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.
Monday, February 14, 2011
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?
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Unit One
The following questions are based on unit one from the Interpretation Bible Studies book, Luke by Thomas W. Walker. Please feel free to comment below, add new questions for us to consider, or ask questions of your own. I look forward to our discussion here and when we meet!
Unit One
The author tells us, “Mary responds in faith by hearing and obeying the word of God.” (p.8)
How do we hear and obey God’s voice in our lives today?
At the bottom of p. 8, the author describes how Luke showed Jesus’ “acceptance by ‘outsiders’ such as sinners, tax collectors, and women, while he is rejected by the ‘insiders’ like Pharisees, priests, and scribes.”
Have you ever felt this way? How does it change/affect your faith walk?
Mary and Elizabeth spend time together and Mary’s faith is strengthened through her relationship with Elizabeth. (p.9)
Have you experienced a strengthening of your faith through a relationship with someone of the same gender? How was it different from your other relationships?
“Throughout the Old Testament, key players in the story break forth into song when confronted with the powerful, redemptive activity of God in the face of overwhelming odds.” (p.11-12)
How do you respond when you find God’s grace in the midst of trouble? What lesson can we take from Mary (and others) based on this passage?
The author takes some time on p.13 focusing on the second stanza of Mary’s song, noting how it “centers on God’s merciful power and how that power intertwines with human history.”
Many people in today’s world question where God is in the midst of hunger, war, poverty and the seeming demoralization of society. Our study of the Bible proves to us God’s presence across generations. Where do you see God’s hand at work today? How can we share these positive messages with the world?
Unit One
The author tells us, “Mary responds in faith by hearing and obeying the word of God.” (p.8)
How do we hear and obey God’s voice in our lives today?
At the bottom of p. 8, the author describes how Luke showed Jesus’ “acceptance by ‘outsiders’ such as sinners, tax collectors, and women, while he is rejected by the ‘insiders’ like Pharisees, priests, and scribes.”
Have you ever felt this way? How does it change/affect your faith walk?
Mary and Elizabeth spend time together and Mary’s faith is strengthened through her relationship with Elizabeth. (p.9)
Have you experienced a strengthening of your faith through a relationship with someone of the same gender? How was it different from your other relationships?
“Throughout the Old Testament, key players in the story break forth into song when confronted with the powerful, redemptive activity of God in the face of overwhelming odds.” (p.11-12)
How do you respond when you find God’s grace in the midst of trouble? What lesson can we take from Mary (and others) based on this passage?
The author takes some time on p.13 focusing on the second stanza of Mary’s song, noting how it “centers on God’s merciful power and how that power intertwines with human history.”
Many people in today’s world question where God is in the midst of hunger, war, poverty and the seeming demoralization of society. Our study of the Bible proves to us God’s presence across generations. Where do you see God’s hand at work today? How can we share these positive messages with the world?
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