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?

A Tale of Two Characters

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 19 to study 2 Samuel 15.  This chapter seems mostly contrasting the character of Absalom with that of his father David.  The depiction of Absalom's character really begins in the previous chapter, but it continues its downward spiral here.

Read through the chapter several times.  Try and imagine yourself in the activity, seeing Absalom in his chariot, hearing him talk with people in the gate, and seeing him respond to people who pay him homage.  Consider what you would think of such a person who you know weighs his hair when he cuts it.

Also pay close attention the convoluted depiction of the exodus of Jerusalem.  Try to imagine what it looked like, what David does and how he does it.  Who comes with him, who tries?  Be sure to take the time to look up the various unfamiliar names, and words or places.  This is a good place to track down cross references in your Bible.  Imagine what it looked like to see the king cross the Kidron Valley barefoot.  Jot down observations, questions, notes, insights and so on.

After you've gone through a few times on your own, go back through with the questions below:

• Look at 1 Samuel 8:11 where Samuel tells those desiring a king what he will do to them.  From this, where do you think Absalom gets the idea for his chariot and runners?
• We normally think of chariots in races.  How fast do you think Absalom is trying to go with fifty guys in front on foot?  So, if speed isn't his point, what do you think is?
• What do you think it meant for the people then that Absalom got up early to meet people in the gate?
• What do you think it implies about David's court that Absalom says, "...there is no one to listen to you for the king"?  How accurate do you think this might have been?
• Why do you think a hair-weighing chariot-riding would-be judge would kiss those who come to him and bow down?  Why do you think people are buying his 'schtick'?
• Absalom says he needs to pay a vow to God he made while in Geshur.  Why did he think this would work with David?  Why do you think David wasn't clued in by Absalom waiting so long and all his other shenanigans that this wasn't on the up-and-up?  Or do you think he was clued in?
• What do you think was the point to the 200 people who went, but knew nothing about the plot?  Why even mention them?
• Ahithophel is one to research.  Look at the Blue Letter Bible site here. The entry from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia is especially interesting.  We'll be keeping an eye on Ahithophel, but what do you think of a royal counselor who follows a conspiracy?  
• Why do you think a wise man would have followed Absalom so readily? Think this one through, perhaps in reverse.
• Why do you think David didn't hesitate when he hears everyone is for Absalom?  Combined with the fact that Ahithophel, the wise-guy, follows Absalom, what do you infer about Absalom's rebellion at this point?
• Consider verse 14 very carefully.  Why does David want to flee Jerusalem?
• Normally the Cherethites and Pelethites occur together, but now Gittites show up as part of David's 600 original men from Gath (Ziklag).  Considering that was about 20 years ago, why do you think David would tell Ittai that 'you came only yesterday'?
• It's possible these Gittites are people who followed David after seeing him in Gath.  What do you think they saw in David in Gath that caused them to leave Philistines and follow some Israeli rebel?
• David calls them foreigners.  What does that mean for their place among the people of Israel?  What sort of future do they have?
• Ittai has his men and their 'little ones' which indicates their families are with them.  So, how loyal are these 'foreigners'? 
• Ittai says that he's with David wherever and whatever happens.  But they still only have 600 men.  What do you sense among those following David that is lacking in Absalom's group?
• David is crossing the valley, when Zadok and Abiathar show up with the Ark.  Why does David tell them to return?  Do you think setting up a 'spy network' was his first idea or just occurred to him as he told them to return, or what?
• David ascends the Mount of Olives (a favorite place of Jesus later) barefoot and weeping.  How do you imagine this scene?  The whole countryside is weeping, how do you see this as very different from Absalom's throng?
• Hushai the Archite ('Hasty' from Archie?) just as David hears that Ahithophel is advising Absalom.  David prays for God to make Ahithophel foolish, and up pops Hushai.  As answers to prayer go, what do you think about this one being quite so fast?
• Hushai also completes the 'spy network' started with the priests.  What are the odds of Hushai being accepted if he already has Ahithophel?
• Hushai and Absalom arrive in Jerusalem at the same time (or so it seems).  So, at this stage, considering the character of the one coming versus the one going, who do you think has more favor with the Holy One of Israel?  Why?

That will certainly keep us busy, as will the next four chapters.  Take a peak at 1 Kings 5, specifically Adonijah.  What similarities and differences do you see here?  Some lessons are hard to learn.

Kindness To The Lame

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Study Group meeting February 5 to study 2 Samuel 9.  There is a lot of weirdness in this chapter.  David's actions toward Mephibosheth may seem strange, or at least they should.  But also consider the circumstances David found him in.

Read through this chapter several times, noting odd details, jotting down questions, and perhaps marking your Bible.  Then read ahead at 2 Samuel 16:1-4, and then skip to 19:24-30.  Then skip ahead to 2 Samuel 21:1-9 (which seems confusing).  These passages complete the account of Mephibosheth in David's story.  Without what has preceded (this chapter and the account earlier in 2 Samuel 4:4), these later details would not have made sense.  So this lengthy explanation needed to be included before the account of Absalom.

After you have read these accounts, noting and jotting down questions, read back through this chapter with the questions below:

• Why do you think David would ask about the house of Saul at this point?  What do you think people are thinking when he does?
• Ziba is brought to David, who is Ziba?  And what do you think Ziba's life has been like up to this point?
• David  asks where Mephibosheth is.  Why do you think he wasn't with Ziba already?
• Why do you think Mephibosheth is not with Saul's family in Benjamin? (he's across the Jordan)
• Consider that Mephibosheth falls on his face before David.  How debilitating do you think his 'lame' feet are?  How do you think he looks as he walks?
• The term, "eat at the kings table" doesn't refer to a literal 'table' or meal time, it refers to the source of the meals that Mephibosheth would eat.  So, how is Mephibosheth being treated by David?
• What do you think is going through Mephibosheth's mind at this point?
• What do you think is going through Ziba's mind at this point?
• Now David turns to Ziba, and tells him that everything of Saul reverts to Mephibosheth and that he now works for him.  What do you think is going through Ziba's mind now?
• Consider that all that Ziba does for Mephibosheth he doesn't really need per se because his meals are provided for by the king.  How do you think this makes Ziba feel?
• With that point (what Ziba produces isn't necessary to Mephibosheth), what happens to the produce?
• Why the detail that Ziba has so many children and servants?  What do you think the writer is pointing out here?
• Why do you think it's interesting that Mephibosheth has a son?  What detail is then missing?
• As you read the accounts ahead, who's missing?
• Why do you think it's important to repeat that Mephibosheth is lame in both feet?

2 Samuel 16:1-4

• David is fleeing from Absalom, and Ziba meets him with supplies.  What is his explanation of the supplies?
• David asks about Mephibosheth.  Does Ziba's answer make much sense to you?  Why do you think David believes him?

2 Samuel 19:24-30

• Mephibosheh makes the effort to come down to David as he enters Jerusalem.  What do you think this looks like?
• Consider how unkempt Mephibosheth looks. Does that help or hinder his story?
• He has a mustache.  Why not a beard?
• Does the account of Mephibosheth ring true?  Was he waiting for Ziba to bring him a donkey? Did he miss the 'last cab out of town' or something?
• Mephibosheth finishes his explanation by recounting all that David did for him, and that it was not deserved.  How does that help Mephibosheth?
• Who do you believe between the two?  If Mephibosheth sounds more plausible, why do you think David split the goods?
• What do you think about Mephibosheth's response to splitting the lands/goods with Ziba?
• This seems to be where the issue is left.  Do you think Mephibosheth ever gains favor with David again?

We're not going to cover the issues in chapter 21 just yet. There's too much weirdness to just skip over.  So, we'll cover that in detail when we get to that chapter.

Remember to bring your notes and questions to group.  This is an interesting account, and I think we're going to enjoy studying together.

Sarcastic Servants of The King?

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting June 26 to study 1 Corinthians 4 (actually 3 and 4).  In this chapter, Paul wraps up his initial argument with the Corinthian church about their treatment of each other and how they regard him.  These first four chapters set up a context in which we can better understand the rest of the issues Paul addresses.  Everything else with which they struggle comes out of this initial discussion.

Read through this chapter several times.  It may be very helpful to start with chapter 1 again, and read through these four chapters together.  The repetition of themes, illustrations, and problems is best seen by reading all four together.  As we launch into the more familiar issues Paul covers you will see direct and indirect ties back to these issues.

As you read through this and the preceding chapters, what doesn't make sense to you?  Where are the things that Paul leaves unexplained or assumed?  Jot down questions and observations you have as you read through.  Be sure to bring those observations and questions to the group.

After you've read through several times, found some questions and observations, read through again with the questions below:

• From verse 1, look up the word Paul uses we translate as 'ministers' at this link.  Look through the various places listed at the bottom where this word is used in the New Testament.  How is this different from 'slave' or 'bond servant', words common with Paul?  There are some 'synonyms' listed in Greek, like doulos (slave) and diakonos (deacon/minister).  Paul wants the church to consider him with this word rather than as a slave or 'deacon'.  Why do you think that might be?
• In verse 1, the other word for how the church should consider Paul is as a 'steward' or 'head butler' of a house.  What sort of image does this bring to mind as you consider church leaders?
• In verse 2 Paul says that 'stewards' are supposed to be 'trustworthy' as if that were the primary quality sought in such people.  What does that mean for Paul?  What do you think that would look like?  Trustworthy to whom?
• Verse 3 is a common verse used to prevent 'judgmental' attitudes in church.  To what do you think Paul is referring here?  It may be helpful to review verse 5:3 before you come to some sort of conclusion.
•  Why do you think Paul wouldn't 'examine' himself?  Read ahead in 11:28.  Obviously Paul has something different in mind here than there.  Look up the word for 'examine' from 1 Corinthians 4:3, and the word, 'examine' from 11:28.  When you compare them, what do you think is the essential difference?
• The root of the word used in verse 4 turns up in verse 5 ('krino'), but also 5:3.  What do you think the difference is between 'judging' here (don't do it, but wait for God), and verse 5:3 (where Paul does it without even being there)?
• If Paul is referring to 'Scripture' when he refers to 'what has been written', then what Scripture are they not to exceed?
• Considering verses 6 and 7, what is the obvious problem the Corinthians have, and how do you think this relates to the previous statements about 'judging'?
• Take your best guess, do you think Paul is serious in his assessment of the believers in verse 8?  If not why is he writing this way?  If so, what does he end the verse that way?
• Can you sense the continuation of the tone from verse 8 throughout 9 through 13?  What do you think Paul is doing here in this part of his argument?  Consider, how do you think Paul feels as he writes this? What emotion do you sense in these words?
• In verse 14, Paul states his purpose in writing as he has, what do you think of as the difference between 'shame' and 'warn' or 'admonish' (the English words)?
• Look up the two words, 'shame' and 'admonish'.  What difference do you see between these?  Is it the same as the English words used?
• Paul connects himself to them as 'father' to them as 'children'.  Having made that claim, what is his challenge to them?  Do you think that's proper or right?
• In that light (fathers and sons), he sends Timothy.  What sort of reception do you imagine Timothy receiving when he arrives?
• Paul wraps up this chapter (part of the letter) stating that he intends to come.  What do you see as the criteria he will use in comparing the 'arrogant' people there in Corinth and himself?  What do you think verse 20 means, in practical terms?  What does that look like?

That should carry us through an hour (or more).  As I said, there are great things in this chapter.  Bring your own questions and observations to the group.

The Tragedy of Saul

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 27 to study 1 Samuel 31.  This is a short sad chapter.  Notice that this story ends without a 'silver lining'.  It's not the actual end to the overall story, but for Saul, it's the bitter end.  Let's keep our focus on Saul; hard as that will be.

Read through the chapter a few times.  Go ahead and read into 2 Samuel to get some sense of the scope of where this piece fits in the overall story, but we'll be focusing on chapter 31.  Jot down observations and questions and bring them with you Thursday.

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

• Why do you think the people fled so early on in the fight?
• The sons of Saul die and yet the Philistines take their time finding Saul.  How do you imagine this fight looking?
• The archers find Saul, but still the 'army' hasn't.  Why might that be?
• Saul tells his 'armor-bearer' to kill him, why doesn't he want to die fighting the Philistines?
• Saul kills himself, and then so does his armor-bearer.  How do you imagine this scene?  Why don't the Philistines find him before the next day?
• Where are the rest of the 'men of Israel'?  Look for Gilboa on a map, so why do those on the other side of the Jordan see Saul fall?
• The people fee the cities, and Philistines take them to live in.  What seems strange to you about this?
• Why treat the body of Saul like they did?  
• Why do the Philistines celebrate in their temples?
• Where is the city of Beth-Shan?  Why would the men of Jabesh Gilead risk so much to take Saul and his sons to bury them? (1 Samuel 11)  Why burn them first?
• Why do you think the 'Tamarisk Tree' is a significant place to bury Saul?
• What do you think Saul might have done differently to change the outcome of the battle?  At what point could he have recovered his relationship with God?

That should keep us busy for a bit.  We will also discuss what we'll do next.  See you Thursday!