Foreshadowing and Plot Twists

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 31 to study Luke 9:37-62 (or as far as we get).  A lot happens in this passage, so there will be plenty to look at.  One of the important elements is how Luke connects everything in a literary manner.  This is one of the places Luke is very different from Matthew and Mark.

Read through the passage several times.  Focus on the bigger picture of what is happening, but then focus on the pieces.  The smaller elements are broken up into topics of discussion.  In some sense they are connected, but sometimes it seems loosely.  If you put yourself into the action, the connections can become clearer.  Make sure to jot down questions and insights you gain as you do this.

After you have looked at the passage thoroughly, go through with a commentary or two.  Revise your questions, add some new ones, and see what new insights you gain.  Remember to consider why a commentator thinks what they do, and feel free to challenge that reasoning.

After you have gone through the passage go back through again with the questions below:

• In Matthew, Mark, and Luke the casting out of the demon is present.  But there are slight variations between the accounts.  Mark has the most detail, but in all three the statement of Jesus about putting up with this perverted generation is present.  Why do you think that is so important?  What do you think Jesus means by it?
• Luke compresses the aftermath of the account, omitting the question of the disciples about why they couldn't cast it out.  And Luke has a shorter statement by Jesus about His coming death.  Why do you think Luke might be shortening this section?  He keeps the point focused.  What do you think Luke is focusing on here?
• In all three accounts, the mention of Jesus' suffering is followed by a discussion of who is the greatest disciple.  What do you think might be the reasoning behind that?
• In all three accounts this correction by Jesus of who is greatest is followed by James, John, or another disciple mentioning the person they hindered from casting out demons in Jesus' name.  Why do you think the disciples would connect a child being greatest to a random exorcist operating in Jesus' name?
• Verse 51 is the "hinge" in the plot for Luke.  Think through how it connects to what is before and after in this passage.  How do you think the discussions leading to this verse support Luke's literary focus?
• After this verse, Samaritan villages don't welcome Jesus.  The reason given, that He is headed for Jerusalem, isn't unusual for Samaritan villages, it's sort of normal business for them to treat Jewish pilgrims this way.  So why do you think James and John wanted to respond by calling in artillery fire from Heaven?
• Jesus' response to the disciples is not the same in all versions of the Bible.  Commentaries should have some explanation of it.  The problem is that none of the other Gospels have this event, so how the extra text got in there, and where it came from is a mystery.  In general, the shorter reading is preferred.  Why do you think that might help in this instance?
• The last three statements of Jesus in this chapter come in response to persons either He invites or who say they want to follow Him.  Why do you think the person wishing to follow Him is told Jesus has no home?
• What do you think it means for Jesus to actually invite someone to follow Him when He's headed to His death?
• Why would Jesus tell the person to "let the dead bury the dead"?  What do you think Jesus means by this?
• Jesus then tells the man to go and proclaim he Kingdom of God.  How do you think the man would be capable of that?  Who do you think this guy might be?
• The last one is the most frightening.  What do you think it means to put your hand to the plow and look back?  What do you think that might look like today?

That should be more than enough to keep us occupied, probably for a few weeks.  I know this much material can be overwhelming, so think it through in smaller chunks to find those things that wake you up.  What elements is the Spirit using to jar you Awake?  What do you Honestly see in yourself when you look at these accounts?  What Action do you need to take in response?  Repeat those questions for each element that jumps out at you.

Seeing the Kingdom of God

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 24 to study Luke 9:18-36.  This passage will cover Jesus' questioning of His disciples and the Transfiguration.  There are some challenging elements here, especially for application to our lives.

Read through the passage with as many translations as you have available.  Look for where they differ the most and see if you can see why that might be (look up words on the Blue Letter Bible site for instance).  Make notes of questions and insights you gain as you read.

After reading it through and making your own notes, go to a commentary of some sort.  See what questions this answers and what questions they raise.  Adjust your notes, and then go back through with the questions below:

• In other Gospel accounts, Jesus takes the to Caesaria Philippi.  Luke isn't that specific, only that, once again, Jesus is praying.  Why do you think Luke leaves out the location here?
• Jesus asks the same question in all three accounts, "Who do people say that I am?"  Why do you think Jesus might be interested, concerned, or otherwise want to know what the disciples had heard of what other people thought of Him?
• Then, in all three accounts, Jesus asks, "Who do you you think I am?" which puts the challenge on them.  While the first question is debatable, for this one, what's the obvious reason for His asking?  On the other hand, what not so obvious reasons can you think of Jesus might ask?
• In all three accounts Peter answers for the group.  But only in Matthew is it the long version we normally hear.  In all three cases there are slight differences.  Why do you think there was such inconsistency among the three writers?
• Jesus then warns them to tell no one about Him.  He has just sent them out to preach the coming of the Kingdom of God, why do you think He now tells them to tell no one He is he Christ (Messiah)?
• Jesus then explains (but in varying detail) that He will suffer, be killed, and raise on the third day.  At this point Luke deviates completely from the other two Gospels. While the other Gospels have Peter's "rebuke" of Jesus, Luke skips to Jesus launching into a challenge about discipleship.  Why do you think Luke would leave out Peter's "rebuke" here?
• Matthew and Mark state that Jesus began to teach them about His suffering, death, burial, and resurrection.  Luke doesn't.  It's possibly a small point, but why do you think Luke wouldn't include such a detail?
• Jesus then says a famous statement about taking up a cross and following Him.  In Matthew and Mark, it seems to mean literally in Jerusalem to come.  Luke adds "daily" which puts in a more metaphorical sense.  Why do you think (what do commentators say) Luke would or might make this small addition?
• Then follows the reversal of saving versus losing our lives.  How do you save or sacrifice your own life?
• Then Jesus asks about the value of a soul.  But Luke skips the possibility of something in exchange for his soul.  Why do you think Luke would leave that out?
• Next Matthew leaves out the part about Jesus being ashamed of those who deny Him in this world (but see Matthew 10).  Considering these differences, what do you think the Gospel writers are doing with this material or what sort of material are they using?
• In all three Gospels, Jesus now makes a statement that some will not die before they see the Kingdom of God.  What do you think that means?  When did the Kingdom of God show up for them to see if Jesus hasn't returned yet?
• In three Gospels Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on a mountain.  In Luke it was to pray, and they fall asleep.  In Matthew and Mark Jesus is transfigured immediately.  Why do you think Luke makes this adjustment in his account?
• Luke includes the detail about the topic of the discussion between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.  Why do you think he might include that?
• Peter says it's good for them to be there, and that they should make "booths" for the three of them.  Even though the three Gospel writers say he didn't know what he was saying, why would he say that?  Why booths (or tents or tabernacles)?
• A cloud comes down and obscures everything, and a voice comes out of the cloud.  What is the "cloud"?
• Luke skips the discussion about Elijah, and summarizes with the comment they kept this to themselves until after Jesus rose.  Why do you think Luke would make such a change in his account?

There's a lot here to discuss, but the real point is how it impacts each of us.  What about this passage Awakens something in you?  Be Honest about what you see in yourself and your relationship with Jesus.  What Action do you need to take in response to what you see in yourself?

The Confused Tetrarch and A Mass Meal

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 10 to study Luke 9:1-17.  This passage brings up to Peter's confession and the Transfiguration.  There's plenty to discuss just in this passage though.

Be sure to read through a few times in various translations jotting down notes.  You should have plenty of questions, especially if you look through the parallel passages in Matthew, Mark and John! The feeding of five thousand is one of the few things that made into all four Gospels.  Try, in each case to put yourself in the scene with the twelve and Jesus (and some kid with a huge lunch?).

After you've come up with your own questions, look through commentaries, and see what sort of answers and additional questions you come up with.  If you have access to a couple of commentaries, see what differences even between them you see.  These may be favorite stories of Jesus, but they are not always agreed upon by teachers and Bible teachers.

After all that, see if you can come up with a single main point to the "sending out of the twelve", and then a single point to the feeding of the five thousand.  What do you think Luke is saying Jesus' main point is?  Let's share those as we open each section; single summary points.

After all that work on your part, if you feel up to it, go back through with the questions below:

• Jesus gives the twelve "power" and "authority" over both "demons" and "disease".  What do you think the connection is between demons and disease for Luke?  He's a doctor, so why do you think he saw the solution to these two things as "power" and "authority" rather than medicine?
• The two-fold purpose in their being sent is proclaiming good news (preach the gospel) of the Kingdom of God and healing.  How is the same or different today?  If it's the same, why aren't we doing both?
• In Luke's version of this story, they are to take nothing.  At least in Mark they could take a staff.  In Matthew, it's back to nothing, and this isn't in John.  Why do you think it was important to be so dependent on their journey?
• What do you think about the point to remain with the initial hosts?
• "Shake the dust off your feet" has become a cultural idiom within our culture.  In fact we've shortened it to "shake it off" in may cases.  What does this concept mean to you?
• The twelve seemed pretty effective everywhere. What does this tell you about the power and authority Jesus gave them in verse 1?
• The passage about Herod can be somewhat confusing.  What do you think is Luke's basic point in mentioning Herod?
• Herod is concerned because he beheaded John the Baptist, but with the other options, why do you think Herod wants to see Jesus?  Why do you think it was so hard for him to see Jesus?  Who was too busy?
•  The disciples return and Jesus takes them to Bethsaida.  See if you can locate where this might be on a map.  If Bethsaida is a town, why would they need to dismiss the crowd to the surrounding villages? What's the possibility that Luke has "stitched" two accounts together?  There are lots of problems with such a view, but did you have any commentaries that suggested it?
• Jesus tries to get the disciples alone, but welcomes the following crowd.  Why do you think Jesus would have not tried more emphatically to get His disciples some time alone?
• What Jesus does is essentially the same as what the disciples were just doing really well.  Why do you think this is such a foundational ministry concept for Luke?
• The disciples urge Jesus to send the people away, but He tells them to solve the problem.  They've just been doing what Jesus spent the day doing.  Why do you think it was so difficult for them to think ahead to what He was intending do to?
• They had five loaves and two fish. This is a consistent detail among the Gospel accounts.  Why do you think such a detail stuck out so clearly to all four Gospel writers?  Okay, so what is five and two? So, in "biblical numerology" what is the significance of seven?
• Most Gospel writers note that Jesus looks into heaven.  Why do you think this is significant for the blessing?  
• Matthew, Mark and John all make a point of mentioning the grass (John says it's green grass and lots of it).  Why do you think this is not a pertinent point for Luke?
• In each case they gather up 12 baskets of left-overs.  Again, "biblical numerology" is probably a point here, so what do you think it means, especially starting with seven and going to twelve?
• Why do you think this event is so important for understanding Jesus and His ministry that all Gospels include it?

Keep in mind the main point for these two (sending out the twelve and feeding five thousand).  What about these accounts gives you a "wake-up call"?  If your honest about what you see here and in your own life, what do you need to do different?  Jot those down as notes as well!

See you Thursday!

Stop the Bleeding, Raise the Sleeper

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 3 to study Luke 8:40-56.  This is a rather detailed account of the healing of two people, one from bleeding and the other from death.  In a sense, with the preceding passage of the man with the legion of demons, there are three healed. 

Read through the passage a few times, jotting down notes and questions.  Use a few different translations.  Look for various ways they translated descriptions and so on.  Once you have your own set of notes, then look at some sort of commentary.  You'll have some questions answered, but also get new ones, and more notes. 

After you've gone through your own study, then go back through with the questions below:

• Jesus returns to the region of Galilee and was welcomed.  What do you think the people thought about His disappearance?
• Official of the local synagogue has a sick daughter.  What do you think he risks asking Jesus for help when Jesus is not working to make friends among the Pharisees?
• The daughter is 12, and the bleeding woman has been bleeding for 12 years.  What significance do you think Luke might intend here?
• The crowds are not making it easy for Jesus to reach the father's house to save his daughter.  But this makes it easier for the bleeding woman.  What do you imagine her doing, as she reaches for Jesus' robe?
• Verse 43 in various versions will be translated differently.  Why do you think that might be?
• Jesus asks who touched Him. Obviously this would be confusing in the pressing crowd.  But why do you think "they were all denying it"?  Why not go, "we all did!"?  What do you think was being denied?
• This is all taking time away from the dying girl.  What do you imagine Jairus doing while Jesus is asking who in the press of people touched Him?
• Peter asks in obvious confusion.  But Jesus said He felt the power go out.  What do you think that means about how healing affects Jesus?
• The woman realizes she's been noticed, and confesses "before everyone".  Why do you think that detail was important for Luke? (it's not detailed in the other three Gospels)
• Jesus tells her that her faith saved her, and to go in peace.  Right then, the people find Jairus and tell him about his daughter's death.  Jesus has already raised the widow's son in Nain, why do you think they didn't think it necessary to "trouble" Jesus?
• Jesus counters Jairus' fear with a challenge to have faith instead of fear.  How do you think Jesus' confidence affected Jairus at this point?
• In what sense do you think the girl "sleeps"?  Why do you think Jesus said she did?
• Jesus keeps everyone out but James, John, and Peter, and the parents.  Why do you think He was so "exclusive" with His miracle?
• There are mourners who know the girl died, and the crowd heard what happened.  So what difference do you think it makes that the parents tell no one of this miracle?  What would the point be to that?

Think back through the passage.  What in the passage grabs your attention specifically about your own life?  If you're honest with yourself, what action might God be leading you to take?

That should do for our hour.  Blessings upon you all!

A Path To Sanity Through Swine

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting February 25 to study Luke 8:26-39, the account of the Gadarene Demoniac.  This account has parallels in Matthew 8:28-34 and Mark 5:1-20, so be sure to read these as well.

Read through the account in Luke several times in as many different translations as you can.  Jot down notes and questions as you read through.  Then look at the different parallels, noting differences between them.  There are a lot of detail differences, so fearlessly think through them.  There are not a lot of easy answers to these differences, so if they bother you you're in good company.  Both Matthew and Peter (Mark's primary source) were present at the event, so it's not a matter of eyewitness or hearsay.

After you jot down your own notes and questions, look through a commentary or two.  They will have opinions about the differences, and may answer some of your questions.  But they will undoubtedly cause some additional questions as well.  That's okay, bring both sets to our group Thursday.

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

• Look at a map of Galilee, and see if you can find the various place names.  Where is "Galilee" as a place along a shore of the sea with the same name?  Can you find Gerasenes, or Gadarenes?  Which is it?  Do you see a town or place called Galilee opposite?
• One man (or two) run up to Jesus.  Whether he came from the city or tombs directly, he still hung out in the tombs.  Luke provides details about what he looks like and all about his violence, strength, and raving.  Imagine this scene in your mind.  What is everyone doing? 
• The man (or men) run up and bow before Jesus, but how do they sound?  What do you think this means that they bow (or prostrate) yet scream at Jesus?
• They are called "Legion".  What do you think this means for the man?  Why so many?
• There are pigs in the region.  Matthew points it out up front, Mark and Luke a little later.  This is still Galilee, and highly Jewish in population.  What do you think it means that these pigs were there?
• Mark and Luke say that Jesus was commanding them to come out of the man, but instead they argue with Jesus.  What do you think that means for both Jesus and this band of demons?  How can they resist Him like that?
• The demons negotiate with Jesus to go from the man into pigs.  We're not really told (or it's not explained) what the alternative might have been other than leaving the region.  Why do you think this would have been preferable for the demons?  Why do you think it would have been agreeable to Jesus?
• The pigs, once entered, destroy themselves in the Sea of Galilee.  Do you think this worked out for the demons or not?
• The herdsmen run off and tell the people of the area what happened.  We can assume that they are reporting what happened to the pigs rather than the man (from verse 35, yet see Matthew's account in 8:33).  If the towns people were so upset about the pigs, what does that tell you about them?
• What does it tell you about the people that they are more scared about the event than encouraged by the healed man?
• They ask Jesus to leave, and he doesn't argue, but starts immediately to get back into the boat.  What does that tell you about His purpose in being there at all?
• The man wants to go with Jesus.  Jesus "sends him away" instead, does not permit him. Why do you think Jesus refused so emphatically?
• Jesus sends the man back to his own people to testify of what God has done for him.  Yet the man declares Jesus as the One having saved him.  What do you think this means for the man's understanding of Jesus?

That should be plenty to keep us busy, along with parallel differences.  Remember to apply the principles of Awakening, Honesty, and Action to your study, questions, and observations.  What wakes you up to your own relationship with God?  What, if you're honest with yourself, do you believe God wants you to do or do different?

Blessings upon you until we see you again Thursday!

Families And Squalls

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting February 18 to study Luke 8:19-25.  This is a short passage, including only two stories, but following it is a very long story, and we couldn't do all three in one night.  The key to these we will look at is to look at them with the parallels in Matthew and Mark.

Read through these two accounts, but try and keep them somewhat separate.  Normally I don't recommend that, but you want to avoid the idea that Jesus is hiding from His family.  That's unlikely for a variety of reasons.  As separate accounts of Jesus, they stand up well to individual scrutiny.  Jot down questions, and with Jesus and His family, there should be several.  The account of Jesus calming the storm has some interesting details as well.  In each of these cases, compare Matthew and Mark, especially Mark since both Matthew and Luke seem to borrow from his material.

Only after making some initial observations on your own should you go to commentary or study Bible notes.  Prior to that, you may find it helpful to look some items you question in a Bible dictionary or encyclopedia.  After these resources, revise your notes and questions.

After going through on your own, go back through with the questions below:

• Look at Matthew 12:46-50 and Mark 3:31-35 (and perhaps v.19-21) along with this passage in Luke.  Why do you think Jesus' family were trying to see Him?  Mark 3:19-21 aside, why else might they be trying to see Jesus?
• His family can't get through the crowd, but a message to Him can.  Why do you think one was easier than the other?  Why, if they knew these were Jesus' family, wouldn't the crowd make way for them?
• Jesus is told His mother and brothers are outside.  The accounts are longer in Mark and Matthew, but essentially He ignores their request.  He instead points out that those around Him doing the word of God are His family.  Considering the way He uses parables, and how He speaks to the crowds, how obedient are these people really?
• Where do you think Jesus' family has been during His ministry up to this point?  Why?
• The account of Jesus calming the storm is also in Matthew 8:23-27 and Mark 4:35-41.  No real reason is given, so why do you think Jesus wants to go to the other side of the lake (and no He's not running from His family)?
• It's hard to tell from Matthew and Mark, but from Luke's account how long do you think Jesus stays awake?
• Mark includes the detail that Jesus was asleep on a cushion.  What does that tidbit tell you about the source of Mark's account versus Luke's?
• Look up "gale" and "wind" as used by both Mark and Luke.  They are different, but why do you think the first "gale" would need the second "of wind"?
• The boat is swamped and the men are panicking.  Jesus is sleeping.  Why do you think that is significant?
• The men wake Jesus up saying that they are about to die.  In Matthew, Jesus rebukes them first, then the storm.  In Mark and Luke, Jesus takes care of the storm then the disciples.  Only Luke does Jesus ask where is your faith?  When do you think they "lost" it?
• Jesus rebukes the storm "elements" (wind and waves).  Why do you think He would "rebuke" them (in Mark He speaks to the waves, he tells them to "hush")?  What do you think might have been going on that there was anyone to "rebuke"?
• The disciples have seen the raising of the dead, so why do you think this is so amazing to them?  What is so different about Jesus' calming of the storm versus His power over death?

That should keep us occupied for a while.  Remember to bring any notes and questions you have.

Ministering Women and Perplexing Soil

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting February 11 to study Luke 8:1-18, or as far as we get into it.  This is both familiar and troubling as a passage.  As usual, we will not be skipping anything including women in ministry with this one.  Jesus says some perplexing things about His ministry and how he does it and we're going to enjoy all of it.

Read through the passage several times, jotting down notes and questions.  What jumps out at you about the women, the parable of soils, the disciples questioning, and Jesus' explanation, both of this parable and why He uses parables in the first place?

After working through the passage on your own, then go back through with any commentary or study Bible notes you have available.  This should answer some questions, bring out new thoughts, and create new questions for you. Be sure to write those down and bring them all Thursday.  After you have your set of notes, go back through with the questions below:

• There's really no parallel for Luke's mention of the women ministering to Jesus.  I'm sure you found some interesting suggestions in commentaries, most of which had to do with how Luke seems to be interested in the rights of women and the poor.  But these women aren't poor, and they don't seem oppressed.  What do you think is Luke's point here, aside from his support for women and the poor?
• One of these women is "well-connected", but another the audience would simply know by name (Susanna - no explanation needed).  The common denominators among them all (named or not) is that they had been healed from something, and their ability to support Jesus and His disciples from their own resources.  What do you think those "common denominators" tell you about their character?
• The Parable of the Sower (or soils) (Matt. 13:1-9, Mar. 4:1-9, and Luk. 8:4-8) seems to be the "example" parable with which we're to understand the others.  It's really one of the few major parables that Jesus explains to His disciples.  Why do you think that this parable is the one the Gospel writers chose to explain instead of so many other options?  Why do you think John leaves it out completely?
• The first "soil" is the "path".  On this soil, Luke adds to the description of the others that the seed was "trampled".  He also adds the birds "of the air".  The word for "air" is also "heaven".  Why do you think this may have added some meaning for his audience?
• The second soil is "rocky".  In each instance, it's the shallowness of the soil.  Jesus explains this later, but notice that in Matthew and Mark the sun scorches it, but in Luke it lacks moisture.  Why do you think the difference might be meaningful for Luke, or is it?
• In the third soil, thorns, the wording is almost exact between all three writers.  Considering the other "deviations", why do you think this one needed no further "explanation" in Luke's presentation?
• The final soil is "good", and produces 100 times in Luke, but the other two offer 30 and 60 times as well (but in reverse order between Matthew and Mark).  Why do you think Luke left out the other two options?  Considering the explanation Jesus gives later, why not offer the other two production levels to Luke's audience?
• All three accounts include "The one having ears to listen, hear!"  What do you think this means?  Why do you think Jesus would challenge the crowds with it? And what do you think the crowds thought of it?
• All three accounts refer to Isaiah 6:9, but Matthew and Mark go on to include verse 10.  Read verses 1-8 of Isaiah 6 to get a sense of the setting of this passage.  What do you think Jesus means as He refers to this passage in Isaiah to explain why He speaks in parables?
• Another place we see minor differences in the accounts is in the explanation of the elements of the parable.  In all three, the "birds" are Satan who comes and snatches away the word sown.  But in none of them does Jesus say who the "sower" is, only in Mark are we told explicitly that the seed is the word of God.  So who do you think the sower is?
• In the rocky soil, the "hearers" receive with joy, but have no "root" and "stand apart" whenever trials come.  Considering the cost of discipleship for first-century believers, how likely do you think this possible "soil" was within the church?
• What sorts of "temptations" or "tests" do you face that push you to "put-up-or-shut-up" about your faith?
• The "thorns" choke the new growth. This is described as the cares, deceitfulness of riches, and desire for the stuff of "life".  The work for "life" is different than we normally find throughout the Christian Scriptures.  Look it up here.  This is the type of living where we get biology from, and refers to a strictly physical sort of life.  How do you see this sort of focus distracting you in your daily living?
• In the good soil, Luke describes the receptive heart with these two words, but both mean "good".  Normally translated as "honest", and the other "good" they are actually synonyms.  Look at the definition and uses listed under each.  What do you see as an essential difference in meaning, if any?
• Luke again makes little of how many times the crop reproduces, but he does emphasize perseverance.  That would mean, like the rocky soil, it had to endure "tests" or "temptations" but persevered.  What makes the difference in the ability to persevere?  How can you develop "root"?
• Next, the parable of the lamp on a stand.  This is located in Matthew as part of the Sermon on the Mount, but Luke and Mark put it here.  How does this parable help you understand the previous parable of the soils?

That should take us well through our allotted time.  Who knows, we may not even finish.  But think through the questions in terms of what "Awakens" you.  Be Honest about what you see about yourself in these parables.  What Action are you being led to take in response.