Luke 23:32-49
32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”[a] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”
36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
38 There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[b]”
43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The Death of Jesus
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[c] When he had said this, he breathed his last.
47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
Footnotes:
1. Luke 23:34 Some early manuscripts do not have this sentence.
2. Luke 23:42 Some manuscripts come with your kingly power
3. Luke 23:46 Psalm 31:5
This week I find that I actually like the questions at the end of the chapter, so please consider them after you read.
Also...
Rick has often taught us that the gospels provide us with the opportunity to view the same event from different perspectives. If you have time, read the other gospel accounts of Jesus' death and note your observations.
On p. 86 the author states that Luke " continually points to forgiveness as being the key to understanding Jesus and the path he calls his followers to tread." How do you respond to this? Does it resonate with you? If so, in what ways?
The author continues to discuss forgiveness and on p. 87 declares that it requires "hard work and sacrifice." How do you see this playing out in your life?
A powerful illustration of forgiveness is given to us through the description of Robert DeNiro's movie character. Have you ever given or received such forgiveness? Describe the feelings you experienced.
On page 92, the author observes that we witness Jesus' death "from afar." He says that Jesus' final words tell the world "God forgives, God saves, God is present." How do we witness these to our world today?
Much to think about...
I hope you all have a blessed week. Please note that we decided last week NOT to meet on April 7, but to extend our study one week and wrap up on the 14th. See you Thursday!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Week 8 Parables of the Lost
Luke 15:1-32 (New International Version, ©2011)
Luke 15
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
The Parable of the Lost Coin
8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coinsa]">[a] and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”The Parable of the Lost Son
11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Footnotes:
Please note the box on p.75. We still obviously live this way for the most part. How do we as Christians step away from this? How do we/can we move away from this mindset and the accompanying actions in a way that is authentic?
In summarizing the two parables on page 76, the author once again uses the word foolish to describe the shepherd leaving the 99 sheep to search for the one that is lost. Yet in my own life, I have often searched relentlessly for things I have lost, probably to the exclusion of things I should have been doing. However, the feeling when I find that which I had lost is what sticks with me; similarly, the regret of things lost and not found still stings at the remembering. Relate this to your own life and write down feeling words for both scenarios - then relate that to this passage.
The story of the prodigal son tends to bring out strong responses whenever it is discussed. Think about it in terms of forgiveness and come ready to discuss. I'm wondering, is there something in us that feels threatened by a parents display of love for a sibling? Does that old "sibling rivalry" come into play in our relationship with God? If so, how so?
I saw something on a blog today that caught my attention. A woman was doing a Lenten study and her class was asked to account for every hour of their time for a week. She created a graph which allowed her to visually see where her time was spent. This was to allow her to make decisions about allocating and perhaps re-allocating her time. I was intrigued and thought I'd share.
See you all Thursday. Have a blessed week!
- Luke 15:8 Greek ten drachmas, each worth about a day’s wages
Please note the box on p.75. We still obviously live this way for the most part. How do we as Christians step away from this? How do we/can we move away from this mindset and the accompanying actions in a way that is authentic?
In summarizing the two parables on page 76, the author once again uses the word foolish to describe the shepherd leaving the 99 sheep to search for the one that is lost. Yet in my own life, I have often searched relentlessly for things I have lost, probably to the exclusion of things I should have been doing. However, the feeling when I find that which I had lost is what sticks with me; similarly, the regret of things lost and not found still stings at the remembering. Relate this to your own life and write down feeling words for both scenarios - then relate that to this passage.
The story of the prodigal son tends to bring out strong responses whenever it is discussed. Think about it in terms of forgiveness and come ready to discuss. I'm wondering, is there something in us that feels threatened by a parents display of love for a sibling? Does that old "sibling rivalry" come into play in our relationship with God? If so, how so?
I saw something on a blog today that caught my attention. A woman was doing a Lenten study and her class was asked to account for every hour of their time for a week. She created a graph which allowed her to visually see where her time was spent. This was to allow her to make decisions about allocating and perhaps re-allocating her time. I was intrigued and thought I'd share.
See you all Thursday. Have a blessed week!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Table Manners
Week 7 - Luke 12:13-34
On page 66 the author discusses the idea of "table talk" and its importance. Have you experienced "table talk" in your life? Think about the different settings in which you have experienced this and what was important for you in each. How do you relate those experiences to this section of text?
Scripture talks about the importance for us to be humble. What does that mean/look like? What does it mean for us as Christians?
On p. 69 there is discussion about who is invited to the table. Who do you "invite to the table?" What might this look like? Think of as many ways as you can.
Read the box on p. 70 (thanks again Pam!)
How have you experienced an invitation? Again, list as many ways as you can.
On p. 72 we read that "God offer has priority...over our worst but also our best agendas." What on your agenda has caused you to tell God to "wait" or "not now?" How do we handle this?
As always, please feel free to post thoughts and questions you'd like us to consider for Thursday. Prayers for Gina and Bert, who will be flying out on Tuesday. FYI, I have a school event on Thursday so I will not be able to attend our study. However, I hope that you will meet to share your thinking and study together. Remember, "where two or more are gathered in His name..."
On page 66 the author discusses the idea of "table talk" and its importance. Have you experienced "table talk" in your life? Think about the different settings in which you have experienced this and what was important for you in each. How do you relate those experiences to this section of text?
Scripture talks about the importance for us to be humble. What does that mean/look like? What does it mean for us as Christians?
On p. 69 there is discussion about who is invited to the table. Who do you "invite to the table?" What might this look like? Think of as many ways as you can.
Read the box on p. 70 (thanks again Pam!)
How have you experienced an invitation? Again, list as many ways as you can.
On p. 72 we read that "God offer has priority...over our worst but also our best agendas." What on your agenda has caused you to tell God to "wait" or "not now?" How do we handle this?
As always, please feel free to post thoughts and questions you'd like us to consider for Thursday. Prayers for Gina and Bert, who will be flying out on Tuesday. FYI, I have a school event on Thursday so I will not be able to attend our study. However, I hope that you will meet to share your thinking and study together. Remember, "where two or more are gathered in His name..."
Monday, March 7, 2011
Luke Week 6
The Dangers of Money
Luke 12:13-34 (New International Version, ©2011)
The Parable of the Rich Fool
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”14 Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
Do Not Worry
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your lifea]">[a]? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
This passage of scripture contains some favorite verses of mine. I love the parts about not worrying - I remind my mom of that one frequently. The last line about "where your heart is" has always struck a chord with me as well.
The author tells us apart from God, there are more references to money and possessions in the Bible than any other single subject.
Why do you think this is so?
The first section in our text is titled "The Rich Fool." This man stored up riches for himself and had no relationship with God.
How do we balance the need in our lives to prepare for the future financially for ourselves and our families and still put God first?
What else stands out for you in this section?
"Do not worry." The author says that Luke makes it clear these words (this passage) are intended for Jesus' disciples -those who would follow Him. Today, that means us.
How do these words impact you? How do you suppose they impacted his disciples? What sense does this make for you and your life?
The final section is about possessions. We all have "things" that are important to us.
How does this section strike you? What makes sense and what doesn't? What does this mean for Christians today?
Other thoughts?
See you Thursday.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Luke Week 5
The Good Samaritan: A Way of Life Luke 10:25-37
This week's guiding questions are a bit late, sorry. Better late than never right? Here we go...
The author makes the point that "love knows no national boundaries." How do you respond to this in light of the global turmoil we are experiencing today?
The text states that " the relationship between devotion to God and the treatment of neighbor are intertwined." How do you respond to this?
On p. 52 the author writes about how parables "invite their hearers to enter a new world created by the story in the imagination and to exist in that world for awhile, so that one's own life and understanding of the world can then be compared to and critiqued by the imaginary world created by the parable."
How do you think people were affected by Jesus' parables then compared to now? How do you think the "new worlds" created for us by television, internet, and other media affect us today? How do we as Christians deal with this?
On p. 54 the author talks about how Jesus' parable challenged his audience about their prejudices about other people.
How do we confront our own prejudices and overcome them so we can represent and live like Christ?
Read the box on p. 55. What are your thoughts on this?
Finally, in the box on p. 53, we consider the idea of someone who "shocks us" by being a neighbor (in Jesus' definition). Who has shocked you? How did you respond?
What have you taken away from this week's study that will stay with you and bring change in your life?
See you Thursday!!
This week's guiding questions are a bit late, sorry. Better late than never right? Here we go...
The author makes the point that "love knows no national boundaries." How do you respond to this in light of the global turmoil we are experiencing today?
The text states that " the relationship between devotion to God and the treatment of neighbor are intertwined." How do you respond to this?
On p. 52 the author writes about how parables "invite their hearers to enter a new world created by the story in the imagination and to exist in that world for awhile, so that one's own life and understanding of the world can then be compared to and critiqued by the imaginary world created by the parable."
How do you think people were affected by Jesus' parables then compared to now? How do you think the "new worlds" created for us by television, internet, and other media affect us today? How do we as Christians deal with this?
On p. 54 the author talks about how Jesus' parable challenged his audience about their prejudices about other people.
How do we confront our own prejudices and overcome them so we can represent and live like Christ?
Read the box on p. 55. What are your thoughts on this?
Finally, in the box on p. 53, we consider the idea of someone who "shocks us" by being a neighbor (in Jesus' definition). Who has shocked you? How did you respond?
What have you taken away from this week's study that will stay with you and bring change in your life?
See you Thursday!!
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