You Want Me to Do What? Part 1

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting December 17 to study Luke 6:20-49 (or as far as we can get).  This is Luke's "Sermon on the Plain".  Like the "Sermon on the Mount" in Matthew 5 through 7, it can be very difficult to receive.  It teaches a completely different perspective on living than human cultures have developed.  Other religious views (like Buddhism) have approximated this sort of view without actually going this far with it.

As you read this passage through, I want you to really fight the urge not to take these teachings at face value.  Think, "This is what Jesus wants me to do, and how He wants me to think." I really, truly, want you to take it seriously.  With that perspective, take notes, jot down questions, go through it a few times.  You may get angry, in fact there could be a whole range of emotions that you discover with this passage.

Once you've been through it yourself, go back through it with a commentary or two.  You will, no doubt, find some rationalization in commentaries.  Where you do, see if you can work past their rationalizations.  Try and maintain a sense of plain meaning with this text.  Only after you have been through the passage yourself, and then through with some commentary go through again with the questions below.

• The "Beatitudes" start with the actual poor instead of the "poor in spirit" as in Matthew.  Why do you think the social/economic category of "poor" would be so important for Luke?
• The next is aimed at the hungry, how might this be different from "poor"?
•  The next is aimed at those mourning, but what they mourn is not mentioned.  Why do you think Luke would use this as a category without narrowing it down based on what is being mourned?  Notice the range of explanation in commentaries.  That usually means that no one really knows.
• The fourth is about how others outside the fellowship of faith treat you.  This is very similar to the final Beatitude in Matthew 5.  How much of this do you think the disciples had to deal with during Jesus' ministry?
• Go back through the four "Beatitudes".  Why are the poor "Blessed" or happy?  Why are the hungry blessed?  Why are the mourning blessed?  What value is there in being mistreated for our faith?  In each case, what is Luke pointing toward?  Why do you think we don't we hear more of this today?
• Go through the "Woes" the same way as the "Blesseds".  Why the rich as a category, why the "well-fed", why the "laughing"?  Ask the same questions about them we did of the blesseds above.
• The sets of four "Happy" and "Woe to" statements are aimed at social/economic categories of people.  What does this tell you about how God views these categories?
• Jesus says to "Love your enemies" and moves on to explain how: do good to those hating you, bless the ones cursing you, pray for the one abusing you, turn the other cheek, give more than asked, do not resist a demand.  How does all this feel to you?  What is your emotional response?  Why do you think that you respond/feel that way?
• Jesus' underlying reason for His charge to love your enemies is to treat others how we want to be treated (v.31).  What does this tell you about how Jesus views your "enemies"?  How do you feel about that?
• Jesus then proceeds to explain how His followers are to be different from "sinners".  If we do merely what they do, there should be no expectation of a benefit from God.  How do you feel about that?  Why do you think you feel that way?
• Look up "kind" from verse 35 here. Really consider the fist (I.) definition listed.  Read that statement of Jesus replacing "kind" with "useful".  Now read Jesus' final explanation of how we are like God when we behave and think this way.  How do you feel about that, and why?
• In the Hebrew Scriptures, there's no exact quote from verse 36.  But look at this phrase repeated in Leviticus over and over:  Leviticus 11:44, 45; 19:2; 20:7,26; 21:8.  How do you think these two phrases might be related, or could they be?
• The next section, especially verse 37 is often quoted, but not necessarily understood.  Look up 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 and 1 Corinthians 5:3, 9-13.  Based on Paul's understanding of 'judging others', what do you think Jesus means here?
• Consider the context with verse 37.  The next set of statements has to do with forgiveness and giving.  Why do you think Jesus would connect that with judgement? How does this connection help you better understand judging others?
• Jesus moves through four reciprocating attitudes toward others.  In each case do you view the reciprocation coming from God or other people?  Why did you choose whichever one you chose?
• Jesus then threads blind leading blind, disciples and teachers, and beams versus splinters in the eye.  We have probably heard a lot of these taken on their own, but what connection do you see between blind leading blind and disciples being above teachers?  How about disciples being above teachers and helping someone with a splinter when you have a beam in your own eye?  What's the connection there?
• Why do you think Jesus is telling them these parables?  Jesus is a power radiating healing machine as He tells them this.  Would they really think that they're smarter than Him?  Who is this for, and why is Jesus telling them?
• Fruit shows the kind of tree...how do you see this related to the blind leading blind, disciples and teachers, and board-eyed splinter helpers?
• From the treasury of the heart the mouth speaks.  This is related to fruit, but also to the previous parables.  Again, what do you see as the connection?
• Jesus wraps up with obedience and what it looks like for disobedience.  How do you see this connected to the previous "fruit/words" point, and the three parables?
• If Jesus is so adamant about obedience at the end, then how should we approach the treatment of the poor versus rich from the beginning?  What about the treatment of enemies?

I can't imagine there being no AHA moments from this.  I don't think I even need to list out how to process it as such.  You know what to do...

Choosing Followers; Giving Marching Orders

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting December 3 to study Luke 6:12 through as far as we get.  We probably won't get much further than the choosing of the Twelve.

Seeing the choosing and the immediately following sermon as connected ties who was chosen to the 'job description' for the position.  These can be disconnected, but I believe in Luke's mind they are very closely connected.  The main reason is that, between them, the distinct grammatical element of "Now it happened..." (v.1), or "And it came to pass..." found in verse 1 and 12 is missing in verse 17.  This construction also appears in verse 6 but is left untranslated in nearly every translation due to a textual variant leaving it out.  Luke has used this structure nearly every time he transitions from one event to another.  So that it's missing in verse 17 is something to consider.

If you're still awake, go ahead and read through the remainder of the chapter.  Keep in mind that this passage generally parallels Matthew 5 through 7.  Reading them together is helpful, but can also be confusing.  Matthew doesn't connect the sermon to the selection of the Twelve, but does mention the disciples.  He also has more than double the amount of sayings of Jesus; many of which do not occur in Luke at all (others are located in other places in Luke).

But we may not get further than the distinct differences between the different lists of the Twelve this week.  For comparison, these lists are found in Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, and Acts 1:13 (also by Luke).  Some name differences, like two, are easy to reconcile.  Others can be, but some can't. So work through them, but also be ready to accept that we just simply don't know.

The order of study should be to read the passage first, jotting down your own thoughts and questions.  Only after you have studied on your own should you look at other sources.  Let the Spirit lead you first so He can point out to you the areas He wants to work on in your life; your own AHA moments.

After you have a good handle on the passage, let me shake it up a little as you go through the questions below.  These only go through the selection of the Twelve and the setup for the sermon.

• What does it reveal to you about the Trinity that Jesus has the need to pray all night before He selects the Twelve?
• Jesus selects twelve of His disciples and designates them apostles.  Considering that the word apostle basically meant "emissary" or simply "someone on a mission for someone else", why do you think this designation was used here?
• Andrew, the brother of Peter makes the top, right behind his brother. In Matthew he's in the same place, in Mark though he's buried in the middle.  Since Mark gets his material from Peter, why do you think he would put Andrew so much lower?
• At least Andrew is in every list.  In Luke, who is this other "Judas" (see also John 14:22), and where is Thaddeus?  And why does no one include Nathaniel (see John 1:45)?
• Consider the other lists.  What do you think about differences in order?
• In Matthew 5, the sermon occurs on a mountain (Matthew 5:1).  Here Luke has Jesus descending to a "level place".  Considering the content similarities why do you think that the "places" are different?
• Luke has Jesus working as He speaks.  He's healing, and people are being healed just by touching Him.  Luke mentions that the power to heal is radiating from Him.  Why do you think this element of the setting is important for the content of the sermon?
• People came from Tyre and Sidon, not just Jerusalem and Judea.  Look Tyre and Sidon up on a map.  Do you think that there were Gentiles in the group?  Why do you think the possibility might be important to Luke?

After going through the questions, consider your observations, what you've read in commentaries, and whatever you been able to glean from the questions above.  What AHA moments have you discovered in this passage?  What actions do you need to take in light of what you've discovered?

What Is Work Anyway?

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting November 19 to study Luke 6:1-11.  This passage is made up of two run-ins between Jesus and the teachers of His day.  The problem they have is Sabbath-Keeping rules.  There is a huge cultural issue at stake for the Jews with this, and internal debate is very hot in Jesus' day.  So be sure to research Sabbath rules, and particularly during and after the Maccabean Revolt.

Read through the passage a few times jotting down questions and observations.  Look up the Sabbath article in the ISBE on the Blue Letter Bible site (see link above), and pay close attention to II.2. in that entry.  After you have your own set of questions and observations, then go to any commentary you can find (including those on the BLB site).  From them you may find answers, additional observations, and additional questions.  Jot those down too and bring them Thursday.

After having done your own study, go back through with the questions below:

• If the disciples were plucking, rubbing, and eating the heads of the grain, what were they doing in violation of the Sabbath?
• What does it tell you about the Pharisees own Sabbath keeping that they were in the fields with them?
• When they call Jesus on it, Jesus doesn't claim they didn't break the Sabbath.  Instead He refers to David breaking another rule.  What do you think is the underlying connection between His disciples breaking the Sabbath and David taking the holy temple bread?
• Jesus then tells the Pharisees that "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."  What do you think it means to be "Lord of the Sabbath"?  Why do you think Jesus would use that term?
• Greek is more grammatically fluid than English.  The essential construction in Greek would read "Lord is of the Sabbath the Son of Man."  The only grammatical element that is not a "subject" element is "of the Sabbath".  Essentially "Lord" = "Son of Man" and these are equated with respect to the Sabbath.  Considering the audience of this statement are Pharisees, what do you think they thought of Jesus' claim?
• We're not told of the Pharisees response to Jesus' claim to be Lord, not in any of the Gospels.  Why do you think that would be left out after such a dramatic claim on the part of Jesus?
• In verse 6, the word normally translated as "withered" can be found here.  Consider all the other possible and common translations of this word.  What do you think was wrong with the man's hand?
• The religious teachers watched Jesus closely because they wanted to know if He would heal the man.  But Jesus had already cast out demons in the Synagogue (see Luke 4:31-40).  So why do you think they are only now trying to find reason to accuse Him?
• Jesus knew, from before, that they were thinking these things.  So what do you think is His point in bringing the man in the middle of them and asking His question?  What do you think Jesus is getting at?
• Jesus uses the same term, "lawful" in His question to them that they used with Him in the fields. Look that word up.  Notice that it's not based on the word for "law" but from being, like Jesus' claim to authority.  So, it's not a law, but people's interpretation of that law at the core of this issue.  How does that change this issue for you?
• Jesus commands the man to stretch out his hand.  What does that tell you about how the man holds his hand?  In that case how do you think everyone knew his hand was withered?  What then does that tell you about the scene; the people, the man, Jesus' presence there, and so on?
• The Pharisees don't accuse Jesus right there, even though He does what they hoped He would so they could accuse Him.  Why do you think they were thwarted at that point?
• Considering the things you've read about the Sabbath, especially in that culture then, why do you think this bothered the Pharisees so much?  What's their problem?

 Those are plenty of questions to carry us through an hour or so.  Now, what were your AHA moments?

AWAKENING:  What in this passage woke you up?  Why?  What is the Holy Spirit telling you with the "alarm"?

HONESTY: If you are honest with and about yourself, what's the problem in your life and your life with God that is at issue here?  Perhaps you have discovered you focus on minor issues in others to the detriment of your love and compassion for them?  Where is your struggle in this issue?

ACTION:  What do you need to do different in light of the alarm and honest assessment?  What do you need to start doing or stop doing?

Plenty of things to discuss this Thursday.  See you all then!

Retirement Party at Levi's House! EVERYONE Welcome!

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting November 12 to study Luke 5:27-36. There are lots of opportunities to ask why in this passage.  Why do the Pharisees care, why do they ask the disciples instead of Jesus, and so on.  Take every opportunity to ask why.

Read through the passage several times, making notes.  You have extra time this session, two weeks, so take your time, but don't wait until next week to start.  Jot down notes and questions you have before you use any commentary materials.  Look up stuff like banquets and so on in a good Bible dictionary and/or Bible handbook.  Once you feel familiar with the passage, then go to any commentary materials you may have.  See if your questions get answered and what new ones you come up with.  After you've done all that, go back through with the questions below:

• What have you learned/looked up about taxes, specifically the ones Levi was collecting? If you haven't looked any up, check out this article at Blue Letter Bible. It's long, so focus on III.4. (Under The Romans), but you have time to read the rest for context and contrast.
• What do you think was involved in everything Levi left behind to follow Jesus?
• Levi hosts a banquet with Jesus.  Why do you think he would do that?  Why didn't he leave that and those friends behind when he "left everything"?
• Jesus eats with sinners.  What do you think about His comment to the offended Pharisees?  Why is he eating with them?
• Jesus says He came to call sinners rather than righteous.  What do you think He means by that? Do you think Jesus really believes the Pharisees are that healthy?
• The Pharisees then ask about fasting.  What do you think is the connection between these two subjects for the Pharisees? Perhaps an article on fasting would help?  Here's one.
• Why do you think the Pharisees would bring up John and his disciples as examples?
• What do you think Jesus' initial response about the bridegroom and groomsmen means?
• So, if the disciples don't fast now, but will later, what do you think Jesus' point is about the old and new (patches and wineskins)?
• Considering Jesus' final statement, what do you think Jesus is 'favoring' in this parable?

Below are some suggestions for applying the AHA principles to your study:

AWAKENING:  Prayerfully go through looking for the thing that God is using to awaken something in you.  Think through your life in relation to the people and teaching involved.  Jot down the 'alarm' that God is using with you.

HONESTY: Next be honest about your life in light of this 'alarm'.  Think through what God is pointing out to you about your life, like where you have strayed from a direction He gave you before, or about something you've been doing or not doing.  What do you see about your life in a new light from this passage?

ACTION:  Lastly, what do you need to do about what you discover?  What action do you need to take in light of your honest assessment of what God is saying to you?  What can you do now, before Thursday?  What do you need to do, perhaps long-term?

 

Be sure to bring your notes, questions, and any AHA realizations you found!

Touch And Forgiveness - Needs Of The Healed

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting October 29 to study Luke 5:12-26.  This account is of two healings, one of leprosy, and the other of a paralyzed man.  Both accounts are also found in Matthew and Mark.  It may be helpful to look up those parallel accounts and review the differences (which are slight). 

Read through the passage a few times.  Try and imagine yourself in the action, imagine the smells, the sounds, and the sights.  Sometimes the parallel accounts in Mark and Matthew help imagine the setting.  If you have a Bible dictionary, or look up leprosy on the Blue Letter Bible site to get a better sense of the social problems associated with the disease in Jesus' day.  With that, revisit the encounter between Jesus and the man with leprosy.

The issue in the second healing has to do with the "forgiveness of sins".  This opens up a huge discussion on what exactly is is sin, and why is forgiveness so restricted in Jewish religious teaching.  There are all sorts of places you can look such disucussions up, but the enormous amount of information can be overwhelming.  See what sort of definition you can come up with just from the limited discussion in this passage.

From all this examination on your own, make notes, jot down questions, and see what God may be telling you about these things or related things in your own life.  Please bring these notes questions and 'awakenings' to the meeting on Thursday.  After you have gone through this passage yourself a few times, go back through with the questions below:

• Why do you think Luke is not giving specifics about where Jesus is doing these healings?
• What sort of details about location can you get from Matthew and Mark?
• The man covered in leprosy says, "If you wish..."  or "If you desire..."  Why do you think he poses his request that way?
• Consider that Jesus first touches the man with leprosy before he even replies.  In that culture, why do you think this would be significant to the leper?
• Jesus says, "I wish..." or "I desire..." and then commands the man to be healed.  Think through that, Jesus commands the man to be healed.  Why do you think that might be significant?
• Jesus then commands the man to not tell people all over, but just to go to the priests and follow the law of Moses.  In Mark we see that the man didn't do that.  Why do you think this was important enough for Jesus to command the man, much in the same way he commanded him to be healed?  Why do you think the man didn't do it?
• Besides the obvious connection between the news and crowds around Jesus and his 'escape' to the wilderness to pray, why else do you think this might be an important detail for Luke (notice it's not in the other two gospels)?
• In the next account, we see the religious teachers showing up for the first time.  Right along with the comment about their presence is the statement about the power of the Lord to heal.  How do you think these statements might be related?
• The phrase about the power of the Lord is not only difficult to translate, but also disputed in its arrangement.  Essentially the power of the Lord is there for Jesus to heal.  It's power with a purpose.  This is not a typical way of referring to the power of the Lord, so why do you think it's important here?
• Read the other parallel accounts of the paralyzed man and his friends.  What do you think it was about the paralyzed man and his friends that showed remarkable faith?
• Seeing their faith, Jesus says, "Your sins have been forgiven."  If the power of the Lord was present to heal, and Jesus sees their faith, why do you think Jesus chose to tell him his sins were forgiven? Why not just start with healing?
• The teachers reason together, so it sounds like they are discussing outloud.  In Mark and Matthew, it seems they are reasoning quietly or silently, but thinking the same thing.  Either way, Jesus knows what they are saying/thinking.  Why do you think he asks them "why" if he already knows "what", wouldn't He also know "why"?  Why do you think they need to know why they were thinking that way?
• "What is easier, to say or to do?" What do you think Jesus meant here?  For instance, how would anyone know if Jesus was right, that the man's sins had been forgiven? But they would see right away if the man was healed.
• Jesus uses the healing to demonstrate his "authority" to forgive. What sort of statement do you think He is making here?  Equality with God, or perception given to Him by God, or something else? What do you think He is saying?
• It says that the people were amazed and glorifying God.  Do you think that included the religious teachers present?  What do you think they thought?

And now apply the AHA principles to what you read.

AWAKENING:  Prayerfully go through looking for the thing that God is using to awaken something in you.  Think through your life in relation to the people and teaching involved.  Jot down the 'alarm' that God is using with you.

HONESTY: Next be honest about your life in light of this 'alarm'.  Think through what God is pointing out to you about your life, like where you have strayed from a direction He gave you before, or about something you've been doing or not doing.  What do you see about your life in a new light from this passage?

ACTION:  Lastly, what do you need to do about what you discover?  What action do you need to take in light of your honest assessment of what God is saying to you?  What can you do now, before Thursday?  What do you need to do, perhaps long-term?

That should keep us busy for the week.  Be sure to bring your notes and any AHA with you Thursday!

The Best Fisherman Is The Carpenter?

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting October 22 to study Luke 5:1-11.  This is the account of the first disciples.  To catch us up with what's happened so far, Jesus has been baptized, gone to Nazareth to be rejected, healed the sick, cast out demons (and one fever from Simon Peter's mother-in-law), and taught about the Kingdom of God.  Now Jesus starts making disciples.

Read through the verses several times.  Look for details of this possibly familiar story that you missed before.  Ask questions about the timing, order of events, statements made and questions asked by the those involved.  Jot down questions and notes about what you read.  After that look through any commentary or study Bible notes you have.

Having done all that, go back through with the questions below:

•  Luke uses the term "the word of God" here for the first time, but it becomes fairly common in both Luke and Acts.  What do you think the term means for Luke at this point in Jesus' ministry?  What do you think constitutes 'the word of God'? 
• Jesus finds two boats empty on the shore with the fishermen washing their nets.  So what do you imagine is the time of day at this point?
• Jesus steps into the boat of Simon and asks him to put out a little from the shore.  This makes sense with the crowds pressing in around him, but think about the fact that Jesus has already been to Simon's house, and healed his mother-in-law (see Luke 4:38-39).  How does that help provide more context for you knowing that there is already some familiarity between Jesus and Peter?
• After Jesus has stopped speaking, He addresses His 'captive audience' in Simon.  Since we can assume Jesus already knows what He wants to do, why do you think He chooses this way to do it?  Why through fishing, if it's something Simon is already familiar with?
• Simon protests, but relents.  What do you think this says about Simon's attitude toward Jesus?
• Simon uses a term, 'master' for Jesus.  Follow the link to look this word up on the Blueletter Bible site.  Look over this term Simon uses for Jesus.  What do you learn about Jesus and His relationship to His disciples from this word/term?
• Simon puts out and lowers his nets.  The response of the fish is immediate.  Simon didn't 'chum' the water, he knew how able (or unable) he was to catch fish at that time of day.  So, what do you think this said to Simon about Jesus?
• The amount of fish nearly sinks both boats.  This is probably more than they catch on their best day, and this hasn't been a good day, up till now.  What do you think Simon is thinking as more and more fish come into the boats?
• Simon responds by telling Jesus to go away from him.  Why do you think he would do that?  Considering what Jesus just did for his business, what's with his sinfulness now?  He's not too sinful to listen to Jesus' teaching, not too sinful to have Jesus visit his house, heal his mother-in-law; but now, with all these fish, he's too sinful.  What's up with that?  What do you think Simon knows now he didn't before?
• Jesus responds with a 'do not fear' statement, common in both the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.  Why do you think this is important for Jesus to say and for Simon to hear?  What do you think Simon was afraid of?
• From now on Simon will catch men, in somewhat the same way he caught fish.  How does this help you understand the choice of miracle for Jesus, again considering what His purpose was from the start?
• All of the fishermen landed (including James and John), and they 'divorce' or 'forgive' everything and follow after Jesus.  Think about the choice of word for 'left everything', click the link to see the definition on the Blueletter Bible site.  What does it normally mean or mostly translated as?  How does that help you understand what these men did to follow Jesus?

And now apply the AHA principles to what you read.

AWAKENING:  Prayerfully go through looking for the thing that God is using to awaken something in you.  Think through your life in relation to the people and teaching involved.  Jot down the 'alarm' that God is using with you.

HONESTY: Next be honest about your life in light of this 'alarm'.  Think through what God is pointing out to you about your life, like where you have strayed from a direction He gave you before, or about something you've been doing or not doing.  What do you see about your life in a new light from this passage?

ACTION:  Lastly, what do you need to do about what you discover?  What action do you need to take in light of your honest assessment of what God is saying to you?  What can you do now, before Thursday?  What do you need to do, perhaps long-term?

That should keep us busy for the week.  Be sure to bring your notes and any AHA with you Thursday!

Rebuking Spirits and Fevers

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting September 3 to study Luke 4:31-44.  This is more an introduction into Jesus' activity rather than His teaching at this point.  It can be assumed that, like in Acts, even though Luke doesn't detail each occurrence, these sorts of exorcisms and healings take place along side the teaching.

Read through the passage a few times in several translations (www.blueletterbible.org has several).  Jot down notes and questions about differences and word choices.  Words like 'authority' and 'rebuke' words have a range of meaning, but you may find a lot of others that are different between translations.

After you have your own set of notes and questions, go through a commentary or two (or study Bible notes).  See if these answer your questions, bring up new ones, or modify your notes at all.  See what nuggets you glean from them, but feel free to disagree with their conclusions.  Good ones tell you when they're guessing, and commentaries do a lot of guessing.

After you've gone through your notes and a few commentaries, go back through the passage with the questions below:

• Jesus 'went down' to Capernaum and does these things, but from what we read previously, He'd already been doing them there.  Why do you think this sounds somewhat out of order?  Or does it sound out of order to you?
• What do you think the people heard in Jesus' teaching that had 'authority'?  How do you think it was different than what they heard the other rabbis teach?
• Consider what the 'spirit' says in a few different translations.  Why do you think the spirit addresses Jesus this way?  If it knows who Jesus is, why challenge Him?
• Why do you think that the spirit's knowledge of who Jesus is would be a 'threat' it might hold over Him?
• Look at the word for 'astonish' in verse 32, and compare it with 'amazement' in verse 36.  What differences do you see?  How is the response to Jesus' teaching different from their response to His casting out of a demon?
• The word for what Jesus does to the fever in Simon's mother-in-law was the same as what He did in the synagogue to the spirit, 'rebuke'.  Why do you think Jesus would rebuke a fever as if it could 'obey'?  How do you understand His approach and what it means for the 'cause' of the fever?
• The sun is going down and people are brining sick to Jesus, and He works through the night.  He tries to leave the next day, and they try to prevent Him.  What do you think about the people treating Jesus this way?  Why do you think they would be so insistent?
• What does this tell you about the extent of sickness and demon possession just in this region?  How different is that from our 'region' here?
• Jesus goes to towns in Judea.  That's a long way to walk from Galilee. Why do you think He would go there?

This should be plenty to keep us occupied for our time together.  This will be the last study page for  a while, as we go through AHA. 

Some Home Town Hero?

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting August 27 to study Luke 4:14-30.  This begins Jesus' ministry, and only Luke starts Jesus out in Nazareth.  There are some really peculiar elements and curious behaviors on both sides.

Read through the passage a few times, jot down notes and questions. After you have a few notes of your own, go through some commentaries looking for different perspectives.  Lastly go back through with the questions below:

• Jesus goes to Galilee in the power of the Holy Spirit. Why do you think it made sense to get some experience under Him before he went back home?
• Jesus returns to the place where He was raised.  He follows His custom of going to the synagogue.  How do you imagine the scene in the synagogue in Nazareth?  How does the scene progress?
• Readings are specific, and the passage Jesus chooses isn't on the list (so some say).  Why do you think Jesus would deviate from the prescribed readings?  What do you think the people in the synagogue thought about that?
• Jesus sits and declares that this prophecy is fulfilled in their hearing.  Why do you think the people respond as they do?  What is their point?
• How do you think their response affirms or denies Jesus' declaration that He fulfills the prophecy?  Or what do you think of their response?
• Jesus' response supposes their request that He do the things in Nazareth that He's done elsewhere.  Why do you think this is a criticism of the people of Nazareth?
• Jesus also supposes that He is not welcome there (v.24).  What do you think it was in what they said or how they responded to Him in the synagogue that gave Jesus that impression?
• He then sites examples from Elijah and Elisha.  In Sidon, Elijah was hiding from Ahab.  Why do you think this fits this situation?  With Elisha, Naaman goes to the king of Israel, not Elisha, so how does that fit this situation?  How sure can we be that neither prophet did anything in Israel for widows or lepers?
• Jesus' point obviously isn't in the details of the lives of these prophets.  So what do you think His point is?  Why do you think it was meaningful to site these particular two prophets?
• The people are full of wrath.  They take Jesus to the 'brow of the hill' except Nazareth doesn't seem to have a 'cliff' or some such.  So what do you think they meant? 
• Jesus simply passes through them and leaves.  How do you imagine that happening?

That should keep us busy for a while.  Remember to bring your questions and notes to the group.

If You Are...Tempted

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting August 20 to study Luke 4:1-13, the Temptation of Jesus.  It is a short passage, but I figured that there would be plenty to keep our attention for an hour or so just in 13 verses.

This passage follows immediately on the baptism of the last chapter.  There are plenty of questions to ponder especially when this account is considered along side Matthew's account.  Read through the passage several times, making notes and questions.  Look at the passage in as many diverse translations as you have.

Only after you have your questions and notes should you go to commentaries.  There are plenty of options, Blue Letter Bible has several resources.  If you have a tablet, I encourage you to get the Blue Letter Bible App, making it even more convenient.  There are commentaries, but also an encyclopedia, Strong's Concordance, and a couple of nice dictionaries.

After you have done your stuff, go back through with the questions below:

• Luke describes Jesus as "full of the Holy Spirit".  How do you think Jesus could be anything else?  Why do you think Luke is using that description here?
• Read Matthew 4:2, 3; and then Luke 4:2 again.  How long was Jesus being tempted?
• In both Matthew and Luke, Jesus fasts for 40 days.  Why do you think this detail is important?
• In both Matthew and Luke they include the detail that, after the 40 days, He was hungry.  Why do you think they worded it that way?  Wasn't He hungry before that?
• Consider the 'format' of the devil's temptation, 'If you are...' What do you think the devil is getting at with Jesus?  Why do you think he thought that was Jesus' weak-spot?
• The first temptation is the stone-to-bread suggestion.  Jesus performs lots of miracles, who cares since no one is around, why is this one wrong?
• Jesus' responses to the devil all come from Deuteronomy (or can be found there too).  What about His response about the 'stone-to-bread' suggestion transforms the issue?  What do you think is the issue for Jesus?
• The second and third temptations are swapped in Matthew and Luke.  It's hard to know who 'published' first, so why do you think the order is different here?  Which order do you think makes more sense?
• The devil shows Jesus all the nations or kingdoms of the inhabited earth in a moment.  In Matthew, the devil shows Jesus all the nations and their glory.  A little difference in emphasis here, so why do you think Luke ignores their glory and instead focuses on the fact that the devil did it in a moment?
• In Luke, the devil claims the kingdoms are his to give, and Jesus doesn't dispute this claim.  What do you think that means that the devil can claim that he has all the kingdoms of the world?
• The requirement the devil sets on his giving Jesus the kingdoms is that Jesus bow down and worship him.  We look at this and it sounds really stupid.  What do you think we know now that perhaps the devil didn't know then? Or why do you think the devil went right there?
• Jesus responds again from Deuteronomy.  The issue isn't the kingdoms, it's worship.  What sorts of things do we attempt to gain, but at the cost of worshipping Jesus?
• The final temptation listed in Luke is the bungee-jump from the pinnacle of the Temple.  What does the devil say Jesus would gain here?
• The devil quotes Psalm 91:11, 12.  Look at verse 13 though.  Look at the verses before and after.  Besides the irony that the serpent is quoting a passage referring to his defeat, what else is do you see interesting in the Psalm 91 passage?
• What does it mean to you that the devil used a passage of Scripture in his temptation?  What does that tell you about Scripture knowledge?
• Jesus replies that we are not to 'test' the Lord.  Yet in Malachi, God says to 'test Me in this...'  So, what do you think the issue with this temptation?
• Consider all three temptations together.  What do you think the common thread of each of these is? 
• What do you think makes up a temptation?
• What do you think is the difference between a temptation and a 'test'?
• Consider the possible consequences for Jesus acquiescing to any of these temptations.  What is it about each one that would make them 'sin'?
• How do you define 'sin'?

That should be plenty to keep us busy.  Remember to bring your own questions and observations to the group Thursday.

Blessings upon you until then!

Re-Focus on Jesus

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting August 13 to study Luke 3:15-38. This picks up from where we left off last week. We will then proceed through the end of the chapter.

The people's response to John and his response is interesting. Read through the passage several times, note interesting details, and jot down questions. You may find it useful to review genealogies in Genesis and Chronicles.

After going through on your own, review some commentaries or study Bible notes. Look online at Blue Letter Bible site, or other Bible site you like. Maybe some brief article on John the Baptist would help as well. Those can be found in a good Bible dictionary or encyclopedia.

• How does John depict Jesus' ministry and purpose?  Is that how you would characterize His ministry and purpose?
• Remember Herod was mentioned in the 'timing' in verse 1.  Where was Herod? And therefore, where along the Jordan was John?At what point in Jesus' baptism does the Holy Spirit appear?
• Read Matthew 3:13-17 and Mark 1:9-11. Now read John 1:32-34. Think through the slight differences in detail. Who heard and saw what?
• What do you think the relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit was before this?
• Why do you think Luke would add that Jesus was praying during the baptism? Or do you think that means it happened afterwards?  Or what do you think Luke is referring to?
• What difference does it make whether the voice speaks to Jesus or those around Him? ('You are' in Luke and Mark versus 'This is' as Matthew has it)
• Go to Matthew 1, and list just the names backwards from Jesus to Zerubbabel.  Then flip back to Luke 3, and list the names forward from Joseph to Zerubbabel.  Considering the numerous differences, just in this section, what do you think might be going on?
• There are fewer differences from Zerubbabel back to David, but still Matthew fairly closely follows the king list of Judah in the line of David.  Where do you think Luke is drawing his from?  If you find more than one commentary, what do they think?
• Considering both lists (Luke and Matthew), what do you think the point of each might be? 

That will probably be more than we can get through once again, but we'll give it a shot.  Who knew genealogies could be fraught with so much controversy?

John The Dipper

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting August 6 to study Luke 3:1-20. This is the ministry of John the Baptist (or Dipper). I didn't realize that Luke goes through the whole thing in 20 verses and then goes back a little for the baptism of Jesus. Why would Luke use the whole of John's ministry as his introduction into who he was?

Read through the verses a few times (yes, over and over) and jot down questions and insights. Use a few translations and note their differences, at least ones that seem to disagree on what something means. After that, use your commentaries or ones you find online, and see what questions are answered, and what additional questions you come up with.

After doing all that, go back through with the questions below:

• Verses 1 and 2 are about the timing.  Why do you think Luke spends so much time on timing here?
• Consider the list of people Luke chooses to place John's ministry in time.  Why do you think it made sense to use people like that?
• Luke quotes a prophecy of Isaiah (40:3-5a).  Read the rest of the prophecy (40:1-8 perhaps).  How does the coming of Jesus, announced by John fit the depiction in Isaiah?
• Why do you think John would refer to those coming out to him as 'children of vipers'?
• What constitutes repentance for John? Why would that be important?
• Why do you think John would undermine their reliance on Abraham?
• Consider the people's response to John as he lays into them.  Why do you think they would be so receptive to his critique?
• We're not soldiers extorting, or tax collectors, but how do you think we can apply John's word to them?
• How does John depict Jesus' ministry and purpose?  Is that how you would characterize His ministry and purpose?
• Remember Herod was mentioned in the 'timing' in verse 1.  Where was Herod? And therefore, where along the Jordan was John?

That should carry us through an hour anyway.  Blessings upon you all until we see each other Thursday!

Old-lady Prophet and a Lost Boy

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting July 30 to study Luke 2:36-52. This too can be considered familiar if you attended Sunday School as a kid. As adults, we don't tend to spend much time on Jesus' childhood. Seems he's always going to the Temple; which sets us up nicely for his adult life.

Read through the remainder of chapter 2 a few times. Jot down notes and questions that come to mind. Try to imagine you're there watching these events. Imagine it like 'reality tv' or something. What do you see, hear, and think. Then go to commentaries, and see what questions and answes you find.

After this, go back through with these questions:

# What role do you think Anna served in the Temple as a prophetess?
# Considering the religious 'machine' of the busy temple system, what do you think of Simeon and Anna, clearly two anomalies in an otherwise cynacal religious system? If there's room for them, who else might you find there?
# Simeon takes (or receives) the Child, but Anna simply talks about Him around Him. How do you imagine this looked?
# Who are these ones looking for the redemption of Jerusalem? Why not the redemption of all Israel?
# They return to Nazareth. That does not coincide well with Matthew's account, since the Wise guys haven't shown up yet. What are possible explanations?
# Jesus is raised in a devout family. Why do think Luke makes such a clear point of that?
# They go to Jerusalem for the Passover yearly. But year 12, He is 'lost'. What do you think is going on with Jesus?
# They travel a whole day, then take three more to find Him in the Temple. Where did He 'live' for four days?
# Pretend you're Joseph. How does it feel to hear Jesus ask why they didn't know He had to be in His Father's house?
# Jesus returns and submits to them. How do you feel about the paradox here? Jesus, God incarnate, submits to human parents. Why is this even necessary?
# How do you parent God?
# How does God grow in favor with God?

Sorry for the lame formatting. Blogger doesn't have many text format options. But these questions should keep us busy for a few minutes.

News Boys

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting July 23 to study Luke 2:15 through 35.  We didn't finish with the shepherds last week, so we'll pick up there and continue through Simeon, or as far as we get.  We have a lot of chapter 2 left, so we'll take it as we can.

This passage (or two passages) are very interesting.  The shepherds tell their story far and wide, but we're left wondering about the people's response.  And then there's the process with Jesus' parents and the legal rules they're following.  And then there's Simeon, an enigma.

Read through the passage a few times, jotting down observations, questions, notes.  Read it in a few different translations to see differences. Think through those differences and make more notes. After you have some notes and questions, only then look through commentaries (Blue Letter Bible app or site if you need some).  Adjust your questions and notes accordingly.  After you've done that, go back through with the questions below:

Luke 2:15-20

• The show is over, and all they know to look for is a baby in cloths lying in a feed trough.  Why do you think that was enough?
• It is enough detail and they find the three.  Luke doesn't say what the shepherds did while with Joseph and Mary, but what do you think they did?  They had to have done one thing at least.
• The shepherds then tell everyone (and Bethlehem is crowded right now).  The people who hear wonder, what do you think is significant about what Mary does?  Keep in mind, Luke uses Mary's response as a 'contrast' to everyone else here.
• Who else from Bethlehem do you think came to see the three?

Luke 2:21-22

• In Matthew, we find none of this detail.  We do in the case of John's circumcision in the previous chapter, except for one detail, the trip to Jerusalem.  See what 'law' you can find that explains why they need to go Jerusalem and why.
• What laws of purification are 'they' following?  See what you can find, again.
• Why do you think it is so important for Luke to include these details?  What point do you think he's trying to make with his readers?

Luke 2:23-35

• Read verse 23 in several versions.  What is Simeon waiting for?  What do you think that means?
• How old do you think Simeon is?  We always think he's old, but it never actually says that.  So how old do you think he was?
• The Holy Spirit is 'on' Simeon.  Considering the infrequency of such qualities in the Old Testament, what purpose do you think the Holy Spirit has for him?
• So how do you imagine Simeon 'receives' the baby? What does that look like as you imagine it?  How do you imagine Joseph and Mary responding?
• What do you think of Simeon's 'song'?  It begins with, "Now dismiss" and in Latin it's 'Nunc Dimitis' which is used in Catholic and Protestant liturgical worship.  
• What do you think is going on in Simeon's mind and heart?
• Joseph and Mary witness this 'song' by Simeon.  What do you think they think?
• After this brief musical interlude, Simeon has some things to say to Mary.  Why do you think Mary specifically?
• In his song, Simeon says that Jesus will illuminate the glory of Israel, but to Mary he says that he is appointed for the 'falling and rising of many'.  How do you think these ideas might be connected, or do you think they are?
• You are told that your new-born son will be "a sign to be opposed", what do you feel?  What emotions (gut response) do you have in response?
• Oh, and by the way, a sword will pierce your soul too.  He just a bearer of great news isn't he?  What do you think he meant by that remark? 
•  So, does the sword through Mary's soul reveal the thoughts of many hearts, or does the sign to be opposed reveal those thoughts, and a sword pierces Mary too?  Look around at different translations.  What do you think that all means?
• What does this comment tell you about Luke's perspective of Mary as he writes?  
• Why do you think he seems to know her so well?

That should be plenty to wade through for us.  Be sure to bring your own notes, questions, and comments. See you Thursday!

The Birth of Jesus - In July!

This the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting July 16 to study Luke 2:1-20.  Merry Christmas!  In July!  There are some interesting elements to this very familiar account that should be fun and helpful for us.

Per our usual, read through the passage several times.  Jot down observations and questions you have from the details you read.  Once you have those, then go to any commentaries you have available.  See which of your questions you can answer, and then gather more from what commentaries have. 

After having done that, go back through with the questions below:

• What commentary were you able to find on the 'timing' of the birth of Jesus?  It seems important to Luke, so how spot on was he?  Or do we know?
• Who is not mentioned in Luke's account, even obliquely?  I'm thinking of the person we usually use for the timing of Jesus' birth.
• What city is typically thought of as the 'City of David' in Hebrew Scriptures?
• David figures prominently in where Joseph goes.  Why not 'Judah' or some other reference, why do you think David is the 'head' of his family?
• Regarding timing again, are Joseph and Mary married yet?
• How important to Luke do you think the 'stable' is as the place Jesus was born?  
• Shepherds shepherding, living outdoors, the time of year must be warm.  So when, in the year do you think Jesus was born?
• One angel shows up.  So, what are the odds it's Gabriel?
• The announcement is made, the shepherds are impressed, why do you think the 'choir' was necessary?
• If the shepherds were afraid at one angel, what do you think they felt when the 'multitude' showed up?
• Read the 'song' of the angels in a few translations.  So who is this peace for?  And is the 'good will' or 'favor' already present, or also a 'gift'?
• The show is over, and all they know to look for is a baby in cloths lying in a feed trough.  Why do you think that was enough?
• It is enough detail and they find the three.  Luke doesn't say what the shepherds did while with Joseph and Mary, but what do you think they did?  They had to have done one thing at least.
• The shepherds then tell everyone (and Bethlehem is crowded right now).  The people who hear wonder, what do you think is significant about what Mary does?  Keep in mind, Luke uses Mary's response as a 'contrast' to everyone else here.
• Who else from Bethlehem do you think came to see the three?

That should keep us talking (and guessing) for a while.  Remember to bring your questions and observations.

And The Mute Will Sing!

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting July 2 to study Luke 1:57-80.  This was a lot of verses but not long ones.  There are several allusions to Psalms, and prophets in the wording, somewhat like Mary's song.

Read through the passage several times making notes on the various things that are interesting to you.  Look for things you might find strange to say at a 'baby shower'.  Jot down your insights and questions.  Then use any commentaries you have about you; study Bible notes, or whatever. 

After that, go back through the passage with the questions below:

• We noted last week that 6 months and 3 months meant Mary remained until 9, when John would be expected to be born.  Considering the wording of this section, do you think she was there with Elizabeth?  If so, why do you think she wasn't mentioned?
• Their relatives seem very involved with John's birth, celebrating with Zachariah and Elizabeth, why do you think they were so insistent to name him Zachariah?
• Finally Zachariah asks for something to write on, and the people are astonished he writes John.  Why do you think they were astonished at that name, or Zachariah's choice?
• What do you think it was about what Zachariah wrote that indicated he had 'learned his lesson' so to speak (and yes, that's a pun)?  What do you think he had not learned up to that point?  Or what do you think the timing was about?
• The first things out of Zachariah's mouth are praises.  His 'healing' affected everyone in the area around them.  So when do you think Zachariah says his prophesy over his son?
• There are a lot of common prophetic terms in Zachariah's 'song'; horn, visitation, redemption, salvation, and so on, but what do you see as his main theme in verses 68 through 75?
• From verse 76 on, he speaks to John.  This is more than Gabriel told him, so what has happened to Zachariah to reveal this to him?
• As John's father, what do you think Zachariah thinks of his own prophesy over his son?  What parts do you think he might, as a father, find troubling?
• Read verse 78 in as many translations as you have.  How do you imagine the sun rises from a height?  What does that even look like?  What do you think Zachariah is alluding to?
• Does John live with his parents, raised by them, or does he live in the wilderness, 'raised by wolves?'  What do you think verse 80 means for his childhood?

That should keep us busy for an hour or so.  Remember to bring your notes and questions to the group.

Magnificent Psalm of Mary

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting June 25 to study Luke 1:46-56.  This is a spontaneous poetic monologue attributed to Mary, named for the first word in it in the Latin Vulgate, Magnificat. 

This 'hymn' is filled with some interesting stuff; not the stuff of a teenage girl typically.  If it were truly spontaneous and/or truly something Mary said/wrote, we get a very intriguing look at her character, how she sees herself, and how she understands what's happening to her.

Read it slowly.  Find the parallel (repeated/contrasted) elements.  Look for themes, like the reversal of how things normally work in the world.  Try and come up with a central theme of this hymn.  See if there's one central point you see being made.

As always, jot down questions and interesting things you see.  Make notes, and only after that go to a commentary or two.  You can modify your questions from there, but don't dismiss them.  Commentaries never have all the answers.  Add notes and questions you have after reading commentaries.  After you have done all that, then go through the questions below:

• Notice that the verse divisions don't make a lot of sense throughout.  Why do you think that might be? (no wrong answer here, no one knows)
• Mary exalts and rejoices because all generations will call her blessed, and God's to blame.  What does that tell you about Mary's character?
• Mary refers to herself throughout as the Lord's maid-slave.  Consider what that means in that historical setting (maid-slave, see if you can find an article on it, like Blue Letter Bible site, in the ISBE).  Why do you think she sees herself that way?  What does that tell you about such a one being 'called blessed by all generations'?
• Mary lists lots of things God has done to 'bad people'.  How is what's happening to her God doing such things to such people?  Who do you think these 'people' might be?
• In several places, Mary uses contrasts.  Think about who is contrasted with whom.  How do you think she sees herself in those categories of people she uses?
• What makes Mary a slave, or poor, or humble, or hungry?  Why do you think she refers to herself this way?
• Christians interpret the "Servant Songs" of Isaiah as referring to Jesus.  Mary seems to tie them to Israel.  Who's right? (yep, look it up)
• Why do you think Mary stays with Elizabeth three months?
• What does Mary walk back into at home after that time?  What do you think of her courage?

That should be plenty for us.  Remember to bring your questions!

Baby Announcement - Take 2

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting June 18 to study Luke 1:26-45.  This is the announcement to Mary, which is different in many ways from the one made to Zachariah previously in this chapter.

This is one of the most familiar passages in Scripture because we spend so much time with it during Christmas.  We like to read how the angel appeared to Mary, as well as Joseph.  So that will make harder to find the things that seem strange.  There are a few though, one of which is the differences between this announcement and the previous one to Zachariah.  Even so, it will be difficult for familiarity to not breed some level of 'contempt'.

Read it through, jot down notes, come up with some questions that occur to you.  Be sure to use several translations and look up differences in word choice.  Then go to commentaries and see what they think.  After having done that, then go back through with the questions below:

• Look up a Jewish calendar, and see when their year started, and see when 'sixth month' would have been.  So what would nine months after that have been?
• The timing of the announcement of John isn't given.  Why do you think it would be important to give the timing of this announcement?  Or do you think this timing is tied to the first?
• What do you think of the difference in greeting between Gabriel to Zachariah and then to Mary?  What sort of 'greeting' was there to Zachariah?
• Mary is startled, but what does it sound like to you that she was most aware of when she sees Gabriel?
• After the greeting and her response, the rest sounds a lot like the announcement to Zachariah (with some obvious necessary differences).  But what do you think about the 'tone' of the two announcements.  Do you think there are or detect any difference in tone between the two?
• Mary asks how these things 'might be' since she's still a virgin.  This question doesn't bring any punishment.  What differences, if any, do you see between her response and Zachariah's?
• The word 'overshadow' is a compound word made up of 'over' and 'darken'; which makes sense. But what do you think of the irony that the coming of the Light of the World at first darkens Mary's?
• Mary doesn't ask for a 'sign' but the angel gives one anyway (Elizabeth), why do you think Zachariah was wrong then to ask for one?
• The angel points out that Elizabeth was in her sixth month, so was the first 'sixth month' the timing within the year, or after the previous events described (i.e. Elizabeth becoming pregnant).  Consider that it may be possible that her husband's temple visitation may have occurred as part of the New Year as well.  What do you think?
• The phrase of verse 37 is '...because every word beside God not powerless." But it could also be, "...because every word not powerless beside God." There is a slight difference in meaning.  Which do you think is intended?
• Consider Mary's response to all that Gabriel said.  How much do you think her response had to do with the last phrase of Gabriel?
• Mary goes to see Elizabeth in Judah.  Find Nazareth on a map, and then trace down to Judah.  We're not told where in Judah they were, but still, Mary is walking.  What does this tell you about how Mary feels about what she was told?
• Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit when she hears Mary.  Previously it was said that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit still in the womb, and he leaps when he hears Mary.  Why would Elizabeth only be filled now, not before when John was filled before?  Or do you think he was?
• Consider what Elizabeth says carefully.  What is it really that makes Mary 'blessed' or 'happy'?  Why do you think that is?  Why wouldn't it be the fact/event itself?

That should keep us going for a bit.  I was going to do fewer questions, but more came to mind, sorry...sort of.  

Luke: Good News of Jesus

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting June 12 to begin the study of Luke's Gospel.  This will be a long study folks, so settle in for the long trek.  But this trek will be through the life of Jesus, and no one is more odd to us than Jesus.  He will frustrate us, delight us, confuse us, and illuminate us beyond our ability to imagine.  Get ready.

The best way to prepare for this I hope you've already been doing.  Since we knew two weeks ago we'd be going through Luke, I was hoping you'd be reading through 'introductions' in study Bibles and any commentaries you could find.  The Blue Letter Bible has lots of resources, including the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE).  The entry for Luke is pretty good, but multi-volume commentaries will have good ones as well.

One of the things we'll discuss is Luke himself.  Find out all you can about him (which is probably sparse).  Most of what's out there is conjecture, but still interesting.  Sifting down to what we actually know is sometimes depressing compared with what we suspect, but still important.  Any decent Bible dictionary should have a good article on him.

If we have time, we'll dive into the first 25 verses of chapter 1 and begin to examine the announcement of John the Baptist, his parents, and 'announcements from God' in general.  We may not get that far, and there's no reason to push it.  If you've been reading a lot about Luke already, you can read ahead, and have some questions about verses 1-25.

That's all I have at the moment.  I know you were hoping for more of my amazingly insightful probing questions, but this week we'll just fly around without them (did I just hear a collective sigh of relief?).  See you Thursday!

The Plague of Accounting

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting May 21 to study 2 Samuel 24.  The LAST chapter!  Yes, we finally made it, and what a bizarre chapter with which to wrap up.  Here we see some of the oddest behavior of God recorded.  Theologians don't like this chapter, so don't be discouraged.  No one really understand it.  But we will slug our way through nonetheless!

Read through it several times.  It may be helpful with this one to read through fully with a few old and new translations.  Then pay close attention to the differences in how they build their statements.  Part of the differences you will see between translations of different time periods will be in theological views changing in the 20th Century (which is interesting).  So use a KJV and something else, but if you can find an American Standard Version (ASV - it's public domain - easy to find online for free), use that as well.

This is a good chapter to use with a Strong's either in print or online.  There are lots of places where words are difficult to understand, which you will see in the differences between translations.

You're going to have a ton of questions (everyone does).  So make sure to write them all down or you'll forget some.  The ones I have below are focused on stuff just below the surface, so that's why there's fewer of them, and none of them will be obvious or make much sense (kind of like the chapter as a whole).  Be sure to come up with your questions first, then look through whatever commentaries you have, and only then, look at the questions below.  DON'T START WITH THESE!  Please!

• The verb typically translated as 'incited' or 'moved' in verse 1 is clearly written to say that God caused David to do harm to the country.  Yes, God is angry with them, but what do you think the writer/editor is describing here?  What do you think God is doing?  This brings into question your assumptions about God and His character.
• The word translated as 'number', 'enroll', 'register' etc. is actually a very problematic generic word for 'visit'.  The reason for the visit is always left to context, and rarely with another 'helping descriptor' word. So it has tons of words it's translated into, with visit not even the most common.  You easily get the reason for the 'visit' here.  Why do you think this 'visit' is such a serious sin?
• Between the close of verse 10 and the beginning of verse 11 David obviously slept.  What do you think David thought about what he did and what this meant for his people?
• God offers David three options.  What do you think it says about David that he responded as he did?  
• How compassionate was three days of pestilence on the people of Israel?
• In verses 13 and 15, the word for the 'plague' or 'pestilence' is here. But in verses 21 and 25 the word is here.  How likely is it that the 'editor' used two different sources for the event?  What do you think that would do to contribute to making this difficult to understand?  Can you find any more of these?
• Consider the interaction between God and the 'angel' and David and the angel.  How do you imagine this happening?  Keep in mind David is in Jerusalem (or is he? - this is where the word for 'plague' changes).
• Read verse 23 in the KJV.  Remember that italicized words are ones added to help the translation make sense.  What if you read it without them, what do you think that means for this Arunah character?  Now what's going on?

There are plenty of other questions, so these are just additional ones you may not have caught or that most commentaries will simply ignore (some, not all).  It should be a lively discussion to wrap up 2 Samuel!

Nice Poem, Tough Guy

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting May 21 to study 2 Samuel 23.  This is a very interesting chapter.  It starts with a poem, and winds up with a roster of some of the toughest guys in ancient history.  They're not 'creepy', but they do give the uncomfortable sense of not being 'safe'; at least not for 'bad guys'.

Read through the chapter a few times.  Spend some time on the poem, especially considering the contrast from chapter 22, like in tone and in possible situation.  I think this is more one from later in David's life rather than 22 being earlier.  What do you think?

Make notes as you read through, jot down questions.  It's easy to get lost in the names, so basically look for familiar ones, ones that don't fit the 'pattern' and so on.  Only after doing this should you consult commentaries.  The commentaries will make a lot more sense at that point.  Remember to use different translations as well.  That helps spot difficulties in language (especially in the poem, but also among the names).

After reading through, taking notes, jotting questions, and reading any commentary and alternate translations, go back through with the questions below:

• Consider how David 'introduces' himself at the beginning.  Read it in a few translations.  What does verse 1 sound like to you?  Imagine it being said out loud.  Who do you imagine saying it?
• Starting in verse 2, David speaks of himself and his house.  What do you think of his self-assessment?
• Through verse 5, David speaks of the greatness of his house, but why is it great?  Where does his 'greatness' come from?  Why do you think he speaks about it in this way?
• After verse 5, David begins to contrast his 'house' with 'others'.  Look at these others in other translations.  Who do you think he refers to here?  Find a King James version among your translations.  They don't even try to translate it, but simply use the Hebrew word.  Considering the wide range of translation options, what do you think it means?
• Verse 8 begins the list of David's Mighty Ones.  The account begins with three, or the Three.  What makes these guys distinctive?
• Can you imagine such a fight where one guy with a sword or spear defeats everyone?  How is that possible?  What do you think such a fight would look like?
• Who won the victory in those encounters?  Why do you think that's important here?
• Why, after they worked so hard, do you think David pours out the water before God?  What did he do with it?  Do you think that was 'better' than drinking it?
• Everyone else is compared to the Three.  How do you think they compare?
• Why do you think Joab isn't listed?  His brothers made it on the list, and he survived the reign of David, why do you think he didn't make it?
• Abishai is left on his own in a way.  Why do you think that is?  How do you think he is compared to the "Three"?  So is he a 'good guy' or 'bad guy'?
• Benaiah is next after Abishai.  What do your commentaries say about his 'snowy pit lion fight' if anything?  
• He defeats one Egyptian.  How impressive is that considering the Three?  What do you think of him?
• His role seems to be in charge of the bodyguards (the Thirty), or is he simply 'the Bodyguard' of David?  Look at various translations.  What do you think?
• Then the list of the 'Thirty', and Asahel is first, but we know he dies early on before David is king over Israel.  So, is this a current list of David's body guard at the end of his reign?  Why do you think this list is included?  What's the writer's point with this list of the Three, the two, and the Thirty?  What do you think it says about David?

That should carry us through the hour (or so).  Be sure to bring your questions and notes!

A Gutless General And a Headless Fool

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting April 23 to study 2 Samuel 20.  This is another in a long line of strange tales from Scripture.  Joab, once again, comes to the forefront in all his bloody glory.

Read the chapter through a couple of times.  Be sure to use more than one translation.  Jot down observations, questions, and insight or application you gain as you read.  Then feel free to consult commentaries, either ones you have or anything on Blue Letter Bible.  Jot down any additional things you learn from your study of other resources.  After that, go back through with the questions below:

• A certain worthless fellow happened to be where? Where did this take place?
• Why do you think Benjamites are so problematic for David?
• Why do you think, after having the debate of 19:9 and 10, does everyone now follow 'a certain worthless fellow'?  Or do you think everyone followed Sheba? What clues do you see in the chapter that may indicate only some of the men of Israel followed him?
• Judah remains with David to Jerusalem (v.2), and he doesn't have Sheba pursued immediately.  Why do you think David isn't in much of a hurry here?  
• What are your thoughts on the Ten Concubines?  Was David fair here?
• Why give Amasa three days?  Why do you think three days isn't enough for Amasa?  Read that statement in several translations.  Does he wait three days to start gathering, or does it take more than three days to gather, or what?
• Whatever the problem, David doesn't wait for Amasa and all the men of Judah.  He sends out his own personal 'ites' under who?  Who does he give instructions to?  Why him and not Joab?
• The text is really clear about Joab being in his 'military garb'; well duh! He going to battle against a rebel, why do you think that detail is included?
• Imagine the scene.  How does a sword 'fall out' of its sheath while a soldier is walking?  If it does, how does a person being approached not notice something that big?
• If you've looked this passage over in several translations, you've seen some refer to Joab's 'dagger' at his belt.  Here's the word on Blue Letter Bible in the Strong's.  Why do you think they would translate it as 'dagger' here?
• Look at this event closely.  Which hand does Joab use to strike the blow to Amasa's stomach?
• Amasa wasn't 'on his guard'.  Why do you think the writer thought he should have been?
• Why do you think the detail that Amasa's innards 'poured out' was included? Then that Joab didn't strike him again, and then that he's 'wallowing in his blood'?  What is your overall impression of how Amasa dies?  What did Joab do here?
• Everyone (of Judah) stops at Amasa wallowing in his blood.  Why do you think they do that?  What are they thinking?  
• The man left behind by Joab throws Amasa's body into a field and throws a cloak over it.  This seems to solve the problem of people following Joab.  How do you feel about Amasa?  What do you think of him?
• See if you can find a map with Abel Beth-Maacah on it (good luck).  Where is place in relation to 'Gilgal'?  So, the detail that he 'went through all the tribes of Israel' isn't an exaggeration?
• Why do you think Sheba went all that far if he's from Benjamin (right close to where he was)?
• Read verse 14 in several versions.  Who do you think is doing what?  Read any commentary (the more the merrier here), what do they say about verse 14, if anything?  Why do you imagine this might be so hard to understand?
• What do you think the people of Abel Beth Maacah are doing while the ramp is being built to tear down the wall? Do you imagine a battle?  Why not go out to talk to Joab before they start tearing down the wall?
• Consider what the 'wise woman' says to Joab about their city.  Why do you think she terms it that way?
• Why do you think the writer is so persistent in referring to the woman as 'wise'?
• What do you think of Joab's side of the discussion? Is he really a man of peace?  He uses an oath or expletive that he would NEVER 'swallow up or destroy'.  Really?  Look at the wall! Hello!
• Imagine this dialogue, this is cultural Middle Eastern negotiation.  What do you think of it?
• What do you think of their solution?  Why does Joab recognize Sheba?
• The list of who does what in David's kingdom seems out of place to me.  Why do you think it's here?
• Joab is listed over the army.  Who is Benaniah?  Look him up in various resources.  What do you think of this guy?
• If Adoram was over the 'forced labor' what does that tell you about life in Israel during David's reign?  Does this guy every show up again?  What do you think of that?
• Jehosaphat is literally the one tasked with 'remembering'.  What do you think that means?
• Sheva is the 'scribe'.  Look up this word in Strong's (follow link).  What might be a modern 'profession' that is like this?
• Why do you think David has a personal priest?  We never hear of this guy anywhere else.  What do you think this guy does for David?

That should suffice for us this week.  Be sure to bring your study results to our group.  We need your perspective!

Rebuilding Burnt Bridges

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting April 16 to study 2 Samuel 19.  This chapter, in some ways, closes out the account of Absalom, and in some ways sets up the next difficulty of David.  The importance of this chapter is really found in the maneuverings of David to reestablish himself as king.

Read it through several times, and jot down things you notice or questions you have about the story.  Note who does what, what is said, ask yourself 'why' (both why did he say that, and why did that detail make it into the story), and try to imagine seeing and hearing these events.

After reading through with your own observations and questions, then go to other resources to get other perspectives.  Use other translations, and if you have access to more than one commentary, use them.  Modify your questions and observations from what you read.

After having done your own work through the passage, go back through with these questions:

• What do you think the people are feeling as they 'steal' into they city?
• Joab has absolutely no remorse for having killed Absalom and buried him in pit in the woods. Why do you think he's behaving as he is?  What do you think he's feeling?
• Considering the insult added to injury that Joab killed Absalom and feels no remorse, why do you think David puts up with this guy?  What clues have you found so far along this story?
• David complies with Joab and goes down to the gate.  What do you think changed in David that enabled him to do that?
•  Joab claims that David was being foolish, possibly selfish.  What do you think of what Joab said?  What do you think of how David responded?
• The 'men of Israel' fled and then started arguing about why they rebelled in the first place.  Think through what they say, perhaps in a couple of translations.  What do you think of their reasoning?  Why did they rebel in the first place?  What happened?
• David sends messages to Judah only.  Why do you think they were not included in the discussion among the 'men of Israel'? Or do you think they were?  If they were, then why do you think David reached out to them only?
• Think through the content of David's appeal to Judah.  What two things does he use to turn them around to his side?  Why do you think he had to work that hard?
• What do you think are some possible reasons that David replaces Joab so boldly and blatantly?
• What do you think it means for Joab's position or reputation among the men of Israel and Judah that he's replaced like he is, and with who he's replaced by?
• Judah returns to the king's side last, but arrives first at the Jordan.  Why do you think that is?
• Who else arrives?  What do you think of Shimei that he works to bring David back?
• Shimei is from Bahurim, which is where David's spies were hidden by someone.  What does that tell you about this village, and perhaps this revolt all together?
• Shimei helps the people over, then stops before David asking for forgiveness.  What do you think that says about his character, if anything?
• Think about what Abishai asks.  Why would he think that of a guy asking for forgiveness?  What do you think Abishai is thinking?
• David again asks why he puts up with 'the sons of Zeruiah'.  They are always referred to this way.  What do you suspect that says for why they have remained in David's service?
• David forgives Shimei, but glance ahead to 1 Kings 2:8,9.  What does this tell you of David's forgiveness? Do you think this is forgiveness as God sees it?
• Okay, did you miss Ziba's appearance with his fifteen sons and twenty servants?  Read verses 16 and 17 over and over.  What does this sound/look like to you?
• Who are the 1000 men with, Ziba or Shimei?
• Verse 17 is typically translated that Ziba and his household were among the 1,000.  What do you think about that?  If Ziba and Shimei were 'buddies' what does that tell you about the two of them as David's leaving Jerusalem? They both acted very differently, but who do you trust if either of them?
• Enter Mephibosheth, stage right.  How did he get to the Jordan if he was having so much trouble getting out of Jerusalem before?
• What about him would have been very difficult to 'fake' if he was insincere?
• What sounds 'funky' about Mephibosheth's explanation of why he didn't go?  Who's fault was it?
• How exactly did Ziba deceive Mephi in this explanation?
• What does Mephi rely on in his final plea?
• What do you think of David's judgement on them?  Why do you think he would judge that way? Who are you in favor of?
• What do you think of Mephi's response?
• Barzilai is from the east side of the Jordan.  What do you think of his explanation about why it would make no sense for him to go to Jerusalem with David?  What does his explanation tell yo about what to expect being supported by the king?
• We aren't told who Chimham is.  We don't know who his parents are, who his kids are, and this is the only place a reference to him is found.  Who do you think he is?
• Who meets David at Gilgal to bring him over?  What do you think it means, 'half of the men of Israel' (or 'troops' or 'people' or 'army')?
• So, if half are already there, who's left to be upset with Judah?
• Think through the reasoning of both groups.  Which one makes more sense?
• What do the men of Judah suspect the men of Israel suspect?
• What really irritates the men of Israel about Judah's claim on David?
• Imagine you're at the Jordan, at Gilgal.  Two huge crowds of men are arguing over David.  How do you feel?  What are you afraid is going to happen?
• What does happen in the final verse?  Peek ahead, is that more what you expected?

That should keep us busy for a few minutes Thursday.  I look forward to seeing everyone then!

A Dangerously Big Head

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting April 9 to study 2 Samuel 18.  This is an odd chapter.  It's also a great example of how I remember details wrong over the years.  I hadn't read this for some time, and I didn't remember David having so many people, and the battle being so bloody.  See why we keep reading?

Read through the chapter several times.  Sure, Absalom's death is funny in some ways, but think it through, imagine it, put yourself there.  It's not so funny really, but tragically ironic.  It's something that smacks of God in the details.  What about the other details though?  Look through those and again imagine the activity.  It means something that David has so many and that this battle is so costly.  Consider what that may mean.

As you go through the chapter, jot down notes and questions.  After reading through a few times, then consider commentaries.  As you read through commentaries, jot down more questions and observations.  It may be helpful, after reading any references you have, to go back through the chapter again.

After all that, go back through with the questions below:

• It never says how many people David has, but considering the 'officers' breakdown, he has to have at least 3,000.  Considering he left with 600 fighting men, where do you think these came from?
• He sets Joab and Abishai over troops, but why do you think Ittai?  He's a foreigner (from Gath), and David has others in his cadre who could easily have led.  What do you think it means or what do you think it says about Ittai that David sets him over troops?
• The people don't want David to go out with them.  Consider chapter 21:17, which may not be in chronological order.  Do you think David thought it was a good idea to go, or that he thought it was 'right' or 'necessary' for him to go?
• David tells Joab, Abishai, and Ittai to go easy on Absalom, and everyone hears it.  Why would he do that considering all that has happened?  Why do you think David is so hesitant to be hard on Absalom?
• The 'forest of Ephraim' is part of what defines their territory.  Look up Joshua 17:15-18 and see what the people thought when they were given the land.  Look up the word 'forest' and see how you imagine this 'wood'.  What do you imagine the fight to be like, especially considering that more died from the woods, than from other soldiers? 
• Who is favored in such a fight in such a difficult place?
• Absalom meets the servants of David, and is then caught in the tree.  How do you imagine this happening?  It says his 'head', and then he hangs there.  How does someone catch their 'head' in a tree and then dangles there?
• Some guy sees what happens to Absalom and tells Joab.  Look at Joab's response.  What has he decided to do regardless of what David said?  Why do you think Joab is so decisive even when David isn't?
• Joab is mad at the guy for not killing Absalom there and then.  What does the guy's response tell you about how Joab is viewed, even among his men?
• Considering that they guy tells Joab instead of simply capturing Absalom, what does that tell you about what the people thought about Absalom, and how to treat him?
• Joab doesn't debate with the guy, but more importantly, doesn't disagree with him.  How do you imagine this 'discussion' looking/sounding like, as if you were there?
• Joab thrusts THREE spears into Absalom (literally his heart).  Obviously, if he's still alive, this doesn't refer to the 'heart' as we know it, what might it refer to?
• Joab has people carrying his stuff which explains how he is able to use three spears (these are fairly large weapons).  They circle Absalom and kill him on the ground.  This is a pretty terrible gruesome death.  Why do you think they are so vehement?
• It says that Joab restrained the people.  What does that tell you about how the battle was going?
• What do you think of Abaslom's burial?  This is very different from Ahithophel's where he was 'gathered to his fathers'.  So, how do you think Abaslom was viewed by the 'servants of David'?
• All Israel flees, and then it remarks about Absalom's pillar.  What do you think happened to his sons mentioned in chapter 14 (14:27)?  
• When do you think the pillar happened, those aren't 'instant' especially if they are to last?  What does that tell you about 'time' taken here?
• Why do you think Ahimaaz is so adamant about going to inform the king?
• Why do you think Joab doesn't want Ahimaaz to go?  He likes Ahimaaz, and considers him a great bearer of news, just not this news.  Why?
• Cushites are from southern Egypt.  This is another example of a foreigner very loyal to David.  How does this idea that Philistines, Egyptians, and Ammonites serving David in service to God affect how you view Israel, and perhaps even God's acceptance of people?
• Ahimaaz runs in a 'roundabout' route, but out runs the Cushite, arriving first.  Read through the 'watchman's' report a few times.  What about this seems 'odd'?  Perhaps read it in a few versions, noting the differences.  What's odd about it?
•  David keeps saying, 'that means he brings good news' over and over, even when his basis of reasoning changes.  Why do you think he keeps saying this?
• What do you think of Ahimaaz' initial report?  How do you imagine Ahimaaz sounding once he arrives?
• The Cushite appears and finishes the account.  How does the Cushite seem to feel about Absalom's death?
• Does your version have verse 33? Some do and some don't. The Hebrew doesn't.  In Hebrew and many English versions, it's verse 1 of chapter 19.  Where do you think it belongs?

That is plenty to keep us occupied.  Remember to bring your questions and observations to the group. See you Thursday!

Pouting to Death

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting April 2 to study 2 Samuel 17.  This chapter has some danger, intrigue, spurious family lineage, out-and-out bold-faced lying, and grown-up deadly pouting.  It's fun!

Read through the chapter several times.  This is another place where those boring genealogies may come in handy.  Knowing who is connected to whom, and how may be instructive.  Just keep in mind the uncertainty that the same name isn't necessarily the same person.  Jot down questions and insights you gain along the way, and bring these with you Thursday.

After reading through a few times, go back through with the questions below:

• Before, Ahithophel is asked about what to do (16:20), but now Ahithophel volunteers his advice.  Why do you think Ahithophel is in such a hurry?  What do you think he's up to with his advice?
• Consider who David has with him, the bodyguard, the 'Three', the sons of Zeruiah, Beniniah (the guy int he pit with a lion on a snowy day-dude), and so on.  How likely do you think it is that Ahithophel and 12,000 are going to 'spook' these guys leading a desperate 600?
• This may be a good place to review David's bodyguard.  Read through 23:8 through the end of the chapter.  Then focus on the list of 30 bodyguards.  Who do you find in there, and is that a surprise?
• Considering Ahithophel's family, why do you think he would engage David this way?
• Who likes Ahithophel's plan?  What are all the elders of Israel doing there with Absalom?
• If Absalom and all the rogue elders of Israel like the plan, why do you think Absalom wanted to ask Hushai?  Sure God goaded him, but how did He do it?
• What is Hushai's basic problem with Ahithophel's plan?
• Considering chapter 23 you read earlier, how much do you think Hushai is embellishing, if any?
• Hushai counsels gathering more than 12,000; but how long do you think such gathering will take?
• Hushai counsels taking down the whole lot of David's people, not just David.  Why do you think this might appeal to Absalom and the elders?
• The assessment in verse 14 is that Ahithophel's counsel was 'good'.  That means, in retrospect, the author is conceding that Ahithophel was right.  What are your thoughts on this assessment?
• The other element is that God conspired to bring 'evil' on Absalom (that's the word in Hebrew, the King James version doesn't make it nice).  How do you feel about God bringing 'evil' on someone, anyone?  
• Almost every translation has a different word for 'evil' here.  Why so difficult to translate?
• Hushai sends word to David through his intelligence network he set up as he left town.  Look at how it works: Hushai-to-Priests-to-maidservant-to-sons-to-David.  Where do you think might be the weak link in that chain?
• Ahimaaz and Jonathan are outside the city, but they are seen anyway.  What does that tell you about Absalom's 'intelligence network'?
• Just so you catch the 'pun' a 'boy' sees them and tells Absalom, and they hide in 'boys'-town, before fleeing to David.
• Consider back to the list of David's bodyguard.  Do you remember seeing Bahurim as one of the 'ites' in his bodyguard?  How convoluted and pervasive is David's support?
• The two hide in a well, and a woman covers it and hides it.  Then the 'servants of Absalom' speak with the woman.  They even seem to know where the two sons have gone.  What does that tell you about 'secrets' in Israel?
• The woman lies.  How do you feel about 'lying' in the service to God?
• The servants don't really believe her, look anyway, but don't find the two sons.  So they leave and the two escape.  What does this 'scene' remind you of? Movies, books, or just stories you've heard.
• Ahimaaz and Jonathan reach David, and all the people cross over all night.  Considering where they were and how long it took to cross over, what do you think of Ahithophel's plan now?  Does this change your opinion of David's chances?
• Ahithophel sees that his advice is not followed, so he goes home and kills himself.  Why do you think he did that?  Commentators typically say that he knew they would fail, but is that necessarily true? What do you think here?
• Find Mahanaim on a map.  This is where Ishbosheth had his capital.  Why do you think David comes here?
• As he arrives, Absalom crosses the Jordan, so how long did it take to 'gather all Israel'?  Or do you think perhaps they're gathering in Gilead?  How do you imagine this happening?
• Look closely at who Amasa is.  Who is his 'grandfather'?  Look up Nahash on the Blue Letter Bible site.  Then look forward at verse 27, is this the same guy?  What's going on here?  Abagail is also David's sister (and the name of one of his wives).  And the writer is very direct at pointing out that Amasa is a cousin to Joab and his brothers.  What does all this tell you about Amasa?  Why do you think Absalom put him over the army?
• Look at the list of those who come to support David in Mahanaim.  One was the 'patron' of Mephibosheth (Machir of Lo-Debar).  One is the prince of the sons of Ammon.  What do you think of this list of people?  They're not all Israelites, so what does that tell you about David and how he gets along with foreigners?
• The bring supplies.  Who does this remind you of?

Now we're set for the final show down in chapter 18, but this chapter has plenty to keep us occupied.  I look forward to going through it with you Thursday!