will be taken away even that which he thinks he has.”[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  1. With whom do I associate most this parable?
  2. When I hear Jesus speak what do I think he’s trying to say about the Kingdom?
  3. As a disciple, what am I going to do with the truth I just heard in this parable?

Learning Objectives:

As disciples constant learners and doers, evangelism, teaching, prepare your heart, repent, love of Christ, first love, seek God, study the Word of God, disciples make disciples.

Photo: The reflection on a pond in Orlando, Florida. A reflection on the pond, like the use parables, provides us a new perspective on the truth.

Study Notes:

Categories
Five

Faith and Family

Faith and Family

Week 54 | Section 63

Faith and FamilyIn the midst of a very long day in the life of Christ we learn something of the family of God. Yet if we are to be part of the family of God we must understand and accept Jesus to be the Messiah our Savior, and align our lives toward God’s eternal purpose – to reconcile the world to himself. In this manner we can fulfill the great commission and maintain the bonds of peace and bear good fruit from good seed the within our hearts.

Scripture:

[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 12:46-50
46 While he was yet speaking to the multitudes,1 behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to him. 47 One said to him, “Behold, your mother and your brothers2 stand outside, seeking to speak to you.”3 48 But he answered him who spoke to him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 49 He stretched out his hand towards his disciples, and said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will4 of my Father who is in heaven,5  he is my brother, and sister, and mother.”6[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 3:31-35
31 His mother and his brothers came, and standing outside, they sent to him, calling him. 32 A multitude was sitting around him, and they told him, “Behold, your mother, your brothers, and your sisters are outside looking for you.” 33 He answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 Looking around at those who sat around him, he said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is my brother, my sister, and mother.”7 [/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 6:19-21
19 His mother and brothers came to him, and they could not come near him for the crowd. 20 Some people told him, “Your mother and your brothers stand outside, desiring to see you.” 21 But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers8 are these who hear9 the word10 of God, and do it.”11[/one_third]

Group Dialog:

  1. What does it look like when a person is doing the will of the Father?
  2. What is the common purpose and identity of the family of God?
  3. How is the church strengthened when we share this common identity?
  4. What causes you to forget/neglect the invitational imperative to share in the ministry of reconciliation?
  5. What forces divide us from functioning as the family of God?
  6. What should our intent and behavior be toward those who are not yet part of the family of God?

Learning Objectives:

There is a common bond among us – when we are believers and followers of Jesus, the family of God; members in the family must believe in the identity of Jesus Christ, his ministry of redemption, and then take part in (DO) the ministry of reconciliation fulfilling the Great Commission as faithful stewards of our vocation.

Study Notes:

Categories
Five

We Want a Sign

We Want a Sign

Week 53 | Section 62

We Want a SignThe pharisees remain antagonistic, doubting the signs they have already seen and the testimony of Jesus and John the Baptist. While they wished to have him tried and killed, they would have to sway the masses. But Jesus continued to win the hearts of the people, not by any campaign but by living with integrity as the Messiah, the Lord who saves.

Scripture:

Matthew 12:38-45
38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”1¯2¯3 39 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign,4 but no sign5will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet.6 40  For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.7 41  The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah;8¯9 and behold, someone greater than Jonah is here.10¯11 42  The queen of the south12 will rise up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth13 to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, someone greater than Solomon is here. 43  When an unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places, seeking rest, and doesn’t find it. 44  Then he says, ‘I will return into my house from which I came out,’ and when he has come back, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 45  Then he goes, and takes with himself seven other spirits more evil than he is, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that man becomes worse than the first. Even so will it be also to this evil generation.”14¯15¯16¯17

Group Dialog:

  1. What do you want/require before obeying God?
  2. How was Jesus confirmed and approved for ministry? Did he require the blessing of the Pharisees?
  3. How have you heard God speak to you? (In the Word, in prayer, through another person).
  4. How can your current situation affect your response time when convicted?
  5. Have you made yourself available to God? What evidence is there in your calendar that your relationship with God and his Kingdom purposes are your priority?
  6. In what ways are you still trying to live by your own power, by your own rules, your own methods? What aspects of your thoughts, your life , your ministry have you not yet yielded to the Holy Spirit’s control?

Learning Objectives:

Jesus’ substitutionary sacrifice, admonishment, Great commission, sin, repentance, change of heart, worship,

Study Notes:

Categories
Five

Double-minded and Backbiting

Double-minded and Backbiting

Week 52 | Section 61

Double-minded and BackbitingOur reading today is one of three passages in the Harmony of the Gospels that render ink to the harsh saying of Jesus.

In this instance, Jesus calls the pharisees “a brood of vipers” and challenges not only their logic but their motives and priorities.

This is a passage that many irenic Christians would rather skip over, however it provides disciples the opportunity to explore several important spiritual truths including: conflict, kingdom-mindedness, peace-keeping, discernment, admonishment, spiritual warfare, the day of judgement, and Christian virtue.

[one_half last=”no”]Scripture:
Matthew 12:22-37

22 Then one possessed by a demon, blind and mute, was brought to him1 and he healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw.2 23 All the multitudes were amazed, and said, “Can this be the son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees3  heard it, they said, “This man does not cast out demons, except by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons.”4¯5 25 Knowing their thoughts,6 Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?7 27 If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your children cast them out?8 Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then God’s Kingdom has come upon you.9  29 Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man, and plunder his goods, unless he first bind the strong man? Then he will plunder his house. 30 “He who is not with me is against me, and he who doesn’t gather with me, scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against10 the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, neither in this age, nor in that which is to come. 33 “Either make the tree good, and its fruit good, or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You offspring of vipers,11¯12¯13 how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. 35 The good man out of his good treasure brings out good things, and the evil14 man out of his evil treasure brings out evil things.15  36 I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.16 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”17¯18[/one_half][one_half last=”yes”]Scripture:

Mark 3:20-30

20 The multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. 21 When his friends heard it, they went out to seize him: for they said, “He is insane.”

22 The scribes19  who came down20 from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul,” and, “By the prince of the demons he casts out the demons.” 23 He summoned them, and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan?21 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.22 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 If Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he can’t stand, but has an end.

27 But no one can enter into the house of the strong man to plunder, unless he first binds the strong man; and then he will plunder his house. 28 Most certainly I tell you, all sins of the descendants of man23 will be forgiven, including their blasphemies with which they may blaspheme; 29 but whoever may blaspheme against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation.”  30 —because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.”[/one_half]

Group Dialog:

  1. How has fear caused you to react irrationally in the past?
  2. Talk about the difference between intuition and the spiritual gift of discernment.
  3. Have you ever felt the Lord admonish you? What lesson did you learn? How did your attitudes and actions change afterwards?
  4. Do we care more about church growth or our personal well-being or are we most concerned with advancing the Kingdom of God? What would it look like if we shifted our priorities in ministry to be the Kingdom of God?
  5. What is the fruit of your current ministry? If there is little, can you identify that you are in a season of ministry? Which one? What are you and the team doing then to pass through this season and prepare yourself for the fruit bearing season?
  6. How do you think we should deal with conflict, differences of opinion, or wrong teaching within your congregation, the Church, or your community?

Study Notes:

Categories
Five

The Community of Disciples

Week 51 | Section 60


This week our scripture passage is very brief –  only two sentences that comprise three verses.  Still their significance and the dialog that your small group will have will surely spark all sorts of activity and a greater sense of community.

The passage is exemplifies Jesus’ missional ministry, and includes two significant aspects – He was joined by “the twelve” (the apostles whom he had appointed (section 53) and a few women who’s lives had also been transformed by his ministry and who now offered significance financial assistance to the mission.

The focus of your small group dialog should focus on stewardship of our gifts and the way in which a community lovingly provides for one another. This is an imperative of believers in the Christian community. What will you do to further the Gospel and offer aid to those in your community?

Luke 8:1-3

Soon afterwards, he went about through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of God’s Kingdom. With him were the twelve, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuzas, Herod’s steward; Susanna; and many others; who served them from their possessions.

Study Notes:

  • Gundry and Thomas place this transition of ministry in the winter of AD 29, just 3 months or so since he appointed them as apostles (Sec 53).
  • This marks a turning point in Phase 5 – Jesus’ missional phase of ministry. He went out and traveled from town to town in which he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of  God. This is not an earthly empire, but the Gospel of grace and truth provided by the promised messiah who sets people free from the law. This happens by the inward transformation of our souls, our minds and lifestyle. Not more obedience but an expression of love and gratitude. Not civic obedience or an institution but a movement  that begins in our very souls.
  • Its important to see how these women are both honored for their support of Jesus’ ministry but also for their testimony. Today its imperative to honor all members of the church, and equally important to help every member prepare and share their testimony – not just serve or give to support the ministry.
  • The real Mary Magdelene
  • Winter time around the Sea of Galilee was a pleasant time of the year. The temperatures don’t dip too low. Winter rains reinvigorate the region. (climate information)
  • This week is ideal for your group to obtain a better understanding about the stewardship of our lives. Consider downloading our Field Guide for Ministry Discernment and Discipleship and encouraging one another to create a life of ministry springing forth from the life of Christ within them.

Small Group Dialog:

  1. To what ministry are you called?
    You might want to have your group complete the surveys within the Field Guide for Ministry Discernment and Discipleship.

  2. Take a moment to offer thanksgiving and prayers for those who have most recently supported you in ministry or helped you mature in the faith.

  3. What needs do you have this week?

  4. What are the needs of others? What will you offer your community, friends and family this week?

Categories
Five

Forgiven

Forgiven

Week 50 | Section 59

Our reading this week we delve into the story of one woman, a prostitute, who anoints Jesus while he was at the home of Simon the Pharisee and became known as the one whom Jesus liberated from her shame.

“The world is full of people who walk to and fro, disappointed, disheartened, and perplexed.” – Frank Viola & Mary DeMuth, “The Day I Met Jesus“

As we continue through the Harmony of the Gospels we reenter Luke’s accounts of faith or should we say the presence or absence of faith. Each of his accounts  in chapter seven involve traits and behaviors such as humility, contrition, gratitude, learning, trust, and service.

The Hebrew word for labor is avodah, but this is a service of the hands whereas tefillah is “a labor of awakening the hidden love within the heart until a state of intimate union with the divine is achieved.” – chabad. It is often associated with prayer as it is the highest form of prayer – a united heart of the beloved and God our Savior.

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” ― Henri-Frédéric Amiel

Categories
Five

Heartfelt Sorrows

Week 49 | Section 58 in the Harmony of the Gospels

Jesus’ prophetic voice sounds clear warning in today’s passage from Matthew 11:20-30. The sorrow he expresses towards the cities of Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum is heartfelt and the silver lining for those communities despised by the faithful and pious are offers a glimmer of hope to those who would hear what the spirit has to say. Its easy to get off track and even easier to never see the truth when its in plain sight. This is a good week to talk with your small group members about how we might ourselves be blinded by our traditions, worldview and perspective or perhaps even block “the light” while thinking ourselves wise and learned. Another topic is our own sense of sorrow for those who have not yet grasped the grace of God and those disciples who still struggle due to their world view and limited understanding of the Gospel – the good news.

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When Faith Waivers

Week 48 | Section 57 in the Harmony of the Gospels

What happens when our faith waivers? What should be done? What should be done? What is the consequence of such tragedy? These are the questions we explore in our study today. Your small group may like to explore other topics such as the concept of leadership and allegiance, the value of effort, obedience, and grace or perhaps what to do in the face of naysayers and critics.

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. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.5 14 If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come.6 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.’7

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!’ 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.”8  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: