Of Messiahs, Scribes, and Widows

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting December 29 to study Luke 20:41 through 21:4.  This passage has three parts, a theological question Jesus asks, a warning to the disciples by Jesus, and the "widow's mite" story.  It would be a good idea to get some sort of sense of these accounts in Matthew 22 (41-46) and Mark 12 (35-44).  They are differing view points, so add to the overall scene.

Read through the passage several times, since it's short look also at the other Gospel parallels.  Jot down notes of things you notice or wonder about.  Imagine yourself in the temple courts, hearing Jesus, seeing the people and the religious leaders.  Describe the scene with as many senses as you can.  Ask questions of what you hear and see.

Once you have your own notes, look at commentary.  Don't just use "study Bible note", but include other things with such notes.  The Matthew Henry Commentary has a bunch, and can be found on the Blue Letter Bible.

After you have your own notes and have looked at a commentary, go back through with the questions below:

• Why do you think the Messiah was thought to be son of David?  See if you can find a reference for that.
• Read Psalm 110.  What do you think this is Psalm about?  Jesus asks why David calls the referenced "Messiah", "my Lord".  Why do you think David calls the subject of the Psalm his lord?
• It's not wrong to call the Messiah the "son of David", remember the blind man in Luke 19 as Jesus enters Jericho?  So what do you think is Jesus' point?  What concept about the Messiah do you think He is challenging with the question?
• Simply put, what do you think it is about the scribes that Jesus has a problem with?
• Why do you think these scribes will receive a "greater condemnation"?  Read Matthew 23 (all of it).  What does this tell you about why the "greater condemnation"?
• After Jesus says these things, He looks up.  In Mark 12 He intentionally goes and sits where He can see the offerings being given.  Even though Luke leaves this detail out, it's probably what happened.  So why do you think Jesus would want to watch this?
• Jesus points out how the widow puts in more than everyone even though the amount was less.  What character of the widow do you think Jesus is pointing out?

Jesus makes a lot of character of people in this passage, character of teachers and those who give.  So where is the point of application for you?  Think through your own life and character in your relationship with God. 

Taxes and Resurrection

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting December 15 to study Luke 20:20-40. This passage has two challenges/questions posed to Jesus by those seeking to find fault in His teaching.  Luke doesn't tell us when during the week these occur, but is clear that they occur as a direct result of His embarrassment of the leaders when they questioned His authority.

Read through these passages in a few translations (KJV, NIV, ESV, and maybe NLT).  Be looking for differences in word-choice and where the translators seem to explaining something.  Make notes on observations and questions.  At that point consider commentary options you have (Blue Letter Bible, study Bible notes, ones on your shelf, etc.), and revise your notes as needed.

After you have gone through with your own study, go back through with the questions below:

• Why do you think the religious leaders wanted to get Jesus in trouble with the Roman authorities?  If they were trying to prevent a "riot", why involve the Romans?
• The "spies" puff Jesus up a bit, and lower their "boom".  What do you think they hoped to gain by setting Him up this way?  What do you think their introduction had to do with the question?
• Jesus "perceives" their craftiness or trickery.  How do you think this affected Jesus answer?  
• Verse 23 is longer in the King James Version.  This question Jesus asks is found in a few texts dating back to the 4th Century AD, but not very many texts of any period.  So it's not in the earliest texts, but is pretty early, nor is it a common reading, but in a few.  The question does occur in Matthew and Mark.  So, how do you think it might have come to be in a few Luke texts after the 3rd Century?  By the way, it also appears in the Aramaic text, which has early attestation.
• The denarius was a Roman coin used for trade everywhere in the Roman Empire.  Clearly it belonged to Rome.  So what do you think corresponds to "the things that are God's"?
• How do you "give to God the things that are God's"?
• The Sadducees come to test Jesus.  This is possibly a question they have used to test Pharisees and anyone else who claims to believe in any sort of resurrection.  They refer to the Levirate Law (Deuteronomy 25:5-10).  Why do you think they assumed marriage extended to resurrection?
• Jesus says that resurrected ones do not marry.  What clues do you think He could have referenced in the Torah (first 5 books) to support this claim?  (The Sadducees only accepted the Torah)
• But then Jesus supports resurrection in the Torah by citing Moses' claim that Yahweh is the God of the living Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. What do you think might be a problem here? 
• Look at Matthew 22:32 and Mark 12:27, where "for all live to Him" is missing.  If these patriarchs haven't "risen from the dead", how do you think Jesus' point about the resurrection is being made?
• The leaders lack the courage to ask further questions.  Why do you think they were so scared?

That should give us plenty to discuss in the time we have.  Be sure to find those areas where the Holy Spirit is revealing to you an area of your life to change.  

The Authority of the Son

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting December 8 to study Luke 20:1-19.  This is the first second day described by Luke.  He never actually says it's the second day, he doesn't number them as such.  This is simply the next account of Jesus in Jerusalem leading up to His death.

Read through the question and parable a few times.  I believe they are connected in a very important way.  Be sure to jot down questions and observations to bring to the group.  It may help to read an old and new translation as well, though the differences should be slight.  Once you have your own notes, go back through with a commentary or two.  After you have revised your notes and questions, go back through with the questions below:

• Three groups are mentioned in verse one: Scribes, chief priests, and elders.  Why do you think the chief priests are "plural"?  Who do you think the elders are as opposed to the priests and scribes?
• The authority of Jesus is questioned.  In other Gospels, this is done in response to Jesus casting out the money-changers.  What do you think is being questioned here, His authority to do what?
• Their question has two parts, "what authority" and "who gave you authority".  What do you think they meant by the difference, and why do you think they are asking Him?
• Jesus responds with a question about the baptism of John.  Their lack of response is based on their fear that the people will stone them.  What do you think of that fear?  Why do you think the "elders" and "chief priests" would fear such a thing?  If their fear is valid, what does that tell you about the relationship of the elders and chief priests with the people?
• Jesus also refuses to tell them.  What do you think of the possibility that He won't for some of the same reasons they won't?
• Read Isaiah 5:1-7.  Now re-read the parable in 9 through 16.  Considering Isaiah 5, what does the vineyard represent?
• Considering how the characters line up, who do you think the "farmers" represent?
• Who do you think the "servants" represent in the parable?
• The "son" is now obvious.  Matthew, Mark, and Luke all connect this parable with the questioning of Jesus' authority.  So how might this parable actually answer the scribes, chief priests, and elders question about Jesus' authority?
• If it does answer the leaders question, how likely do you think it is that the crowd of people understood it that way?  
• What are some reasons Jesus would say He would not tell the leaders what His authority was or Who it came from, and then tell this parable which serves both purposes?
• Look up Psalm 118 and read through the whole thing.  In what way do you think this line about the corner stone is used in the psalm?
• As Jesus uses it, it refers to Him.  Who do you think are the "builders" in this psalm?  Who are the "builders" in Jesus' day?
• Jesus then adds the line about being crushed and pulverized.  What do you think is the difference between falling on the stone and the stone falling on someone?
• Only Luke and Matthew have the line about crushing and scattering.  Why do you think this was important to them?
• Again the fear of the people keep the leaders from seizing Jesus.  What do you think this says about their authority?  

That should be plenty to chew on for our time together.  Remember to look for lessons for your own life in this passage.  Be asking how you are like the religious and political leaders, how are you like the people, and so on.  What lessons were they supposed to learn, and what are the lessons for you?

Getting To Jerusalem

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting December 1 to study Luke 19:28-48 (the Triumphal Entry).  Luke's version of this event is slightly different from the other three (none of which are the same).  So be sure to also read Matthew 21:1-16, Mark 11:1-10, and John 12:12-19.  The details will show in two Gospels, but none of them has all of them.

Read through Luke's account in a few translations.  Look for differences in words or phrasing between older and newer, or smoother and rougher translations.  See if you can figure out why on the Blue Letter Bible site.  Make your notes and jot down questions as you find things.

Take your notes and look through a commentary or study Bible notes.  See if you find some answers (or more questions), and revise your notes and questions.  After you've done that, then go back through with the questions below:

• A colt is a baby whatever.  Only in Matthew does it say it was a donkey colt, but John mentions a version of the same prophecy mentioning the donkey colt.  In any case, why do you think it was necessary to have a colt on which no one had ridden?
• The disciples throw their cloaks on the colt and on the road.  What do you think this signifies?
• How do you think Jesus knew there was a colt in the opposite village, and why do you think no one seems to mind Him using it?
• The "multitude of disciples" are rejoicing.  How many do you think there were following Jesus at this time?
• The ending of what the disciples cry out is somewhat different than any other Gospel.  What does the phrase, "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest" remind you of?
• The disciple specifically refer to Jesus as the King.  John has this detail as well.  Considering the previous parable, what do you think might have been in their mind at this point?
• Some of the Pharisees in the crowd ask Jesus to silence His disciples.  If these were the ones following Him since early on, why do you think they have a problem with what the disciples are saying?
• Jesus says that if the disciples are quiet the rocks will cry out.  What do you think is Jesus' point?
• If Jesus knows what's coming, and He's predicted it so He obviously does, what do you think is going through His mind as He hears the shouts of joy and adulation of the crowds, palms and cloaks in the road, and all the pomp? 
• Jerusalem comes into view and Jesus weeps over it.  Only in Luke do we have this detail.  Jesus describes how the Romans conquered Jerusalem in AD 75.  Luke may have been written around that time.  What do you think this detail means for his readers/hearers?
• If Jerusalem had known.  How much of what we know has an effect on living active faith in Jesus?  We have the amazing gift of Scripture, so we know more than they would have in the moment.  How well do we know the things that make for peace on the day of our visitation?
• Jesus says that these things have been hidden from their eyes.  Why do you think God would do that?  Why setup the city of Jerusalem for destruction?  What does that remind you of?
• Jesus goes directly into the Temple and throws out the sellers of goods.  Then teaches.  There's not a lot of detail here, but He does use the "House of Prayer"/"Den of Robbers" reference.  It seems so tame here in Luke.  But how do you think Jesus still makes His point?
• Look up Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-17, and John 2:14-16 (the most detail is in John).  We make a lot of Jesus' clearing the Temple, but most Gospels (except for John) have little more than the Scripture references to Isaiah 56 and Jeremiah 7.  Why do you think that might be?  Why do you think the details were scant in the Gospels?
• Only John reminds his readers of the reference to Psalm 69:9, that "Zeal for Your house will consume Me."  Why do you think this helps understand Jesus' actions?
• So, do you think the money changers and sellers of animals remained outside the Temple the rest of the week?
• Luke has the phrase that the people were "hanging on every word He said" and this is literally how he wrote it, with the verb "hanging".  None of the other Gospels have this phrase.  So is this where we get our colloquialism, "hanging on every word"? (I couldn't find it when I Googled this)

That should keep us plenty busy.  Remember to put yourself in the scene as you read.  Then consider who you are more like, the crowd, the disciples, the Pharisees, or someone else.  Always ask what this means for you; what is God saying to you through this passage?

Of Taxes, Minas, and Bruttal New Kings

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting November 10 to study Luke 19:1-27.  The odds are very long that we will actually get to verse 27.  Even if we get through the familiar account of Zacchaeus, I doubt the parable will be able to go through in one week.  It's just too weird.

Read through the passages in several translations.  It would be good to read the parable in Matthew 25:14-30.  This is the one with which we're most familiar.  Jot down notes and questions; there will probably be lots of questions.

Go through a commentary or two.  You will probably want more than one opinion here.  There may be some disagreement about details in Luke. 

After you go through your own and commentary study, go back through with the questions below:

• Jesus is passing through Jericho, so it doesn't seem He intends to stay.  Why do you think Luke would include this detail considering who is waiting to see Jesus?
• Luke includes two details about Zacchaeus, he's the chief tax collector and he's rich.  What might that tell you about how Zacchaeus conducts his "collecting"?
•  Zach can't see Jesus because he's short.  What do you think about this detail in the story and how Zach finds a solution?
• Jesus sees Zach, and acts like He's come on appointment to stay with him.  What do you think is going on here?  Could it have been an appointment?
• Jesus says it is necessary for Him to stay at Zach's house.  Why is that?
• The people grumble, so what do they obviously think of Zach?
• If Zach is being honest with Jesus about what he is doing to do, what does that tell you about how Zach actually collects taxes?
• Jesus claims to have recovered a son of Abraham.  What do you think that means culturally for Zach and everyone who witnessed this interaction?
• Jesus claims to have come to seek and save what was lost.  Look back to Luke 15.  If this relates that chapter, then what has Zach done here?
• In verse 11, Jesus transitions to a parable.  What do you think of the differences between this account and Matthew 25:14-30?
• Luke adds detail about a king leaving to receive a kingdom.  This actually happened with Herod and then with Archelaus, his son.  The Roman Emperor gave them their kingdoms.  But the detail about killing those who opposed him didn't happen.  Considering that most of those hearing Jesus would probably have been familiar with this historical fact, what do you think they thought of the parable?  Especially the ending?
• The reason behind the parable is that the people are expecting the Kingdom to appear.  Why do you think Luke uses that word, normally he uses "come"?
• In this passage, minas aren't birds.  Look up how much it is here.  Why give a "slave" so much money?  What do you think Jesus is referring to here, and who receives it?
• Look up the word for "do business" is here.  Listen to the pronunciation.  What English word do you hear sort of in the midst of this one?
• Who do you think the people who send a delegation to renounce the king might refer to?
• What do you think the 1-slave means by his description of his master?
• The master doesn't disagree with the slave.  If the master is "God", then what do you think this tells us about God?
• Why would those hearing question giving the mina to the one with 10?  Doesn't that sound like a good investment?
• Jesus explains that those having will be given, and those not having, even what they have will be taken away.  So what do you think that means?  Having what?
• So who do you think the "enemies" slain before the king refer to?
• Again, if the "king" is God, then what does this "slay them in my presence" tell us about God?

That should take way more time than we have Thursday.  I consider the chances excellent that we could take 3 weeks on these passages.  As we do, remember to consider yourselves in the accounts.  What is God revealing to you about your own relationship with Him?

Blind Persistence

This was the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting October 27 to study Luke 18:31-43.  But now this is the Bible study page for Thursday, November 3.  This has a prediction of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, and then the healing of a blind man as Jesus enters Jericho.

Read the passages in multiple translations, especially the prediction in verses 31-34.  Look for word and grammar choices in translations.  Notice the similarities, over the differences.  That will actually tell you a lot about this passage.  Jot down notes and questions.  Be sure to walk through the healing account as if you were there noting what you see, smell, and hear.

After you have made your own study, look through commentaries you have at hand.  Revise questions and notes, and then go back through with the questions below:

•  Jesus calls the Twelve together.  This is the select group He has called, and not the troop of camp-followers.  To these He relates what will happen.  Why do you think Jesus would limit this just to them?  Why not the larger group to whom He appears after His resurrection?
• Everything will be completed as predicted about the Son of Man by the Prophets.  How do you think the disciples (and therefore Judaism) taught in that day about the "Messiah"?  They don't get this so it had to diverge significantly.
• Jesus goes on to describe the treatment He will receive, and it's not all beatings and crucifixion.  Why do you think Jesus makes a point of including both here?
• In Matthew 20:17-19 and Mark 10:32-34 this prediction is mirrored to an extent.  In all three Jesus takes the Twelve aside, and in each account He includes His humiliation.  But why do you think that Luke would leave out the chief priests and scribes which Matthew and Mark include?  Luke has "Gentiles" instead, which matches the majority of his audience.
• The disciples are not able to "bring these things together" (i.e. "understand") but they can't, not because they're unintelligent, but because it was "hidden".  Who do you think hid it from them, and why hide it?
• The blind beggar "hears" the commotion, and learns it's "Jesus the Nazarene".  What do you think it means for the beggar that he is able to connect "the Nazarene" to "Son of David"?  Why call Jesus the "Son of David"?
• The crowd, having told the blind beggar Jesus is coming, then tells him to be quiet.  Why do you think they were upset about the beggar crying out to Jesus?  Later they love the healing, and it was known that Jesus heals, so why prevent this man in need of it from crying out?
• Jesus stops and orders the beggar to be brought to Him.  Why do you think the crowd is now engaged on the bind man's behalf? What changed?
• Jesus asks what the mans wants Him to do for him.  Why ask a blind man what he wants?
• Literally the man wants to "look up".  There is a Greek verb for "see", but it's not used here.  What do you think might be inferred by "to look up" over "to see"?
• Look at the variety of ways the word "to look up" is used.  Sometimes it's for "look up" as into heaven.  But also notice the Gospel writers use it a as a "pun" in some healing accounts.  How does this usage help you understand why it might be used here instead of "to see"?
• Jesus says his faith has "saved" or "made him well" ("given life" in one translation).  The word is normally "saved" elsewhere (93 times).  Why do you think this applies here?  What do you think this healing was about?
• What role do you think what the man cried out to Jesus played in his "faith" about Jesus?
• The man could see immediately and "praises God".  The people see it and "glorify God". What do you think is the difference, if any, between "praising" and "glorifying" God?

That will keep us busy I'm sure.  Be thinking of how you are or are not like the disciples as you read Scripture, and are and are not like the blind beggar and his faith.  These are the best points of application.  Jot down some thoughts about that.

Of Infants and Young Rulers is the Kingdom

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting October 20 to study Luke 18:15-30.  This is mostly on the "Rich Young Ruler", but also has Jesus blessing children.  Jesus is right about to enter Jerusalem, and everything changes after this.

Read this passage through, and even complete the chapter (Triumphal Entry) to get a sense of what's happening.  Try reading this passage keeping the two segments separate, and then try it again tying them together (Jesus with children when the ruler shows up).  Use a few translations to see what translation differences there are.  As always, make notes, jot down questions.  If you haven't seen this feature of Blue Letter Bible yet, Strong's is tied to more than the KJV now.  You can reference Strong's with the New American Standard Bible, the English Standard Version, and even the Holman Christian Standard Bible.  This makes checking out those translation differences a lot easier.

After you make notes and questions, then refer to some commentary references.  Again, the Blue Letter Bible has some nice ones.  Commentaries can be good options, but so can sermon notes, study guides, and other references.  Use these to answer some of your questions, revise your notes, and come up with other questions.  After you've done this work yourself, go back through with the questions below:

• In this account in Luke, babies are being brought to Jesus.  In other accounts (Matthew 19 and Mark 10) the word is "children" which refers to ones who could walk.  Later in verse 16, Jesus uses the world for "children" again.  Why do you think Luke refers to "babies" rather than children?  Could there have been more than one event or someone remembered it differently?
• Jesus says that the Kingdom of God belongs to (is of these) children.  What does that mean to you? How do you think the Kingdom of God belongs to children?
• Jesus then strengthens His meaning when He says that unless someone receives the Kingdom as a child they can't enter.  How do you think you receive or accept the Kingdom of God like a child would?  If you have a young child, what would that look like for them, how would they do it?
• If you haven't, read the account of the "Ruler" in Matthew 19:16-22 and Mark 10:17-22.  In Luke's account the man is initially just a "ruler".  In fact, he's not referred to as "young" in Luke's or Mark's account.  Why do you think Matthew remembered him "young"?
• All of the accounts have Jesus saying, "Why call Me good, no one is good but God."  Why do you think Jesus says this to the "ruler"?
• Of the three accounts, Luke has the shortest list of laws.  Why do you think that might be?
• The man says in all accounts that he's done these from his youth (all his life).  With Luke's list, this might be possible, even with Mark's list.  But with Matthew's list?  What do you think of this person's claim to have lived this life this way?
• Jesus then sees his problem: his wealth.  If this man knows he's lived his life according to the law, why do you think he still needs to ask Jesus about how to inherit eternal life?
• Jesus addresses the stumbling block in his life, the man's wealth.  But what does he also forfeit when he gives up everything and follows Jesus?
• Jesus tells him to give everything to the poor in order to get treasure in heaven and come follow Him.  Considering the man's initial question, what about the idea of "treasure swapping" should have been attractive to the "ruler"?
• In some translations, Jesus is grieved when the man is grieved.  There is good evidence both ways.  Why do you think Jesus would be "grieved" that the ruler left grieved?
• Jesus says that it's hard for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Considering wealth on a global scale, most Americans are wealthy.  What do you think this means for us and our culture?
• The people who hear Jesus (in Matthew and Mark, His disciples) are astonished.  In all three accounts, camels go through needles easier than rich people enter heaven.  What point do you think Jesus is making to the astonished people?
• In all three accounts Peter points out that they have left all that.  Why do you think Peter is making that point?
• Jesus responds to Peter that all who sacrifice much will gain much, and eventually, eternal life.  So what do you think of Jesus' claim they will gain it all back and more in this life?  Or do you think He meant something different?  If so, what?

Consider your own life in relation to these accounts.  Where is God revealing to you areas you may need to surrender more to Him, give something up, or embrace something you've been avoiding?

Persistent Widows and Humble Tax Collectors

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting October 13 to study Luke 18:1-14.  This passage is made up of two parables both with similar literary introductions.  They probably stand on their own, and Luke includes them here as separate elements.  From the remainder of the chapter we learn that Jesus is still heading south to Jerusalem, but that's all we know about the setting.

Read through both parables in at least two very different translations.  Note where the two sets of translators made very different choices.  Try reducing the point of each parable into one simple sentence (one sentence for each).  Make notes on the various elements, note questions and so on.

Once you have your own notes, look at the notes of other commentaries or study Bibles.  Revise your notes and questions as you like.  Only at this point go back through the passage with the questions below:

• Luke gives the point of the first parable as teaching to always pray without giving up.  These two parables are the only place Luke uses such a literary introduction.  How do you think this helps the reader (or listener) get the most out of the parable?
• The judge does not fear God nor respect people.  Why do you think such a person would be a "judge"?  Later Jesus refers to him as an "unjust" judge.  This is ironic, partly because of the comparison with God.  Why do you think Jesus would use such characters in a parable?
• If the widow knows the character of the judge, and has no leverage with him, why do you think she would persist in coming to him?
•  The judge, as we would expect, ignores her.  But his explanation of why he eventually listens to her is that she bothers him.  What do you think this says of God?  What do you learn here from this?
• Jesus then says God will act swiftly on behalf of His elect.  Consider again the intro to the parable.  If God is swift, why is the parable needed?
• Jesus then asks if He will find faith on the earth when He comes.  When do you think He is referring here?  Is this His return or when He passes through on the way to Jerusalem?
• In verse 9, we have a similar literary structure for the introduction to the parable.  There are two parts to the problem with the target audience.  Which one do you consider more severe?
• The prayer of the Pharisee is made up of what he says, but also his physical stance.  Why do you think our physical stance matters to God?
• The Pharisee prays a prayer of thanksgiving.  But considering what he is thankful for, who do you think he is really thankful to?
• The tax collector's physical stance is different.  What do you think his stance shows about his attitude here?
• Consider what the tax collector says.  He's not thankful but asks for something.  Without considering the detailed content, we might think that was presumptuous, but the content makes it clear he's not.  So how can prayer "structures" distract us from prayers that truly honor God?
• The result of each prayer was supposed to be justification (see v.14).  What do you think your prayers would sound like if this were your goal of prayer?  How often is justification your goal in prayer?
• Only one prayer of the two achieved the goal of justification.  Once again, the tax collector is the hero and the Pharisee is the antagonist.  Considering the make up of Jesus' traveling party, why do you think He would choose these characters?

There is plenty more we can discuss on Thursday.  Be sure to bring your notes.  And pray through this week.  That seems to be the consistent theme, pray.

The Surprising Ending...And Vultures

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting October 6 to study Luke 17:20-37.  This is one of three "Little Apocalypses" in the Gospels.  This is Luke's version and it is significantly different than Matthew and Marks.  It might be good to go look at Matthew 24 and Mark 13 after you have read through Luke's version once or twice.

Read through this passage in two very different translations: NIV/KJV, or NLT/NASB, or another combination of a "literal translation" (like ESV, NASB, KJV/NKJV) with an "interpretive translation" (NIV, NLT, RSV).  The point is to see the options within translation, and places where translators struggled with the meaning.  Although, even in literal translations the translators struggled to make sense of what was written.  Make notes and questions as you go through.

Next, look at what commentaries you find.  If necessary, revise your notes and questions.  After that, go through the questions below:

• The Pharisees ask Jesus when the Kingdom of God will show up.  Why do you think they were asking, considering the things they had seen and heard Jesus do and say?
• Jesus' response seems to say that the Kingdom of God shows up within people.  Considering the range of translations of verse 21, what do you think Jesus meant?
• Jesus switches from answering the disciples to speaking to the disciples.  What do you think about the differences between what He tells the disciples (to begin with, v.22 and 23) compared to what He said to the Pharisees?
• In verse 24, Jesus' description changes to something of a "sudden" event.  To what do you think Jesus refers to as "sudden"?
• Luke puts Jesus' saying that these things have to happen after His crucifixion.  Why do you think He puts that statement right there?  What point do you think Luke is making?  What point do you think Jesus makes here?
• In the days of Noah and the days of Lot.  Most commentaries take the very traditional view of the degradation of the societies.  I don't.  Considering the explanation Jesus gives of how the days of Noah and Lot match the days of His coming, what is the correspondence?
• At verse 31, Luke is missing the reference to the "Abomination of Desolation" used in both Mark and Matthew.  Why do you think such a reference would be missing here?
• The reference to escaping without stopping for stuff is abbreviated here as opposed to Matthew, so why do you think Luke breezes through it?
• The statement about saving a life loses it, and losing a life saves it is found in both Matthew and Mark, but the context is different.  Why do you think Luke thought it might belong here?
• This statement is even found in John (12:25), making it rare indeed.  Why do you think this statement was so important that all four writers made sure it was in their record of Jesus?
• The statements about 2 being present and one left and one taken is in Matthew.  Reading through his description of the "End", what does this statement tell you about what will happen?
• The word "will be left" is the same word used for "divorce" and "forgiveness" in both Gospels.  What do you think of that word-choice?
• Verse 36 is missing from all manuscripts dated before the 5th Century (AD 400).  Why do you think it might have appeared thereafter?
• Consider verse 37 in light of what Jesus has said in verse 20.  Why, if there will be no "signs" does Jesus tell the disciples to look for "vultures"?  

Consider what this means for us today.  It sounds hard to understand, especially when all the other Gospels have such different sounding accounts of the end.  The point remains though, endure to the surprising ending, whether your own here on earth or of the earth itself.

Flying Mulberrys, Unworthy Slaves, and Thankfulness Among Lepers

This is the Bible Study Page for the Thursday Night Bible Study meeting September 29 to study Luke 17:5-19.  This will finish out the beginning of chapter 17 and include the healing of 10 lepers. 

Read through the passage a few times, using different translations, noting things that stand out.  You may have notes from the passage we used last time that you didn't get to use since we didn't finish the verses.  We stopped just before where the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith.  Read that with this healing account to see if that changes, modifies, or influences what you learned from just the six verses.  Note details in the healing that jump out at you.  Ask questions as if you were interviewing one of the disciples (or Luke) about what Jesus said and the healing.

Once you have a good sense of the passage yourself, go back through with any commentaries or study guides you find (yours or online).  Revise your notes and questions accordingly.  Then go back through with the questions below:

• The disciples ask for Jesus to "increase their faith".  How does a mustard seed-sized faith "increase" their faith?
• Why do you think Luke uses a "mulberry tree" instead of a mountain, like Matthew?
• Consider verses 7 through 10 very carefully.  Slavery is such a foreign concept to us, this probably sounds very harsh.  Keeping in mind that it didn't sound harsh at all to them, what do you think is Jesus' point?
• How do you see yourself in verses 7 through 10?  We talk so much about Jesus being our "brother" or "friend", we tend to forget His is our Lord first.  What sorts of things do you need to do differently considering these verses?
• How does the flying mulberry tree and being unworthy slaves increase the faith of the disciples?  How does it increase your faith?
• Jesus was between Samaria and Galilee in this healing account.  Look at a map of the region.  How far has Jesus traveled since He "set His face toward Jerusalem" in  9:51?
• The ten lepers are standing far off from the village Jesus' is entering.  Yet they are close enough to recognize Jesus.  How do you imagine this setting?  What do you think the people around Jesus are doing as He enters the village?
• Look at what the lepers cry out in a few translations.  They all have the same word for how they referred to Jesus, "Master".  Click the link to the left and look at the verse references where this word is used.  What do you think of the fact this word is only used by Luke?
• Jesus tells them to go and show themselves to the priests.  Refer back to that map you looked at earlier.  Where would they need to go to do so?  Look up "Levitical Cities" if you have an atlas with an index.  Now how far would they have to travel?  By the days of Jesus, the cities with Levites were probably much more mixed.  What do you think that, regardless of how far they were to travel, they knew exactly where to go, even the Samaritan?
• In just about any translation it says that, "as they went they were healed."  Considering the request of the disciples to increase their faith, how related do you think that question and this account were to Luke?
• One returns "glorifying God."  The man who returns is a Samaritan, and Jesus notices that on sight.  What do you think this might have meant for Luke's audience?  What does that tell you about how lepers regarded each other?
• The thankfulness is acknowledged by Jesus, but what was it that actually "saved" him?
• If thankfulness isn't what saves, faith is, and all ten were cleansed through faith, what do you see as the benefit of "thankfulness" through this account?
• If Jesus told the ten to go show themselves to the priests, why do you think He would be surprised that only one came back to thank Him?  Keep in mind that they weren't healed immediately, but only as they went to go to the priests.

That should keep us busy, especially since there are other questions and issues not in these questions.  Remember as well to be seeking those areas that the Holy Spirit is revealing to you about your own life where you may need to adjust things (i.e. repent).

Rich Man, Poor Man, Forgiveness and Faithful Slaves

This is the Bible Study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting September 22 to study Luke 16:19 through 17:10.  We didn't get through the "Rich Man & Lazarus", so will focus on that for this week.

The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is interesting for lots of reasons.  One of them is the various ways that translations relate the story.  The details are the same, just the word choice was changed.  The real differences between translations is found in the 10 verses of chapter 17.  Be sure to use different translations, I really think it will open up new avenues of understanding; and it's easy to do.

Read through these passages making notes and jotting down questions that occur to you.  The two passages aren't easy to connect, and don't need to be.  They can be, but doing so is an interpretation, not a necessity.  It might be a good exercise though.  See if you can summarize the 10 verses of chapter 17 into a single sentence.  It will be tough, and probably a complex sentence, but give it a try.

Read through some commentaries on the Blue Letter Bible site.  See how they change your comments and questions.  Then go back through the passage with the questions below:

• The parable of the "Rich Man & Lazarus" begins with the setting of the two characters in verses 19 through 21.  What are your first impressions?  Why do you think Jesus made them so incredibly opposite?
• The rich guy ends up in hell, and Lazarus in "heaven".  Why?  What clues do you have for why one went one place and the other to the other?
• The description of the "after-life" is pretty spooky, one side can see the other but neither can get to the other.  What do you think of that?
• Hell (Hades) is "torment" in verse 23, or "agony" due to "flame" in verse 24.  What do you think of this description, in agonizing torment by fire yet able to see the other side where they aren't?
• Notice Lazarus never speaks in this parable.  Why do you think might be important to Jesus' point?
• Abraham has several comments on the rich man's situation (verses 25, 26, and 29), they get progressively more depressing (from irreconcilable agony to it being his own fault).  What do you think of this assessment of the description of this afterlife?
• The rich man constantly wants Lazarus to do this or that, come here, go there.  What does this tell you about the rich man's understanding of himself and Lazarus?  How different do you think this is from when they were both alive?
• Obviously Abraham's final statement relates to Jesus' resurrection and people's persistent unbelief.  Why do you think Jesus would include that to people following Him closely?  What does that tell you about people, even those who follow Him closely?
•  Jesus turns again to His disciples, but remember that this group seems to include some Pharisees.  So, why do you think the topic of "stumbling blocks" is suddenly important, or even in anyway related to the previous parable?
• Jesus refers to "little ones", but who do you think He means?  (hint:  look in parallel verses in Mark and Matthew)
• How do you think verses 3 and 4 apply to our modern approach to "boundaries"?  Is such a person "safe", and how would you relate to such a person having "forgiven" him/her?
• Compare these two verses with Matthew 18:15-17.  What do you make of the differences?
• Compare these two verses with John 20:23.  What do you make of the differences here?
• The disciples ask for Jesus to "increase their faith".  How does a mustard seed-sized faith "increase" their faith?
• Why do you think Luke uses a "mulberry tree" instead of a mountain, like Matthew?
• Consider verses 7 through 10 very carefully.  Slavery is such a foreign concept to us, this probably sounds very harsh.  Keeping in mind that it didn't sound harsh at all to them, what do you think is Jesus' point?
• How do you see yourself in verses 7 through 10?  We talk so much about Jesus being our "brother" or "friend", we tend to forget His is our Lord first.  What sorts of things do you need to do differently considering these verses?

That should be plenty to study Thursday.  We probably won't get beyond the parable, but we're ready if we do.

Some Rich Dude and Lazarus

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting September 15 to study Luke 16:14-31.  The chances are good we won't get through the whole thing, but it might be possible to do all of it.

This is the completion of Jesus' teachings on wealth from this chapter.  It seems to move the issue to the heart or attitude of people, and for some reason include divorce.  It concludes with the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.  The elements of this part of the chapter are hard to follow and the details can be distracting from seeing a main point (sort of like the last one).

Read through the entire chapter at least once to get a sense the overall context.  As you begin to focus on the statements of Jesus in verses 14 through 18, seek the connecting thread.  Break down the parable based on the preceding statements of Jesus and His audience.  As we noticed last week it's good to read the parable in a few translations.  This one may have as many differences as the previous one, but it's still a great exercise.  The NIV with NASB, NLT with ESV, and NRSV with NKJV are good pairings (any of the first suggestions with any of the second will work as well).  Make notes and questions for yourself as you go.  Then see what commentaries have to say.

After you done your own work, go back through with the questions below:

• Once again, the Pharisees are close enough to hear Jesus speaking to His disciples.  So, how likely is it that at least some Pharisees made up the number of Jesus' disciples (not the 12, but followers)?
• These Pharisees scoff at Jesus.  So, following closely enough to hear Him speak to His disciples, they don't necessarily buy in or completely buy in to His views of righteousness.  Why do you think that might be?  How close do you think we need to be to Jesus' views to be considered disciples?
• The Pharisees "justify" themselves, a term which nearly every translation uses, but what do you think this means?  Look at the Greek word on the Blue Letter Bible here.  If you want more information, follow the link to the root word (G1342).  How does this help you understand what the Pharisees were doing?  How does this help you see this activity in yourself?
• The final statement of verse 15 is interesting in that it sounds very much like a blanket statement about everything lifted up among people being detested by God.  Why do you think Jesus put it that way?  What point do you think He's trying to make?
• Jesus uses the word "abomination" or "detestable thing" which is actually a technical theological term in Judaism.  Look at the Greek word on Blue Letter Bible here.  Pay special attention to its usage in other places.  How do you think the Pharisees heard Jesus' statement?  What do you think they thought when He said that?
• In verse 16, we have a really strange statement by Jesus.  This is one verse that really needs several versions, not just one to get a good sense of.  Here again, the Blue Letter Bible will provide an excellent set of parallels.  Pay special attention to the KJV, NIV, NASB, and ESV translations of it.  What do you think Jesus means about John being a "boundary" of some sort?  What do you think Jesus means by people entering the Kingdom of God by force?  What do you think was preached before John if it wasn't the "Kingdom of God"?
• Verse 17 is a well-known statement from Matthew (17:18) as well.  How do you think this statement relates to the two previous verses?
• Verse 18 has parallels in Matthew (5:31-32, 19:9) and Mark (10:11,12).  How do you think this teaching on divorce relates to wealth, the law, and what God finds detestable?  Why do you think Luke put it here?
• The parable of the "Rich Man & Lazarus" begins with the setting of the two characters in verses 19 through 21.  What are your first impressions?  Why do you think Jesus made them so incredibly opposite?
• The rich guy ends up in hell, and Lazarus in "heaven".  Why?  What clues do you have for why one went one place and the other to the other?
• The description of the "after-life" is pretty spooky, one side can see the other but neither can get to the other.  What do you think of that?
• Hell (Hades) is "torment" in verse 23, or "agony" due to "flame" in verse 24.  What do you think of this description, in agonizing torment by fire yet able to see the other side where they aren't?
• Notice Lazarus never speaks in this parable.  Why do you think might be important to Jesus' point?
• Abraham has several comments on the rich man's situation (verses 25, 26, and 29), they get progressively more depressing (from irreconcilable agony to it being his own fault).  What do you think of this assessment of the description of this afterlife?
• The rich man constantly wants Lazarus to do this or that, come here, go there.  What does this tell you about the rich man's understanding of himself and Lazarus?  How different do you think this is from when they were both alive?
• Obviously Abraham's final statement relates to Jesus' resurrection and people's persistent unbelief.  Why do you think Jesus would include that to people following Him closely?  What does that tell you about people, even those who follow Him closely?

That should be plenty to keep us busy, probably for a few weeks.  Consider where you see God seeing you in these passages.  It's easy to see others, but the Holy Spirit desires to awaken you to growth in your relationship with Him, just as Jesus was prodding the Pharisees in much the same way, to be authentic with their belief and pursuit of a relationship with God.

What Are We To Do With The Unrightous Steward?

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting September 8 to study Luke 16:1-13, the parable of the unrighteous steward.  I doubt this parable is all that familiar since most teaching and preaching avoids it like some disease.  But this parable serves to introduce several sayings, teachings, and discourses of Jesus on wealth.  So, to understand this parable, viewing the chapter as a whole is probably necessary. 

To that end, begin by reading all of Chapter 16.  Note the various things Jesus says about wealth throughout.  These things will need to be used in examining this parable.  Once through the chapter, go back and read the parable again with the issues raised in the rest of the chapter also in view.  Try and distill Jesus' point of the parable down to a single sentence.  Make notes as to why you chose that particular sentence and jot down questions that have occurred to you as you study the parable (we'll get to the rest of the chapter in due time...okay this month, I hope).

After you've done your own study, try looking through any commentary you have available and see how that affects your views.  Revise your sentence if you like, and any questions or notes as well.

After you have gone through the chapter yourself, go back through with the questions below:

• Luke has a "scene switch" as he says Jesus switches to talking to His disciples.  Basically, Jesus narrows His audience.  Why do you think this parable would be for just them?
• The characters of the parable are the master, his steward, accusers, and debtors.  Who do you think they correspond to in the application of the parable in Jesus' day?  Who do you think they correspond to in our day?
• The steward is accused of squandering the goods, he is called on the carpet to give an account, and he doesn't know what to do.  So, do you think that means he was squandering the goods, or what do you think?
• The steward reasons himself into a "solution".  How would you describe his goal with his solution?
• The steward summons each of his master's debtors and reduces their debt on the books he's about to return to his master.  Why do you think this is such a good idea?  Does Jesus think it's a good idea?
• The master firing the steward praises him for reducing the debts of those who owed him money.  Why do you think the master would praise the steward for reducing his assets?  How is that a good thing?
• Jesus' explanation is that the "sons of this age are more shrewd than the sons of light in dealing with their own generation."  What do you think this means?
• So how do you think the steward is a good example?
• Jesus says to makes friends for yourself with unrighteous wealth so that these friends will welcome you into eternal dwellings...so what do you think this means?  It seems to be the point of the parable, so it seems to be important.
• We have the "faithful in little, faithful in much" and it's opposite.  And then a further application of being faithful with what isn't yours and perhaps you will have of your own.  Your own what?  What sort of wealth do you think Jesus has in view here?  Earthly, heavenly, monetary, more people "saved", something entirely different?  Cleaner laundry? (may it never be!)
• We stop at Luke's quote of Jesus about servant serving two masters. Matthew uses nearly the exact same statement of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:24).  Look up "mammon" on the Blue Letter Bible (love this site - I keep saying that, don't I?).  What strikes you about the difference between the two conclusions?
• How do you see this truth Jesus about serving two masters as true in your own life?  What have been your two masters?
• Money or wealth seems to be what we spend at least 8 hours a day seeking or trying to obtain.  What do you spend more than 40 hours a week seeking that's not an occupation?
• So, between whatever you used to answer the previous question and a job, how much of your life do you think is available to the Holy Spirit?  How do you think we can make that a trick question?

That should keep us busy for a while.  This is a goofy wonky parable.  It's one of the more difficult to understand, but may not be that difficult to accept once understood (however you understand it).  Be sure to bring your notes and questions, and single-sentence summary to group Thursday!

Finding Party

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study meeting September 1 to study Luke 15 (since we didn't even touch it last week).  This chapter is made up of 3 parables about the rejoicing in heaven over repentant people.  The first two setup the third.

Read through these a few times.  Their familiarity, especially with the third will be the biggest barrier to really understanding them.  I found it very helpful to keep Luke 14:25-35 in view as you read through these parables because together they provide balance to the issue of evangelism, an intrinsic issue in these parables.

If you're only going to read it once, or focus on it once, do it with an unfamiliar translation.  Jot down things you notice, questions that come up, and details you don't remember quite that way before.  After making your own study, go back through with the questions below:

• After Jesus turns to the many crowds following Him and tells them how expensive it is to be a 'disciple', now "all the tax collectors and sinners" are following Him.  Considering the previous passage, how committed do you think these tax collectors and sinners were about following Jesus?
• Both the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble about all the tax collectors and sinners around Jesus and His close association with them.  What does that tell you about these two ends of the spectrum of "righteousness" among those following Jesus?
• Why do you think the Pharisees and scribes always seem to be around Jesus as well?
• Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep, explaining how the shepherd leaves the 99 in the fields to find the lost one.  And then finding celebrates with his friends and neighbors.  Jesus explains this to illustrate the celebrating in heaven over one repentant person.  So, what do you think is the point to those following Jesus?  Where are they in the parable?
• Jesus then tells the parable of the lost coin where the woman seeks diligently, and then celebrates with her friends and neighbors when she finds it.  Again the rejoicing in heaven is the explanation.  So where are the listeners around Jesus in this parable?
• Then the parable of the lost son.  Now there is a lot more detail.  The lost son repents for one thing (only found in the previous explanations).  The father goes out while the son is still far off, but how diligently is the father seeking the son, as in the previous two parables?
• The lost son is welcomed back and they throw a party.  The elder son is upset (like the Pharisees and scribes).  So, how do you think the father's explanation to his elder son clarifies the response of heaven, and what Jesus expects of the "righteous"?
• Consider again the cost of discipleship from the previous chapter.  How do you see that relating to these parables of rejoicing over finding lost?  How do you see "discipleship" related to elements of the parables or their explanations?

It is likely we won't get through all of chapter 15, but it's possible we will.  The "AHA" of this chapter should be easy since we spent so much time on this parable through that study.  But see what you can do tying the cost of discipleship to the parables, and what you learn from that?

The High Cost of Following

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study meeting August 18 to study Luke 14:25-35.  This passage wraps up the chapter, but it also serves as a transitional narrative between the banquet which begins Chapter 14 and the set of parables about God's perspective of kingdom people living outside the kingdom (all of chapter 15).

This is essentially about the cost of discipleship but with lots of other elements sprinkled throughout.  Read through the passage asking "why" a lot.  This is a familiar passage, but there are some elements that should give us reasons to ask why Jesus said that, and said it that way.  Once through, see what you think about what it means to be a disciple.

After reading through making your own notes and questions, go back through with the questions below:

• Jesus has basically just come away from a meal where He says the people assuming they're in with God won't be.  So now many throngs of people follow Him.  What do you think these crowds are seeking from Jesus?
• Jesus says to "be His disciple" means to hate ones own family and even themselves.  First off, what do you think Jesus means by "disciple"?  Second, how do you understand this familiar but difficult statement?  How do you think this "hate" for ones family and self would look today?
• Jesus speaks to them as if the cost of being one of His "peeps" is very expensive.  So what do you think Jesus thinks the crowd is after Him for?
• Jesus has used the "cross carrying" motif before (Luke 9:23).  But here it's a bit different.  What do you think is the difference in Jesus' point here from before? (be sure to look at the context of both passages)
• In each element (hating family or carrying cross), the result is that if someone does not do it they cannot be a disciple.  Why do you think it's not possible without these two things?
• Jesus gives two examples of how to approach the desire to be His disciple.  Both advise making sure upfront that you have what it takes before venturing to be a disciple.  How do you think this applies to "missionary" or "evangelism" work? (Consider Matthew 28:19-20)
• Considering the use of the term "disciple" by Jesus, what should people think through before deciding to become one?
• Who comes to your mind when you think of a foundation but no complete building, in terms of people following Jesus?
• The king is already on his way and hasn't yet figured out what he's going to do when he meets the other king.  What sort of picture does this paint for you?
• Verse 33 is very much in line with Luke's theme of discipleship.  What does this do for you and the "cost of discipleship"?
• After discussing the cost of discipleship, Jesus then uses this illustration of salt.  In what way do you see tasteless salt relating to the cost of discipleship?
• How is the tasteless salt like either one of the preceding examples of a tower and going to war?
• Look up Matthew 5:13 and Mark 9:50.  How do you think these two other uses of the tasteless salt relate?  Same point or different?

The one having ears to hear, listen!

A Difficult Dinner Guest

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study meeting August 11 to study Luke 14:7-24.  This passage wraps up the banquet narrative begun in verse 1.  In it Jesus essentially makes sure He doesn't miss insulting anyone, host to guests.  Consider this passage as best as you can from the perspective of a First Century Jew.

The passage strings together an address to the guests as they pick places to sit, a criticism of the host, a 'depressurizing' comment of one of the guests, and a final parable denouncing the Jewish inclusion in the 'Kingdom of God'.  Read through these and imagine you are one of those around the edges of the event looking and listening in.  What do you hear?  What do you see?  Imagine the look on everyone's faces, and so on.

Read through the passage in a couple of translations.  I think you'll find they are mostly in agreement except for word choice.  Make some notes and jot down questions.  Think through the scene, starting at verse 1.  As you 'walk through', what do you notice?  After having gone through a few commentaries, go back through with the questions below:

• Luke calls Jesus' comment to the guests as He sees them picking spots a parable.  Do you see any 'story' elements here? What makes Jesus' response to them a parable?
• Jesus says to pick the spot at the bottom of the table, the least honor.  What do you think is risky about following His advice?
• According to Jesus, by picking the chief place you risk humiliation, if someone of greater honor shows up and all the other spots are taken.  What does that sound like to you?  Who's actually invited, and how do you imagine seating is arranged?
• Jesus claims that by taking the lower seat, the guest would be raised up.  What if he isn't?
• Jesus claims that there will be a reversal in verse 11.  So, do you think this is a general rule of life or something about 'end-times' or something about life in church, or what?
• Jesus then begins on the host saying he invited the wrong people.  Why do you think Jesus would start in on the host?  What do you think is the problem with not inviting those close to you to a banquet?
• Jesus recommends inviting those who cannot repay by reciprocating.  How do you think this applies to us today?  How can we follow this advice?  How comfortable are you with it?
• Jesus says the repayment for following His advice comes in the resurrection of the righteous.  Why do you think Jesus put it that way?  What do you think He meant by that?
• Some random guest takes Jesus final comment, and probably tries to relieve the awkwardness of the host and guests by declaring common ground.  Why do you think he would do that?  What do you see as his assumptions?
• Jesus begins another parable, this time of a host inviting guests.  The excuses given are very specific.  What are the odds that those at the table have used them before, and might see this as a very personal example?
• Jesus then says the host, having been rebuffed by the invited guests calls those Jesus has suggested to His host.  What do you think this meant to the guests and host hearing this parable?
• Then, there's still room, and the servant is told to go outside the city to get people.  What do you think this is a reference to?
• Jesus wraps up the parable by stating that none of those invited at first will eat of the banquet.  What do you think that means to the other guests and host?
• What do you see as Jesus' point with this last parable?

Keep in mind that so much of this is applicable today, and none of us would be or should be all that comfortable with the application.  Consider how the spiritual gift of "hospitality" is played out considering this passage.  It's a little or a lot disturbing.  What can we do about that?

Dealing With Pharisees Part I: Testing The Teacher

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting August 4 to study Luke 13:31-14:6.  I believe that I told everyone last Thursday that the "Dinner Party" started in verse 7, but I was wrong.  Chapter 14 verses 1 through 24 are the same "dinner party" in Luke.  So, we'll begin it this week and finish it next.

It will be helpful to read the context of this dinner party.  It forms one event in Luke, but could possibly have been a composite of several dinners with any number of hosts.  Luke has this as one event, which is also a possibility.  Either way, Jesus is not all that comfortable a guest to have in the house of this particular host.  He eventually insults the host and the other guests, thoroughly.

Read through the passage (this part, and the rest through 24 for context) several times.  Try and get a sense of the setting.  Journey, Pharisees coming to Jesus to warn Him about Herod, and then a chief of theirs invites Him to dinner.  How nice.  Everyone seems to be getting along.  Make notes from the perspective of yourself standing among the crowd witnessing this.  Including looking in on the dinner party as they recline with some diseased person standing there with them (how does that look in your mind?).  Make notes on what you see, what you hear, who is doing what, and why.

After you gone through your own observation journey, perhaps read it through in different translations, then maybe read a commentary or two.  See if that helps to define the scene better for you.  Adjust your notes and questions accordingly.

Then go back through with the questions below:

• Luke is clear to point out the immediacy of the next event.  Why do you think Luke would tie the Pharisees warning so closely with the previous statements?
• They warn that Herod wants to kill Jesus.  How likely, based on the crucifixion account later, do you think it is that they are right?
• Jesus responds that He must go to Jerusalem, because no prophet can die outside of the city.  While that's not strictly true, what do you think Jesus is getting at?
• Jesus has to cast out demons and perform cures on His way, but look at the timing.  To what do you think Jesus may be referring in His "third day" reference?
• Jesus then prophesies over Jerusalem in the form of a lament.  How do you feel about Jesus' words?  What emotions do they evoke for you?
• Jesus has wanted to gather the city like chicks under the wings of a mother hen.  As people hear this, what do you think they think about His words?  What do you think this sounds like? See if you can find a reference to this imagery in the Hebrew Scriptures (Hen gathering her chicks).
• What do you think Jesus' last comment refers to, His Triumphal Entry or His eventual appearing later? 
• Jesus then enters the house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees.  How possible do you think it is that the preceding account was some sort of test?  What do you think the connection is?
• The "Guests" are watching Jesus very closely with a diseased person standing there.  He's obviously a plant (a human planted intentionally at the scene, not a shrub).  Jesus has already healed on the Sabbath several times already in Luke, so why would they be watching for what shouldn't really surprise them?  Have they not heard Jesus defend healing on the Sabbath before?  Don't these guys talk to each other?
• The man has a disease referred to in the KJV as "dropsy" and many other translations have picked this term as well.  Other modern versions call it "swelling".  Look up the word here in the Blue Letter Bible site.  What do you think it means, and what problems do you see in figuring that out?
• Jesus asks the guests (lawyers and Pharisees) about the legality before He heals.  Why do you think He would do that?
• They remains silent when asked about the legality.  Considering that Pharisees and lawyers don't always agree on things, why do you think they might have remained silent?
• Jesus heals the man and send him away.  Then starts the discussion.  What does it tell you about Jesus that He heals and sends him away first, then discusses it?
• Jesus then asks, who doesn't pull a son or a cow (really? cow?) out of a well on the Sabbath.  Again no one says a thing.  What is interesting to you about His question?  Consider His previous questions (13:15-16 for example), what is different here?
• They could not give an answer.  The NIV says they had nothing to say, but other translations state they were not able, and the Greek reads that way.  What do you think it means that they could not answer, why not?

That should keep us busy for some time.  Remember to be looking for the AHA moments as you read.  Let this stuff sink into your heart and remember it's for you in your walk with Jesus.  Let His Spirit interpret for you what He wants to reveal about you.  These are growth opportunities, let's grab them!

The Kingdom of God is like and full of...

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study meeting July 21 to study Luke 13:18-35.  This passage has two very peculiar similes of the Kingdom of God, a parable about who will be there, and a prophecy over Jerusalem.  It's possible to see these three things related beyond simply all being about the Kingdom of God, but it's not necessary.

Read through the passage a few times, reading what came before and what comes after to get a sense of the literary context.  Luke has put these things together, and part of what we'll be doing is trying to figure out why. Make notes and jot down questions.  After that consult other resources and perspectives.  Revise your notes and questions accordingly.  After that, go back through with the questions below:

• Verse 18 begins with "Therefore", tying it to the previous passage (v.10-17).  What do you think these two "similes" (using "like" or "as" for comparison) have to do with the healing on the Sabbath?
• Jesus asks what he should compare the Kingdom to as a rhetorical device, it draws the attention of the listeners.  But He then answers with these two baffling comparisons.  What do you think His listeners thought of His comparisons?
• First the Kingdom is like a mustard seed.  In His description it is planted by a person and it then grows into a large tree used by birds for nesting.  How do these things, the mustard seed (Kingdom), man (God?), large tree, and nesting birds all have to do with the Kingdom of God?
• Again He asks the rhetorical question about to what to compare the Kingdom.  Why do you think He would ask the question again?
• This time, the Kingdom is like "bread starter" or a heavily leavened lump.  Now a woman conceals the lump in flour and the whole rose.  How do these things, the leavened lump (Kingdom), the woman (God?), and three measures of flour all relate to the Kingdom of God?
• Next, in verse 22, He's traveling toward Jerusalem again, and someone asks about getting to the Kingdom of God.  Try to look at this question from the perspective of a First Century Jew.  What do you think the man means by "few"?  (few Jews, few people-groups, few Gentiles, few porcupines, what?)
• Jesus responds with a "narrow gate" answer, but it's not like Matthew's quote in Matthew 7:13-14.  In Matthew there are two paths, one narrow, one wide.  Why do you think Luke's would have only one narrow door?
• Luke goes on to describe the door as to a household and many being shut out.  Now the description takes on a different tone, like that of Matthew 7:21-23.  In Matthew, the shut-outs prophesied and cast out demons.  In Luke the people ate and drank and heard Him in their streets.  What do you think Luke is getting at that makes his so different than Matthew's?
• What do you think of the "familiarity" of the people shut out in Luke's account?
• Jesus finally calls the shut-outs "evil-doers", but at first, and then again, He says, "I do not know where you are from".  What do you think this repeated phrase means?  Why wouldn't God know where these people were from?
• In the place the shut-outs go, they can see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob eating with people from all over (east, west, north, and south).  It sounds like this ability to see but not join in is what makes their place full of gnashing teeth and weeping.  Why do you think God would punish people in such a way?
• What do you think Jesus' description of the punishment sounded like to His Jewish listeners?
• Jesus then wraps up with a statement that the last will be first and the first who will be last.  What do you think He means here?
• Luke is clear to point out the immediacy of the next event.  Why do you think Luke would tie the Pharisees warning so closely with the previous statements?
• They warn that Herod wants to kill Jesus.  How likely, based on the crucifixion account later, do you think it is that they are right?
• Jesus responds that He must go to Jerusalem, because no prophet can die outside of the city.  While that's not strictly true, what do you think Jesus is getting at?
• Jesus has to cast out demons and perform cures on His way, but look at the timing.  To what do you think Jesus may be referring in His "third day" reference?
• Jesus then prophesies over Jerusalem in the form of a lament.  How do you feel about Jesus' words?  What emotions do they evoke for you?
• Jesus has wanted to gather the city like chicks under the wings of a mother hen.  As people hear this, what do you think they think about His words?  What do you think this sounds like? See if you can find a reference to this imagery in the Hebrew Scriptures (Hen gathering her chicks).
• What do you think Jesus' last comment refers to, His Triumphal Entry or His eventual appearing later?

That should keep us busy for a while.  Remember to use the AHA structure to examine personal application.

Seeing Things God's Way

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting July 7 to study Luke 13:1-17.  This begins the thirteenth chapter finally.  We'll be looking at a teaching, a parable, and a healing.  Some commentaries think they're separate (at least the healing from the parable/teaching), but I think there's a common connection.

Read through the passage in a few different translations, jot down notes and questions, and then check out some commentaries.  Revise your notes and questions if necessary, and then go through the questions below:

• Current events were circulated by word-of-mouth in that day, so the report in verse 1 isn't unusual or surprising in a sense.  It's even expected since everyone knew Jesus was from Galilee and would think He'd want to know.  So why do you think He responds so negatively?
• Jesus hears their report and begins challenging a belief that "things happen in proportion to the degree of sin of the people who suffer in it".  Jesus instead puts everyone in the same "sin-bucket".  Why do you think people would believe that sin drives the degree of suffering?
• Jesus says, "repent or perish", this sounds pretty strong and in the context, people actually died.  So, what do you think Jesus meant by this warning?
• What do you think it means to "repent"?
• In the context of the report, Jesus simply tells people to repent, but doesn't explicitly tell them from what (except the belief that suffering is directly related to the degree of sinfulness in a persons' life).  What do you think Jesus had in mind for them to repent from and to?
• The parable of the fig tree happens in a vineyard.  In their day this wasn't that unusual, and vineyards often are imagery for Israel, so what do you think the fig tree represented in parable?
• Who is the vineyard owner?  Who is the vinedresser/vineyard keeper/gardener/vineyard worker?
• If the tree has one more year, what do you think this means for the "fig tree"?
• So, if the problem the fig tree has is producing figs, what do you think this means for those needing to repent?  What do you think they need to do to survive after the year?
• If (and I believe it does) the parable related to the need for repentance, then what do you infer from it about repentance?  What do you think it teaches about what repentance means?  What do you learn about repentance for your own life?
• Immediately it's the Sabbath, and Jesus is teaching in the synagogue.  What do you think it means that Jesus is allowed or asked to teach in a synagogue?  Why do you think He would be allowed to do that when His popularity with the religious leaders is on the decline?
• Jesus sees a woman who is bent over and it is from spiritual oppression.  He heals her, but not with the wording associated with casting out demons.  So, what do you think was going on with the woman?
• Jesus calls her over to Him (up front), declares her healed, and then touches her.  Why do you think He healed her this way?
• The synagogue leader cites the law about abstaining from your occupation on the Sabbath.  What do you infer about what he believes about Jesus' occupation?  What do you think is Jesus' occupation?
• The synagogue leader doesn't address Jesus, he addresses the crowd.  Who do you think he had a problem with?
• Jesus wastes no time in calling out the legal problem.  Do you think the leaders would have considered animals more important than this woman?  So why would such exceptions be made for animals but not for people?  What sort of "healing" was going on besides Jesus that they would have prohibited its exercise on the Sabbath?
• Jesus points out the problem of priority in the oral tradition or explanation of the law.  What do you think God intends for the Sabbath?  What is it supposed to be about?
• His "opponents" were humiliated.  What does that tell you about those in attendance?
• Why do you think the crowd would be so favorable when the leaders were humiliated?  Why wouldn't that bother the crowd?

That should keep us busy.  Remember to apply the "Awakening", "Honesty", and "Action" process to find the application the Holy Spirit has for you in this passage.  What would repentance look like for you?

Dividing Fire and Divining The Times

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study meeting June 30 to study Luke 12:49 through 59.  This passage has the feel of being disjointed and difficult to understand as organized.  Spend the time with it though to get the sense of why these three pieces are interrelated to each other and to what just preceded them.

For this passage it will be helpful to read all of chapter 12, and perhaps ahead into chapter 13 to get a better sense of the context.  Different translation may shed some light on details within the passage, but reading around this passage may help in overall understanding of these details.  I recommend doing both.  Make notes with observations and questions before looking at commentaries.

After you have worked through this passage yourself, go back through with the questions below:

• Jesus has just been talking about His "appearing" or His "return".  His disciples are possibly wondering when He might leave, and Jesus says that He has a "baptism" to endure and something about bringing fire on the land.  Putting those two things together, what do you think Jesus means? What do you think the disciples understood or thought about it?
• Jesus begins discussing how He has come and it will result in family division.  Throughout Acts (the other half of Luke's account), households convert together (Cornelius in Acts 10, the Philippian Jailer in Acts 16).  Households in the Ancient Near Eastern cultures were much more enmeshed than in our culture today.  How do you think Jesus means this effect, and what do you think it will look like?  What do you think this means for the structure of the Early Church which was founded on groups of households?
• Within the family structure Jesus says will become divided because of Him, He mentions mother-in-laws and daughter-in-laws.  What do you think is the significance of that here?  Why include that in Jesus' claim that households will become divided?
• Jesus switches to criticizing the crowd for being better able to predict weather than the times.  What about the times do you think Jesus is referring to?  What do you think that has to do with divided families, Jesus' "baptism" or "fire", or even going to court for damages?
• Finally Jesus brings up the topic of going to court for damages.  I surmise it's about "damages" (or some sort of debt) because of the punishment relating to "paying back".  But there also seems to be the underlying assumption that the party really is guilty of the damage/debt.  What do you think this is about?  Why "make friends" or "give work to be freed from him"?  What problem do you think Jesus is trying to fix with this lesson?
• How does freeing one self from the punishment of being sued relate to family division and predicting the "times"?  What do you think this has to do with Jesus' "baptism" or the fire He is bringing?
• If you've read ahead, and reviewed was came before, what do you think this passage or these elements have to do with what's going on when Jesus says them?

This should be plenty to keep us occupied for a time.  Remember to seek out the things in this passage that the Holy Spirit wants to use in your life to change you.  What snaps you "awake"? If you're honest, what action(s) do you need to take to respond to what the Spirit reveals?

See you all Thursday!

Ready and Waiting

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting June 23 to study Luke 12:35-48.  This is all about being ready, and the clear sense is that readiness refers to Jesus' return.

I figured this was a good stretch to try to get through.  There's a lot just in these verses without going further, but please read ahead if you like.  These verses have imagery of masters and slaves, but there are some really strange elements.  Some of the element refer back or forwards to other parables and statement of Jesus.

Read through the passage a few times.  Reading to the end of the chapter helps develop a local context as the topic of end-times is consistent through the end of the chapter.  Jot down notes, questions and observations.  Be sure to use different translations.  Then use commentaries with your notes.  After that go back through with the questions below:

• The first imagery Jesus uses is servants waiting for their master to return from a feast.  The idea (and custom) was that the feast could go long into the night, perhaps even into the next day (see verse 38 with the "watches" of the night).  So how do you think that applies to us, waiting day-to-day, for Jesus to return, knowing it hasn't happened in 2,000 years?  How do you understand this sort of "readiness"?
• When the master comes and finds the servants ready, he serves them.  This isn't Jesus using local custom, so what do you think He is referring to?  What do you think the people thought about that statement?
• The night was separated by the Romans into 3 watches, so what do you think it means for us that He may return in the "third watch"?
• Next the image is guarding the house against the thief.  This is reminiscent of the parable where the strong man had to be subdued before the house plundered (see Luke 11:21,22).  But here the problem being addressed is different.  There it was being strong enough to defend, here it's being awake enough to defend.  What do you think Jesus is wanting His followers to learn from this?
• Peter then asks about who this is for, the people or the disciples?  And Jesus then becomes very specific about "lead servants".  So what do you think was the answer for Peter?
• Who do you think the "lead servants" refers to today?
• Here the we find the statement in Luke that the one faithful over little is given much, but what does that mean in this context?
• This part of the passage has a parallel in Matthew 24:43-51.  What differences do you see between them?  Is the point the same?
• What do you think of the punishment for the unfaithful "lead servant"? in verse 46?
• Verses 47 and 48 don't really have a parallel with the other Gospels. What do you think Jesus is saying here? It sounds a bit like some bad servants are worse than others, so what do you think Jesus' point might be to the disciples?

That should keep us occupied for a bit. Remember to seek out and pay attention to those elements that jolt you Awake, be Honest about why and what you need to do, and then take that Action. 

Where's The Wealth?

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study meeting June 9 to study Luke 12:13-34.  This is a familiar parable and explanation.  It contains more of the material Matthew placed in the Sermon on the Mount, but also this parable which is only found in Luke.

Read through the parable and material following a few times, and try to use a few translations.  Make notes of details, questions, and observations you discover as you read.  The point is about greed, but see if you can find other, related points Jesus is making and jot those down as well.

Read a commentary or two, Study Bible notes, online commentaries, or what you can find.  See how these help answer some questions, and what new questions they bring up.  After you revise your notes and questions, go back through with the questions below:

• Why do you think the one brother wanted Jesus to be the arbitrator of the inheritance?
• Look up this article on "inheritance" on the Blue Letter Bible site.  What can you find here that would explain what the man asked Jesus to do?
• Jesus avoids the issue with the man, but He also uses this to discuss greed with His disciples.  What could that mean about the requestor's motivation?
• Read verse 15 in a few translations.  What do you think Jesus means here?
• In this parable the rich man has a problem.  Why do you think having too much is such a problem?
• From Jesus' setup, what do you think Jesus thinks is so wrong about saving?
• The man speaks to his soul, and then God speaks.  In verse 20, God says, "This night, they require back your soul."  From the context, who do you think is this they requiring the man's soul?
• The wealth of the man should have been toward God, but it wasn't.  Yet right off the bat, Jesus dives into talking about worrying about possessions.  What do you think is the connection between the request for Jesus to make the brother share, the parable about a rich fool, and the encouragement not to worry?
• What do you see as the connection between worry and wealth?
• It's possible that Jesus spoke to the Pharisees/Lawyers earlier, but her speaks to those struggling to make ends meet.  If that's the case, what do you think Jesus is saying to them about their situation?
• Where Jesus was pretty harsh with the lawyers and Pharisees, here He seems almost gentle.  Why do you think this required a different tone, whatever the difference?
• In verse 29, Jesus repeats Himself telling them not to worry.  Read it in the King James though, and consider the difference.  It's the same Greek word, but rather than anxious or worry, it's translated as doubt.  How do you think doubt relates to worry or being anxious?
• Look up the Greek word Luke uses here (he's the only one to use it in the Christian Scriptures). Consider the range of meaning and use.  What do you think the connection is between all of those possibilities?  What does that tell you about worry or anxiety?
• What do you think it means to "seek the Kingdom of God"?

That should keep us busy for the time we have.  Keep in mind the AHA process of application of what you read.

Don't Be That Guy

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting June 2 to study Luke 12:1-12.  This passage is made up of related statements of Jesus which Luke has compiled and placed together here.  I believe he intends them as a commentary on Jesus' immediately preceding dinner discourse.  So, Jesus is explaining to His disciples why and how they shouldn't be like the Pharisees.  Like most of the stuff I suspect, that's not a given, nor is it necessary.

Read through the passage several times.  I have it broken into six small paragraphs.  You can divide it any way you like, but be sure to use at least two translations (one old and one new if possible).  Jot down notes and questions as you read.  Then browse a commentary or two, maybe one of the ones on Blue Letter Bible.  Revise your notes and questions if necessary.

Then go back through with the questions below:

• Why do you think Luke feels it's necessary to include the details of the crowd trampling each other and Jesus speaking to His disciples first?  How do you think they connect?
• Jesus tells the disciples to beware the "leaven" of the Pharisees which He labels hypocrisy.  Look up "leaven" at the Blue Letter Bible site.  What's the danger Jesus is pointing out about the Pharisee's hypocrisy?
• Jesus then goes into a series of short (as I see them) statements that sort of remind me of the Sermon on the Mount. He basically says there are (or will be) no secrets.  What does that mean to you?  How does that affect how you live out your salvation and choices you make?
• Next Jesus speaks of contrasting sorts of fears.  He goes from "Fear Not" to "Fear This" and then back to "Fear Not".  He ends with the statement that God "values" us.  Look up "value" (or "worth more") at the Blue Letter Bible site.  What do you learn from the range of meaning for this word?  Why or how do you think we are valuable to God?
• Next Jesus says that confession and denial of Him before men brings reciprocity in heaven.  What do you think Jesus is saying here in light of what He's just said about the Pharisees?  Which previous statement do you think most closely ties into this one?
• Then Jesus speaks of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.  Matthew has this statement at the point where people thought Jesus cast out demons by the power of their leader, but Luke has it here.  What do you think about this context made this placement make more sense for Luke?
• If Jesus and the Holy Spirit are both part of the Trinity, why do you think blaspheming One is any different than blaspheming the other?
• What does it mean to "blaspheme" the Holy Spirit?
• Finally Jesus winds up with how to respond when the disciples stand before judges for their faith.  How do you feel about such a charge?  How hard would it be for you to simply, peacefully, confidently wait for the Holy Spirit to bring stuff to your mind?  What are somethings you can do beforehand to perhaps give the Holy Spirit "more to work with" in the spur of the moment?

That should give us plenty to discuss this Thursday.  Can you believe it's June already?

This Generation Needs Help

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting May 19 to study Luke 11:29-54 (the end of the chapter).  This is a collection of passages bristling with bristling, insults, condemnation, flagrant offense, and an uncomfortable meal.  Just bristling!  Say the word out loud, you know it's fun.

Reading through these passages, it might be easier to break them up into the smallest cohesive pieces.  Then you perhaps group the pieces.  It's up to you where you think the breaks should be, but breaking them up might make them easier to understand.  If you look at the passages in various translations, you'll see that translators don't even know where to break them up.  The two biggest elements are the condemnation of the ones looking for a sign and the dinner with the Pharisee.  But beyond that, you may find it easier to break into smaller pieces.  It's up to you, you may not find that easier at all.  If not, don't do it.

Once you have the passage grouped in a way that makes sense, focus on the relationships between each element (even if it's only two).  Then look at the elements within each, like the woes on Pharisees versus lawyers.  How do those relate?  And so on, it's like assembling a quilt sort of.  Stepping back gives you the sense of how the whole works together.  Zooming in helps get a sense of how Jesus addresses what problems He sees.  On that note, what problems does He see?  What problems seem to draw most of His attention?

Jot down questions and insights you gain from your own study.  Then look at commentaries or notes, or whatever you have at hand.  Revise your notes and questions.  Bring those to the group, Thursday.  After you have all that, then go back through with the questions below:

• Verse 29 seems to address those mentioned in verse 16 who were demanding a sign.  Jesus says it's wicked to want a sign.  What do you think Jesus and the people mean by "sign"? Sign of or for what?
• In Matthew 12:38-42, we have a parallel to verse 29 through 32, but there Matthew explains how Jonah is a sign to the Ninevites.  So, how do you think Luke understands Jonah as a "sign" to the people of Nineveh?  Is it the time in the fish, or his preaching, or what?  
• The "Queen of the South" came to hear Solomon, and Jonah went to Nineveh.  She desired to hear Solomon's wisdom and the Ninevites needed to hear from God.  How are these two things related to each other?  I think it relates to what the people around Jesus are not doing.  If that is true, what do you think they are not doing?  Do we do these things or are we not doing them either?
• Starting at verse 33, I think we have another separate element that, for Luke, is related to what precedes it.  From 33 to 36, Jesus is referring to "light", but what do you think that "light" is a metaphor for here?  In other places it refers to other things, but what does Jesus use it for here?
• Jesus says that light is meant to be displayed.  How do you think the people around Jesus have been hiding theirs?
• Jesus says that the eye enlightens the body.  How do you think the people around Jesus have been "darkening" their vision?
• From the two elements, about signs and about light, what is Jesus trying to get across to the people around Him?  What do you think is the unifying truth behind both?
• Next, a Pharisee invites Jesus to a meal.  As I've told you in the past, this is always dangerous.  Right away, the Pharisee is surprised Jesus doesn't wash.  The word used is "baptize".  What does that tell you about "baptism"?  So why do you think the King James would not, nor does any other translation, use the word "baptize" for this?
• The Pharisee is "astonished" or "surprised" that Jesus doesn't wash.  There's nothing inherently negative in this word, so what do you think might have been going on in the Pharisee's mind?
• Jesus launches into a condemnation of the Pharisees.  The first condemnation is appearing clean but not being clean on the outside.  But what do you think Jesus means when He says, "But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you."?  How are all things "clean"?  In what way?
• Jesus then goes into tithing every little thing, but not behaving in just and loving ways.  How do you think this is like or unlike us today?
• The Pharisees have come to love the "trappings" of their station.  What do you think is the alternative?  Luke really doesn't say, so what do you think Luke and his hearers have in mind?
• What do you think is the problem depicted in "hidden tombs"?  Why do you think it is a problem to walk over a grave?
• Now a lawyer stands up...again.  And this genius claims that Jesus is also insulting them, as if by accident.  Why do you think the lawyer would exclude his group from the Pharisees?  
• He clearly seems to see some of Jesus' criticisms as applying to lawyers also.  What or which ones of Jesus' woes do you think the lawyer thought applied to him and the other lawyers?
• Jesus takes up the challenge to be more direct toward the lawyers, and so begins His woes on them.  What do you think are these burdens these lawyers are laying on the people they do not lift themselves?  Do you think the lawyers would agree with Jesus assessment of them that they don't lift them either?
• How do you think building the tomb for a prophet makes a person in agreement with those who killed him?
• Literally, the wording of verse 49 says, "Through this also the wisdom of God said..."  The NIV reads "God in His wisdom", the NASB has "the wisdom of God", and the ESV has "the Wisdom of God".  So, which do you think makes more sense here?  Who do you think Jesus thinks said this?
• Why would the blood of Abel be charged to the generation to whom Jesus spoke?
• Why would the blood of Zechariah (2 Chronicles 24:20-22) be charged to them?
• Lawyers were supposed to be making the law clear to people.  So in what way do you think they kept the "key" to it from people?
• Understandably, the lawyers and Pharisees began to plot against Jesus, but what do you think of their "plan"?  Considering how much fun everyone had at the meal, does this sound like a great idea to you?  Why do you think they wanted this approach?

This should be plenty to keep us busy.  See you all Thursday!