Galatians 5

1. 5:1 What is the “yoke of slavery”?
   Class Answers: As a class member pointed out, the verse (in most versions) reads “a yoke of slavery,” so she answered (if I remember right) that this was any type of reliance on our ability to keep the law. In the context of Galatians, the particular “yoke of slavery” or “yoke of bondage” Paul is addressing is the Old Law. See also Acts 15:6-11, especially vs. 10, and Galatians 2:4.
         R. C. Bell compares it to a new master buying a slave and telling him, “I have bought you to set you free.” The slave wouldn’t think about going back to his former cruel master.
2. 5:2-4 Why does Paul condemn circumcision?
   Class Answers: He doesn’t condemn circumcision per se, but he does condemn having it done in order to gain approval from God. To be circumcised for religious reasons is to reinstate the Old Law, to subject oneself to the Old. Law. Circumcision is not part of the Law of Christ.
        Again, to quote R. C. Bell from his book Studies in Galatians (pg. 61-62): “Christian freedom has both a negative and positive aspect. Men are freed from some things and freed for other things…. God has worked out a unique plan by which Christ’s slave becomes his own master! Christ gets the essential law of life obeyed, human nature fulfilled, and his slave in possession of life abounding—all this without slavish drudgery or ‘dragging of feet’ on the part of the slave.”
3. 5:5-6 What two manifestations of faith are mentioned here?
   Class Answers:
   v. 5 – We eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. See Romans 8:23. John Stott (The Message of Galatians) points out that we wait for it, we don’t work for it; Bell compares this hope to the crown of righteousness Paul mentions in 2 Timothy 4:8.
   v. 6 – Faith works through love. See John 13:34,35. A motive of love means we go beyond what the Law would demand.
4. 5:7-8 What does it mean to “obey the truth”?
   Class Answers: Stott writes that it means applying belief to behavior. Obeying the truth means we subject ourselves to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. From Ed Wharton’s The Constitution of Christian Freedom: Legalism hinders submission: I have to do what is required, or commanded, nothing more.
5. 5:6-12 List 7 fallacies of legalism mentioned here. (Legalism: The effort to be justified through keeping the law.)
   Class Answers:
   v. 6 – In Christ, keeping the law means nothing. (NIV: It has no value.)
   v. 7 – It prevents us from obeying the truth, hinders our submission.
   v. 8 – It doesn’t come from Christ, the one who calls us.
   v. 9 – It affects others in the body. Wharton: It leavens the church with disobedience. Bell: This powerless form of religious would destroy the life of the church.
   v. 10 – It confuses us. Wharton: causes trouble.
   v. 11 – It abolishes (removes) the offense of the cross. The “offense of the cross” reflects back to Galatians 3:13 and the shame of the cross. How could we worship a God who was not only killed but went through a humiliating, excruciating death at the hands of lesser men?
   v. 12 – It agitates, unsettles new Christians. Wharton: It mutilates the body.
6. 5:13-15 Freedom in Christ gives us freedom to love one another and serve God. NOT to sin! It’s freedom from sin, not freedom to sin.
   Bell (pg. 66): “As the character of Christ proves, law itself and love are not incompatible; Pharisaic legalism, not law, is what contradicts gospel grace, truth, and love.”
7. 5:16-18 What conflict is described here?
   Class Answers: The conflict between the Spirit and the flesh (NIV – sinful nature). [I didn’t write down anyone else’s answer . Feel free to put a better explanation in the comment section.] Comment from Bell’s book: Flesh is not sinful; it’s just how Satan reaches us.
       We also had a discussion about whether or not we can be led by the Spirit without the Word. See Galatians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:17. The general consensus was that only the Word can reveal the will of God, but the indwelling Spirit helps us to carry out His will. When we follow our best impulses – which we can identify as “best” because of what the Spirit has revealed in the Word – we allow the Spirit to guide us.
8. 5:19-21 Below is the list of “acts of the sinful nature” from the NIV. Beside each word, write a synonym, either from another version or a dictionary.
   Class Answers:
   sexual immorality – fornication, adultery (NKJ)
   impurity – uncleanness
   debauchery – licentiousness, lewdness, indulgence
   Note: These first three are also condemned in the 7th of the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:14)
   idolatry – worship of an image or other material object representing a deity
   witchcraft – sorcery, magic
   Note: Idolatry and witchcraft also break the 1st of the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:2-3).
   hatred – enmities, hostility, animosity
   discord – strife, contentions, quarreling
   jealousy – resentment against a rival or against another’s success. It occurs when someone else wants to take something I own.
   fits of rage – anger, wrath, outbursts of anger
   selfish ambitions – quarrels, factions, disputes
   dissensions –strong disagreements, contentions or quarrels, discord
   factions – heresies, a party spirit (Stott), “a feeling that everyone else is wrong except those in your own little group” (New Living Translation)
   envy – a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to antoher’s advantages, success, possessions. Having to do with wanting other people’s things.
   Note: These have to do with our relationships with others, which would be covered in the 10th commandment (Exodus 20:17) and Leviticus 19:17-18 – “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
   drunkenness – given to intoxication
   orgies – carousing, revelries
   Note: Don’t overlook the “and the like” at the end of this passage. Legalism would say “If it’s not on the list, it’s not sin.” Wharton: We can make our own list. We know the difference between what is good and what is sin.
9. 5:21 What is the result of such a lifestyle?
   Class Answer: Loss of inheritance in the kingdom of God.
10. 5:22-25 Some would look at these verses as a to-do list as opposed to the “do-not” list in verses 19-21. How do we develop these attributes?
    Class Answers: By crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires, following the Spirit’s guide, not just by moral discipline. It is all based on love. Without love, the rest is not possible. Bell: The Holy Spirit is the only tree that produces this fruit.
         It is not a to-do list but is rather what we can reap when we follow the Spirit rather than our selfish desires.
11. 5:26 How does our opinion of ourselves affect the way we treat others?
    Class Answer: Being self-centered leads to competition and envy.

Choose a verse from Chapter 5 to memorize (or to post in a prominent place).
Verses chosen were Galatians 5:13b,14; 5:22; and 5:25.

Studies in Acts—Lesson 13

Read Acts 22 – 25:1-13

Who said it – or might have said it? Where? When? Why?

Chapter 22

1. "Away with him ...” Verse 22. Who? All Jerusalem (21:31), the crowd (21:34), the people (21:39) who had been stirred up by the Jews from Asia (21:27) Where? This was in Jerusalem, on the steps of the barracks. When and Why? Paul told them the Lord had told him to preach to the Gentiles (vv. 21, 22)
2. “Is it lawful…to scourge…a Roman uncondemned…?” Verse 25. Who? Paul. Where? In the barracks. When? After the soldiers had tied up Paul and were about to flog him. Why? To use his Roman citizenship to prevent the flogging. Similar to what he had done in Acts 16. Note: Paul spoke Greek (21:37), was suspected to be an Egyptian (21:38), was a Jew from Tarsus (21:39), and was a Roman citizen. No wonder the tribune was curious about him!

Chapter 23

1. "Strike him on the mouth." Verse 23. Who? Ananias, the high priest. Where? In front of the Jewish council (Sanhedrin). When? The next day. Specifically, after Paul saId he had lived in all good conscience. Why? It’s not clear why. Because Ananias thought Paul was being disrespectful? He thought Paul was lying? Or simply because Ananias was a cruel man who hated Paul?
2. “We find nothing wrong with this man…” Verse 9. Who? The Pharisee scribes. Where? In front of the Council. When? After Paul stated that he preached about the resurrection. Why? Because in so stating, Paul caused dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, who did not believe in resurrection from the dead. The Pharisees defended Paul in order to strengthen their position against the Sadducees.
3. “Take courage…” Verse 11. Who? The Lord (Jesus). Where? In the barracks. When? During the night, after Paul had defended himself before the Council. Why? To encourage Paul to speak, to assure him he wouldn’t be harmed in Jerusalem, that the Lord was with him.
4. “We will neither eat nor drink.” Verses 12-14. Who? Jewish conspirators. Where? They conspired among themselves, then repeated their intention before the chief priests and elders. When? The next morning. Why? They hated Paul, and they wanted him dead. Note: This is what fear causes. The Jews who crucified Christ were also motivated by fear – and by envy.
5. “Do not listen to them….” Verse 21. Who? Paul’s nephew. Where? I’m supposing the office of the tribune (commander), whose name was Claudius Lysias (verse 26). When? After Paul’s nephew told him of the plot, and Paul instructed one of the centurions to take his nephew to the tribune with the message (verse 17). Why? In order to prevent Paul from being murdered.
6. “…when he learned that he was from Cilicia….” Verse 34. Who? Felix the governor (verse 26). Where? In Caesarea. When? The next day. Why? He read the letter from Claudius Lysias. Note: In the letter Claudius Lysias states that he rescued Paul after learning he was a Roman citizen, when in fact, it was after he had Paul in custody and was preparing to have him whipped – an indication that the tribune wanted to put himself in the best light possible.

Chapter 24

1. "We have found this man a real pest...." Verse 5. Who? Tertullus, the Jews’ attorney from Jerusalem. Where? In Caesarea, before Felix. When? Five days after Paul had been taken to Caesarea, after Felix summoned him to the hearing. Why? To explain why the Jews were concerned about Paul’s behavior. He was disturbing the peace.
2. “I cheerfully make my defense….” Verse 10. Who? Paul. Where? Before Felix, the governor. When? After Felix asked him to speak. Why? Because of his confidence in his innocence.
3. “…they found me in the temple purified, without any crowd or uproar….” Verse 18. Who? Paul. Where? Before Felix. When? During his defense. Why? He was presenting the true situation.
4. “Go away for the present.” Verse 25. Who? Felix, to Paul. Where? In Caesarea, with his Jewish wife Drusilla present. When? A few days after the first hearing. Why? Paul’s message of justice, self-control, and the coming judgment frightened Felix.
5. “Maybe I can collect a ransom.” Verse 26. Who? Felix. Where? Caesarea. When? When he was sending Paul back into custody for 2 years. Why? He hoped Paul would give him money to buy his release.

Chapter 25:1-13

1. "Bring him back to Jerusalem." Verse 3. Who? The chief priests and Jewish leaders. Where? In Jerusalem. When? Two years after Felix decided to keep Paul in custody. When Festus, the newly-appointed governor, came to Jerusalem, 3 days after arriving in the province. Why? Because they wanted to ambush and kill Paul along the way.
2. “You can make your accusations in Caesarea.” Verse 4. Who? Festus, to the Jews. Where? In Jerusalem. When? After Jewish leaders asked for Paul to be brought to Jerusalem from Caesarea. Why? Festus was going to be in Caesarea.
3. “Will you go to Jerusalem?” Verse 9. Who? Festus to Paul. Where? In Caesarea. When? Eight to ten days after Festus had been in Jerusalem, after the Jews had charged Paul again and Paul had again defended himself. Why? In order to do the Jews a favor. Note: Try as they might, these representatives of Rome couldn’t find anything to accuse Paul of according to the Roman law, to which they were bound. Still, they wanted to please their Jewish constituency, so they tried to squirm out of their responsibilities by delaying an official verdict or by handing that responsibility over to someone else. Echoes of Pontius Pilate!
4. “I do not refuse to die….” Verse 11. Who? Paul. Where? In Caesarea, before Festus. When? At this pre-trial hearing, in response to Festus’s question in verse 9. Why? To show he wasn’t trying to escape punishment, if that’s what he deserved. Note: I like the KJV rendering of this: “I refuse not to die,” meaning he would insist on judgment – if he was guilty. But he was not guilty.
5. “I appeal to Caesar.” Verse 11. Who? Paul. Where? In Caesarea, before Festus. When? After telling Festus he wanted a just verdict. Why? By doing this, he cut off all discussion about going to Jerusalem.As a Roman citizen, he had the right to make this appeal. Also, Christ has told Paul back in the Jerusalem prison that he would “bear witness also in Rome” (23:11).

Studies in Acts–Lesson 9

Read Acts 14:21 – 15:41

1. In Derbe Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel and converted many. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. (14:21)
2. Upon the return visit to the churches, Paul and Barnabas:
   a. Preached and gave the Lord's Supper
   b. Preached and appointed elders (14:22-23) Note: Although it doesn’t specifically say they preached, general consensus was that it was probably involved in the encouragement.
   c. Encouraged the brethren (14:22)
3. Pisidia and Pamphylia were
   a. Cities
   b. Villages
   c. Provinces (14:24)
4. Upon the second visit to Perga, they
   a. Passed through
   b. Preached and appointed elders
   c. Just preached (14:25) Note: There’s no record that they preached there earlier (Acts 13:13-14).
5. Attalia was
   a. A seaport (14:25,26)
   b. A town in the journey where they preached
   c. A province
6. Back at Antioch, Paul and Barnabas spoke about the Gentiles, saying:
   a. God gave them a great opportunity
   b. God had baptized them in the Holy Spirit also
   c. God had opened a door of faith unto them (14:27)
7. What was taught by certain men from Judea that caused such a stir?
   Answer: They taught that Gentile Christians should be circumcised. (15:1)
8. Why go to the apostles and elders about the trouble?
   Answer: 1) The apostles had authority (Matthew 28:18-20); 2) The troublemakers had come from Jerusalem, so they were going to the source. 3) They couldn’t come to an agreement among themselves. (15:2)
9. What encouragement did Paul and Barnabas have on their way to Jerusalem?
   Answer: When they reported the conversion of the Gentiles, the believers in Phoenicia and Samaria rejoiced. (15:3)
10. Who especially objected to uncircumcised Christians? What sect?
    Answer: Believers from the sect of the Pharisees (14:5). They not only wanted to bind circumcision, but the whole law of Moses. Note: Verse 4 tells us that the whole church was present when Paul and Barnabas gave their report. Verse 6 says that only the apostles and elders met to “consider the matter.”
11. Who said that God had chosen him that by his mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe?
    Answer: Peter (15:8). Note: In Acts 10:34-35, Peter states that he realizes that God is not partial to one group of people over another.
12. What was the “yoke” which neither the fathers nor the Jews of Peter’s day could bear?
    Answer: The law of Moses (15:10). They were “putting God to the test” – disclaiming that God had opened the gospel to the Gentiles. V. 11 – “On the contrary, we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will."
13. What was the point of argument in the speeches of Paul and Barnabas?
    Answer: God had performed signs and wonders among the Gentiles, indicating His approval. (15:12)
14. What did James add that had not been said before?
    Answers: 1) 15:15 - This was a fulfillment of prophecy (Amos 9:11,12); 2) That they write the Gentiles not to be troubled by the Judaizing teachers. (15:19)
15. Why ask the Gentiles to abstain from “what is strangled, and from blood”?
    Answer: So the Gentiles and Jews could eat together in clear conscience. Not eating of these meats was part of the Jewish culture (Leviticus 17:10-14), a thing Jews couldn’t do in good conscience – so it was a matter of respect for their Jewish brethren. See 1 Corinthians 8 for Paul’s in-depth discussion of this principle.
    Here’s what Lenski (Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles) writes about this attitude (pg. 616)
    [Paul’s] prime consideration was love….Many who today deem themselves strong are impotent in this application of love. They scorn the idea that they should consider their brethren, they hurt and stagger the weak without a qualm, and they offend where they are themselves often wrong in fact and where the offense is gratuitous and wholly uncalled for. Go to school to James and take a full course with Paul. One thing that made them so great was this considerate love for the brethren.
16. What purpose did Paul have in making a second journey?
    Answer: To see how the believers were doing. (15:36)
17. What was the disagreement over John Mark?
    Answer: He had deserted them in Perga, Pamphylia (15:38). Note: Barnabas and John Mark were cousins (Colossians 4:10). Also, Barnabas was a “native of Cyprus” (Acts 4:36), so it appears that Barnabas and Mark were going home. Later, Paul and John Mark became reconciled, because in Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 1:24, Mark was with him, and he asked for Mark at the end of his life (2 Timothy 4:11).

Luke 19 and 20

1. 19:1-10 What two attributes of Zaccheus are good examples for us? Why did Jesus come to earth?
   Comments: He sought to see Jesus, he was determined, he welcomed Jesus, and he was repentant.
   Other notes: Zaccheus had faith and trust in God, if he could just get close enough to Him. Sometimes our “shortness” keeps us from seeing what we need to be doing. Zaccheus went out of his way to see Jesus. When Jesus called him, Zaccheus ran to him, even though Jesus knew his profession. Notice that Jesus initiated the contact: He came to seek and to save the lost.
2. 19:11-27 When the nobleman gave each of his servants ten pounds, what did he expect them to do with the money?
   Comments: To put the money to work, to increase it. Those who seek spiritual gain will become richer; those who squander it will lose what they have. If we speak of the money as the gospel, then it follows that those who use their opportunities to spread the gospel will receive even more opportunities.
   He punished the lazy servant who made lame excuses by taking away his money. He executed those “enemies of mine” (verse 27) who hated him and had sent a delegation after him because they didn’t want his leadership (verse 14).
3. 19:28-40 Describe the scene (Jesus, the multitude of disciples, the Pharisees) when Jesus entered Jerusalem.
   Comments: Jesus rode on a colt. The whole crowd of disciples began to joyfully praise God for all the miracles they had seen. Many spread their clothes on the road. The Pharisees were not jubilant; they told Jesus to rebuke his disciples.
4. 19:37-46 What kind of emotion(s) did Jesus have when He entered the city?
   Comments: He had a quiet sadness.
   v. 41 – As Jesus approached Jerusalem and looked over the city, he wept – an open sadness. In spite of the crowd’s  jubilation, Jesus knew they praised him for the wrong reasons. They were looking for an earthly, political kingdom that would free them from Roman oppression. It wouldn’t be long before they would reject him and be shouting for his crucifixion.
   v. 46 – He seemed to express anger when he drove the sellers out of the temple. “My house is a house of prayer, not a den of thieves.”
5. 19:45-48 Who were Jesus’ enemies?
   Comments: vv. 45-46 – The sellers in the temple; v. 47 – the chief priests, teachers of the law, the ruling Jewish council, and other leaders among the people.
6. 20:1-8 Why didn’t Jesus answer the question about his authority?
   Comments: He knew they were trying to discredit him. They had a hidden agenda, planning to use his answer against him, and he saw through it. If he had no credentials, the people wouldn’t want to listen to him. If he claimed divine authority, they could accuse him of blasphemy. Note: “These things” probably included the temple cleansing.
7. 20:9-18 Who do you think the owner, husbandmen, servants, and son represent in the parable Jesus taught? Who is the stone?
   Comments:
   Owner: God.
   Husbandmen (farmers, vinedressers): Israel, including the teachers of the law and chief priests (v. 19)
   Servants: Prophets
   Son: Jesus
   Stone: Jesus
8. 20:19-26 What was Jesus’ answer to the spies’ question?
   Comments: Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. If Jesus said “Yes,” it would alienate the Jews, who hated the tax. If he said “No,” he could be accused of rebellion against the Roman government. In this way, he said “Yes” to paying taxes to the government and “No” to giving Caesar divine honor. That belongs only to God.
9. 20:27-38 What logic did Jesus use to prove to the Sadducees that there is a resurrection?
   Comments: He referred to Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3), where God calls Himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, even though they were dead.
10. 20:39-47 For what does Jesus condemn the scribes? What lesson from the widow contrasts with the behavior of the scribes as Jesus has just described them?
    Comments: They showed off, liked being important, thought they were better than anyone else. They were hypocrites, for while they made a show, they were taking advantage of widows. They used fraud and schemes for selfish gain. Compared to the widow in the next few verses in Chapter 21, they were arrogant, while she was humble. She was quietly generous, while they were brashly hypocritical.

Luke 17 and 18

General Observations:

• It may seem sometimes that Luke’s account is disjointed, seeming to jump from one subject to another. However, as Hendriksen points out, even though the account is not always chronological, Luke does mean for it to be “orderly,” as he states in Luke 1:3. Therefore, we seek to find continuity and theme in this study.
• A class member observed a theme in Luke 18: Dependence on God. As we answered the questions, we saw this emphasis again and again, much like we saw an emphasis on urgency in Luke 13-14.

1. 17:1-6 What should be our attitude toward those who sin against us and repent over and over again?
   Comments: Rebuke him (verse 3 – Also see Galatians 6:1-4), and if he repents, forgive him. Remember that this is an offense against us, not a sin of lifestyle. Rather than rebuking someone who offends us, we tend to avoid that person, which is not good for either party. The offender may go on making the same mistake, and we may have lost a friend because we’ve been too lazy or cowardly to confront the problem.
   In verses 1 and 2, we are warned against causing another to sin; in verses 3-6, we are instructed in how to prevent further sin. In the NKJV, verse 3 reads, “Take heed to yourselves.” Hendricksen translates this “Look out for one another.”
2. 17:7-10 How should we view our service to the Master?
   Comments: As unworthy servants. As our duty, not as some gracious deed for which we should be thanked.
   Continuity I see after reading from Hendriksen’s commentary: To forgive (vv. 3-6) requires help from above, so the apostles ask to increase their faith. Jesus compares faith to a mustard seed, which starts small and continues to grow and gain power. in . The servant in the example did only his duty. As our faith grows, so will our gratitude for our position as servants to the King – and to others. We will do more than is our duty to do.
3. 17:11-19 Which of the ten lepers thanked Jesus for healing him?
   Comments: Only a Samaritan. The others went their way – healed, but without giving glory to God – which is what Jesus wanted them to do. They didn’t recognize their dependence on the mercy of God.
4. 17:20-21 Is the kingdom of God spiritual or physical?
   Comments: It’s spiritual – inside of us – but being a Christian affects the physical world around us. The Greek word used here is basileia, which can be translated either kingdom  or kingship, indicating Christ as our Lord and our King. The Jews wanted a kingdom they could see – and show.
5. 17:22-37 Who can predict the Lord’s return?
   Comments: No one. We must always be ready. The final judgment will be sudden and final.
   There was some discussion about whether this refers to the destruction of Jerusalem or to the end of the world. It seems to use the language of both the destruction of Jerusalem (Mark 13:14-23) and the end of the world (Matthew 24:36-44). The point of Jesus’ teaching here is not to listen to those who claim to have special insight into the return of Christ. When he comes again, everyone will know. As vultures find a body – no matter how remote is may be – so the judgment of Christ will strike those who are not faithful – wherever they are.
6. 18:1-14 What do the stories of the widow and the tax collector teach us about prayer?
   Comments: The widow was persistent in her requests for judgment. The tax collector was humble. The Pharisee, on the other hand, relied on himself to get it all done. Both the widow and the tax collector relied on someone else for help. The justice that God gives may be even greater than what we’ve requested. Again, the theme of dependence on God.
   Note: Whereas the unrighteous judge took his time in gaining justice for the woman, the Lord’s vengeance will come quickly (v. 8).
7. 18:15-17 What did Jesus mean by “as a little child” in verse 17?
   Comments: Having a childlike faith – total dependence on God, never doubting. A child is humble, trusting, never too proud to turn down a gift. Children also show unconditional love. One of the women told the story of a grandchild, expressing his love for his aunt, who has a chronic bronchial condition. “I love your face; I love your breathing tube.”
8. 18:18-30 What kept the young ruler from following Jesus?
   Comments: His dependence on his wealth. People who have visited poorer countries observed that, even in all their poverty, they seem happy. Is it possible that because they don’t have things, they can’t depend on them and therefore they value their relationships more? Jesus loved the young ruler; he knew he would be happiest if he depended on God rather than on his wealth.
   This is not an indictment against being wealthy – only a misplaced dependence on it. People with financial means can do a lot of good with it.
9. 18:31-34 What was the prediction Jesus made about Himself?
   Comments: He would be mocked, insulted, spit upon, scourged, and killed. On the third day He would rise again. He also said that all the things written by the prophets would come true. The apostles didn’t seem to grasp what he was saying. Was it because he referred to himself in the third person? All these things would happen to the “Son of Man. “
   There was also some discussion of what Jesus went through mentally, knowing exactly what would happen to him, while knowing he had the power to prevent it. We also noted that he could have willed himself to die sooner, but he first made sure that all prophecy was fulfilled.
10. 18:35-43 What did the blind man do so that he would be healed? How did his faith heal him? What was the result of his asking for help?
    Comments: He cried out repeatedly, “Lord, have mercy on me.” He acted on his faith, even though others were telling him not to. He received his sight. He depended on the mercy and power of Christ.

Luke 15 and 16

1. 15:1-7 The shepherd looking for the lost sheep is a picture of whom? Who else might it be?
   Comments: Christ – and God. They love all their sheep. Note on verse 7: “…ninety-nine persons who need no repentance.” The Pharisees only thought they were righteous, needing no repentance, (Luke 5:31; 18:9). Hendriksen’s observations: Jesus was being consistent with his instructions (14:12-14); the publicans and sinners were following his instruction (14:35).
2. 15:8-10 What was the value of the coin to the woman? How useful was it while it was lost?
   Comments: The loss of it (worth a day’s wage in monetary terms) made her obsessive about finding it and needing to share her joy when finding it. The value? Priceless. Its use as long as it was lost? Nothing. Hendriksen: We can have four attitudes toward the lost: 1) hatred; 2) indifference; 3) welcoming; and 4) seeking.
3. 15:11-21 List some differences between the son who left home and the son who came back.
   Comments: The son who left was demanding (v. 12); wasteful (v. 13); extravagant (v. 14); rebellious (v. 13); hungry (v. 16). When he came back he was realistic (v. 17); repentant and humble – he had sinned against heaven (v. 19); willing to act (v. 20). The father described his son as dead, then alive; lost, then found (v. 32).
4. 15:20-32 The father in this parable is a picture of whom?
   Comments: God – who loves all his children equally (vv. 24 and 31) – the picture of forgiving love and divine mercy.
5. 15:25-32 How is the older son’s attitude a lesson for us?
   Comments: The older son was self-centered and jealous. Lessons for us? 1) We don’t begrudge the work we do nor do we expect a special reward. 2) We rejoice with those who rejoice. 3) We rejoice that one lost is found. 4) We are forgiving, trust in the repentance of others.
6. 16:1-8 For what did the rich man commend the steward?
   Comments: His shrewdness – not for his crookedness. As the steward made provision for his monetary future, so must we for our spiritual wellbeing. The master does not represent Jesus. Note: 100 measures of oil is equivalent to 800-900 gallons; 100 cor of wheat equivalent to 1000 bushels.
7. 16:9-12 What is Jesus’ example of “very little” in verse 10?
   Comments: Use money for good things to bless people; use your money for good works (v. 9). What is “very little” or “least” is material wealth (v. 10).
8. 16:13-18 Why did the Pharisees scoff at Jesus?
   Comments: Because they didn’t appreciate what he said about money. How could Jesus talk? He had no money! Note: Verse 13 repeats what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:24)
9. 16:19-23 How were the roles of the rich man and Lazarus reversed?
   Comments: The rich man received good things in this life, but was tormented after death; Lazarus was tormented in this life, comforted in the next (v. 25). The rich man became the beggar (v. 27). He had not made friends by mammon (16:9).
10. 16:24-31 What is more important than even someone being raised from the dead?
    Comments: Heeding what has been written. To illustrate what the actual response of his brothers may have been, note the response to the resurrection of Lazarus in John 11. The chief priests wanted to kill Lazarus, to remove the evidence of the miracle (John 12:9-11).

Luke 13 and 14

1. 13:1-9 Were the people who died worse sinners than others?
   Comments: No. Everyone – Jew and Gentile – must repent. Hendrickson: “Not for a moment should they imagine they can escape God’s judgment just because they are Jews.” Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 – Death comes to us all. Matthew 7:1-3 – Judge not, lest you be judged by the same standard. Note: In the first example, they were Gentiles; in the second example, they were Jews. We must ask ourselves, “When calamity strikes, what lesson is there for me to learn?” One lesson here: Look to yourselves! The time to repent is now.
2. 13:10-17 What was the ruler of the synagogue really concerned about?
   Comments: His man-man rules for the Sabbath, and a desire to discredit Jesus. (See 12:1.) The ruler shows his cowardice here: Notice he speaks to the crowd, not to Jesus. Other comments: He is jealous; as ruler of the synagogue, he feels like he must warn the crowd away; he is afraid Jesus will usurp his authority.
3. 13:18-21 How is the kingdom like a mustard seed? How is it like leaven? Consider: What is the kingdom of God?
   Comments: It is like a mustard seed in that it started small and grew to fill most of the world – it grew numerically. It is like leaven in its influence on society, making every community, every culture, better. See Mark 4:26-29 – God grows it. Neither the seed nor the  leaven can be seen as it does its work.
4. 13:22-30 How did Jesus teach that entrance into the kingdom is both inclusive (everyone can enter in) and exclusive (only a few can enter in)?
   Comments: As in John 3:16, salvation is available to all, but will be given only to those who believe and accept God’s grace. Philippians 2:12-13: We work, relying on God to work in us. “Make every effort” = strive = Greek for agonize. All who strive to enter in – before it’s too late – can enter. The time to repent is now.
5. 13:31-35 How did Jesus show both His courage and His compassion when told of Herod’s threat?
   Comments: He was not afraid of Herod; he laments over Jerusalem. John 1:11: His own people rejected Him. Note in Mark 3:6 and 12:13 how both the Herodians and Pharisees joined in opposing Jesus. It’s possible these Pharisees were sent by Herod.
6. 14:1-6 Why didn’t the lawyers and Pharisees answer Jesus’ questions?
   Comments: 1) They chose not to answer (See also 6:9), silently allowing to go ahead – waiting to see if He would? 2) They couldn’t answer, verse 6. It would show their inconsistency, that all they were trying to do was discredit Him.
7. 14:7-14 Jesus teaches lessons to both guests and hosts? What are those lessons?
   Comments: Guests: Wait to be asked to take a better place and avoid humiliation. See Proverbs 25:6-7. Hosts: Don’t limit your invitations to those like you. In doing so, you cheat yourselves.
8. 14:15-24 Why was the master of the house angry when those he invited made excuses not to come?
   Comments: He had prepared the feast, expecting them to come. It  appears they had initially accepted the invitations, then made lame excuses. Lesson: The kingdom is not limited to Jews. Again – Accept Christ’s invitation now.
9. 14:25-27 What are two requirements for becoming a disciple of Christ?
   Comments: 1) Following Christ is our top priority. 2) Bearing our cross means denying ourselves. See Galatians 2:20. Re: the use of the word “hate”:  In Genesis 29:31, Jacob “hated” (KJV) Lea in comparison to his love for Rachel. Matthew 5:44 tells us to love our enemies, so this must be a question of priority. The class had a good discussion about what it means to put Christ first. Does this mean we never miss worshipping on Sunday morning, no matter what, or is it more than that? The question is: If we had to deny Christ in order to keep our families, which choice would we make?
10. 14:28-35 What is the cost of becoming a disciple of Christ? Why is it so important to count the cost? Comments: The cost is our own selves – our time, resources, energy, personality. It’s important to count the cost so we’ll know how to respond when choices come, to prevent failure. Verse 29 – To prevent ridicule and defeat.

Luke 11 and 12

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 7 and 8

1. 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).
2. 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.”
3. 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.)
4. 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.
5. 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.”
6. 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.
7. 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. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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

1. 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.”
2. 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.
3. 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)
4. 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. 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. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.”
11. 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.
12. 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.

John 11 and 12

1. 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.”
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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!”
8. 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.
9. 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).
10. 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.
11. 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 7 & 8 Class Discussion

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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. 
6. 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.”
7. 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. 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

1. 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?
2. 7:14-24 What is the answer to the Jews’ question in verse 15?
3. 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
4. 8:1-11 How did the scribes and Pharisees hope to trap Jesus with this situation?
5. 8:12-20 What two witnesses does Jesus call to confirm that He is the light of the world?
6. 8:21-30 What is the consequence for those who do not believe that Jesus is who He claimed to be?
7. 8:31-47 Who is Jesus instructing in this passage? How does their concept of freedom differ from His?
8. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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. 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?
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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

1. 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.”
2. 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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.”
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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

Mark 11 and 12 Class Comments

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 7 and 8 Class Comments

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. 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..
7. 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. 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..
9. 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 3 & 4 Class Comments

1. 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.
2. 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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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?
6. 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.
7. 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).
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 1 and 2

1. 1:1-8 What was John’s purpose? What do you think is meant by “Make straight paths for Him”?
   
2. 1:9-13 Describe Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River.
   
3. 1:14-20 What did Jesus call Simon and Andrew to do? What does this mean?
   
4. 1:21-28 In verse 27, what new doctrine, or teaching, are the people referring to?
   
5. 1:29-39 Why did Jesus leave Capernaum even though everyone was looking for Him?
   
6. 1:40-44 How did the leper inhibit Jesus’ desire to fulfill His purpose?
   
7. 2:1-12 What are the three manifestations of Jesus’ godhood in this incident? [Consider verse 9. Which is easier?]
   
8. 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?]
   
9. 2:18-22 Read John 3:29. Is it a coincidence that Jesus speaks of a bridegroom?
   
10. 2:23-28 How does the story about David apply to Jesus’ actions on the Sabbath? (See 1 Samuel 21:1-6.)