Imperial Women's Bible Study

Luke 11 and 12

2012-03-01T19:08:00.002-08:00

11:1-13 How will God respond to our prayers?
Comments: v. 3 – He will provide our daily bread; v. 4 – He will forgive our sins; v. 4 – He will protect us from evil; v. 8 – He will respond to our bold persistence; v. 10 – He will open a door for us; vv. 11-12 – He will give us what is best for us; v. 13 – He will give us the Holy Spirit. If we relate verses 9-14 to verses 1-4; if we pray for the kinds of things Jesus mentions in those verses, our prayers will be answered in the affirmative.
11:14-26 What were two reactions from the crowd when Jesus cast the demon out of the dumb man? (esp. vv. 15-16)
Comments: 1) Some accused Jesus of acting by Satan’s power; 2) Others tested him, demanding another sign – as if that sign wasn’t enough. They didn’t really want another sign; they wanted to ruin his reputation, cast doubt on the source of his power.
11:27-32 Who does Jesus compare to Solomon and Jonah?
Comments: Himself – the Son of Man. He was greater than Jonah, who was a sign to the Ninevites to repent; He was greater than Solomon, to whom the Queen of Sheba came for wisdom. And she was greater than His critics, because she wanted wisdom.
11:33-36 What does Jesus say is “the lamp of our body”?
Comments: The eye. (The Queen of Sheba had a better eye than the scribes and Pharisees.) We must not be too blind to see, to understand. When our eyes are opened, our souls are enlightened, and we are also a source of light for others.
11:37-54 Why was Jesus so critical of the Pharisees and lawyers?
Comments: vv. 39-41 – Hypocrisy; v. 42 – Misguided priorities; v. 43 – Coveting pre-eminence; v. 44 – Insidious danger to others; v. 46 – Mean-spirited; v. 47 – Aided and abetted murderers; v. 52 – Inhibited knowledge
12:1-12 First, Jesus says “Fear Him,” then “Fear not.” What is he talking about?
Comments: vv. 4-5 – Fear not man, who can merely kill you, but fear God, who can cast you into hell – Respect Him. vv. 6-7 – Do not fear Him who cares for you. Trust Him to do what’s best for you. v. 8 – Do not be afraid to confess Christ before others.
12:13-21 What is covetousness, according to Luke 12, and why is it dangerous?
Comments: An abundance of things, a dependence on them as a source of comfort. Trusting in things. Material possessions don’t last. Those who pursue after material possessions and pleasures lack focus and direction. God provides that focus and structure for His followers. We no longer wander around like lost Israelites.
12:22-34 How can we rid ourselves of worrying about our physical needs?
Comments: Consider how God takes care of even the birds and the grass. Seek the kingdom first. Have faith in Him who cares for us.
12:35-48 What is the main lesson in this section (in five words or less, if possible).
Comments: Always be prepared for God. Be dressed and ready for service. Christ will return: Be ready.
12:49-59 In what way does Christ cause division?
Comments: His followers depart from the worldly path, and sometimes others don’t accept it. Following Christ causes people to leave the past behind.

Luke 9 and 10

2012-03-01T18:45:00.000-08:00

9:1-6 What kind of power did Jesus give to the twelve apostles before He sent them out?
Comments: 1) Power and authority over all demons: 2) to cure diseases; 3) to preach the kingdom of God; 4) to heal the sick
9:7-17 What kind of doubt did the apostles have when there were so many who had followed Jesus to the desert place?
Comments: This was beyond their experience, so they couldn’t imagine His ability to do such a thing. The same thing can be true of us. We tend to limit God’s abilities to what we have experienced or can imagine when in reality He can do more than we can imagine. (Hendriksen: They concentrated on the size of the crowd, not on Jesus.)
9:18-27 What are two truths spoken about Jesus in this passage?
Comments: v. 20 – He is Christ of God. v. 22 – He would die and be resurrected.
9:28-36 What misunderstanding did Peter have that is evident in his suggestion about the tabernacles?
Comments: That Jesus was just another special lawgiver or prophet – in the same category as Moses and Elijah. Moses was the representation of the Old Law; Elijah was representative of the Old Testament prophets. But Jesus is both lawgiver and prophet, the Son of God; now we listen to Him. (Hendriksen comment: Both Moses and Elijah departed the earth in unusual ways (Deuteronomy 34:6; 2 Kings 2:11).)
9:37-62 What are some other weaknesses of the disciples as shown in this chapter?
Comments: vv. 37-42 – Lack of faith. vv. 43-45 – Lack of understanding; vv. 46-48 – Pride; vv. 49-50 – Cliquishness; vv. 51-56 – Destructive anger, wanting revenge; vv. 57-62 – Misplaced priorities. Generally, a lack of faith.
10:1-16 What were the main responsibilities of the seventy whom Jesus sent out?
Comments: vv. 1-4 - To prepare the way for him, test the soil; v. 5 - To take a message of peace; v. 9 - To preach the kingdom; v. 11 – To judge cities according to their response. Note the two meanings of “the kingdom of God has come near you.” One is a promise (v. 9); the other a warning (v. 11).
10:17-20 What is more important than having the power to cast out demons?
Comments: To have your name written in heaven. That power was important, but such power ends with death.
10:21-24 How can we know God?
Comments: Through the Son – Spending time with Him; reading the Word.
10:25-37 How can we know if we love our neighbors as ourselves?
Comments: By our acts of mercy and compassion; by our deeds. Treating others as we would be treated.
10:38-42 What is the “good part” that Mary chose?
Comments: To sit at Jesus’ feet and hear his word, undistracted by worldly concerns. Though Martha was serving, she wasn’t displaying a servant’s heart. She felt burdened by her duties and anxious about the outcome.

Luke 7 and 8

2012-01-28T21:11:00.000-08:00

7:1-10 The centurion showed great sympathy, benevolence, and humility. However, what was his greatest attribute?
Comments: Jesus commented about his faith, calling it greater than any faith He had found in Israel.
Note: It’s possible that this centurion had been responsible for the building of the synagogue where the man in Luke 4:31-37, was healed. William Hendriksen points out that though the elders (v. 4) told Jesus He should heal the centurion’s servant because the centurion was “deserving,” the centurion saw himself as “not worthy” (vv. 6-7).
7:11-17 What was the reaction of the people after Jesus raised the widow’s son from the dead?
Comments: Fear came upon all, and they glorified God. (However, they saw Jesus only as a prophet, a representative from God, not God Himself.) Other words for “fear” might be “awe” or “shock.”
7:18-23 How was John to know whether or not Jesus was the Christ?
Comments: By the things He did. He healed the blind, the lame, the leper, and the deaf and even raised the dead. Besides that, He preached the gospel to the poor, perhaps the greatest work of all.
Note: John was imprisoned in the fortress at Macheurus, a Herodian palace east of the Dead Sea. (F, 12.5 on this Map of Israel.)
7:24-35 What were the two different responses to the teaching of John?
Comments: 1) Some – even tax collectors – justified God (acknowledged He was right), and were baptized with John’s baptism. 2) Some “rejected the will of God for themselves” and rejected baptism.
7:36-50 Who are the three main characters in this section? How are they different?
Comments: Jesus: discerning, forgiving, loving; Simon the Pharisee: self-righteous, critical, judgmental; the sinful woman: repentant, sorrowful, and loving. According to Hendriksen, Luther called her tears “heart water.”
8:1-15 What are the characteristics of a good and honest heart?
Comments: One with a good and honest heart hears the word, keeps it, and bears fruit with patience. A “noble and good” heart is responsive and perseveres.
8:16-21 With what attitude should we hear the word of God? (18, 21)
Comments: 1) Taking heed, and 2) doing it. We listen with the attitude that we need to hear it, and then we put it into practice.
Hendriksen: There are 4 ways to listen: 1)Not at all; 2) For entertainment; 3) To find fault; 4) To find wisdom and use it.
8:22-25 What does His ability to calm the winds and waves indicate about the nature of Jesus?
Comments: He had power over nature, and he was willing to demonstrate His power as the Son of God. He was disappointed in their lack of faith.
8:26-39 What kind of power did Jesus have over demons? How was the man changed?
Comments: He could command them, communicate with them. Once again, His power frightened people.
8:40-48 What characteristics of the afflicted woman would be good for us to follow?
Comments: Her faith, her courage, her fear of God.
8:49-56 How complete was the recovery of the ruler’s daughter? Consider: If Jesus didn’t want anyone to know about it, why did he heal her?
Comments: Her spirit returned. She got up immediately and needed food. One reason is because Jairus pleaded with Jesus to heal her. But it was not His time yet, so He asked the parents not to broadcast it.

Luke 5 and 6

2012-01-21T16:56:00.000-08:00

5:1-11 What was Peter’s reaction when they caught all the fish?
Comments: He fell at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” Jesus’ response? “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” Peter became conscious of his sinfulness in the presence of a man he perceived must be God and therefore holy. Discussion: If they had not let down the nets, would they have caught any fish? Their obedience in letting down their nets demonstrated their trust in His ability to give them success in their endeavor. This is especially true if we want to be “fishers of men.”
5:12-16 What instruction did Christ give to the man after He had healed him from leprosy?
Comments: He told him to tell no one. However, according to Mark’s version (1:45), the man “went out and proclaimed it freely.” Jesus also told him to show himself to a priest and to make an offering, according to the Law (Leviticus 14:1-4). This allowed him to regain his social standing in the community.
5:17-26 How did Jesus prove to the crowd that He could forgive sins?
Comments: This was actually a proof to the Pharisees and Scribes who had come from all over to challenge Jesus. In order to prove to them He had the power to forgive sins, He healed the paralytic.
William Hendriksen breaks up the incident into five segments:
1) Battle brewing (v. 17)
2) Challenge (vv. 18-20)
3) Attack (v. 21)
4) Victory (vv. 22-25)
5) Celebration (v. 26)
5:27-32 Why did Jesus eat with Levi, knowing who he was and knowing He would be criticized for it? Comments: The purpose for which Christ came was to seek and save the lost. Levi (aka Matthew) had recognized his own sin. He had left all (v. 28), and he was giving his friends an opportunity to eat with his savior. Note that the Pharisees and scribes complained against the disciples. Perhaps they thought they would be vulnerable to the criticism. However, Jesus answered them. He knew who they were really criticizing.
5:33-39 Why didn’t Jesus’ disciples fast? Comments: Fasting was (is) done when there’s a need, when one is mourning, or seeking to be more spiritual, or seeking an answer through prayer and fasting. When Jesus was with the disciples, they lacked nothing. When the bridegroom is with the wedding guests, it is a time of rejoicing, not mourning. William Hendriksen: “Jesus is bringing a message of faith and freedom, not fear and fasting.”
6:1-11 What was Jesus’ attitude toward the Sabbath?
Comments: He is Lord of the Sabbath. Using David’s eating of the showbread as an example, He teaches that necessity is more important than ceremonial law. Doing good is what is important. Note: Again, the Pharisees’ criticism was against the disciples, and again, Jesus answers them.
6:12-16 What did Jesus do the night before He called twelve disciples to be His apostles?
Comments: He prayed all night. No one understood Jesus like the Father did. In this example, He teaches us how important prayer is before we make important decisions.
6:17-19 Out of all who came to Jesus to be healed, what percentage were healed?
Comments: 100%. All some had to do was to touch Him. Healing power emanated from His body.
6:20-26 Why would a person rejoice for being persecuted?
Comments: Because they’re pleasing God, and they know that their reward will be much greater than their sacrifice. They have passed the testing of their faith! See also Romans 8:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:17,18.
6:27-38 What is the reward for showing the proper love toward others?
Comments: You will be children of the Most High. v. 38: “Give, and it will be given you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap.”
6:39-45 What is the true measure of a man’s life?
Comments: The fruit he bears. Know your shortcomings. Eventually, in periods of stress, your true heart will be displayed. If you “think on the things” listed in Philippians 4:8, you will not be ashamed of what is displayed.
6:46-49 A person who hears the words of Christ and does them is compared to what?
Comments: A house built on a rock. This follows naturally on verse 45. If we build our faith on what’s good, we are building on a rock which cannot be shaken. Consider: What value does “doing” have, practically speaking? Doing does not save us – the blood of Christ saves us. But doing shows our trust and strengthens our faith.

Luke 3 and 4

2012-01-12T22:14:00.000-08:00

3:1-9; 15-17 How did John the Baptist prepare the way for Christ?
Comments:
v. 3 He preached a baptism of repentance for remission of sins.
v. 8 – He preached the importance of bearing fruit.
v. 16 – He prophesied of one coming who was greater than he was, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Though the fire is one of judgment, it is also a cleansing fire, one that separates believers from unbelievers.
From William Hendricksen’s commentary: “Making paths straight, filling valleys, bringing mountain and hills low, making rough ways smooth” refers to breaking down every barrier between people and the Messiah. John helped “smooth” the way to the Son of God.
3:10-14 What advice did John give to people about their sins?
Comments: CB Note: The question they ask, “What shall we do then?” may be more about bearing fruit than sin.
v. 10 To the people: Share with the needy – both clothing and food
v. 13 To the tax collectors: Don’t extort money
v. 14 To the soldiers: Don’t intimidate or accuse false; be content with your wages.
3:18-20 Why were John’s good tidings bad news to Herod?
Comments: John rebuked him for living with his brother’s wife, Herodias. Herodias had been married to her father’s half-brother, Herod Philip. Their daughter was Salome. Then she took up with another half-uncle, Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch of Galilee.
3:21-23 What was revealed at Jesus’ baptism? How old was he?
Comments: That He was the Son of God, who was pleased with Jesus. Jesus was 30 years old at the time.
3:23-38 List not more than five men from the genealogy of Christ and tell of their significance in Jewish history.
Comments: v. 31 – David – 3rd king of Israel; v. 32 – Boaz, David’s great-grandfather by Ruth; v. 33 – Judah – The 4th son of Jacob, and the one through the Messiah would come; v. 36 – Shem – Son of Noah through whom the tribes of Israel would come. Matthew’s genealogy in Chapter 1 is Joseph’s ancestry, through David’s son Solomon. This one is Mary’s, through David’s son Nathan.
4:1-13 What experience did Jesus go through immediately after His baptism? How did he deal with it?
Comments: Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted, then he fasted for 40 days. The devil tempted him to 1) turn stones to bread; 2) worship him; 3) throw himself off the temple to prove his divinity. Jesus answered each time with a scripture: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3); “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve (Deuteronomy 6:13); and “You shall not tempt the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 6:16).
4:14-32 How was Jesus received in the region of Galilee? In his hometown of Nazareth? In Capernaum?
Comments: v. 15 – In Galilee, he was glorified by them all. vv. 16-30 – In Nazareth, first they marveled at his gracious words, then they grew angry enough to throw him off a cliff, after being compared unfavorably to Gentiles. vv. 31-37 – In Capernaum they were astonished at how he spoke with such authority.
4:16-21 What did He claim for Himself in the Nazareth synagogue?
Comments: That he was the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy in Isaiah 61:1.2.
4:33-42 List some of the good works He performed in Galilee.
Comments: vv. 33-35 – He cleansed a man with a demon; v. 38 – He healed Simon’s (Peter’s) wife’s mother. v. 40 – He healed diseases, cast out demons.
4:43-44 What did Jesus consider His most important work?
Comments: To preach the kingdom of God.

Luke 1 and 2

2012-01-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

1:1-4 Why was the book written?
Comments: v. 4 - So that Theophilus would know the truth about the things about which he had been instructed.
1:5-25 What was John’s mission to be, according to the angel?
Comments: 1) To turn the hearts of the fathers to their children. [The NRSV translates “fathers” as “parents.”]
2) To turn the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous; and
3) To make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
1:26-38 What were the three reactions Mary had as the angel revealed the message from God to her?
Comments: 1) She was afraid (implied, because the angel told her not to fear);
2) She was perplexed, or troubled;
3) She was curious – “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”
4) She was accepting. “Let it be to me according to your word.”
Note the difference between her question, “How can this be….” and Zechariah’s question in 1:18 – “How will I know that this is so?” He questioned the truthfulness of the question, while Mary questioned the mechanics.
1:39-56 What does Mary’s song of praise reveal about her character?
Comments: She was a joyful, willing servant. She was submissive, devout, and grateful for her place in history.
1:57-80 What was John’s mission to be, according to his father?
Comments: v. 76 – To prepare the way of the Lord;
v. 77 – to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins.
2:1-7 Why did Joseph and Mary have to go to Bethlehem?
Comments: To register (for paying taxes). Joseph was a descendant of David, and Bethlehem was the City of David.
2:8-20 What did the heavenly host say to the shepherds?
Comments: v. 10 – The angel told them not to fear, that he was bringing them good news.
v. 14 – The heavenly host praised God, pronouncing peace among those whom God favored. The heavenly host was an army of angels – perhaps thousands.
2:21-24 To whom was Jesus presented as a baby?
Comments: v. 22 – To the Lord. It seems ironic, but of course that was part of the Jewish law, to present the firstborn to God (v. 23; Numbers 18:15).
2:25-39 What was prophesied of him in Jerusalem?
Comments: vv. 29-32 – He would be a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Israel.
v. 34 – He was destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, revealing the thoughts of many.
v. 35 – A sword would pierce Mary’s soul.
Note: This is the first reference to Christ’s suffering and death. It may also be the first reference – in the life of Jesus, anyway – that the “light” would be available to all nations, not just the Jews.
What happened in this chapter that Mary “pondered in her heart”?
Comments: If we consider that Mary pondered all that happened, not just the thing previous (2:51 – “She pondered all these things in her heart”), we would have this list:
1:33 – Gabriel’s pronouncement that she would bear the Son of God;
1:44 – John’s leaping in the womb when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting;
2:19 – What the shepherds told Mary;
2:34, 35 – Simeon’s prophecy;
2:51 – Jesus’ time in the temple, taking care of his Father’s interests.

John 20 and 21

2011-12-04T17:46:00.000-08:00

20:1-10 From this passage, how would you answer someone who said that either the body was stolen, or that Jesus never really died? (Corresponding passages in the other gospels are Matthew 27:57 – 28:10; Mark 16:1-11; Luke 24:1-12.) Comments: 1) The men and women who came to the grave were amazed that Jesus’ body was gone. If anyone had stolen it, it would have been those who went on to preach His resurrection, i.e. Peter and John. 2) He had been buried with 100 pounds of spices and wrapped in linen cloths. If he had just swooned and woken up in the tomb, he would have had to tear open the weighted grave clothes and push away the heavy stone. 3) There was a guard at the tomb. 4) If the body had been stolen, the thieves would have either taken the wrappings or unwrapped the body. It’s not likely they would have carefully laid the wrapping back in place.
20:11-18 What were Jesus’ instructions to Mary, once she recognized Him? Comments: 1) Do not cling to me. We weren’t sure whether this was a physical or emotional clinging or how it connected with his ascension. 2) Go tell my brethren and tell them I’m ascending to your Father and My Father and your God and My God.
20:19-23 What blessings did Jesus give the disciples when He appeared to them? Comments: v. 19 – “Peace be with you.” v. 21 – “Peace to you.” v. 22 – He breathed on them, imparting the Holy Spirit, much like God breathed life into the first man, and made him a living spirit (Genesis 2:7). This is ultimately fulfilled in Acts 2, when the apostles received the Holy Spirit and began to speak in languages they’d never studied. Note: Jesus also gave them responsibilities with the blessings: v. 21 “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
20:24-31 What caused Thomas to believe? What is the source of our faith? Comments: Thomas saw the risen Lord for himself. We believe without seeing (verse 29). Verse 31 – These things are written, so that we might believe, which ties in with Romans 10:17: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”
21:1-6 Where did Jesus appear to some of the disciples? List the disciples. Comments: At the Sea of Tiberius, on the shore. Present there were Simon Peter, Nathanael, Thomas (the Twin), the sons of Zebedee (James and John), and two other disciples, unnamed.
21:7-14 How did the disciple whom Jesus loved know it was Jesus on the shore? Comments: We can’t be sure, but he identified Him as Jesus after the man on the shore told them their fishing would be successful if they merely cast the nets on the other side of the boat. The catch was so abundant it had to be Jesus that had caused it. Note: Notice how – typical of their personalities -- John had the first insight, but it was Peter who took action.
21:15-19 Is there any significance in Jesus asking Peter three times if he loved Him? What responsibility did Jesus give to Peter? Comments: It was the same number of times that Peter had denied him. He also gave Peter a responsibility, stated three different times in slightly different combinations of the same words: “Feed my lambs; tend my sheep; feed my sheep.” He also told Peter that his death would glorify Christ.
21:20-25 In this account, what were Jesus’ last words to Peter? Comments: Simply, “Follow me.” Our concern should not be to judge the salvation, or even guess the future, of other disciples. Our duty is simply to “follow Him.”

John 18 and 19

2011-11-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

18:1-14 What incidents in this passage indicate Jesus’ willingness to give Himself to die? Class Comments: v. 4 – He knew what was going to happen, and “went forward” to meet Judas and the soldiers. v. 5 – He told them, “I am He.” v. 8 – Again, he told them, “I am He,” and to let his disciples go their way. v. 11 – To Peter, after he cut off the ear of Malchus, “Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”
18:15-27 When Annas asked Jesus about His disciples and His teaching, how did Jesus answer? Class Comments: “I spoke openly – why ask me? Ask those who heard me.” Jesus was not some secret political insurrectionist. Everything he did, he did in the open. He also knew they already knew what he was teaching.
18:28-32 What charges did the Jews bring against Jesus before Pilate? According to verse 31, what was their ultimate purpose? Class Comments: They brought no specific charges – just accused him of being an evildoer. They just wanted him dead and out of their way. Note on verses 31-32: In executions, the Jews stoned; the Romans crucified. Jesus’ death on a Roman cross was part of God’s plan. Irony in verse 28: While being careful about their ability to partake of the Passover lamb, they were crucifying the Passover Lamb.
18:33-40 What is the nature of the Jesus’ kingdom? Class Comments: It’s a spiritual kingdom, not of this world. Because of the nature of the kingdom, Christians are never a threat to governments, which are ordained of God – even if they are perceived as such because of their godly lives. Irony in verse 28: Pilate asks “What is truth?” while looking at Truth in the face.
19:1-16 What was Pilate afraid of? Class Comments: v. 8 – That he would be responsible for killing the Jewish God. Note: I don’t think we can surmise from this passage that he was afraid of killing the Son of the God of creation. As an idolater, though, he might have had some fear of killing A god. v.12 – He may have been afraid of killing a god, but he was more afraid of losing his position with the Emperor, Tiberius. Note: Verse 6 has been called “the strangest victory in history.” Also, more irony in 9:15 – “We have no king but Caesar,” especially in light of 8:33, when they claimed to be enslaved to no man.
19:17-27 Briefly describe the actions of 1) the chief priests; 2) Pilate; 3) the soldiers; 4) the women. Class Comments: 1) The chief priests objected to the writing on the cross, that Jesus was King of the Jews. 2) Pilate inscribed that title. 3) The soldiers crucified Jesus and divided his garments among themselves (and thereby fulfilling the prophecy of Psalm 22:18); 4) The women stood by the cross.
19:28-30 What were Jesus’ last words before His death, according to John’s account? What did He mean? Class Comments: Two outbursts: “I am thirsty!” and “It is finished.” The prophecies in Scripture had been fulfilled; His earthly mission was accomplished. The Greek word for “finished” is used to mean “the debt is paid in full.” It is the same term used when someone reaches the top of a mountain.
19:31-37 What two scriptures were fulfilled in this passage? Class Comments: Verse 36 – “His bones will not be broken” is a description of the Passover lamb in Exodus 12:46 and Numbers 9:12 as well as a possible prophecy of the Messiah in Psalm 34:20. Verse 37 – “They shall look on Him whom they pierced” is a quote from Zechariah 12:10. The mourning described in Zechariah 12:10 is fulfilled in Luke 23:48.
19:38-42 Who buried Jesus? What did each man provide? (Also see Matthew 27:60.) Class Comments: Joseph of Arimathea took the body and provided a clean linen cloth for burial. According to Matthew 27:59-60, he also provided the tomb. Nicodemus brought 75 pounds of spices – myrrh and aloes. Both men had been secret disciples. Both had the wherewithal and position to provide a burial place for their Savior and used them.

John 15, 16, and 17

2011-11-12T21:57:00.000-08:00

15:1-8 What is necessary before we can bear fruit? What do you think it means to bear fruit?
Class comments: In order to bear fruit, we must first be part of the vine. We must be one with Christ. We can’t do it alone.
Bearing fruit includes taking opportunities to teach others, being educated in the Word, showing others we care.
Galatians 5:22-23 identifies the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.
15:9-17 What commands does Jesus give in this passage? Obeying his commands makes us _________, not ________.
Class comments: All the commands in this passage have to do with love. Verse 9: “Abide in my love.”
Verse 12: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
Verse 17: “Love one another.”
In verse 15, Jesus told the disciples that no longer would he call them servants, but friends. Since he’s addressing the disciples, it’s possible that that friendship was limited to those he had spent so much time with, and to whom he had revealed himself.
On the other hand, might not the same principle apply to us? “You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
Being a friend of Jesus doesn’t mean we no longer serve him. If we are his friends, we will want to please him and therefore would serve him out of love, not out of duty.
15:18-26 Who was Jesus talking about when he refers to the “world”?
Class comments: Human systems that oppose God’s purpose; those who don’t recognize Jesus as the Savior.
Second question: “What would they do to the Christians?” They would 1) Hate the disciples (v. 19) and 2) Persecute them (v. 20). They would also hate the Son and the Father (v. 23).
Note from FHU class: 5 Major Reasons Christians Were Hated (5 Accusations)
a. They were arsonists (blamed by Nero) – 2 Peter 3:10
b. They were atheists (didn’t believe in gods) – Acts 17
c. They broke up families (love me more…) – Matthew 10:34,35
d. They were cannibals (“Eat my body, drink my blood”) – John 6; 1 Cor. 11:24,25
e. They were Immoral (they celebrated with love feasts) – Jude 1:12
16:1-4 Who are “they”? Why would they persecute believers? Consider: Is conscience a safe guide when it comes to our religious beliefs?
Class comments: “They” refers to the Jewish leaders and Romans. They wanted to get rid of the things believers taught. Jesus was a threat to them. A conscience is useful to us only if it’s been trained in the Word – the only absolute standard.
16:5-15 Who is this “Helper” or “Comforter” that Jesus talked about? What purpose will He serve? Of what three things will He convict the world?
Class comments: The Holy Spirit would guide the disciples to all truth, to convict them of sin, righteousness, and the judgment.
The different translations gave us different understandings of verses 8-11. The NASV uses the phrase “convict the world of guilt,” whereas the other translations read merely “convict the world,” which could also carry the connotation of “convince.”
In Strong’s, the definition of the Greek word is to convict, refute, confute 1) generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted; 2) by conviction to bring to the light, to expose. Note: The People’s New Testament explains it more simply than some of the other commentaries.
16:16-24 What does Jesus mean when he tells them they won’t see him, but then they will? To what does he compare it?
Class comments: His death and resurrection. Like a woman in labor, they would suffer distress at his leaving them and because of his trial and crucifixion, but his resurrection would be like the birth of a child. Out of grief will come joy.
16:25-33 Jesus spoke of peace in this passage. From verses 27, 32, and 33, what are possible sources of this peace?
Class comments: v. 27 – The Father loves us (Greek phileo); v. 32 – The Father would be with the Son when all others have scattered; v. 33 – Jesus has overcome the world.
17:1-5 What was Jesus’ prayer for Himself? According to verse 2, what was the work that Jesus came to do?
Class comments: He prayed the glorify the Son. He came to give eternal life to those God had given Him.
17:6-19 What did Jesus ask for on behalf of the men that God had given Him?
Class comments: He prayed 1) that they would all be one (11); 2) that they would have His joy (13); 3) that they would be kept from the evil one (15); 4) that they would be sanctified in the Truth (17).
17:20-26 For whom did Jesus pray in these verses? What did He pray for?
Class comments: He prayed for those who would believe through the apostles’ words (us!). He prayed that we would be one (v. 21); that we would be in unity, so that the world would know that God sent Christ (v. 23); that we would be with him where he his, to behold His glory (v. 24); that His love would be in us.

John 13 and 14

2011-11-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

13:1-17 What did Jesus mean when he told Peter, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me” (vs. 8)? Multiple choice (from The Serendipity Bible):
a. “I don’t want to share a room with anyone with dirty feet.”
b. “To be part of me you have to learn to receive.”
c. “You have to let my coming sacrifice cleanse you from your sin.”
d. “As long as you live, you will need cleansing and forgiveness.”
e. “Unless you’re a servant like I am, you can’t be my disciple.”

Class Comments: Most in the class picked “e” as one of their answers, with “b” and “c” as other choices. Note: Peter was very emphatic in his initial refusal. In the Greek, he uses a double negative [οὐ (never) μή (cannot)] for emphasis. The Serendipity Bible includes suggestions for small group studies. As is typical in the multiple questions they suggest, there is not just one right answer.

13:18-30 Since “Satan entered him,” was Judas responsible for the action he was about to take? Class Comments: Yes, he was. Judas allowed Satan to influence him, gave him an opening because of his own greed. James 1:14-15 teaches about the progression of sin, from lust to sin to death.
13:31-35 How can others know we belong to Christ? How many others? How does this relate to 13:14-15? Class Comments: Others know we belong to Christ when we love one another. All – both believers and unbelievers – will know we are of Christ. Love is demonstrated by our service. Both love and humble service are signs of discipleship. Note: According to Leviticus 19:18, even the Old Testament commanded love for neighbors. According to notes I took in a previous class, William Barclay called this a new commandment because it was “as I have loved you” – selflessly, sacrificially, with understanding and forgiveness.
13:36-38 Do you think Peter understood that Jesus was speaking of His death, or just of a dangerous situation? Class Comments: He thought it would be just a dangerous situation. The disciples didn’t seem capable of understanding the nature of the kingdom of which Jesus spoke. They still looked for an earthly kingdom, free from Roman bondage. Note: Also from my FHU class notes: Peter was willing to meet a sharp dagger, but later couldn’t withstand the sharp tongue of a maiden (18:17). When Jesus told Peter he couldn’t follow Jesus, the general consensus was that Jesus was talking about the cross, although it could also include his ascension back to the Father.
14:1-6 Is Jesus the only way, the only truth, the only access we have to life? What does that mean for those who follow other spiritual leaders? Class Comments: If we believe Jesus, we have to believe He is the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life. That means those following mere men will not gain spiritual, eternal life. When they reject Christ, they reject the way, the truth, and the life. See also Acts 4:12.
14:7-11 How does Philip’s question indicate his misunderstanding of who Jesus was? Class Comments: He wanted a physical showing of the Father. Since Jesus was a man and could show himself, couldn’t his father also do the same? He seemed to think that Jesus was merely an emissary of God, not the image of God himself. See also Hebrews 1:3.
14:12-14 In context, what prayer requests is Jesus promising to fulfill? What is the purpose of such prayers? Class Comments: He promises to fulfill prayers asked in His name, according to His purpose, by His authority, for the purpose of glorifying his Father. Prayers for strength, peace, and the ability to carry out his will. Note the context: He is talking about works. He will fulfill the requests that are a continuation of His works.
14:15-18 How much do the promises about the Holy Spirit in verses 16-18 depend on Jesus’ statement in verse 15? Class Comments: This promise is based on Jesus’ love for us, and our love for Jesus, which we show in our obedience. If Jesus’ love abides in us, we will obey Him; it will be part of our nature to do so. Note: The transliterated Greek word for Comforter in verse 16 is paraclete: one who is called to stand along beside, to help, to advocate on behalf of.
14:19-24 How do we show Jesus that we love Him? What are the resulting blessings? Class Comments: By obeying him. The resulting blessings are that the Father will also love us, and both the Son and Father will make their abode with us. Question asked: But doesn’t the Father love all of us unconditionally, even those who don’t obey Him? I would answer that this doesn’t exclude God’s love for the whole world, but is an assurance to disciples that the Father will not only love them, but live in them through His Son – an assurance the unbelieving world cannot have.
14:25-31 To whom was Jesus speaking in this passage? How would the Holy Spirit be a helper to them? Class Comments: He’s speaking to the disciples, those who ate supper with Him (the apostles, Luke 22:14). He would teach them all things, and bring to their remembrance all things – help they would need as they taught others in the first century without the aid of the written word we have. Question: Then would not all the promises he made be only to the apostles? As we briefly surveyed the chapter, it appeared that some of those promises were general in nature. For example, in 13:33-35, verse 33 would have to apply only to the apostles, whereas in 13:34-35 is a principle that would apply to all disciples of every time. A good study for another time!

John 11 and 12

2011-10-27T18:18:00.000-07:00

11:1-16 Why did Jesus delay in going to take care of Lazarus? Class Comments: V. 4 - So that God – and the Son of God – would be glorified. V. 14 – So that the disciples would believe. Jesus was in Perea at this time – 25-30 miles from Bethany. Even if he had left immediately, Lazarus would have died before he got there. A trip to Jerusalem also meant Jesus would be going to his death. He would go to Jerusalem when the time was right, when “his hour was come.”
11:17-37 What declaration did both Mary and Martha make when they spoke to Jesus? Why did Jesus weep? Class Comments: “If you had been here, my brother would not have died (verses 21, 32). Jesus saw Mary and the Jews weeping and had compassion on them, like we would have compassion on our children when they’re hurting. Jesus came to take away the sting of death.
11:38-44 Seventh Sign. According to verse 40, what was dependent on the disciples’ belief? Class Comments: Seeing the glory of God. (See also verse 4.) Those who saw God glorified in the resurrection of Lazarus were those who chose to believe.
11:45-57 What were the mixed reactions to this miracle? What are some of the different motivations for the Pharisees’ desire to kill Jesus? Class Comments: v. 45 – Some believed in Him; v. 46 – Others went and told the Pharisees. Different motivations? 1) Everyone will believe in him (Envy); 2) The Romans will take away our place and our nation (Fear of losing power and/or security).
12:1-8 How much did the ointment that Mary used cost in terms of wages? With what and on what did she apply the ointment? Class Comments: A pound (Roman 12 ounces), worth 300 denarii, or a year’s wages. She anointed Jesus’ feet with her hair. 12 ounces of oil would be a cup-and-a-half of liquid – a lot of oil. The room must have been filled with fragrance.
12:9-11 Why did the Jews come to Bethany? What affect did this have on the chief priests? Class Comments: To see Jesus – and Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Rather than seeing Lazarus’s resurrection as a cause to believe, the chief priests now saw Lazarus as a threat to their position, and they plotted to kill him as well as Jesus.
12:12-19 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, describe the different reactions of 1) the great multitude; 2) Jesus’ disciples; and 3) the Pharisees. Class Comments: 1) The multitude went out to meet Jesus, to praise him as the King of Israel, who comes in the name of the Lord . 2) The disciples didn’t understand what was happening, until after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection; 3) The Pharisees were filled with envy and fear: “See? The world has gone after him!”
12:20-26 Who wanted to speak with Jesus? Summarize Jesus’ reply to the request. Class Comments: Certain Greeks who had come to the feast(Gentile proselytes). When Andrew and Philip pass on their message, Jesus replies, “The hour has come….” Before this, Jesus would say, “My hour is not yet come” (2:4; 7:6; 7:30; 8:20). Is it a coincidence that Jesus declares this after the Gentiles seek him, knowing that in Him the Jews and Gentiles would become one family? He states a principle: A seed can produce only when it dies. This would be true not only of his crucifixion and resurrection but of all those who are buried in baptism and rise to a new life. In verse 26, he also states that if anyone (Jew or Gentile) would serve Him, they must follow Him. Where He is, they will be also. His Father will honor anyone who serves Him.
12:27-36 According to verses 30-32, what will result from Jesus’ death on the cross? Class Comments: 1) The world will be judged; the ruler of the world will be cast out. See Revelation 12:7-11, which uses the same words: “The great dragon [Satan – the Accuser] was cast out….” When Christ overcame death, he took away the power of death that Satan had over us. 2) Jesus will draw all people to Him (including Gentiles).
12:37-41 How are two of Isaiah’s prophesies (53:1 and 6:10) fulfilled in this passage? Class Comments: Verse 37 – They did not believe in him. Their hearts were hardened, just as Isaiah had prophesied.
12:42-50 Relate Jesus being the light to the condemnation of those who do not receive His words. In other words, how would rejecting the light condemn us? Class Comments: When we reject the light, we reject Jesus. And when we reject Jesus, we reject God. Without Jesus, we walk in darkness. Rejecting light means we remain in darkness. Also see 1 John 1:7.

John 9 and 10

2011-10-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

9:1-41 Sixth Sign. Note the progression of the blind man’s understanding of Jesus’ identity in the following verses:
Verse 11 - A man called Jesus
Verse 17 – A prophet
Verse 27 – Someone to follow
Verse 33 – A man from God
Verse 38 – Lord, worthy of worship
Discussion: Strangely enough – or maybe not so strange – the man’s faith grew stronger each time the Pharisees asked him a question. Their questioning had the opposite effect of its intention: to destroy faith, rather than build it. It can be good for our faith to be questioned, for then we begin to re-examine the basis for our belief.
9:13-34 What did the Pharisees do and say that indicates they were looking for evidence to prove that Jesus could not be the Messiah? Discussion: v. 16 – He does not keep the Sabbath; v. 18 – They challenged the miracle by asking the healed man’s parents; v. 24 – They called Jesus a sinner; v. 28 – They claimed ignorance of Jesus’ origin; v. 34 – They cast the man out of the synagogue, as a lesson to others.
10:1-10 What two identities does Jesus use in this passage? What is His lesson here? Discussion: He is the Shepherd and the Door. His sheep are His own. He leads them, protects them, they recognize His voice, he feeds them, gives them life.
10:11-21 By what name does Jesus refer to Himself here? Who are the “other sheep”? What power did He say He had over His own death? Discussion: He refers to himself as the Good Shepherd. The “other” sheep are non-Jews – Gentiles. He would lay down his life – for the sheep.
10:22-30 Who are the Shepherd’s sheep? Does verse 28 teach that once we become His sheep, we’ll never stray? Discussion: His followers – disciples – Christians. No. Verse 28 means that no one else can steal them from His hand, but they can choose to stray, or leave. As long as they choose to stay in the fold, he will protect them from the Evil One, or Satan. But they can choose to “jump the fence.” See 1 John 1:7; Romans 8:37-39; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 10:5,12,13; 2 Peter 2:18-22
10:31-42 What were two reasons the Jews should have believed that Jesus was the Christ, or the Messiah? Discussion: v. 31 – His good works. v. 37 – His words, credible because of his works. Also, because “I do what my Father Does.”

John 7 & 8 Class Discussion

2011-10-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

7:1-13 Why did Jesus’ brothers want him to go to the feast in Jerusalem? Why did He decide not to go with them? Class Comments: They wanted him to prove himself. “If you’re so great, why not show it?” They seemed to want a confrontation with the Jewish leaders. He didn’t go with them because it was not yet his time to go. He would go with them on his terms, not theirs. His physical brothers – James, Joses, Simon, and Judas – are listed in Matthew 13:55. Though at this time they did not believe, the crucifixion and resurrection changed them. James later became a leader in the church in Jerusalem, and probably wrote the book of James, and Jude is the author of the book that bears his name.
7:14-24 What is the answer to the Jews’ question in verse 15? Class Comments: He is the Word incarnate! His teaching wasn’t his own; it was from God.
This section seems to include a lot of confusion and controversy about the nature and identity of Christ. Note the confusion and/or controversy in the following passages:
a. 7:25-27 – The rulers’ reaction indicates they think He is the Christ, but he couldn’t be, because “we know where he’s from.”
b. 7:28-31 – They knew him, they knew where he was from. He claimed to know God and be from God. They wanted to arrest him, but no one touched him, because his hour had not yet come. But many believed. Would the Christ do any more than this man had been doing?
c. 7:32-36 – Jesus: I’m going where you will not find me. The crowd thought only in the physical realm. (Would he go outside Judea, to the Jews of the Dispersion – or even to the Gentiles?) He spoke of the spiritual realm, of going to the cross – and beyond, at His ascension.
d. 7:37-44 – Jesus speaks of living water and the Spirit. The crowd says, “This is the Prophet. This is the Christ.” But it can’t be the Christ, because He will come out of Bethlehem, while this man is from Galilee. (They were apparently ignorant of his birthplace.)
e. 7:45-52 – The officers were afraid to seize Jesus because of the words he spoke. The priests and Pharisees accused them of being deceived. Nicodemus asks for justice, and the priests and Pharisees accuse him of being a [despicable] Galilean. Other indication of ignorance: They said “No prophet has arisen out of Galilee,” yet that was the home of the prophet Jonah (2 Kings 14:25 – Gath Hepher, 5 miles from Nazareth.
8:1-11 How did the scribes and Pharisees hope to trap Jesus with this situation? Class Comments: They were trying to make him contradict himself, knowing he would forgive the woman and thereby contradict Moses’ law. Also see Matthew 5:28 – Jesus’ view of adultery was stricter than that of the law. Other notes: This passage is absent in the older Greek manuscripts. It appears in at least three other places in some manuscripts: after John 7:36, after John 21:25, and after Luke 21:38.
8:12-20 What two witnesses does Jesus call to confirm that He is the light of the world? Class Comments: Himself, and His Father. Contrary to what they say, he is qualified to testify of himself. Other notes: It’s no coincidence that at this festival he calls himself the light of the world. Light ceremonies played a big part in the Feast of Tabernacles in Jesus’ day, according to The Feast of Tabernacles in the Days of Jesus.
8:21-30 What is the consequence for those who do not believe that Jesus is who He claimed to be? Class Comments: They will die in their sins. V. 28 – “But when you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I AM.”
8:31-47 Who is Jesus instructing in this passage? How does their concept of freedom differ from His? Class Comments: He’s instructing Jews who believe him. As Jews who were still subject to the law of Moses, they didn’t understand what he said about spiritual freedom and felt threatened when he implied they were not free. Another misstatement here: They claimed to be under bondage to no one, but they had been in bondage in Egypt, Babylon, and Assyria and were now subjects of Rome.
8:48-59 What is the significance of how Jesus identifies Himself in verse 58? (Also read Exodus 3:13-15.) Class Comments: He identifies himself as I AM, the name of the God of Abraham. At this, they took up stones to stone him, but he hid himself and left the temple. [His time had not yet come.]

John 7 & 8 Questions

2011-10-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

7:1-13 Why did Jesus’ brothers want him to go to the feast in Jerusalem? Why did He decide not to go with them?
7:14-24 What is the answer to the Jews’ question in verse 15?
This section seems to include a lot of confusion and controversy about the nature and identity of Christ. Note the confusion and/or controversy in the following passages:
a. 7:25-27
b. 7:28-31
c. 7:32-36
d. 7:37-44
e. 7:45-52
8:1-11 How did the scribes and Pharisees hope to trap Jesus with this situation?
8:12-20 What two witnesses does Jesus call to confirm that He is the light of the world?
8:21-30 What is the consequence for those who do not believe that Jesus is who He claimed to be?
8:31-47 Who is Jesus instructing in this passage? How does their concept of freedom differ from His?
8:48-59 What is the significance of how Jesus identifies Himself in verse 58? (Also read Exodus 3:13-15.)

John 5 & 6 Discussion

2011-10-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

5:1-15 Third Sign. The Jews accused the man of breaking the Sabbath. If that was so, according to Exodus 31:14-15, what should have been his punishment? Class Comments: Death. Even though Jesus knew what the man wanted, Jesus wanted the man to express his desire and his confession of weakness and dependency, just as in our prayers today we express our desires and weaknesses, though God already knows what they are. Verse 14: “a worse thing” refers to the spiritual consequences of sin.
5:16-23 These days, some say that Jesus never claimed to be God. They say the claim was made later by His disciples, after His death. What does this passage say in that regard? Class Comments: Jesus was the Son of God, was divine, had the attributes of God, gives life. Verse 18: The Jews interpreted “Son of God” as “equal with God.” People typically become more like their parents as they mature. Sons learn the trades of their fathers.
5:24-30 According to this passage, who will be our judge? What kind of authority has he been given?Class Comments: Verse 27: Christ. He would execute judgment because he was the Son of Man. Verse 30: His judgment is righteous because of his motive – doing God’s will.
5:31-47 What five witnesses testify of Jesus? (See verses 33, 36, 37, 39, and 46.) Class Comments: 1) John the Baptist – v. 33; 2) His works – v. 36; 3) the Father – v. 37; 4) the Scriptures – v. 39; 5) Moses – v. 46. Accusation: You don’t even believe Moses!
6:1-15 Fourth Sign. How much bread and fish did Jesus distribute to the men, according to verses 11 and 12? [Consider: How did the people’s suggestion in verse 15 strip Jesus of authority, in a way?] Class Comments: As much as they wanted. [They wanted to make him an earthly king. It was a mockery, considering he was Creator.] Note the prayer of Jesus in verse 11.
6:16-24 Fifth Sign. Describe the thoughts and actions of the crowd left behind. Class Comments: They had seen the disciples get into the only boat, but Jesus hadn’t gone with them. Where could he be?
6:25-40 What was the crowd looking for Jesus to do for them? What is the work of God? Class Comments: They wanted food, just like Moses had provided. The work of God is for all to believe in Christ and have everlasting life.
6:41-59 How do we eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood? According to verse 35, what type of hunger and thirst do these satisfy? Class Comments: By letting His word become part of us. He is the bread of life, which he gave by dying on the cross. We eat his flesh and drink his blood when by faith we incorporate all he was into our lives, receiving daily nourishment through the Word, just as we must do with physical food. There also may be a reference to eating and drinking of the Lord’s Supper, when the sacrifice is remembered.
6:60-71 Why do you think many of Jesus’ disciples left at this time? Class Comments: They were not looking for eternal life, did not understand his true mission. Sad verses in this passage: vss. 66, 67 and 70. They were following him, but did not “follow” him, as in understanding him.

John 3 and 4 - Class Answers

2011-09-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

3:1-8 What does it mean to be born of water and the Spirit? (Other scriptures that speak of water, Spirit or new birth are John 1:26, 33: Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4; Titus 3:4-7.) Comments: It means we must submit ourselves to water baptism by which we receive the Holy Spirit and enter the kingdom of God. Verse 3 says a person “can not” enter the kingdom without both water and the Spirit. In Romans 6:4, Paul teaches that after burial in baptism, we walk in newness of life. Before baptism, we were dead in our sins. In Titus 3:4-7, Paul parallels Christ’s teaching here when he writes that we are saved not by “works of righteousness which we have done” but through the “washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
3:9-17 How are Jesus’ statements in verses 15 and 16 both universal and exclusive? In other words, how do they include all people but also exclude some people? (Also see 3:36.) Comments: Salvation through Christ is available to anyone and everyone – in all ages, cultures, and countries – who choose to believe in Him. The statement excludes those who do not believe.
3:18-21 According to what Jesus says here, why do people avoid acknowledging Him? Comments: Because they prefer the darkness, where their sins are not exposed to the light. Note: As Christians we also need to be sure that when we study God’s word, we let it expose our sins so that we can make the necessary changes, i.e., repent.
3:22-30 When John’s disciples came to him, what was their complaint? What was John’s attitude? Comments: They complained that this Jesus whom John had baptized was also baptizing and attracting followers. John responded that he had always said he came only to prepare the way for one greater than him. His joy was fulfilled like that of the friend of a bridegroom waiting for the bridegroom to come. Jesus must increase, and John must decrease. We would all do well to emulate John’s humility.
3:31-36 When we accept Jesus’ testimony, what do we certify, or affirm? Comments: That God is true (v. 33). God gave all things into the hands of the Son.
4:1-3 Why did Jesus leave Judea and go back to Galilee? Comments: Because the Pharisees heard that he was baptizing more disciples than John. Jesus avoided unnecessary conflict. Later, in John 7:1-9, he will decline his unbelieving brothers’ invitation to “show” himself “to the world” at the Feast of Tabernacles, because the time is not right.
4:4-9 What did Jesus do that went against the customs of the time? Comments: He spoke to – and took water from – not only a Samaritan, but a Samaritan woman, who would have been shunned by most Jewish men of the time. Verse 4 states that he “needed” to go through Samaria – a moral necessity, maybe? Mark 7:24-30 recounts Jesus’ encounter with the Syro-phoenician woman, and her identification as a “dog.”
4:10-15 What water did Jesus refer to? How did the Samaritan woman misunderstand it? Comments: He spoke of words of life – everlasting life. She understood it as physical water for a physical thirst. Side note: In 3:21, as an example of what the “light” does, Jesus exposes the woman’s sin.
4:16-26 What does it mean to worship in spirit? What does it mean to worship in truth? Comments: God is a Spirit, and He received spiritual worship. The geographical location of worship doesn’t matter; attitude does, and so does faith based on truth – that God is One, and that Jesus is His Son. Side note: Notice that the Samaritan woman was looking for a Messiah to explain things – a teaching Messiah, whereas the Jews looked for a Messiah to be their king.
4:27-38 What was the food that was important to Jesus? What do you think this means? Comments: To do the will of the One Who sent him, and to finish His work – the eternal scheme or redemption, planned before the foundations of the world (Ephesians 1:4). Jesus had a ministry that was more important to him than food. Side note: The disciples didn’t have an understanding of spiritual matters, either. The Samaritan woman looked for physical water; they talked of physical food.
4:39-42 What caused the Samaritans to believe? Comments: They came to Jesus because of the word of the woman; they believed in Him through His word. Side note: A contrast of Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman: moral Jewish man/immoral Samaritan woman; named/unnamed; upper crust/lower class; dignified/sometimes flippant; no record of bringing anyone/brought the whole city to Jesus.
4:43-54 Second Sign. What caused the royal official (nobleman) to believe? Comments: The healing of his son. In verse 47, the nobleman believed what he had heard about Jesus; in verse 53, he believed on Jesus.

Note: Looks like I neglected to post the questions on this one. If you need to look at or print the questions only, just click on the the “Download Study Guides” on the right, and you’ll find PDF versions of the Matthew, Mark, and John study guides. –CB

John 1 and 2 Comments

2011-09-10T13:30:00.001-07:00

Personal Note: While preparing these lessons, I came across notes I took back in 1999 in a class taught by the late and much loved brother in Christ, Dr. Dowell Flatt, professor at Freed-Hardeman University. Many of the added notes come from that class. – Cheryl

1:1-5 What do you discover about the Word in this passage? Who is He? Comments: He was 1) there at the beginning; 2) was with God; 3) was God; 4) necessary for creation; 5) life; 6) the light of men. Note: He was equal with God in 1) transcending time; 2) fellowship; 3) nature. Whereas the other gospels begin with either the birth of baptism of Christ, John begins with theology. His purpose is that men might believe. He is the Christ, the Word who became flesh (John 1:14).
1:6-9 Who was the man sent from God? What was his purpose? Comments: John the Baptist. He came to bear witness of the light – that all might believe, or trust.
1:10-13 What is the contrast between those who were “His own” and “children of God”? Comments: “His own” refers to those of his physical family, the Jews. Children of God are those who believe on him. They are born of God.
1:14-18 Because of the character of the Word, what can we also know about God the Father? (See verses 14 and 17.) Comments: We see God through Jesus. If Jesus is full of grace and truth, so is God the Father. He “dwelt among us,” or, he “pitched His tent with us.” Note: To the Greeks, the gods were distant; to the Jews, God was close only to priests and prophets. But through Christ, He is close to each one of us.
1:19-28 How did John identify himself in verse 23? How did he answer the Pharisees’ question about baptism? (Also see verse 31.) Comments: As the voice of one crying in the wilderness. John answered that he was baptizing with water, but One is coming whose sandal straps he wasn’t worthy to loose. Verse 31 states that that One would baptize with the Holy Spirit. Note: Loosing sandal straps might be just the thing a servant would do for his master. John says he wasn’t worthy to do even that for the Christ.
1:29-34 With what two expressions does John identify Jesus in verses 29 and 34? Comments: 1) Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world; 2) Son of God.
1:35-42 By what names is Jesus known in this passage? What progression in thinking do you see in Andrew, according to how he refers to Jesus? Comments: 1) Lamb of God; 2) Rabbi; 3) Messiah – Christ – Anointed One. In verse 38, Andrew calls him “Rabbi,” or “Teacher.” in verse 41, he calls Jesus the Messiah. Note: In the Jewish culture, a rabbi was more respected than even an earthly father, who merely brings us into this world. A rabbi takes us into the next world. In Judaism were three anointed offices: prophet, priest, and king. Jesus was all three.
1:43-51 More identities of Jesus! By what names and/or descriptions is he known in this passage? Comments: 1) v. 45 - Jesus of Nazareth, Son of Joseph; 2) v. 47 - Rabbi, Son of God, King of Israel; 3) v. 51 – Son of Man. Note: “Son of Man” was Jesus’ favorite reference to himself. The term appears 13 times in John; 83 times in the other gospels.
2:1-8 First Sign. When this wedding took place, how many days had passed since John identified Jesus as the Lamb of God (1:29)? Comments: Day 1 – John questions by the Pharisees. Day 2 – John identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God. Day 3 – John’s disciples begin following Jesus. Day 4 – Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael. Class answers varied from 1 to 3. It’s hard to know exactly what “On the third day” refers to. It could be part of this sequence, the third day since He left for Galilee, or even the third day of the wedding feast, which typically lasted 7 days.
2:9-11 What were the quantity (v. 6) and quality of the wine Jesus produced from water? Comments: Each water pot held two or three firkins (KJV), which would be from 18 to 24 gallons each. The NJKV translates it “20 or 30 gallons” each – a total of 120 to 180 gallons. The quality was better than what the host had served.
2:12-17 When was another time Jesus cleansed the temple? (See Mark 11:12-17.) Comments: In Mark, the incident was during the last week of his life. Note: It could refer to the same incident, since the writer of the gospel was more concerned about theology than either geography or chronology. There are some differences, though. For instance, no scourge or whip is mentioned in the other accounts (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 20:45-46).
2:18-24 What sign would demonstrate that Jesus had the authority to cleanse the temple? Why didn’t Jesus “entrust” (NIV) himself to the crowd? Comments: The resurrection from the dead. He didn’t entrust Himself to those who believed because of the signs, because He didn’t need anyone to testify of Him. He knew what they were made of.

John 1 and 2 Questions

2011-09-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

1:1-5 What do you discover about the Word in this passage? Who is He?
1:6-9 Who was the man sent from God? What was his purpose?
1:10-13 What is the contrast between those who were “His own” and “children of God”?
1:14-18 Because of the character of the Word, what can we also know about God the Father? (See verses 14 and 17.)
1:19-28 How did John identify himself in verse 23? How did he answer the Pharisees’ question about baptism? (Also see verse 31.)
1:29-34 With what two expressions does John identify Jesus in verses 29 and 34?
1:35-42 By what names is Jesus known in this passage? What progression in thinking do you see in Andrew, according to how he refers to Jesus?
1:43-51 More identities of Jesus! By what names and/or descriptions is he known in this passage?
2:1-8 First Sign. When this wedding took place, how many days had passed since John identified Jesus as the Lamb of God (1:29)?
2:9-11 What were the quantity (v. 6) and quality of the wine Jesus produced from water?
2:12-17 When was another time Jesus cleansed the temple? (See Mark 11:12-17.)
2:18-24 What sign would demonstrate that Jesus had the authority to cleanse the temple? Why didn’t Jesus “entrust” (NIV) himself to the crowd?

Introduction to John

2011-09-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

Author
The Apostle John is usually credited with the authorship of the fourth Gospel. First, the author had to have been an eyewitness of the ministry of Jesus (1:14; 19:35; 21:24). He would have also had a decent familiarity with Palestine before the destruction of the temple in AD 70, and would have been familiar with the Jewish way of life.

Early tradition also identifies the author as John. Irenaeus, a disciple of John's disciple Polycarp, is one of the earliest to associate John with the fourth Gospel. Like the other Gospels, the title "According to John" (KATA IWANNHN) is found in the earliest manuscripts.

Date and Location of Composition
John's Gospel is considered the last of the four canonical Gospels to be written. The majority of scholars date the Gospel in the period AD 90-100, though some have dated it much earlier.

Early church tradition suggests that John composed his Gospel in Ephesus (Asia Minor). An example of this is the testimony of Irenaeus: "Then John, the disciple of the Lord, who had even rested on his breast, himself also gave forth the Gospel, while he was living at Ephesus in Asia."

Purpose and Audience
John specifically states his purpose in 20:31, "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." Eusebius argued that John wrote in order to complement the Synoptics where they were lacking, while the Muratorian Canon suggested that his fellow disciples in Asia Minor urged him to write an account.

Themes and Theology
John presents man as belonging to one of two things: the darkness or the light. There is no in between. The darkness is associated with death, while the light is associated with life. This theme is developed throughout the Gospel.

One of the overriding themes throughout the New Testament is that Jesus is the Messiah. In presenting this, John's Gospel also makes it clear that Jesus is God (1:1, 8:57-58 with Exodus 3:14, 10:30-33, 20:28.)
Literary Style, Structure, and Other Issues

The Gospel of John varies from the Synoptic Gospels in many ways. J. Ramsey Michaels categorizes them into two types of variation: 1) the style and content of Jesus' teaching, and 2) the chronology and structure of Jesus' ministry. Another characteristic that sets John apart is his writing style. Concerning this, Clement of Alexandria stated that John was concerned with details and wrote a "spiritual gospel."

Outline
1:1-2:11 - Birth and Preparation
2:12-12:50 - Message and Ministry
13:1-21:25 - Death and Resurrection

Source: "The Gospel According to John," New Testament Introductions. Outline from www.christianity.about.com

The Seven Signs of John
1. Turning water into wine (2:1-12)
2. Healing the noblewoman's son (4:46-54)
3. Healing the man at Bethesda (5:1-47)
4. Feeding the 5000 (6:1-4)
5. Walking on Water (6:15-21)
6. Healing the Blind Man (9:1-41)
7. Raising of Lazarus (11:1-57)
GREATEST SIGN: Christ's Resurrection (2:18-22; 20:8-9)

Seven "I AM" Statements
1. I AM the Bread of Life (6:35)
2. I AM the Light of the World (8:12)
3. Before Abraham was, I AM (8:58)
4. I AM the Good Shepherd (10:11)
5. I AM the Resurrection and the Life (11:25)
6. I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life (14:6)
7. I AM the True Vine (15:1)

Ready to Begin Again?

2011-08-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone! I've created a tentative calendar for our John-Luke-Acts study. It looks like we can start up again on September 8, 2011, and go through May 31, 2012, with three breaks – September 29 (I'll be in Arkansas at a lectureship with Bill – and visiting grandchildren!); Thanksgiving (November 24); and the Thursday before Christmas (December 22).

The Lord willing, we can finish John just before Thanksgiving, Luke at the end of February, and Acts at the end of May. I'm nearly finished with the questions on John – will try to have them printed and published by Friday, September 2, so you can read the introductory material and have time to do the first couple of chapters before we meet on the 8th.

I hope all our "old" local group can come together again. Feel free to bring a friend or two! I really enjoyed all our discussions on Matthew and Mark.

Let me know if the schedule does not work out for you, or if you have suggestions or questions.

If you're participating online only, I hope you'll be able to add to the comments as they're published. Blogger.com allows me to e-mail the blog to ten of you. If you're on that e-mail list, and want to opt out, let me know. You might prefer to look at the blog on your own schedule.

Thanks,

Cheryl

Summer Break

2011-05-10T06:59:00.000-07:00

Because of vacations and other summer obligations, the class that meets on Thursday mornings has decided to take a break for the summer. Since we just finished the lessons on Mark and have not started our study of the Gospel of John yet, this seemed like a natural break point.

We (meaning “I”) have also decided to slow down the pace of the original schedule, which called for three chapters a week toward the end of John. I’ll publish a new schedule and the fall start-up date as soon as I’ve calculated the chapters remaining in John, Luke, and Acts. It would serve us very well, I think, to take holiday breaks in November and December and extend the study through the spring of 2012. I’ll also publish the Gospel of John Study Guide as soon as it’s complete.

I plan to resume these posts in the late summer – probably mid to late August.

Hope to see you then!

--Cheryl

Mark 15 and 16 Class Comments

2011-05-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

Read Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12. Then read Mark 15. Note the prophetic verses in Isaiah 53 that are fulfilled in Mark 15.
Comments:
Isaiah 53:4 and Mark 15:10 – He was unjustly condemned.
Isaiah 53:5 and Mark 15:20 – They chastised Him.
Isaiah 53:4-6; 52:14 and Mark 15:15,19 – His visage was marred; he was wounded.
Isaiah 53:7 and Mark 15:5 – He opened not His mouth.
Isaiah 53:8 and Mark 15:15 – He was taken from prison and from judgment.
Isaiah 53:8 and Mark 15:25,37 – He was cut off from the living.
Isaiah 53:9, 12 and Mark 15:27-28 – He was numbered with the transgressors.
Isaiah 53:9 and Mark 15:43-46 – They made his grave with the rich.
Isaiah 53:12 and Mark 15:37 – He poured out His soul unto death.
16:1-8 Who came to the tomb early on the first day of the week? What did they see? What were they told to do? Whom did they tell? Comments: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James (the Less), and Salome (wife of Zebedee and mother of James and John). (These same women were mentioned in 15:39.) They saw the stone rolled away and a young man in a long white robe. They were told to see the place where He was laid and to go tell His disciples – and Peter. But out of fear, they told no one.
16:9-11 After Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and to the two men, whom did they tell? Comments: Mary Magdalene told those who had been with Him (the apostles?), but they didn’t believe her. The two men also told the others, but they didn’t believe them, either. Thomas was not the only one who doubted before they actually saw Jesus in His risen body.
16:12-16 After rebuking the Eleven for their unbelief, what did Jesus tell them to do? Comments: To go to all the world, preaching to every creature. There was some discussion about whether this instruction was to the apostles only, or to all of us, and also what “every creature” means. Matthew 28:18-20 mentions that they were to teach the disciples to do everything they had been told. And at the time Colossians 1:23 was written, Paul states that the gospel had been preached to “every creature under heaven.”
16:17-20 What was the purpose of the signs that would follow them? Comments: To confirm the gospel they preached, to prove that all they preached was in Jesus’ name, by His authority, on His behalf, because they belonged to Him (according to our comments on Mark 9:33-42).
16:19 To where did Jesus ascend? Comments: To be seated at the right hand of God. Note that in Acts 7:56, Stephen, just before his death, sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God, as if He has risen either in concern or in honor of His servant Stephen.

Mark 15 and 16

2011-04-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Read Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12. Then read Mark 15. Note the prophetic verses in Isaiah 53 that are fulfilled in Mark 15.
16:1-8 Who came to the tomb early on the first day of the week? What did they see? What were they told to do? Whom did they tell?
16:9-11 After Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and to the two men, whom did they tell?
16:12-16 After rebuking the Eleven for their unbelief, what did Jesus tell them to do?
16:17-20 What was the purpose of the signs that would follow them?
16:19 To where did Jesus ascend?

Mark 13 and 14 Class Comments

2011-04-28T15:30:00.001-07:00

13:1-3 How do these verses differ from the details in Matthew 24:1-3? Comments: In verse 1, Mark says one disciple showed him the buildings, while Matthew says it was His “disciples.” In verse 3, Mark names Peter, James, John, and Andrew as the disciples who ask the questions about when the destruction would happen. Mark also lists only two questions to Matthew’s three, though they both ask “when?” and “what will be the signs?”
13:4-13 In this section, what instructions did Jesus give His disciples for the hard times that were to come? (I see at least five.) Comments: v. 5 – Take heed that no one deceives you into believing they are the Christ; v. 7 – Do not be troubled when you hear of wars and rumors of wars; v. 9 – Watch out for yourselves when you are arrested and beaten; v. 11 – Do not worry about what you will say, because the Holy Spirit will give you the words; v. 11 – Speak whatever He tells you to speak.
13:14-23 What was the primary purpose for the instructions Jesus gave His disciples for when they would see the abomination of desolation? Comments: To help them escape destruction. When you see the Roman armies coming, get out of Jerusalem!
13:24-27 In sequence, what three things would happen in those days, after the tribulation? Comments: v. 24 – The heavenly powers would be shaken; v. 26 – The Son of Man would come with power; v. 27 – He will send His angels and gather his elect from all over the earth.
13:28-31 How does the parable of the fig tree answer the disciples’ question in verse 4? Comments: Just as you can see the signs of summer coming by the leaves on a fig tree, so you will see these things about to happen by the signs I have given you.
13:32-36 What were Jesus’ instructions to the disciples in this passage? Comments: v. 33 – Take heed, watch and pray, for you don’t know what the time is; v. 35 – Watch, for you don’t know when the master’s coming; v. 37 – Watch! (There will be no warning for the second coming.)
14:1-2 Why did the chief priests and scribes need to seize Jesus “by stealth”? Comments: Other versions read “trickery” or “craft.” They didn’t want to upset the crowds of people gathered for the approaching Passover.
14:3-9 Why did some of the disciples criticize the woman for what she was doing? Why might they have been surprised by Jesus’ rebuke? Comments: They thought she was wasting money that could help those in need. Jesus was usually concerned about the poor. But Jesus knew the heart of the woman. She understood what the disciples didn’t seem to understand – that Jesus would soon be crucified.
14:10-11 How did Judas fulfill the wishes of the chief priests and scribes? Comments: Judas told them he could deliver Jesus to the chief priests, because he knew Jesus’ habits and where they could find him alone – and under the cover of night, away from the crowds.
14:12-26 What did Jesus mean when He said the bread was His body and the cup was His blood? How would He drink it “new” in the kingdom of God? Comments: Under the new covenant, the bread would represent His broken body; the contents of the cup would represent His blood. The next time Jesus drank it, it would be in communion with His disciples as they partook of the Lord’s Supper.
14:27-31 Jesus made two prophecies in verses 27 and 28. To which one did they all respond? Comments: v. 27 – You will all be made to stumble because of Me this night; v. 28 – After I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee. They seem to ignore his second prophecy and focus on themselves, starting with Peter’s emphatic “I will not be made to stumble!”
14:32-52 Is there a connection between verses 36 and 49? If so, what does it say about the eternal purpose of God? Comments: v. 36 – Jesus prays that the cup will be taken from him; v. 49 – Jesus says the Scriptures must be fulfilled. God’s eternal purpose was the salvation of men’s souls through His Son, and the Old Testament scriptures all point to that moment. God’s Plan was God’s Will.
14:53-65 Those who abused Jesus told him in verse 65 to “Prophesy!” What had he just done in verse 62? Comments: In verse 62 Jesus had just prophesied of His coming in the clouds, most probably speaking of the destruction of Jerusalem, which they would experience. But they didn’t hear it as a prophecy; they heard it as blasphemy.
14:66-72 To whom did Peter deny Jesus? How adamant was he? Comments: v. 68 – The high priest’s servant girl; v. 70 – those standing by the servant girl; v. 71 – some standing near him a little later. He swore and cursed to show how adamant he was.

Mark 11 and 12 Class Comments

2011-04-21T21:33:00.000-07:00

11:1-10 What kind of preparation did people make for Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem? Seeing they mentioned David’s kingdom, what might they have been expecting from Jesus after His entry into Jerusalem? Comments: They spread their clothes and leafy branches on the road. Some went before him, announcing His coming. They might have expected Him to sit on David’s throne, overcoming the oppressive Romans on their behalf. His own apostles seemed to expect this of him even after His resurrection (Acts 1:6).
11:11-24 How does the cursing of the fig tree relate to the cleansing of the temple? Comments: We had varied answers for this. 1) Both the fig tree and the money changers showed disrespect for God, and Jesus got rid of them both. 2) The money changers were as deceptive as the fig tree. 3) In both cases, Jesus showed His authority.
11:25-26 Do the verses about forgiveness relate to the previous incidents? If so, how? Comments: One common thread is the subject of prayer. In verse 17, Jesus declared that His house, the temple, was meant to be a house for prayer, not monetary gain. In verse 22, Jesus taught that we must pray without doubting. In verse 25, He taught that when we pray we must also have an attitude of forgiveness. Even with faith, the Father will not grant our request for forgiveness if we are unwilling to forgive others.
11:27-33 What are the answers to the Pharisees’ questions? Comments: Jesus’ answers to them were the same as their answers to His question. If they couldn’t answer, neither would he. Of course, we know the answers to be that 1) He did these things by His own authority; 2) His authority came from His Father.
12:1-12 Who or what are represented in this parable by 1) the vineyard; 2) the owner; 3) the vinedressers (tenants); 4) the servants; and 5) the son. Comments: 1) The vineyard was the people (or land) of Israel; 2) the owner was God; 3) the tenants were Jewish religious leaders; 4) the servants were the Old Testament prophets; 5) the son was Jesus Christ.
12:13-17 What device did the Pharisees and Herodians try to use before they asked their question? Comments: Flattery. Jesus called them hypocrites for their use of it.
12:18-27 What failing did the Sadducees demonstrate by asking Jesus the question about the resurrection? Comments: They didn’t know the scriptures nor the power of God. They could recite the Levirate law, but they didn’t know the significance of God’s declaration to Moses at the burning bush.
12:28-34 In what way was the scribe who asked the question “not far from the kingdom of God”? Comments: He knew the right answer to the question (in his head), but he hadn’t made the commitment to do it (in his heart). Uncharacteristic of a scribe, he wisely recognized the value of love above burnt offerings and ritual sacrifices.
12:35-40 How did Jesus’ warning about the scribes (38-40) relate to their teaching about the identity of Christ (35)? Comments: The Christ, or Messiah, that they expected would, as the Son of David, be an earthly king on an earthly throne who perhaps would share his power with them. In reality, He was David’s Lord, and thereby greater than David. The scribes couldn’t recognize that Christ was standing before them in the person of Jesus. He warned the people that the scribes would be condemned for their arrogance and hypocrisy.
12:41-44 What lesson can we learn from the widow and her giving? Comments: To give not of what we have in abundance (left over), but sacrificially. Giving means giving up something, to give up things we think we need. The poor widow gave up her security.

Mark 9 and 10 Class Comments

2011-04-19T05:04:00.000-07:00

9:2-13 After the Transfiguration, why did Peter make the suggestion he made? What may have been one of the reasons they kept quiet about His resurrection? Comments: Because he didn’t know what else to say; they were all afraid. The disciples didn’t understand what was going on. Moses and Elijah represented the Hebrews’ Law and Prophets. They disappeared from the scene, and God announced that the disciples were to listen only to His Son.
9:14-29 What was happening as Jesus approached the crowd? What word did the man use that might indicate his lack of faith? (Notice how Jesus repeats it back to him.) Comments: A crowd was gathered around His disciples, who were disputing with the scribes. [Because, in this account, a man interrupted with his question, the scribes never answered Jesus’ question about the nature of the dispute.] Some in the class thought the word was “can”; others thought it was “if.” Both words indicate the man’s lack of conviction that Jesus was able to heal his son. Jesus uses both “if” and “can” when He refers to the man’s faith.
9:30-32 Why did Jesus not want anyone to know where He was? Comments: Because He was busy teaching His disciples about His betrayal and death.
9:33-42 What are the three things Jesus mentioned that are done “in My name”? What does that mean? Comments: 1) Receiving a little child (v. 37); 2) Working a miracle (v. 39); 3) Giving a cup of water (v. 41). Various answers given in class for its meaning; 1) By My authority; 2) On my behalf; 3) For My sake; and 4) Because you belong to Me.
9:43-50 Does Jesus intend for us to cut off offensive hands and feet and pluck out offensive eyes? What teaching technique was He using? How does He describe hell? Comments: Not literally. He is using hyperbole (exaggeration) to make the point. Hell is described as a fire that is never quenched, where their worm (maggot) does not die. Gahenna, translated as Hell, was a place outside the city of Jerusalem where trash was thrown and burned. In the Old Testament, Isaiah 66:24 mentions “their worm.” The class also discussed what “seasoned with fire” in verse 49 meant. We concluded that it has to do with self-sacrifice. Leviticus 2:13 and Ezekiel 43:24 speak of offering salt with sacrifices. It was also noted that having this “salt” – a spirit of self-sacrifice – within us also creates peace among us.
10:1-12 How serious is divorce and re-marriage? Comments: A one-word answer: “Very.” Divorce and re-marriage constitute adultery, which breaks one of the Ten Commandments and goes against the original design for marriage: two becoming one. Breaking this unit causes tremendous pain to everyone involved. The corresponding passage in Matthew allows for an exception of sexual immorality, but in such cases, divorce is not required.
10:13-16 With what kind of attitude should we receive the kingdom of God? Comments: As a little child, when means that we receive it openly, without question. We also receive it as a gift, given to us with no obligation to give anything in return. Our service to God is a result of our gratitude for the gift.
10:17-22 What did the young man assume about obtaining eternal life before he asked Jesus the question? Comments: That he must do certain things, keep certain commandments. He also assumed that he had done everything he needed to do. Note that among Jesus’ instructions to him was to take up the cross, which to the people of that day indicated a full self-sacrifice, or death.
10:23-31 What did Jesus mean when he taught that those who have left their houses and families will receive a hundredfold in this life? Comments: Their Christian family will become huge. Physical possessions are much less important than what they would gain in spiritual blessings. This is also a warning against pride, against relying on physical possessions to give us value.
10:32-34 Describe the emotions of the disciples and followers as they followed Jesus into Jerusalem. To whom did He reveal the details? Comments: The disciples were amazed; the followers were afraid. (This answer varied with translations. The NKJV doesn’t distinguish between those who were amazed and those who were afraid.) It was only to the Twelve that He revealed the details of what was going to happen.
10:35-45 According to their question, what view of the kingdom did James and John appear to have? What were the cup and baptism that Jesus referred to? Comments: They pictured a throne of glory and power, which they hoped to share. The cup and baptism Jesus spoke of seems to indicate some type of persecution they would experience. Note that in the corresponding passage in Matthew, it’s their mother who asks. Also, James and John may have been remembering Matthew 19:28, where Jesus promises the Twelve that they would sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Note Revelation 5:5-6 and its emphasis on victory through sacrifice. The power of the Lion is seen in the Lamb that was slain.
10:46-52 Why would the crowd tell Bartimaeus to keep quiet? What was his response to them? Comments: A variety of reasons: Don’t bother him. It’s degrading to beg. Because the sight of beggars was common, their hearts were hardened against him. They thought he was crazy. His status was too low to deserve talking to this celebrity. He was too loud. He only wanted attention. His response was to cry all the more.

Mark 9 and 10

2011-04-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

9:2-13 After the Transfiguration, why did Peter make the suggestion he made? What may have been one of the reasons they kept quiet about His resurrection?
9:14-29 What was happening as Jesus approached the crowd? What word did the man use that might indicate his lack of faith? (Notice how Jesus repeats it back to him.)
9:30-32 Why did Jesus not want anyone to know where He was?
9:33-42 What are the three things Jesus mentioned that are done “in My name”? What does that mean?
9:43-50 Does Jesus intend for us to cut off offensive hands and feet and pluck out offensive eyes? What teaching technique was He using? How does He describe hell?
10:1-12 How serious is divorce and re-marriage?
10:13-16 With what kind of attitude should we receive the kingdom of God?
10:17-22 What did the young man assume about obtaining eternal life before he asked Jesus the question?
10:23-31 What did Jesus mean when he taught that those who have left their houses and families will receive a hundredfold in this life?
10:32-34 Describe the emotions of the disciples and followers as they followed Jesus into Jerusalem. To whom did He reveal the details?
10:35-45 According to their question, what view of the kingdom did James and John appear to have? What were the cup and baptism that Jesus referred to?
10:46-52 Why would the crowd tell Bartimaeus to keep quiet? What was his response to them?

Mark 7 and 8 Class Comments

2011-04-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

7:1-13 In the scribes’ and Pharisees’ minds, what was the benefit of keeping their traditions? What was at least one tradition that resulted in neglect of family responsibilities? Comments: They believed that by keeping certain external laws, they were pleasing God, even if their hearts weren’t right. Traditions are a source of comfort – the reason so many enjoy keeping family traditions. It helps you know where you’ve come from. In naming possessions as “Corban” (dedicating them to God while still retaining their use), they neglected one of the Ten Commandments, which was to honor their parents. “Corban” couldn’t be used to help their parents.
7:14-23 Does verse 15 mean that there can be no harm from eating with unwashed hands? Comments: Jesus is talking about the heart being defiled, not the physical body. Unwashed hands can lead to the spread of disease, but the Pharisees and scribes were religious leaders, not doctors. Yet they seemed to be more concerned about physical than spiritual defilement. Complaining, gossiping, and negative talk harm both ourselves and those who listen to us.
7:24-30 After debating with Jewish leaders about their traditions, where did Jesus go? Can you estimate by the map how far he traveled? Was it primarily a Jewish or Gentile region? [See Appendix 1, Geographical Notes.] Comments: Tyre was about 35 miles away, and Sidon a further 20 miles. When Jesus went back to the Sea of Galilee, He made a circuitous route, going southeast from Sidon down into Decapolis (region of 10 cities). Tyre and Sidon were primarily Gentile. He went up there, not wishing to be discovered, but the SyroPhoenician woman found Him anyway.
7:31-37 What did Jesus do before he spoke the words that healed the man who was deaf and had a speech impediment? Comments: He 1) took the man aside, 2) put his fingers in the man’s ears, 3) spat [on his finger?], 4) touched the man’s tongue, 5) look up into heaven, and 6) sighed. Again, He instructed witnesses not to tell anyone, but “the more He commanded them, the more widely they proclaimed it.” They were all astonished.
8:1-10 What were the only circumstances under which the crowd would leave? Comments: My original thought on this was that He had to send them away before they would go (verses 3,9), that physical food was not on their minds. Other comments were that they had to eat before they could leave, and Jesus provided that. Also, they stayed for healing, and maybe because they didn’t want to miss anything!
8:13-21 With what tone of voice do you hear Jesus saying the words recorded in verses 17 through 21? What did the disciples not understand? Comments: He chided them, with the tone of voice that might say, “Just how dumb are you"? As their Savior, He was sad and exasperated. He was thinking about the bad influence of the Pharisees, and they were thinking about physical bread. Even though they had been eager to follow Jesus, they still had a cultural tradition of keeping the physical laws required by the Mosaic law, especially as it was taught by the religious leaders of the day..
8:22-26 What is unique about the healing of the blind man of Bethsaida? Comments: It appears to happen gradually, unlike the deaf man in 7:31-37, who was immediately healed. One suggestion was that maybe the man’s faith needed to be increased gradually, since it was his friends that brought him to Jesus. Did the word steadfastly used in the American Standard Version have any bearing on this? Other translations translate it “looked intently,” “looked up,” and “his eyes were opened.” According to Strong’s Dictionary, the transliterated Greek word is diablepō, which means “to look through, penetrate by vision, to look fixedly, stare straight before one, to see clearly.”
8:27-33 What connection might there be between verses 29 (Peter’s confession) and his rebuke (verse 32)? Comments: Peter was confused – and maybe also a little over-confident. How could someone he had just confessed as the Messiah be subject to the humiliation Jesus described? The side note in the Women’s Study Bible suggests that the reason Jesus cautioned His disciples not to tell anyone exactly who He was is because they still didn’t understand His mission..
8:34-9:1 What does it mean to take up your cross? How do the verses that follow explain what it means? Comments: To take up a cross is to deny oneself, to be willing to give our lives, to not be ashamed of the gospel. To the people living at that time, the cross meant death. To take up your cross was to be on the road to crucifixion.

Mark 7 and 8

2011-04-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

7:1-13 In the scribes’ and Pharisees’ minds, what was the benefit of keeping their traditions? What was at least one tradition that resulted in neglect of family responsibilities?
7:14-23 Does verse 15 mean that there can be no harm from eating with unwashed hands?
7:24-30 After debating with Jewish leaders about their traditions, where did Jesus go? Can you estimate by the map how far he traveled? Was it primarily a Jewish or Gentile region? [See Appendix 1, Geographical Notes.]
7:31-37 What did Jesus do before he spoke the words that healed the man who was deaf and had a speech impediment?
8:1-10 What were the only circumstances under which the crowd would leave?
8:13-21 With what tone of voice do you hear Jesus saying the words recorded in verses 17 through 21? What did the disciples not understand?
8:22-26 What is unique about the healing of the blind man of Bethsaida?
8:27-33 What connection might there be between verses 29 (Peter’s confession) and his rebuke (verse 32)?
8:34-9:1 What does it mean to take up your cross? How do the verses that follow explain what it means?

Mark 5 and 6 Class Comments

2011-04-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

5:1-20 In this incident, what do both the demons and Jesus do that you might not expect of them? Comments: The demons worshipped Jesus through the man. (See James 2:19.) Jesus 1) negotiated with the demons and granted their wish, 2) put them into something else, in this case, swine.
5:21-24, 35-43 What is the significance of Jesus’ command to the girl? What other orders did He give? Comments: 1) In verse 41, he doesn’t tell her to “wake up,” or “arise from the dead.” He tells her to stand up, like she was already alive. When He told the mourners she wasn’t dead, but just sleeping, had He already raised her ? 2) It was instantaneous. The moment He touched her hand, she was fully awake, mobile, and hungry.

Other orders? 1) He told the ruler not to be afraid, but to believe; 2) He told those following Him to stay behind, except for Peter, James and John; 3) He told everyone to leave the room (except for the parents and the three apostles); 4) He commanded them not to tell anyone; 5) He told them to give the girl something to eat. [It just occurred to me that the reason Jesus told the crowd that she was just sleeping was so they wouldn’t know that He had actually raised her from the dead.]
5:25-34 Why was the woman with the issue of blood healed? Comments: Because of her faith. She not only had faith, she acted on her faith, by touching the hem of His garment.
6:1-6 What was stronger than the evidence Jesus’ hometown people saw with their own eyes? What was Jesus’ reaction? Comments: Prejudice. They were too familiar with Him as a child growing among them. They saw only what they were pre-disposed to see.
6:7-13 When Jesus sent out the Twelve, what were they to take with them? Comments: A staff, sandals, and only one tunic (no changes of clothing). They were to rely on God’s providence and the generosity of their neighbors. (Also see 1 Corinthians 9:14.)
6:14-29 What was Herod’s attitude toward John before John’s death? What about after his death? (Also see Matthew 14:1-12.) Comments: He feared John, because he was a just and holy man; in Matthew it says he also feared the multitude. But apparently he had a greater fear of Herodias and her daughter Salome. Afterwards he thought that Jesus might be John risen from the dead. Coming back to haunt him, perhaps? (Burton Coffman’s comment on Mark 6:17 provides background on the Herods in the New Testament. A particularly critical sentence: The Herods’ names in the New Testament recur “like a sour note in a symphony.”
6:30-44 What had Jesus’ planned to do when He and the apostles sailed to the other side of the lake? What was His attitude when His plans were changed? Comments: He had planned to rest a while with the apostles. When people followed Him, He had compassion on them because of their need for leadership, for teaching, because they were ignorant of God’s will. Jesus’ compassion always led to action.
6:45-52 At least two miracles are recorded in this passage. How are they different from other miracles that Jesus did, which usually involved healing people? Comments: 1) He walked on water; 2) The wind ceased when He entered the boat. Neither of these miracles had anything to do with people. And both seemed to happen in the natural course of events. The ability to walk on water and calm the sea was just a part of who Jesus was.
6:53-56 Identify words in this section that indicate how desperate the crowds were for healing. Comments: Ran – wherever – begged – began to carry on beds.

Mark 5 & 6

2011-03-24T15:01:00.001-07:00

5:1-20 In this incident, what do both the demons and Jesus do that you might not expect of them?
5:21-24, 35-43 What is the significance of Jesus’ command to the girl? What other orders did He give?
5:25-34 Why was the woman with the issue of blood healed?
6:1-6 What was stronger than the evidence Jesus’ hometown people saw with their own eyes? What was Jesus’ reaction?
6:7-13 When Jesus sent out the Twelve, what were they to take with them?
6:14-29 What was Herod’s attitude toward John before John’s death? What about after his death? (Also see Matthew 14:1-12.)
6:30-44 What had Jesus’ planned to do when He and the apostles sailed to the other side of the lake? What was His attitude when His plans were changed?
6:45-52 At least two miracles are recorded in this passage. How are they different from other miracles that Jesus did, which usually involved healing people?
6:53-56 Identify words in this section that indicate how desperate the crowds were for healing.

Mark 3 & 4 Class Comments

2011-03-24T14:58:00.000-07:00

3:1-6 In this account of a Sabbath healing, how does Jesus respond emotionally to the hardness of the Pharisees’ hearts? How does He respond physically? Comments: He is both angry and grieved at the hardness of their hearts, but He still heals the man’s hand. It is amazing that after seeing this miracle, the Pharisees and Herodians plot against Jesus to destroy Him.
3:7-12 From what parts of Israel did the multitude come? Find the places on the map. Comments: The multitude came from Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea (the southernmost region shown on our map), beyond the Jordan (probably Perea), Tyre, and Sidon (the northernmost city on the map.) According to our calculations, from Sidon to Idumea was about 160 miles. Sidon would be about 40 miles northwest of Capernaum; Jerusalem about 80 miles south.
3:13-19 What did Jesus call the apostles to do? Which ones had He already called (as recorded in Mark 1:16-20 and 2:13-14)? Comments: Jesus called the apostles 1) to be with Him; 2) to preach; 3) to have power to heal sickness and to cast out demons. Mark 1:16-20 records His calling Simon, Andrew, James and John. Mark 2:13-14 records His calling Levi, the son of Alphaeus. Levi is called Matthew in Matthew 10:3. Coincidentally, in that list and here, James is called the son of Alphaeus. We concluded that their fathers had the same name. If they had been brothers, they would have been identified as such, like Peter and Andrew and James and John.
3:20-30 Had the scribes blasphemed against the Holy Spirit? How? Comments: Yes. Jesus gives the warning about blasphemy because they had ascribed his casting out demons to Beelzebub rather than to the Holy Spirit. One of the definitions of blasphemy is “the act of claiming for oneself the attributes and rights of God.” We also noticed verse 21 in this section: “When his own people [family] heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, ‘He is out of His mind.’” We likened this to Jesus’ experience in his hometown (Mark 6:1-6), where they couldn’t recognize Him as being remarkable.
3:31-35 What relationship do we have with Jesus when we do God’s will? Comments: We are His family – His mother, brothers and sisters. Note that He did not include a father here. (Of course, his earthly father Joseph was not among those seeking him, either.) Hebrews 2:10-13 goes into detail about Christ as the captain of our salvation, One who is not ashamed to call us “brethren.” Another observation about this passage: Verse 21 indicates that Jesus’ family was concerned about His mental health (“He is beside himself,” or “He is out of His mind!”). In verse 31 His mother and brothers came to see Him. Might there be a connection between the two incidents?
4:1-20 What keeps us from bearing fruit? Comments: We saw this from two different views: 1) We don’t bear fruit, because we don’t sow the seed. 2) We don’t bear fruit, because, as mentioned in verse 12, we see and hear but don’t perceive. Also noted was that like the rocky ground, we are too shallow, and like the thorny ground, we permit the cares of this world to keep us from bearing fruit. We may not die, but as Christians, we’re barren.
4:21-25 What is the “lamp”? Comments: Several answers here, all connected. 1) The lamp is the Christian, because in Matthew 5:14 Jesus tells His disciples they are the “light of the world.” We are not to hide our lights. 2) The lamp are the actions that show we are Christians. 3) The lamp is the word of God, the lamp for our feet and the light for our paths (Psalm 119:105).
4:26-29 What is the lesson of the Parable of the Growing Seed? How does it complement the Parable of the Sower? Comments: Again, several different but related thoughts. 1) Both parables show that the gospel contains its own power. Sometimes it grows in unexpected places, like a flower growing out of a rock. 2) Planting (and watering) is what we do; growing is what God does. 3) The Parable of the Sower describes what happens on earth as Christians sow the seed and produce fruit; the Growing Seed describes the final harvest, which is heaven.
4:30-34 How do we plant the seed of the kingdom? How does it grow? (See also 1 Corinthians 3:5-7.) Comments: We teach the gospel to people, which, according to 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 3, to discourage sectarianism, Paul teaches that while he and Apollos may have sown and watered, God gave the increase.
4:35-41 In this incident, how does Jesus both calm and cause fear? Comments: The disciples feared what the wind would do to them. Then – after Jesus calmed the sea, they saw that Jesus had more power than even the wind, and they “feared exceedingly,” asking “Who can this be?”

Mark 3 and 4

2011-03-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

3:1-6 In this account of a Sabbath healing, how does Jesus respond emotionally to the hardness of the Pharisees’ hearts? How does He respond physically?
3:7-12 From what parts of Israel did the multitude come? Find the places on the map.
3:13-19 What did Jesus call the apostles to do? Which ones had He already called (as recorded in Mark 1:16-20 and 2:13-14)?
3:20-30 Had the scribes blasphemed against the Holy Spirit? How?
3:31-35 What relationship do we have with Jesus when we do God’s will?
4:1-20 What keeps us from bearing fruit?
4:21-25 What is the “lamp”?
4:26-29 What is the lesson of the Parable of the Growing Seed? How does it complement the Parable of the Sower?
4:30-34 How do we plant the seed of the kingdom? How does it grow? (See also 1 Corinthians 3:5-7.)
4:35-41 In this incident, how does Jesus both calm and cause fear?

Mark 1 & 2 Class Comments

2011-03-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

1:1-8 What was John’s purpose? What do you think is meant by “Make straight paths for Him”? Comments: John’s purpose was to be a messenger, to prepare the way of the Lord, to not get in the way of His message, but to make His path straighter – easier – than it might have been otherwise.
1:9-13 Describe Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River. Comments: John baptized (immersed) Him. As Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens parted (tore apart), and the Spirit descended like a dove. A voice from heaven said, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” According to Luke 3:22, the Spirit descended in “bodily form like a dove.” The class wasn’t sure exactly what it means for the heavens to part. Was it just a vision Jesus had, did it refer to clouds, or did Jesus see beyond the sky?
1:14-20 What did Jesus call Simon and Andrew to do? What does this mean? Comments: Jesus called Simon and Andrew to follow him so they could become fishers of men. It meant that they would spread the gospel like a fisherman spreads his net, gathering the souls of men into God’s kingdom. Men would be gathered in not to eat fish, but to eat food of a spiritual nature.
1:21-28 In verse 27, what new doctrine, or teaching, are the people referring to? Comments: This refers not only to the authority He demonstrated in casting out the unclean spirit, but to all the other new things they had witnessed: His miracles, a baptism of repentance, the appeal He had not to a mass of people, but to individuals. All of this made His teaching, mentioned in verses 21 and 22, even more astonishing. Jesus taught from His own authority. He didn’t just expound on the scriptures, as their rabbis and priests did.
1:29-39 Why did Jesus leave Capernaum even though everyone was looking for Him? Comments: They were looking for healing, or to be rid of unclean spirits, but that was not Jesus’ mission. His purpose was to preach. Another consideration is that He realized that with the multitudes that came, the authorities also might come. [Cheryl’s post-class observation: He stated that focus of purpose after He had gone off by Himself to pray.]
1:40-44 How did the leper inhibit Jesus’ desire to fulfill His purpose? Comments: Because the leper could not keep quiet about his healing, Jesus was not able to go openly into the cities – because of the commotion it would cause – so he preached outside in the desert places. Still, they came to Him “from every direction.”
2:1-12 What are the three manifestations of Jesus’ Godhood in this incident? [Consider verse 9. Which is easier?] Comments: 1) He forgave the sins of the paralytic (which only God can do); 2) He perceived in His spirit what the scribes were thinking; and 3) He healed the man’s paralysis (as the Son of Man). Regarding verse 9: For man, it would be easier just to say “Your sins are forgiven,” whether he could do it or not. In actuality, both are impossible for man. But with God, there is no difference; He has the power to do both.
2:13-17 In verse 16, how do you think the Pharisees would want to answer their own question? [Consider: What would your reaction be if you saw a religious leader eating with someone who had taken advantage of you financially?] Comments: They would suppose that He was just like them. Good people don’t hang out with unscrupulous people. The lesson for us is that we shouldn’t jump to conclusions when we either see or hear things we can’t explain. We don’t always know the whole story.
2:18-22 Read John 3:29. Is it a coincidence that Jesus speaks of a bridegroom? Comments: In John 3:29, when questioned by his own disciples, John refers to Jesus as the bridegroom and himself as merely the friend of the bridegroom. So in this answer – also to John’s disciples after John had been put into prison – Jesus makes the same reference. The presence of the bridegroom indicates a celebration, not a time to fast.
2:23-28 How does the story about David apply to Jesus’ actions on the Sabbath? (See 1 Samuel 21:1-6.) Comments: In David’s case, the hunger for bread, for sustenance, was more important than a ceremonial tradition which stated that only the priests could eat leftover showbread. In Jesus’ case, He knew the purpose of the Sabbath – which was to give men a day of rest, a special day set apart. In the discussion of Matthew 11-13 (#4), we also determined that Jesus and His disciples were not actually breaking the Sabbath, according to the Law.

Mark 1 and 2

2011-03-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

1:1-8 What was John’s purpose? What do you think is meant by “Make straight paths for Him”?
1:9-13 Describe Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River.
1:14-20 What did Jesus call Simon and Andrew to do? What does this mean?
1:21-28 In verse 27, what new doctrine, or teaching, are the people referring to?
1:29-39 Why did Jesus leave Capernaum even though everyone was looking for Him?
1:40-44 How did the leper inhibit Jesus’ desire to fulfill His purpose?
2:1-12 What are the three manifestations of Jesus’ godhood in this incident? [Consider verse 9. Which is easier?]
2:13-17 In verse 16, how do you think the Pharisees would want to answer their own question? [Consider: What would your reaction be if you saw a religious leader eating with someone who had taken advantage of you financially?]
2:18-22 Read John 3:29. Is it a coincidence that Jesus speaks of a bridegroom?
2:23-28 How does the story about David apply to Jesus’ actions on the Sabbath? (See 1 Samuel 21:1-6.)

Introduction to Mark

2011-03-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Author: Mark was the son of Mary (Acts 12:12) and a relative of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10). He is the John Mark who traveled with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 12:25), but who, in Paul’s eyes, deserted them in Pamphyllia, causing a rift between Paul and Barnabas (15:36-41). He spent a lot of time with Peter, who called him “my son” (1 Peter 5:13).

Date: Mark was probably the first Gospel to be written. Sources differ about the exact date, one estimating between 55 and 65 A.D. and another between 65 and 68, but they agree it was before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

Place and Occasion: The book is associated with Rome, home of a sizable Christian community, and written primarily for Gentiles, especially Roman believers. It may have been motivated by the fire in Rome in 64 AD, believed to have been set by Nero and blamed on Christians, which led to an outbreak of severe persecution (alluded to in Mark 13:9-13). It records more miracles than any of the other Gospels, which would have helped believers see Jesus’ power over all types of opposing forces.

Characteristics: Mark is a book of action. “Immediately” (or “straightway”) introduces most of its section divisions. It often presents in a few verses what other gospels describe in a chapter. The messages of his teaching are presented more through what he did than what he said. Without any introduction or mention of his infancy or childhood, Jesus appears on the scene as a man. The first ten chapters cover three years of Jesus’ ministry; the last five cover His final week.

Sources: About.com – Christianity; Introductory Notes from The Women’s Study Bible and Serendipity Bible

Matthew 26-28 Class Comments

2011-03-11T06:37:00.000-08:00

26:1-16 What did the woman understand that the disciples did not? For whose benefit did Jesus make the statement in verse 11? [Consider: Did Judas's action here have anything to do with what had transpired with the woman? (See also John 12:3-8.)] Comments: She seemed to understand that Jesus’ death was imminent, something the disciples didn’t seem to realize until it actually happened. Judas’s action may have stemmed from his greed. Part of the money spent on this oil could have gone into his own pocket. In John 12, it is Judas who voices the objection.
26:17-35 Who was with Jesus at this Passover meal? What announcement did Jesus make while they were eating? How did the others react? Comments: The Twelve ate this Passover meal with Jesus (verse 20). There’s no indication that other disciples were present (Mark 14:17; Luke 22:14). Jesus made two announcements: 1) that one would betray Him, and 2) that they would all fall away. Their reaction to the first was “Surely it’s not I, Lord?” and to the second, “I will never disown you.”
26:36-50 What was Jesus’ prayer? How many times did He pray it? Why did Jesus want the three men to stay awake with Him? Comments: Three times Jesus prayed, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me, nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” In verse 41, he urges them to stay awake and pray to prevent them falling into temptation. He also wanted them to “watch” with Him, possibly indicating He needed their companionship in His anxiety. But they were exhausted and not aware of the imminence of His death.
26:51-56 Which of the disciples here was fulfilling God's plan? Which one attempted to thwart it? (See also John 18:10.) Comments: Ironically, Judas was fulfilling God’s plan, while Peter tried to thwart it by striking the servant of the high priest.
26:57-68 What was ironic about the high priest putting Jesus "under oath"? Comments: For one thing, verse 59 states that moments before, they had been seeking false witnesses. Second, they were asking the Son of God to take an oath before God. Third, they knew He wouldn’t lie about His identity; the evidence they could not get from false witnesses they sought to get from His telling them the truth.
26:69-75 Why was Peter so adamant in his denials? Describe his distress. Comments: He was afraid, and also somewhat in a state of shock. Jesus had suddenly become vulnerable. This man with power over sickness, winds and water had always escaped arrest before. When Peter realized he had fulfilled Jesus’ prediction, he wept bitterly.
27:1-10 What caused Judas to repent? [Consider: What did Judas expect to happen when he betrayed Jesus?] Comments: He saw Jesus had been condemned. Like Peter, he apparently believed that Jesus would miraculously escape. That’s always what had happened before. While the KJV and ASV render this “repented himself,” others translate if “remorseful” or “full of remorse,” indicating that this was not the kind of repentance that brought about a change in Judas’s life.
27:11-26 In Pilate’s mind, why had the chief priests and elders brought Jesus before him? [Consider: Was Pilate's hand washing an act of courage or weakness?] Comments: Because of envy. A sign of weakness. He was passing the buck. In John 19:12, the Jews remind Pilate that if he releases Jesus he is no friend of Caesar, so Pilate also fears loss of political power.
27:27-44 What added to the physical cruelty of the cross? What groups participated in this cruelty? Comments: Taunting and insults. The governor’s soldiers (27-31); passersby (39-40); chief priests, scribes, and elders (41-43); and the robbers crucified with him (44) also reviled him.
27:45-56 Describe the events that occurred when Jesus died. [Consider: Before He died, what may have been even worse than His physical pain? (verse 46)] Comments: He cried out (45); they offered Him vinegar (47); He “yielded up His spirit” (50); the temple veil tore from top to bottom, the earth quaked, graves opened, and some were resurrected (51-53); guards confessed (54); while the women looked on (55). Even worse than His physical pain was being forsaken by His Father as Jesus took on the sins of all the world for all time.
27:57-66 Who buried Jesus’ body? What was the next demand made of Pilate by the chief priests and Pharisees? Comments: Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy disciple. The chief priests and Pharisees asked that the tomb be secured and guarded so the disciples wouldn’t steal the body and claim that Jesus had risen from the dead.
28:1-10 When they saw the angel, how did the guards react? How did the angel calm the women? Who else appeared to them? Comments: They fainted away as if dead. The angel calmed the women with “Do not be afraid. I know you seek Jesus.” The risen Jesus also appeared to them with “Do not be afraid.”
28:11-15 After recovering from their shock, to whom did the guards immediately go? Whose guards were they? (27:65) Comments: The guards immediately went to the chief priests, even though they were responsible to the governor.
28:16-18 Who has all authority? [Consider: What significance does that hold for us?] Comments: Jesus has all authority – on heaven and on earth. This means that he is the primary authority for what we believe, teach, and do.
28:19-20 What command did Jesus give in these verses? What promise? Comments: He told the apostles to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach the disciples what they had been taught by him. Question raised in class: Since not all of us are able to go abroad, does this mean the first commandment applies only to the apostles? His promise was that we don’t have to do this alone. He will be with us to the end.

Matthew 26-28

2011-03-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

26:1-16 What did the woman understand that the disciples did not? For whose benefit did Jesus make the statement in verse 11? [Consider: Did Judas's action here have anything to do with what had transpired with the woman? (See also John 12:3-8.)]
26:17-35 Who was with Jesus at this Passover meal? What announcement did Jesus make while they were eating? How did the others react?
26:36-50 What was Jesus’ prayer? How many times did He pray it? Why did Jesus want the three men to stay awake with Him?
26:51-56 Which of the disciples here was fulfilling God's plan? Which one attempted to thwart it? (See also John 18:10.)
26:57-68 What was ironic about the high priest putting Jesus "under oath"?
26:69-75 Why was Peter so adamant in his denials? Describe his distress.
27:1-10 What caused Judas to repent? [Consider: What did Judas expect to happen when he betrayed Jesus?]
27:11-26 In Pilate’s mind, why had the chief priests and elders brought Jesus before him? [Consider: Was Pilate's hand washing an act of courage or weakness?]
27:27-44 What added to the physical cruelty of the cross? What groups participated in this cruelty?
27:45-56 Describe the events that occurred when Jesus died. [Consider: Before He died, what may have been even worse than His physical pain? (verse 46)]
27:57-66 Who buried Jesus’ body? What was the next demand made of Pilate by the chief priests and Pharisees?
28:1-10 When they saw the angel, how did the guards react? How did the angel calm the women? Who else appeared to them?
28:11-15 After recovering from their shock, to whom did the guards immediately go? Whose guards were they? (27:65)
28:16-18 Who has all authority? [Consider: What significance does that hold for us?]
28:19-20 What command did Jesus give in these verses? What promise?

Matthew 23-25 Class Comments

2011-03-03T20:23:00.000-08:00

23:1-12 Besides a condemnation of the attitude of the Pharisees, what is Jesus cautioning against? [Consider: Were the Pharisees evil, or just human, and showing a human tendency?] Comments: He’s cautioning his followers not to be hypocritical nor to follow a natural desire to feel important when compared to others. The Pharisees certainly displayed a human tendency for self-service, and they had let it harden their hearts to the point they had become malicious.
23:13-36 In your own words, list at least three ways in which the scribes and Pharisee were hypocrites. Comments: 1) they were false teachers; they took advantage of widows while praying long prayers for show; they proselytized men then corrupted them; they needed to make oaths in order to be believed; they appeared to be one thing when they were really another.
23:37-39 How does Jesus’ lament in this passage relate to what He has just said to the scribes and Pharisees? Comments: His heart aches at the way they have rejected them, much as we would feel if we were rejected by our children. One important difference is that He had the power to make them do what He wanted, but He didn’t use it.
24:1-14 What does Jesus prophesy in this passage? What does He promise? Comments: Jerusalem would be destroyed; deceivers would come, claiming to be Christ; there would be many tribulations – both manmade and natural; the apostles would be persecuted; the love of some would grow cold; the gospel would be preached to all nations. [Paul, writing in Colossians (AD 60-63), states in 1:6 that the truth of the gospel had come to the whole world. In 1:13, he states that the gospel has been preached to every creature in heaven. Apparently, this is talking about the world as they knew it, the Mediterranean region.]
24:15-24 *When the disciples see the “desolating sacrilege” (“abomination of desolation”) coming, who is to flee into the mountains? What instructions and desire are expressed here? Comments: Those in Judea were to flee to the mountains. They weren’t to go back to get anything to take with them. His desire was that none of the women would be pregnant nor nursing, and that the flight would be neither in the winter nor on the Sabbath. This answers the disciples’ first question in verse 3: When will these things be?
24:25-31 Is this speaking of the second (and final) coming of Christ, or of something else? (Read Isaiah 13:10 and Ezekiel 32:7 for similar language. To what does the same expression refer to in those passages?) Comments: In context, Isaiah 13:10 is speaking of the destruction of Babylon. In context, Ezekiel 32:7 is speaking of the destruction of Egypt. In light of the language that is used here, and the fact that they would see it coming, it seems that he is talking about the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. It essentially marked the end of Old Testament Judaism as well, for without the temple, there could be no worship, no genealogies that would support a Levitical priesthood. This answers the disciples’ second question in verse 3: What will be the sign of your coming? The destruction of Jerusalem was the sign that the Son of Man was ruling in heaven.
24:32-35 In what generation would these things happen? Would there be a warning? Comments: These things would happen in the generation of that time. Yes, as the fig tree foretells summer, so the coming of the armies of destruction would foretell the end of Jerusalem.
24:36-51 When "that day and hour” come, will there be a warning? [Consider: How is Jesus referring back to the disciples' question in verse 3?] Comments: Jesus compares “that day and hour” to the coming of the flood. There would be no way to know the exact day. The important thing is to be prepared. Because they were looking for a Messiah who would set up an earthly kingdom, the questions the disciples asked in verse 3 referred to the same event. The destruction of the temple, the coming of the Son of Man, and the end of the age were all the same to them. This is the answer to the disciples’ question in verse 3 about the “end of the age.” This is not a “sign” of the Son of Man, but the “coming” of the Son of Man at the final judgment.
25:1-13 What is the difference between the foolish bridesmaids (virgins) and the wise bridesmaids? How does Jesus apply this parable (verse 13)? Comments: Preparation. The foolish took no extra oil, whereas the wise ones did. The application? Watch! For you don’t know the hour when the Son of Man will come.
25:14-30 Why did the one-talent slave (servant) hide his talent in the ground? What would his master have done with it? Comments: He was afraid he would lose it and be punished. His master would have at least put it into a bank to gain interest. [True service involves risk, doing things that might be uncomfortable for us to do. ]
25:31-46 What is the difference between those on the Lord’s right hand and those on the left? Comments: The righteous – those on the right – obeyed the second greatest commandment to love their neighbors as themselves by helping others and taking care of their needs. The unrighteous – those on the left – thought they could serve Jesus only if He was standing in front of them. To serve others is to serve God.

Matthew 23-25

2011-02-28T08:34:00.000-08:00

23:1-12 Besides a condemnation of the attitude of the Pharisees, what is Jesus cautioning against? [Consider: Were the Pharisees evil, or just human, and showing a human tendency?]
23:13-36 In your own words, list at least three ways in which the scribes and Pharisee were hypocrites.
23:37-39 How does Jesus’ lament in this passage relate to what He has just said to the scribes and Pharisees?
24:1-14 What does Jesus prophesy in this passage? What does He promise?
24:15-24 When the disciples see the “desolating sacrilege” (*“abomination of desolation”) coming, who is to flee into the mountains? What instructions and desire are expressed here?
24:25-31 Is this speaking of the second (and final) coming of Christ, or of something else? (Read Isaiah 13:10 and Ezekiel 32:7 for similar language. To what does the same expression refer to in those passages?)
24:32-35 In what generation would these things happen? Would there be a warning?
24:36-51 When "that day and hour” come, will there be a warning? [Consider: How is Jesus referring back to the disciples' question in verse 3?]
25:1-13 What is the difference between the foolish bridesmaids (virgins) and the wise bridesmaids? How does Jesus apply this parable (verse 13)?
25:14-30 Why did the one-talent slave (servant) hide his talent in the ground? What would his master have done with it?
25:31-46 What is the difference between those on the Lord’s right hand and those on the left?

*The abomination of desolation is usually held to mean the encirclement of the Holy City by the Roman armies prior to its destruction. That the Christian might have the opportunity to flee after such a deployment as that might have appeared impossible, due to the encircling armies; but the army of Titus, commanded by Cestius Gallus, for some inexplicable reason, lifted the siege, providing the Christians a chance to escape. In Book II of his Wars, section 24, Josephus said, "For Cestius removed his army, and having received no loss, very unadvisedly departed from the city."

The reference to taking the things out of one's house was to emphasize the need for haste and urgency. It is a historical fact that the Christians did, in fact, take flight to safety during the brief respite allowed them by Gallus' withdrawal. (Burton Coffman)

Matthew 20-22 Class Comments

2011-02-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

20:1-16 How does the landowner seem to act unfairly? [Consider: Is there any way this might seem fair, or is his right to act unfairly the point of the story?] Comments: The late workers received a day’s wages for an hour’s work, meaning their hourly wage was much more than those who had started early. One thing this teaches is that it’s never too late to become a Christian, that those who serve in the kingdom for only a short time receive the same reward as those who have served a lifetime. A similar story is that of the Prodigal Son, who received his father’s blessings even after being wayward for a while. Still another observation was that the landowner gave the early workers their wages last for a reason: He wanted them to learn the lesson that “the first shall be last, and the last first,” that as the landowner he has the right to grant favor on whomever he will. None of us earns salvation, no matter how hard we may work or how valuable we consider our worth to God.
20:17-19 How does this prophecy of Jesus’ death and resurrection differ from the previous times He has told His disciples of it? (16:21 and 17:22-23) Comments: In chapters 16 and 17, Jesus told of his death and resurrection as something that would happen in the future, mentioning only Himself. In this incident, it is about to happen, and it will also involve the disciples. “We are going up to Jerusalem….” The moment they had been dreading is imminent.
20:20-28 What does Jesus teach about the value of humility? [Consider: Why does Jesus instruct the ten about humility? Isn't that the instruction James and John should receive?] Comments: We weren’t sure whether or not James and John were included in these instructions, but it certainly applied to them – and to us. The ten showed their desire for prominence by voicing their resentment for James and John – whether they put their mother up to making the request or simply allowed her to do so. It’s as if they were thinking, “Why didn’t I think of it first?” Other observations: Jesus stepped in to prevent further quarreling, pointing out that the nature of the spiritual kingdom is not about pre-eminence. For added effect, He compares what they’re doing to the worst of what the Gentiles do – those despised Gentiles.
20:29-34 Why did Jesus heal the blind men? How soon did it take effect? [Consider: Why would Jesus ask the blind men what they wanted? Wouldn't it have been obvious?] Comments: He healed the blind men out of compassion, and it took effect immediately. Suggestions about why Jesus asked what they wanted: God wants us to express our needs to Him, even though He already knows what we need. He wants us to show our faith in Him by praying. The commentator Matthew Henry suggests that Jesus wanted them to ask for what only God can give. Before He asked, they were just crying out for mercy. Did they want alms, or did they want healing from the only One who could give it?
21:1-11 Find and note the different designations for Jesus in this passage. Comments: Jesus; the Lord; your King; Son of David; He who comes in the name of the Lord; prophet from Nazareth of Galilee. We talked about other names given to Jesus in the New Testament: Bread of Life; Living Water; Savior; the Door; the Shepherd; the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
21:12-17 Was this an act of temper on Jesus' part? (See Mark 11:11.) What was wrong with what they were doing? Comments: It wasn’t impulsive, because the day before, He had gone into the temple to look around, according to Mark 11:11; it was an act of righteous anger. Only animals sold at the temple were “authorized sacrifices,” for which the people were overcharged. Then on top of that, the temple merchants would accept only temple money, for which the money changers charged exorbitant rates. Would Jesus be any less angry with those today who use His Word to achieve financial gain?
21:18-22 When the disciples saw Jesus curse the fig tree, what was their concern? What is the lesson of the fig tree? Comments: They didn’t wonder how Jesus had done that, even though the day before they had seen him curse it. They wondered only how it had happened so fast. This may be symbolic of God’s judgment on Israel, and how immediate that judgment can be. It also talks of hypocrisy – of seeming to be fruitful when it’s all for show.
21:23-27 What is our natural tendency when asked a confrontational question? What valuable technique does Jesus demonstrate here? Comments: To strike back or to defend ourselves. Jesus does what many psychologists recommend when dealing with people: You answer a question with a question. He knew their motives and wasn’t going to be led into their trap.
21:28-32 How does this parable relate to the context? How might you have reacted if you had been one of the chief priests or elders? Comments: All the parables in this section have to do with acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah. If I had been one of the chief priests or elders, with their arrogance and self-righteousness, and Jesus had 1) refused to answer my challenges and 2) told me that despised tax collectors and harlots would enter the kingdom of God before me because they had accepted Jesus when I hadn’t, I would have been furious.
21:33-41 What teaching technique(s) does Jesus use here (especially v. 40)? Comments: He uses word pictures and analogies – much as Nathan did when he confronted David about his sin with Bathsheba. And just like Nathan, by asking them the meaning of the parable, Jesus allowed them to draw their own conclusions.
21:42-46 Why did it take so long for the chief priests and Pharisees to realize Jesus was talking about them? What was their immediate response? Comments: They were not only arrogant, they were ignorant (v. 42 – “Have you never read…?). They had a pre-conceived image of the Messiah – one who was more like them, and would approve of them. Before, He had talked in parables and then explained them only to his disciples. Now He’s wanting the religious leaders to know that they are the target of His criticism. They wanted to do away with Him, but couldn’t, because of His popularity.
22:1-14 Describe two ways invitees rejected the invitation. How did the man without the wedding robe react when he was confronted by the king? [Consider: How can we avoid being him?] Comments: Some made light of it; others abused his servants. The man without the robe was speechless; he didn’t say a word. At least he could have asked where he could get the proper garments! He was unprepared to be at the feast – maybe like some who want to take part in Christianity, want to be among the favored, but aren’t prepared to do what is required of them.
22:15-22 What motivated the Pharisees' question about paying taxes? [Consider: Why would the Pharisees use the Herodians to ask this question?] How did they react to his response? Comments: They wanted to entangle him – again. The Herodians were a political, not a religious, sect, who supported Herod and Roman rule. The Pharisees objected to Roman rule, so typically, they were enemies.
22:23-33 Who were the Sadducees? What was the motivation for their question? [Consider: Should we just come out and tell people they're wrong, as Jesus did here?] Comments: They were a sect that didn’t believe in the resurrection from the dead. They asked a question designed to trip him up. The consensus was that many times we don’t speak up when we should. We need to know our own motives and the motives of those we’re speaking to. Do they want to learn; do we want them to know the truth? A further observation: The Sadducees were not only ignorant of the Scriptures, in denying the resurrection, they were denying the power of God. If He create, He can resurrect.
22:34-40 What are the two great commandments? [Consider: How does Jesus' answer compare to the Ten Commandments?] Comments: Love your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. They are similar. The first encompasses the first four of the Ten Commandments; the second one encompasses the remaining six.
22:41-46 Whose Son is the Christ? What did David say about Him? Comments: He is the son, or descendant of David, yet He is superior to David, because David calls the Messiah his lord. This is quoted from Psalm 110:1 and quoted again in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost.

Matthew 20-22

2011-02-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

20:1-16 How does the landowner seem to act unfairly? [Discuss:Is there any way this might seem fair, or is his right to act unfairly the point of the story?]
20:17-19 How does this prophecy of Jesus’ death and resurrection differ from the previous times He has told His disciples of it? (16:21 and 17:22-23)
20:20-28 What does Jesus teach about the value of humility? [Discuss: Why does Jesus instruct the ten about humility? Isn't that the instruction James and John should receive?]
20:29-34 Why did Jesus heal the blind men? How soon did it take effect? [Discuss: Why would Jesus ask the blind men what they wanted? Wouldn't it have been obvious?]
21:1-11 Find and note the different designations for Jesus in this passage.
21:12-17 Was this an act of temper on Jesus' part? (See Mark 11:11.) What was wrong with what they were doing?
21:18-22 When the disciples saw Jesus curse the fig tree, what was their concern? What is the lesson of the fig tree?
21:23-27 What is our natural tendency when asked a confrontational question? What valuable technique does Jesus demonstrate here?
21:28-32 How does this parable relate to the context? How might you have reacted if you had been one of the chief priests or elders?
21:33-41 What teaching technique(s) does Jesus use here (especially v. 40)?
21:42-46 Why did it take so long for the chief priests and Pharisees to realize Jesus was talking about them? What was their immediate response?
22:1-14 Describe two ways invitees rejected the invitation. How did the man without the wedding robe react when he was confronted by the king? [Discuss: How can we avoid being him?]
22:15-22 What motivated the Pharisees' question about paying taxes? [Discuss: Why would the Pharisees use the Herodians to ask this question?] How did they react to his response?
22:23-33 Who were the Sadducees? What was the motivation for their question? [Discuss: Should we just come out and tell people they're wrong, as Jesus did here?]
22:34-40 What are the two great commandments? [Discuss: How does Jesus' answer compare to the 10 commandments?]
22:41-46 Whose Son is the Christ? What did David say about Him?

Matthew 17-19 Class Comments

2011-02-17T15:38:00.000-08:00

17:1-13 Which disciples did Jesus choose to take with Him to the high mountain? What was Peter’s reaction when he witnessed the transfiguration? Class Answers: Peter, James, and John, the same men Jesus requested to accompany him in the raising up of Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:37) and for prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:33). Peter wanted to build three tabernacles, three tents. Apparently, he wanted Moses and Elijah to stay a while. CB note: We didn’t bring this up, but I’ve often wondered how Peter recognized Moses and Elijah. At this reading, I noticed that Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus. It would be easy from their conversation for Peter to determine who they were.
17:14-21 Why couldn’t the disciples cure the epileptic boy? [Consider: How does our lack of faith limit our ability to do God’s will?] Class Answers: They couldn’t cure the epileptic boy because of their lack of faith. We often demonstrate our lack of faith when we know God’s will in a matter, but can’t believe that He will help us carry it out. An example: A lack of funds is all there is to keep us from going into a foreign mission field. Rather than making a commitment, we give up before we even try.
17:22-23 What distressed the disciples? Class Answers: Jesus’ statement that the Son of Man would be killed. They obviously identified Him as the Son of Man, but didn’t seem to hear the part about His being raised up. Peter had a similar reaction back in 16:22. When you examine that verse, you realize that when Peter told Jesus, “this shall not happen to You!” he was also referring to the resurrection.
17:24-27 Besides being amazed at Jesus' reading Peter's mind and the fish with a coin in its mouth, what lesson can we learn from Jesus here? Class Answers: 1) That we should pay taxes to whom taxes are due; 2) Even the King obeys earthly ordinances; 3) Jesus did not want to offend the tax collector needlessly; 4) Jesus considered that He and the disciples were “sons” of the temple. In fact, as God, the temple was His; 5) Jesus didn’t conjure up any money, though he could have. Rather, Peter had to go find it.
18:1-5 What is a characteristic of those who want to be part of the kingdom of heaven? Class Answers: Humility. Be converted and become humble; be humble like a little child; use humility in accepting children.
18:6-9 What would a person deserve who would cause a little child to stumble in his belief? Class Answers: A millstone hung around the person’s neck and drowned in a deep sea. Short answer: death. This would include stifling a child’s growth in God intentionally or unintentionally, by not giving the child a good example of trust in God.
18:10-20 How does Jesus’ story of the lost sheep relate to His instruction about restoring a church member who sins against another member? Class Answers: 1) It’s worse for a believer to fall than never have to believed; 2) We must do everything we can to restore a brother. This is not a list of legal steps we must take before we can legally “oust” someone from the church. They are steps we take to restore someone to the fold, the fellowship of his or her brothers and sisters.
18:21-35 What recognition will help us forgive others? Class Answer: That we have more to be forgiven for than we need to forgive. We owe much more to God than anyone owes us.
19:1-12 What was the motive for the question about marriage? In the beginning, what was God’s plan for marriage? Class Answers: The Pharisees were again trying to trap Him. When He answered from the passage in Genesis 2:24, they were hoping He would either condemn Moses or excuse divorce. Instead, He explained Moses’ permitting certificates of divorce on the hardness of their hearts, referring to the Pharisees’ ancestors. God’s original plan for marriage was always one man married to one woman for life. Any other arrangement involves adultery and sin.
19:13-15 Why would Jesus' disciples respond to the children in this way? How can we be guilty of the same thing? Class Answers: Because they misunderstood the importance of children. Teaching children while they’re young is important to their spiritual growth. We can become like Jesus’ disciples when we think we have nothing to learn from children.
19:16-30 How hard is it for the rich to enter heaven? [Consider: How does Jesus’ response in verse 26 answer the young man’s question in verse 16?] Class Answers: It’s impossible, if he thinks he has to do something to enter heaven, or if he values his riches more than he does the kingdom. In verse 16, the young man asked what he could do, what law he could follow that would make him perfect. In verse 26 Jesus teaches that only God can save; we can do nothing to earn salvation.

Matthew 17-19

2011-02-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

17:1-13 Which disciples did Jesus choose to take with him to the high mountain? What was Peter’s reaction when he witnessed the transfiguration?
17:14-21 Why couldn’t the disciples cure the epileptic boy?
17:22-23 What distressed the disciples?
17:24-27 Besides being amazed at Jesus' reading Peter's mind and the fish with a coin in its mouth, what lesson can we learn from Jesus here?
18:1-5 What is a characteristic of those who want to be part of the kingdom of heaven?
18:6-9 What would a person deserve who would cause a little child to stumble in his belief?
18:10-20 How does what Jesus says about the lost sheep relate to His instruction about restoring a church member who sins against another member?
18:21-35 What recognition will help us forgive others?
19:1-12 What was the motive for the question about marriage? In the beginning, what was God’s plan for marriage?
19:13-15 Why would Jesus' disciples respond to the children in this way? How can we be guilty of the same thing?
19:16-30 How hard is it for the rich to enter heaven?

For Discussion:

17:14-21 How does our lack of faith limit our ability to do God’s will?
18:2-14 How would one cause a child to stumble? How might the statement in verse 10 affect the way we view children? How can a little child be lost? As little children, aren't they safe?
19:16-30 How does Jesus’ response in verse 26 answer the young man’s question in verse 16?

Matthew 14-16 Class Comments

2011-02-10T17:54:00.000-08:00

14:1-13 Why was the king grieved when Herodias asked for John’s head? How did Jesus respond to the news of John’s death? Class Answers: If we answered according to the Matthew account, the general consensus was that it was because he feared the multitudes, because they considered John a prophet. But Herod felt he had to go through with it to save face in front of his dinner guests. Mark’s account (6:20) says that Herod feared John, knowing he was a just and holy man, and he protected him (from Herodias, who wanted him dead). When Jesus heard of John’s death, he retreated to a desert place by Himself.
14:14-21 Why did the crowds follow Jesus? Do you think they expected Him to feed them? Class Answers: So he would heal their sick. There’s no indication they expected to be fed. John 6:2 states that they followed Him because they had seen Him heal others.
14:22-36 What happened as soon as Jesus got into the boat after walking to the boat on the water? What did the disciples do? Class Answers: The wind ceased. John 6:21 states also that “immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.” The disciples worshiped Him, saying “Truly you are the Son of God.” When I asked why we don’t read of them worshiping Jesus when he healed all those sick people, or when he fed the five thousand, the answer was maybe because those miracles hadn’t affected them.
15:1-9 How did Jesus answer the Pharisees’ criticism of His disciples? (v. 3) [Consider: In what ways (and areas) are we in danger of keeping traditions while forsaking God's will?] Class Answers: He answered them with a question, telling them they needed to look to their own foibles (the “logs” in their eyes). They broke God’s commandments because of their traditions. By tradition, they could vow their goods to God, and “legally” therefore be free from any obligation of caring for their parents. The personal application of traditions centered mostly around the way we worship – that we become so involved in the structure of our worship, we begin to see that as law, and are very uncomfortable if there’s a slight change.
15:10-20 How does this passage relate to the previous one? Class Answers: In the previous passage, Jesus’ disciples are criticized for not washing their hands, according to the elders’ traditions. Here he explains that spiritual defilement from what men say is much worse than any physical defilement that might occur from unwashed hands. Side note: In verse 12, the disciples are worried that the Pharisees were offended. Jesus warns them about following men who are spiritually blind.
15:21-31 How did Jesus’ disciples react at first to the Canaanite woman? What was her response to Jesus’ answer in verse 24? Besides faith, what other attribute(s) did this woman display? Class Answers: They wanted to send her away. Besides faith, we thought she also displayed humility, perseverance (persistence), courage (strength), and wisdom.
15:32-39 Besides the difference in number, how does this account differ from the feeding of the 5,000 in Matthew 14? For instance, who instigated it? What motivated the meal? Class Answers: In the previous account, the disciples had suggested it. Here, Jesus makes the suggestion. We thought it odd that the disciples, after seeing Jesus feed the five thousand, would wonder how four thousand could be fed.
16:1-12 How does Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees and Sadducees compare to the answer He gave them before (12:38-42)? After this incident, of what does He warn His disciples? Class Answers: In both, he mentions the sign of Jonah. In chapter 12, he compares Himself to Jonah and Solomon. In chapter 14, he criticizes them for not recognizing the signs. He warns his disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees, defined by one commentary as “a change agent – subtle and gradual, yet thorough.”
16:13-20 What does Jesus mean by "this rock"? What does He mean by the "keys of the kingdom"? (Acts 2 may hold a clue.) [Consider: Why would He tell the disciples not to publicize who He was?] Class Answers: The rock is the foundation upon which Christ’s church is established: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. When He gives the keys of the kingdom to Peter, He’s telling Peter that he will be the first to preach the gospel – first to the Jews and proselytes in Acts 2 and then to the Gentiles, when he preaches to Cornelius in Acts 10.
16:21-26 How does the warning in verses 24-26 relate to the incident in verses 21- 23? Class Answers: Just as Jesus would die, so must His followers be willing to give up their own lives. Being a good person doesn’t mean you won’t have to suffer.
16:27-28 When will the Son of Man come in his kingdom? Class Answers: During the lifetime of some of those that were standing there. There was general discussion of the meaning of the word “kingdom,” which we agreed would merit a follow-up study.

Matthew 14-16

2011-02-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

14:1-13 Why was the king grieved when Herodias asked for John’s head? How did Jesus respond to the news of John’s death?
14:14-21 Why did the crowds follow Jesus? Do you think they expected Him to feed them?
14:22-36 What happened as soon as Jesus got into the boat after walking to the boat on the water? What did the disciples do?
15:1-9 How did Jesus answer the Pharisees’ criticism of His disciples? (v. 3)
15:10-20 How does this passage relate to the previous one?
15:21-31 How did Jesus’ disciples react at first to the Canaanite woman? What was her response to Jesus’ answer in verse 24? Besides faith, what other attribute(s) did this woman display?
15:32-39 Besides the difference in number, how does this account differ from the feeding of the 5,000 in Matthew 14? For instance, who instigated it? What motivated the meal?
16:1-12 How is Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees and Sadducees compare to the answer He gave them before (12:38-42)? After this incident, of what does He warn His disciples?
16:13-20 What does Jesus mean by "this rock"? What does He mean by the "keys of the kingdom"? (Acts 2 may hold a clue.)
16:21-26 How does the warning in verses 24-26 relate to the incident in verses 21- 23?
16:27-28 When will the Son of Man come in his kingdom?

For Discussion:

14:3-11 Did John do the right thing in confronting Herod about his illegal marriage? What good purpose did it accomplish in the end?
15:1-9 In what ways (and areas) are we in danger of keeping traditions while forsaking God's will?
16:13-20 Why would Jesus tell the disciples not to publicize who He was?

Matthew 11-13 Class Comments

2011-02-03T20:33:00.000-08:00

11:1-19 How did Jesus answer John’s question? Where was John at the time? Class Answers: vv. 5-6: “Go and tell John the things that you hear and see.” Jesus didn’t answer the question directly; he apparently knew that identifying his works would be enough for John. We didn’t come to a satisfactory conclusion as to why John asked the question. Hadn’t he prophesied of Christ? Didn’t he know Jesus was the Messiah? We concluded that either John didn’t know the full extent of Jesus’ identity, or that he sent his disciples to Jesus for their benefit. v. 2 – John was in prison at the time, for telling Herod his marriage to Herodias was illegal (Matthew 14:1-5).
11:20-24 Why was Jesus so angry with Chorazin and Bethsaida? Class Answer: Because they wouldn’t repent, even after seeing the mighty works Jesus did. They would be judged more harshly than Tyre and Sidon (condemned in extreme terms in Ezekiel 26-28) and Sodom, which was burned to the ground for its depravity (Genesis 19).
11:25-28 To whom do the teachings of Jesus appeal? (verses 25, 28) Class Answers: Little children, and those who labor and are heavy-laden. When we are feeling too “wise and prudent” is when we should remember to accept Jesus’ teachings as if we were little children.
12:1-21 What did the Pharisees criticize Jesus for? Class Answers: vv. 1-2 -for plucking heads of grain and eating them on the Sabbath and vv. 9-10 - for healing a man on the Sabbath. We discussed at length whether or not Jesus really was breaking the Sabbath and decided He was not. The Pharisees knew His disciples were not “harvesting”; they were just trying to find something to accuse Him of. Our strongest motivation is to do what’s good for other people, not to be bound by our own interpretation of law.
12:22-37 What did the Pharisees accuse Jesus of after He cured the blind and mute demoniac? What does Jesus call them in response? Class Answers: v. 24 – That he cast out demons by the power of Beelzebub. v. 34 – He calls them a brood of vipers. If we take the whole passage in context, after they glibly accuse him of casting out demons by Beelzebub, he accuses them of 1) hypocrisy (v. 27); 2) blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (31); and 3) being evil, as demonstrated by their words (35)
12:38-45 Who would “rise up” and condemn the scribes and Pharisees for their disbelief? To what does He compare them in verses 43-45? Class Answers: v. 41 – The men of Nineveh, who repented when Jonah preached; v. 42 – The Queen of Sheba (the South), who came from far away to hear Solomon. v. 45 – He compares them to a man who is filled with eight wicked spirits.
12:46-50 Who does Jesus consider as his family? Class Answer: Those who do the Father’s will. This wasn’t a rejection of His physical family, but a teaching moment: All those who do His Father’s will are His family. (Luke 8:21)
13:1-23 What is at least one lesson you learn from the Parable of the Sower? Class Answers: 1) If our faith is shallow, it will be difficult to sustain. 2) Good soil reproduces. 3) Acceptance of God indicates the state of our heart. 4) When I receive a “nugget” of truth, I can do four things with it: a) reject what I don’t understand; b) like what I hear, but give in to peer pressure and not pursue it any further; c) pursue it for a little while, and then become distracted by other things; or d) study it, understand it, make it a part of my life and tell others about it. (Hope I represented that last point okay, Beverly!)
13:10-17, 34-35 Why did Jesus speak in parables? Class Answer: To reveal his will only to those who wanted to see, hear, and understand. To hide it from those who didn’t want to understand.
13:24-30, 36-43 What is the lesson of the Parable of the Weeds (Tares)? Class Answer: That God allows followers of Satan and followers of God to live beside each other until the time of judgment. The wicked are allowed to live because of the righteous. [We were not completely satisfied with this answer.]
13:31-33 What are the lessons of the Parable of the Mustard Seed and Parable of the Yeast (Leaven)? Class Answers: Like a mustard seed, the kingdom of heaven starts very small and increases in size to cover the whole earth; like leaven, it permeates – influences – everything around it.
13:44-53 What other things does Jesus compare with the kingdom of heaven? Class Answer: 44 – hidden treasure; 45 – a pearl of great price; 47 – a dragnet, separating the good from the bad, when gathered. One man just stumbles on his hidden treasure; the other man actively seeks it. In both cases, they realize its value. We liked verse 52, which reminds us that we find new “nuggets” of truth even in scriptures we may have studied again and again.
13:54-58 How was Jesus treated in his hometown? Class answer: With disdain. Had he been from another town, they might have admired him, but they knew him too well. They had seen him as a child. They thought he was elevating himself above what he should.

Matthew 11-13

2011-01-29T12:07:00.000-08:00

11:1-19 How did Jesus answer John’s question? Where was John at the time?
11:20-24 Why was Jesus so angry with Chorazin and Bethsaida?
11:25-28 To whom do the teachings of Jesus appeal? (verses 25, 28)
12:1-21 What did the Pharisees criticize Jesus for?
12:22-37 What did the Pharisees accuse Jesus of after He cured the blind and mute demoniac? What does Jesus call them in response?
12:38-45 Who would “rise up” and condemn the scribes and Pharisees for their disbelief? To what does He compare them in verses 43-45?
12:46-50 Who does Jesus consider as his family?
13:1-23 What is at least one lesson you learn from the Parable of the Sower?
13:10-17, 34-35 Why did Jesus speak in parables?
13:24-30, 36-43 What is the lesson of the Parable of the Weeds (Tares)?
13:31-33 What are the lessons of the Parable of the Mustard Seed and Parable of the Yeast (Leaven)?
13:44-53 What other things does Jesus compare with the kingdom of heaven?
13:54-58 How was Jesus treated in his hometown?

[NOTE: If you prefer a printed version of these questions, you can view the entire study guide here. It should open as a Google Doc. Just click on “File” and choose “Print (PDF).” If you have a problem, let me know.]

For Discussion:

11:4-19 What tributes does Jesus pay to John, even in the way He answers John’s question in verses 4-7?
12:9-13 How do this story and the lessons Jesus draws from it relate to the incident in 12:1-8?
12:33-37 It appears this is a continuation of the previous verses. How does this teaching about good trees/good fruit and bad trees/bad fruit relate to the Pharisee's recent accusation?
13:18-23 a) Is it really a listener's fault if he or she doesn't understand the message? b) Is it a listener's fault if he or she has had an unstable family life and has never learned to persevere? Shouldn't we keep on trying until people see the value of being stable Christians? c) How do we know whether or not we're bearing fruit? If we're not, does that mean we're not good soil?

Matthew 8-10 Class Comments

2011-01-27T15:08:00.000-08:00

Notes from Thursday Class Discussion

Matthew 8-10

8:1-17 How do verses 1-16 fulfill the prophecy mentioned in verse 17? Class Answers: 1-4 He cleansed a leper; 5-13 He healed a centurion’s servant; 14-15 He healed Peter’s mother-in-law; 16 He cast out spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick. Most of us in the class had not considered the significance of “He took our infirmities, carried (or bore) our diseases,” as if somehow He took on the burdens of the physical diseases, just as He did our sins.
8:18-9:1 Describe the different responses to Jesus’ works. Class Answers: v. 19 – Devotion: “I will follow you everywhere.” And this from a scribe! v. 21 – An excuse: “I have something more important to do first.” v. 23 – Obedience: they followed Him. v. 27 – They marveled. v. 34 – They rejected him; begged him to leave. Discussion on the reasons for this rejection was either because they feared him, they didn’t want the change he seemed to be making, or he had ruined their livelihood. We generally agreed that according to the map we’re using, this was the Gergesenes, rather than the Gadarenes (in some translations), which is inland.
9:2-8 Why were the crowds awestruck? Class Answer: Because God had given such power to men. They obviously still saw Jesus just as a man, though they did recognize God as the source of His power.
9:9-17 What two complaints did Jesus receive, first from Pharisees, then from the disciples of John? Class Answers: The Pharisees criticized Him for eating with the tax collectors and sinners. The tax collectors were considered “scum,” for not only working for the Roman government but for collecting as much as they could above the taxes owed. We noticed that such criticism meant nothing to Jesus. He knew what His mission was; He knew Whom He was pleasing. John’s disciples criticized Jesus’ disciples for not fasting, as they and the Pharisees did. Jesus’ answer about the old and new cloth and new wine in old wineskins indicated that the old, traditional ways were no longer viable. To fast would have been for traditional reasons only; it made no sense to fast and mourn when the bridegroom was with them.
9:18-38 What specific people did Jesus heal in this passage? What percentage of the people who asked for healing received it from Him? Class Answers: The ruler’s daughter; the woman with a flow of blood; two blind men; a man who was mute and demon-possessed; every sickness and every disease. According to this passage, all who asked for healing were healed.
10:1-15 What were some of the things the apostles were to do? Class Answers: 6 - Go to the lost sheep of Israel (according to Jesus’ order of evangelism – first, Israel then – after they rejected Him for the most part – the Gentiles); 7 – Preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand; 8 – Heal the sick, cleanse lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons; 9-10 – Take nothing extra; 11-15 – Turn away from those who don’t refuse to hear you.
10:16-25 What challenges would they face? Class Answers: 17 – They would be arrested and scourged; 18 – They would be brought before rulers – sources of intimidation and with the power to punish; 21 – Betrayed by family members; 22 – Hated for Jesus’ name’s sake; 25 – Called Beelzebub.
10:26-42 What assurances did Jesus give them? Class Answers: 19 – They would know what to say; 26 – Everything will be revealed eventually – you will be vindicated; 28 – they can kill only the body, not the soul; 30 – You are valuable; 32 – I will confess you before My Father; 39 – In losing your life for My sake, you will find it.

For Discussion:

8:1-4 It appears that Jesus is surrounded by throngs of people here, yet he tells the healed leper not to tell anyone of his healing. Did this have to do with publicity or something else more personal for the leper?
9:13 Does Jesus’ statement here mean that He saw the Pharisees as righteous?
10:5 Why did Jesus send the apostles to the Jews only, and not to Gentiles or Samaritans?

Matthew 8-10

2011-01-22T09:42:00.000-08:00

8:1-17 How do verses 1-16 fulfill the prophecy mentioned in verse 17?
8:18-9:1 Describe the different responses to Jesus’ works, as stated in verses 19, 23, 27, and 34.
9:2-8 Why were the crowds awestruck?
9:9-17 What two complaints did Jesus receive, first from Pharisees, then from the disciples of John?
9:18-38 What specific people did Jesus heal in this passage? What percentage of the people who asked for healing received it from Him?
10:1-15 What were some of the things the apostles were to do?
10:16-25 What challenges would they face?
10:26-42 What assurances did Jesus give them? (verses 31, 39, 40-42)

Matthew 5-7 Class Comments

2011-01-21T06:12:00.000-08:00

Notes from Thursday Class Discussion

The Sermon on the Mount

5:1-12 Who was listening to this sermon? Why might they appreciate these blessings? (Also read 7:28.) Class Answer: His disciples – those who wanted to learn from Him, not just be healed by Him. The beatitudes (“blessed” could also be translated “happy”) assured them that even though they would go through difficult times as His disciples, they would be blessed by God. They also encouraged those who at this time were without either political or religious power.
5:13-16 What are the qualities of salt and light that Jesus emphasizes here? What is the purpose of letting our lights shine? Class Answer: Salt enhances flavor and preserves. In the same way, the influence of Christians gives life meaning and also slows the moral decay of the world around us. As lights, we can show the way to the Savior and glorify God.
5:17-20 What law is Jesus talking about? What did Jesus say about lawbreakers? Class Answer: His listeners would understand this as the Law of the Old Testament. Those who broke it would be the least in the kingdom. We weren’t sure exactly what this meant, except to refer to those who are weak. Still, like the Corinthians with all their problems, they are still in the kingdom.
5:21-37 In these verses, how is Jesus “changing” the commandments and traditions of the (Old) law? Class Answer: He is not changing them, but fulfilling them. He is stating their intended purpose, which had been interpreted as external actions only. Not just “do not murder,” but do not hate, do not call others names, be reconciled to those with whom you disagree. Not just “do not commit adultery,” but don’t lust and bring your body under control. And don’t treat divorce lightly. It causes adultery, against which there is a clear commandment. Not just “don’t break an oath,” but tell the truth without having to make an oath.
5:38-48 What should be our attitude toward those who treat us badly? Class Answer: To rise above bad treatment. With all his power, Jesus never physically resisted authority, though he did combat false teaching and hypocrisy. We are to love and try to understand those who hate or resent us, though that doesn’t mean we enable them. Prayer helps us to learn to love others.
6:2-18 What should be our motivation when we give, pray, or fast? Class Answer: To please God and to glorify Him.
6:19-34 List at least three attitudes we should have about material wealth. (19-21; 24; 25-34) Class Answer: Humility, happiness and contentment. Wealth doesn’t last; it causes divided loyalties; worrying about it shows a lack of faith.
7:1-6 What are at least two things we should consider before we begin to judge someone? Class Answer: We will be judged by the same standard; we all have our own failings – planks in our eyes.
7:7-12 What does our Father in heaven want to give us? Class Answer: Good things, just as we would give our own children. Note about 7:12, known as the Golden Rule: it includes acts of commission and omission – things we do for other people we would want done for us, and things we choose not to do that might hurt others.
7:13-27 How can we tell the difference between true and false followers of Jesus? (verses 16, 21, 24) Class Answer: By their fruits, by watching their actions and the results of their actions, though that may take time. Also, by whether or not they do the Father’s will.
7:28-29 Why were the crowds astonished at his teaching? Class Answer: This carpenter’s son spoke with wisdom that should have been beyond his experience. He also spoke with authority – beyond what they had heard from others – like someone who had not just learned from a book, but as someone who really knew.

Matthew 5-7

2011-01-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

The Sermon on the Mount

What some call the “Christian constitution.” We can’t read this too often. Hope you’ll be able to spend some not only reading but meditating on what’s taught in this timeless message.
Personal Note: It will be hard to know which concepts to talk about next Thursday; I wish we had more than one lesson to discuss them! That’s what’s nice about an online study. We’re not limited to just one appointed hour. (CB)

5:1-12 Who was listening to this sermon? Why might they appreciate these blessings? (Also read 7:28.)
5:13-16 What are the qualities of salt and light that Jesus emphasizes here? What is the purpose of letting our lights shine?
5:17-20 What law is Jesus talking about? What did Jesus say about lawbreakers?
5:21-37 In these verses, how is Jesus “changing” the commandments and traditions of the (Old) law?
5:38-48 What should be our attitude toward those who treat us badly?
6:2-18 What should be our motivation when we give, pray, or fast?
6:19-34 List at least three attitudes we should have about material wealth. (19-21; 24; 25-34)
7:1-6 What are at least two things we should consider before we begin to judge someone?
7:7-12 What does our Father in heaven want to give us?
7:13-27 How can we tell the difference between true and false followers of Jesus? (verses 16, 21, 24)
7:28-29 Why were the crowds astonished at his teaching?

For Discussion

This section is for the purpose of encouraging those of you who participate only online to engage in a discussion about the text. If there’s any other part of the text you want to discuss, please feel free. I’d love to hear from you, to discuss the Bible with you across the miles.
For the sake of time, I’ll limit my discussion prompts to one question per chapter.

5:43-48 How do you think verse 48 (“be perfect”) relates to the first part of the passage about love?
6:22-34 Discuss these passages, particularly verse 33, in light of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, which concludes with “…for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.”
7:1-5 What is the danger of taking the first three words, “Do not judge,” out of context?

Matthew 3-4

2011-01-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

3:1-12 What was prophesied about John the Baptist? What did the people do as they were baptized? What was the purpose of John’s baptism? What would be different about the baptism of the One to come after him?
3:13-17 Why did Jesus insist on being baptized? What happened when He came up out of the water?
4:1-11 After you read these verses, compare them to Genesis 3:6 (Eve’s temptation) and 1 John 2:16. Do you see any similarities? How did Jesus overcome the temptations?
4:12-17 When Jesus began to preach, what was His message?
4:18-22 Whom did Jesus call to follow Him? How long did it take for them to decide?
4:23-25 What three things was Jesus doing as He traveled? What kinds of diseases did He cure?

For Discussion:

3:6 As they were baptized, they confessed their sins. How specific were these confessions? How specific should we be when we confess our sins to one another? (also James 5:16)
3:7 Wasn't John the Baptist pre-judging the Pharisees and Sadducees? After all, they were coming for baptism.
4:18-22 What kind of excuses could Peter, Andrew, James and John have made for not following Jesus? Doesn't it seem kind of irresponsible just to get up and leave their livelihoods? Didn't they have families to take care of?
4:23-25 After looking at a map, determine just how widespread Jesus' fame was.

There are more of these types of questions at my Bible reading blog, Word Walk. Way back in 2008, when I took notes on Matthew, I put them in forms of questions I had as I read. Many of them probably cannot be answered.

Matthew 1-2

2011-01-01T16:22:00.001-08:00

1:1-17 How were Ruth and David related? What about Ruth and Rahab?
1:18-25 How did the angel appear to Joseph? What do you think “Jesus” might mean? What about “Immanuel”?
2:1-12 What did the wise men say that upset Herod so much? Where were Mary and her baby when the wise men found them? How did they know they should return by another way?
2:13-23 How long were Joseph, Mary and Jesus to stay in Egypt? Why did Herod kill the children of Bethlehem? How did the family end up in Nazareth?