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..."
Sunday, March 13, 2011
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!!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Reflections on week 4
We had a great discussion tonight. A few "take-aways" that I wanted to share...
We discussed what it looks like to be a disciple for us. One idea was that we look at the words we used to describe Him in the past few weeks. While not all of them apply to us, many do. Looking at them certainly made us realize what a tall order it is to live like Christ. Some words that stood out were: obedient, loving, compassionate, kind, generous, accepting, strong, calm, confident...
Jeff made the connection between disciple and discipline. We discussed how in education we stress that discipline does not mean "to punish." It means "to teach." So...we are taught by Christ and we teach...perhaps not by words, but by actions.
All of this led us to the question, "What goal am I setting my face toward each day?" This is one of those questions I need to post-it note to my mirror so I don't lose sight of it. I hope that you will consider it as you begin each day as a disciple of Christ. Blessings to all!
We discussed what it looks like to be a disciple for us. One idea was that we look at the words we used to describe Him in the past few weeks. While not all of them apply to us, many do. Looking at them certainly made us realize what a tall order it is to live like Christ. Some words that stood out were: obedient, loving, compassionate, kind, generous, accepting, strong, calm, confident...
Jeff made the connection between disciple and discipline. We discussed how in education we stress that discipline does not mean "to punish." It means "to teach." So...we are taught by Christ and we teach...perhaps not by words, but by actions.
All of this led us to the question, "What goal am I setting my face toward each day?" This is one of those questions I need to post-it note to my mirror so I don't lose sight of it. I hope that you will consider it as you begin each day as a disciple of Christ. Blessings to all!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Week 4 - Journey to Jerusalem
Luke 9:51-62 (New International Version, ©2010)
Our scripture this week is very short compared to last week. The author of our study subtitles this chapter "The Call to Discipleship." He begins the chapter with a real life example of a young boy who "set his face toward a goal and did not waver" to set up the importance of the language in Luke about Jesus setting his face toward Jerusalem.
Consider what Jesus knew about his journey and its ultimate end. What emotions do you suppose he experienced?
As the scripture continues we see the passage about Samaritan Opposition. The author suggests this is a foreshadowing of what is to come. The note in my bible says the following about Jesus' reaction to the comment of James and John: And he said, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of, for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."
How do you suppose James and John reacted to being rebuked? What does Jesus' reaction to rejection teach us?
In the final section, "The Cost of Following Jesus," we see short interactions between Jesus and three different people.
Read carefully the three scenarios and note the commentary in your bible (if there is any). Please note this comment from my bible, which gives an interesting take on v. 59-60:
"If his father had already died, the man would have been occupied with the burial. But evidently he wanted to wait until after his father's death, which might have been years away."
Please note your reactions to these interactions and imagine what your dialogue with Jesus might look like today. How do we balance our comfortable lives with the uncomfortable call to discipleship described here?
Finally, consider these two statements from our reading:
"In coming to know the identity of Jesus, those who follow Him come to understand who they are to be."
"The more we learn about God, the more we learn about ourselves, and the more we learn about ourselves, the more we learn about God." (John Calvin)
How do you respond to these statements?
Short scripture, deep thinking!! Have a great week!
Samaritan Opposition
51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 Then he and his disciples went to another village.The Cost of Following Jesus
57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
59 He said to another man, “Follow me.”
But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”
62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
Our scripture this week is very short compared to last week. The author of our study subtitles this chapter "The Call to Discipleship." He begins the chapter with a real life example of a young boy who "set his face toward a goal and did not waver" to set up the importance of the language in Luke about Jesus setting his face toward Jerusalem.
Consider what Jesus knew about his journey and its ultimate end. What emotions do you suppose he experienced?
As the scripture continues we see the passage about Samaritan Opposition. The author suggests this is a foreshadowing of what is to come. The note in my bible says the following about Jesus' reaction to the comment of James and John: And he said, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of, for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."
How do you suppose James and John reacted to being rebuked? What does Jesus' reaction to rejection teach us?
In the final section, "The Cost of Following Jesus," we see short interactions between Jesus and three different people.
Read carefully the three scenarios and note the commentary in your bible (if there is any). Please note this comment from my bible, which gives an interesting take on v. 59-60:
"If his father had already died, the man would have been occupied with the burial. But evidently he wanted to wait until after his father's death, which might have been years away."
Please note your reactions to these interactions and imagine what your dialogue with Jesus might look like today. How do we balance our comfortable lives with the uncomfortable call to discipleship described here?
Finally, consider these two statements from our reading:
"In coming to know the identity of Jesus, those who follow Him come to understand who they are to be."
"The more we learn about God, the more we learn about ourselves, and the more we learn about ourselves, the more we learn about God." (John Calvin)
How do you respond to these statements?
Short scripture, deep thinking!! Have a great week!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Week Three
The Galilean Ministry: Who is Jesus, Part Two
Luke 5:1-9:50
This is a substantial portion of scripture to read and digest along with the commentary from the text. The author continually ponders the question, "Who is Jesus?" Last week we explored this question as we considered our own "default image" of Christ - that is to say the image that immediately comes to mind when we hear His name. We listened to Abby's well-written letter of her "new friend" and collected adjectives based on the scripture portion we were considering.
This week I would ask you to consider the images that come to you as you read and what words those images bring to mind. Record them somewhere for our discussion. Then attempt to step into the shoes of the various people Jesus encounters and ask yourself the question, "Who is Jesus?" Answer from as many perspectives as you can. Finally, consider your life today and your relationship with Jesus. Is there interaction? Do you watch him from a distance? Is He someone you have only heard about but not yet encountered? Whatever your relationship, answer from as honest a place as you can - for you - "Who is Jesus?"
I welcome your input here and look forward to our time together on Thursday. Jim and Abby - you will be missed.
Luke 5:1-9:50
This is a substantial portion of scripture to read and digest along with the commentary from the text. The author continually ponders the question, "Who is Jesus?" Last week we explored this question as we considered our own "default image" of Christ - that is to say the image that immediately comes to mind when we hear His name. We listened to Abby's well-written letter of her "new friend" and collected adjectives based on the scripture portion we were considering.
This week I would ask you to consider the images that come to you as you read and what words those images bring to mind. Record them somewhere for our discussion. Then attempt to step into the shoes of the various people Jesus encounters and ask yourself the question, "Who is Jesus?" Answer from as many perspectives as you can. Finally, consider your life today and your relationship with Jesus. Is there interaction? Do you watch him from a distance? Is He someone you have only heard about but not yet encountered? Whatever your relationship, answer from as honest a place as you can - for you - "Who is Jesus?"
I welcome your input here and look forward to our time together on Thursday. Jim and Abby - you will be missed.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Luke week two
The scripture for this week is Luke 4:1-30 - The Temptations: Who Is Jesus, Part One
As we begin our reading for the week, the author asserts that we "reconstruct Jesus in our image, as our preconceptions and preferences shape our understandings of the Christ....we create a Jesus conformed to our image instead of the reverse: our being created and conformed to him as the loving God."
How do you respond to this assertion? What images do you hold of Jesus? How does this shape your relationship with Him?
Scripture shows us how Jesus responded when faced with temptation: He leaned on the word of God. The author points out that temptation for us appears in a pleasing form.
What can we learn from Jesus in how to respond?
On page 21, the author quotes Craddock as saying, "All this is to say that a real temptation is an offer not to fall but to rise."
How do you respond to this? Have you ever experienced this? On the flip side, if you have fallen, how did you rise after?
The author says that Luke describes the "real Jesus" in his gospel. As you read this portion of scripture, write a description of the Jesus you find there. Try to be as detailed as possible and include references to specific verses. Write as if you are describing a new friend to your family.
How does this description differ from the images you described in the beginning? What does this make you think?
As we begin our reading for the week, the author asserts that we "reconstruct Jesus in our image, as our preconceptions and preferences shape our understandings of the Christ....we create a Jesus conformed to our image instead of the reverse: our being created and conformed to him as the loving God."
How do you respond to this assertion? What images do you hold of Jesus? How does this shape your relationship with Him?
Scripture shows us how Jesus responded when faced with temptation: He leaned on the word of God. The author points out that temptation for us appears in a pleasing form.
What can we learn from Jesus in how to respond?
On page 21, the author quotes Craddock as saying, "All this is to say that a real temptation is an offer not to fall but to rise."
How do you respond to this? Have you ever experienced this? On the flip side, if you have fallen, how did you rise after?
The author says that Luke describes the "real Jesus" in his gospel. As you read this portion of scripture, write a description of the Jesus you find there. Try to be as detailed as possible and include references to specific verses. Write as if you are describing a new friend to your family.
How does this description differ from the images you described in the beginning? What does this make you think?
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