Adult Sunday School

Current Lesson:

John 2:12-25 The Authority of Jesus

1. How can Jesus, who is elsewhere described as being gentle (Matthew 11:29, 2 Corinthians 10:1, Matthew 12:20), take these actions in the temple?

 

2. How does verse 18 relate to Jesus turning water into wine in verses 1-11?

 

3.  What is the sign that Jesus promises them here? 

 

4. What does it mean for Jesus to know all people?


Lesson Archive:

2 Kings 5:1-19a "I thought that he would..."

1.  What background information are we given about Naaman? 

 

2. Describe the attitude of the servant girl.  How did she come to live with Naaman and his wife?  How has this affected her relationship with God?  Is her attitude what you would expect it to be in light of her life circumstances?

 

3. How does Joram, King of Israel respond the request he received from the King of Aram?  How would you have responded if you were in a similar situation?  Also, what do we learn about Joram in 2 Kings 3:1-3?  Does Joram respond in the way you would expect having read 2 Kings 3:2?

 

4. When Naaman is given instructions by Elisha’s servant Gehazi, how does he respond (and why does he respond this way)?

 

5. How is Naaman convinced to dip in the Jordan? 

 

6. What is Naaman’s reaction after being healed? 

 

7. Why does Elisha refuse any reward for Naaman’s healing?


2 Kings 5:1-19a "I thought that he would..." (with answers)

1.  What background information are we given about Naaman? 

He had leprosy (a contagious skin disease).

Biblically leprosy is a type/representation/symbol of sin.

 

He was a soldier.

The Lord had given him victory (even though he didn’t know or follow the Lord).

He was successful and powerful.

He was highly regarded by his king.

He was not a Jew (he was from Aram).

 

He did not know God or believe in Him until he was healed.

  

2. Describe the attitude of the servant girl.  How did she come to live with Naaman and his wife?  How has this affected her relationship with God?  Is her attitude what you would expect it to be in light of her life circumstances?

 

She was captured by the soldiers of Aram.

She was now a servant/slave.

She believed in God.  She had faith.

Her circumstances did not change her confidence in the Lord.

She was not angry or bitter.

She was humble.

She showed kindness to Naaman.

 

She knew about God and about the prophet Elisha.

When we find ourselves in a situation we don’t want to be in, we should still show kindness to others, and do all things as unto the Lord, and we should still share the Good News.

 

3. How does Joram, King of Israel respond the request he received from the King of Aram?  How would you have responded if you were in a similar situation?  Also, what do we learn about Joram in 2 Kings 3:1-3?  Does Joram respond in the way you would expect having read 2 Kings 3:2?

 

He was indignant (how dare you?).

He was confused (he was asked to do the impossible).

He knew that he was not God and could not heal people.

He was stressed.

He was angry.

He was scared/frightened (he thought the king of Aram was trying to start a war).

He was suspicious.

This response shows that he lacked faith… he was relying only on his own strength.

 

He did not keep Elisha near.  He did not actively seek God’s leading or want God to be close to him.

 

He wanted to worship God without having to obey Him.

  

4. When Naaman is given instructions by Elisha’s servant Gehazi, how does he respond (and why does he respond this way)?

 

He believes Elisha is not understanding how important he is.

He expected Elisha to be impressed by his money and gifts (and power).

He thought he could buy his healing.

He got defensive (of his pride).

He was angry.

His expectations for what would happen had not been met.

He did not have faith in God, yet.

What he has been asked to do sounds silly (it doesn’t make sense from a human perspective).

 

The Gospel also leads to unmet expectations, and ignores wealth and power, and seems silly or doesn’t make sense.

  

Why might Elisha not have gone out to Naaman?

To show that it is God who heals, not Elisha.

 

5. How is Naaman convinced to dip in the Jordan? 

 

His servant convinces him (he listens to his servant).

The servant reasons with him (using logic).

 

6. What is Naaman’s reaction after being healed?  

 

He was joyful.

He was very grateful.

He doesn’t understand completely, but he does know that he has been healed by God (like the man born blind who was healed by Jesus).

All the credit goes to God, not to Elisha.

He decides to follow God.

He doesn’t magically understand all the things of God, but he decides to follow Him to the best of his understanding.

He recognizes that he will have to compromise as part of his job, and he seeks forgiveness for this.

 

 7. Why does Elisha refuse any reward for Naaman’s healing?

 

He is humble.

He lived out his faith rather than relying on money.

Elisha knew that he would be in trouble with God if he accepted the gift.

He doesn’t need silver and gold, he trusts the Lord to provide him.

He is not for hire (like Baalam was in Numbers 22).

He is making the statement that he didn’t heal Naaman, God did.

Elisha didn’t earn the money.

He is trying to teach Naaman about what God values (and it’s not what Naaman expected God to value).

You can’t buy what God has given freely.


Image of gold bars.

2 Kings 5:19b-27 "I will… get something from him"

1. What motivated Gehazi to trick Naaman this way?

 

2. In verse 25 Elisha asks Gehazi a question instead of simply confronting him right away.  Why might he do this?  Can you think of any similar questions that were asked in the Bible?

 

3. The penalty/punishment/consequences that Gehazi receives are quite severe.  Is this penalty just?  Consider other harsh penalties imposed by God: Genesis 3 (Adam and Eve), Number 20 (Moses and Aaron), Joshua 7 (Achan), Mark 11 (a fig tree), Acts 5 (Ananias and Saphira).  In each of these situations, why did God act so harshly?

 

4.  Matthew 10:28 (Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.) puts each of these punishments into perspective.  In light of this, why might God have been willing to respond so harshly in some situations?

 

5.  Why doesn’t God always act this severely is a question asked by Job in Job 21:7, and by Jeremiah in Jeremiah 12:1?  What might be the answer to this question?


2 Kings 5:19b-27 "I will… get something from him" (with answers)

1. What motivated Gehazi to trick Naaman this way?

 

He was tempted.

He was greedy.

He didn’t care about Naaman or Elisha.

He felt Elisha was too easy on Naaman.  He may have prejudiced against (because he was an Aramean or because he was wealthy).

He forgot that he was supposed to serve the Lord/represent the Lord (he only saw himself as Elisha’s servant).

He justified to himself that was OK to lie.  “The ends justify the means.”

Unlike Elisha who maintained his love for God above his love for himself.

 

2. In verse 25 Elisha asks Gehazi a question instead of simply confronting him right away.  Why might he do this?  Can you think of any similar questions that were asked in the Bible?

 

This gives Gehazi a chance to “come clean” and repent.

He gave him the chance to be honest.

 

Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:9,11)

Motivation: Knowledge.

                   Being like God.

                   It looked tasty.

                   They justified what they were doing before they acted.

Response: Adam blamed Eve.

                Eve blamed the Serpant.

 

Cain (Genesis 4:9)

Motivation: Jealousy.

                   He wanted his way instead of God’s.

Response: he lied

 

Saphira (Acts 5:8)

Motivation: Greed.

                   Loyalty to her husband above God.

                   Wanted to be seen by people and well thought of.

                   They probably justified it as being “mostly true” or “kind of true.”  “It’s not hurting

                   anyone.”

Response: she lied

 

 

3. The penalty/punishment/consequences that Gehazi receives are quite severe.  Is this penalty just?  Consider other harsh penalties imposed by God: Genesis 3 (Adam and Eve), Number 20 (Moses and Aaron), Joshua 7 (Achan), Mark 11 (a fig tree), Acts 5 (Ananias and Saphira).  In each of these situations, why did God act so harshly?

 

Gehazi gets a disease.

Gehazi will be an outcast for the rest of his life.

Gehazi’s family also gets a disease and will be outcasts.

Elisha loses a servant.

 

Yes, this is just.

Gehazi has dishonored and misrepresented God.

It could have mislead Naaman about the nature of God, and all the other Asyrians that Naaman would talk to.

 

4.  Matthew 10:28 (Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.) puts each of these punishments into perspective.  In light of this, why might God have been willing to respond so harshly in some situations?

 

God hates sin (but we’re all sinners).

God needed to make an example out of this situation.

Most of these examples are at the beginning of some thing that God was doing, so it was particularly important to set an example.

The most severe consequence on Earth is nothing compared to spending eternity in Hell.  From God’s perspective, leprosy and even death are not anywhere near the most dire consequences.

 

5.  Why doesn’t God always act this severely is a question Asked by Job in Job 21:7, and by Jeremiah in Jeremiah 12:1?  What might be the answer to this question?

2 Peter 3:10 “not wanting anyone to perish”

God wants to see everyone saved.  He does give everyone the opportunity.

God does not supernaturally intervene in every situation in life (he created a universe and it can run without Him intervening in everything).

He wants us to have free will (so that we can freely choose Him).

God has an eternal perspective, and waiting before judging is OK for Him to do.

If He punished each of our sins right away, there would be no sinners (people) left.

God is forgiving and merciful.

Psalm 86:5, Psalm 86:15, Jonah 4:2, Exodus 34:6 and Psalm 145:8  - God is slow to anger and abounding in love.

Romans 5:8 and Romans 5:10 – While we were God’s enemies and sinning against Him, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:23 – the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.


He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD

2 Kings 18:1-12 "In the Eyes of the Lord"

1. There is a tendency to blame or credit a father for the character and actions of his son.  What kind of a King was Ahaz (and how did he influence his son)?

  

2. Verse 3 says that Hezekiah “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.”  What specifically did Hezekiah do?  What have you done (that is, could this phrase be applied to you)?

  

3.  What is the bronze snake referred to in verse 4?  Why did Hezekiah need to destroy something that was created by Moses in obedience to the Lord?  What lesson can we take away from this?

 

4.  In spite of the high praise given to Hezekiah in this passage, he was not perfect.  What are some examples of how Hezekiah failed?  What lesson can we learn from these failures?

  

5.  In verses 9-12 we see Hezekiah and Judah contrasted with Hoshea and Israel/Samaria.  How do their actions and attitudes compare?  What was the end result for Hezekiah, and what was the end result for Hoshea and Israel? 

2 Kings 18:1-12 "In the Eyes of the Lord" (with answers)

1. There is a tendency to blame or credit a father for the character and actions of his son.  What kind of a King was Ahaz (and how did he influence his son)?

 

From Chapter 16 (and 2 Chronicles 28):

Ahaz did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord.

He copied the Kings of Israel in their idolatry.

He sacrificed his son in the fire.

He burned incense at the high places and under every spreading tree (as if he was seeking the favor of any god he could find).

He closed the temple (and took away the furnishings).

He was unfaithful to the Lord (and became increasingly unfaithful throughout his reign).

He sacrificed to the gods of Damascus who had defeated him.

He made idols for worshiping the Baals.

He prompted wickedness in Judah.


Ahaz was an example of what not to do.

  

2. Verse 3 says that Hezekiah “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.”  What specifically did Hezekiah do?  What have you done (that is, could this phrase be applied to you)?

From 2 Kings 18-20 and 2 Chronicles 29-32 and Isaiah 36-39:

He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles.

He broke the bronze serpent that Moses made because the people were worshipping it.

He reopened the Temple.

He trusted the Lord.

He followed the Lord (and did not cease to follow Him).

He obeyed the Lord.

He kept the commands given through Moses (that is, he followed what was written in God’s Word).

He offered sacrifices to the Lord (from his personal treasury… these were true sacrifices).

He rebelled against/ refused to serve the king of Assyria.

He fought against and was victorious against the Philistines.

He prayed to the Lord.

He invited all Israel (both kingdoms) to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem.

He commissioned the Levites to again serve in the Temple.

He had other acts of devotion.

 

He was successful in whatever he undertook because the Lord was with him.

 

3.  What is the bronze snake referred to in verse 4?  Why did Hezekiah need to destroy something that was created by Moses in obedience to the Lord?  What lesson can we take away from this?

 

The snake was a symbol for the Israelites to look to and be healed (Numbers 21:4-9).

God had sent snakes as a punishment, but looking to the bronze snake lifted that punishment.

It was an act of faith to look at the snake.

It was a reminder not to complain.

It was a reminder of God’s power.

 

It is also used as a symbol to represent Jesus (that He must be lifted up, and that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life).

 

It had become an idol.  It took their worship from God.

It was easier to look to the snake than it was to look to God.

It was something tangible.

It may have become an object of superstition.

The people had gotten away from God’s Word.

 

Many traditions become this thing that we serve and they lose their original meaning.

 

4.  In spite of the high praise given to Hezekiah in this passage, he was not perfect.  What are some examples of how Hezekiah failed?  What lesson can we learn from these failures?

 

He tried to make up with the King of Assyria after rebelling against him.

He tried to bribe the King of Assyria with the gold from the Temple (lack of faith).

He showed off to God’s enemies (emissaries from Babylon).

 

Beware of fear.

Beware of pride.

We need to trust God instead of walking in our own strength.

We should not trust God’s enemies (that is, we should not trust the world).

 

Despite these failings, we are still told the Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, like no one else had.  We should not dismiss the accomplishments of godly people just because they stumble.  And we should not dismiss the people themselves either.

  

5.  In verses 9-12 we see Hezekiah and Judah contrasted with Hoshea and Israel/Samaria.  How do their actions and attitudes compare?  What was the end result for Hezekiah, and what was the end result for Hoshea and Israel?

 

The people of Samaria did the complete opposite of Hezekiah.

They did not obey the commands of the Lord.

They violated the covenant.

They worshipped idols (both to false gods and idols that supposedly represented God).


Psalm 16 "I Have Set the LORD Always Before Me"

1.  Consider verses 1,2,5,7,8,10 and 11.  What does this Psalm say about the LORD? 

 

2.  What does this Psalm say about David?  How should this encourage and inspire us in our walk with Him?

 

3.  Peter quotes verses 8-11 in Acts 2:22-33.  In what context is Peter giving these remarks?  What point is he trying to make?

 

4. Paul quotes verse 10b in Acts 13:32-39.  In what context is Paul giving these remarks?  What point is he trying to make?


Psalm 16 "I Have Set the LORD Always Before Me" (with answers)

1.     Consider verses 1,2,5,7,8,10 and 11.  What does this Psalm say about the LORD?

(vs 1) He is a Protector, as safe place, a refuge, a safe harbor, and He is trustworthy.

(vs 2) He is a personal God (my Lord).

(vs 2) He is the Giver of everything that is good.

(vs 2) He is inherently good.

(vs 3) God has people/saints who belong to Him.

(vs4)There are consequences for believing in other Gods/ not trusting in God.

(vs 5) He is sovereign.  He is in charge.

(vs 5) He is a Provider.

(vs 6) He is our inheritance, reserved in Heaven for us.

(vs 7) He counsels us.  He is a Wonderful Counselor.  He opens His Word to us.  He comforts us.

(vs 7) God has written His Word in our hearts, so we can be instructed even at night.

(vs 7) He is worthy of praise.

(vs 8) He is at David’s right hand and can be at our right hand.

(vs 8) He takes away fear.  In many Psalms we see David expressing at the beginning how shaken he can be, but by the end he has his eyes back on God, and the fear is gone. 

(vs 8) God is near to us.

(vs 9) We can rest in Him.

(vs10) He will not abandon us to the grave.

(vs 10) He is Holy.

(vs10,11) God provides eternal life for us.

(vs 11)He has given us His Word.

(vs 11) He is eternal.

(vs 11) He guides us.

(vs 11) He is the source of our joy.

 

2.  What does this Psalm say about David?  How should this encourage and inspire us in our walk with Him?

David is persecuted (so we, too, can expect persecution).

David is full of faith.  He believes.  He knows.  He trusts (and so should we).

He knows the LORD (YHWH), and he recognizes that He is his Lord.

David understands his own sinfulness (my goodness is nothing apart from you).  Any goodness that comes from us has only an earthly value, not an eternal value.

He expects God to answer his prayers.

He puts his trust in God… not in his mighty men, not in his own strength or power.

He will worship the Lord.  He chooses the LORD.

He makes a deliberate act of his will, deciding ahead of time how he will respond in hard times.

He will not worship other gods.

He recognizes the consequences for choosing other gods. 

He does not seek the favor of those who are not followers of God.

He has a relationship with others who know and follow the Lord.  He delights in other believers.

The Gospel reaches across geographic, political, racial, economic, etc. barriers.

David knows that God has assigned certain things for him, and that they cannot be taken away. (1 Peter 1:3-4)

George Whitfield: We are immortal until the work on Earth is done.

 

3. Peter quotes verses 8-11 in Acts 2:22-33.  In what context is Peter giving these remarks?  What point is he trying to make?

Peter is speaking to the crowd on Pentecost.

He is saying that Jesus alive.  And that this was prophesied.

He proves that Jesus is Messiah.

David’s body is still in the ground, but Jesus is not (His body did not see corruption).

There is joy and life in following Jesus.

David was a prophet.

David knew what God would do.

Jesus has poured out the Holy Spirit on us.

 

4. Paul quotes verse 10b in Acts 13:32-39.  In what context is Paul giving these remarks?  What point is he trying to make?

This is part of Paul’s first missionary journey.

He is speaking in the synagogue (and he was welcome to do so).

Paul is speaking boldly of the Gospel.

The forgiveness of sins is possible through Jesus.

Eternal life is available through Jesus alone.

God is faithful to keep His promises.  He does not change.

This is the same Gospel that Peter shared in Acts 2.

Paul is affirming that Peter spoke the Truth. 

He is speaking to Jews, so he quotes three different Psalms.


Psalm 22   "Eloi Eloi Lama Sabachthani" (2022)

1. Since we, in 21st Century America, do not know what the tune of “Doe of the Morning” sounds like, why might this heading be included in God’s Word?

  

2.  What do we learn about God from verses 4,5,9 and 28?

  

3.  The opening words of this Psalm were quoted by Jesus while he was being crucified (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34).  Why might He have chosen these words to say at that time?

  

4.  Although it was written by King David, this Psalm is clearly about the Messiah and the suffering that He would endure.  What details from this Psalm do you see fulfilled in Jesus and in His crucifixion?

  

5.  The Messiah’s enemies are compared to several types of animals in this Psalm.  What animals are mentioned in this Psalm, and what symbolism might be implied by these types of animals?

  

6.  Verse 22 is quoted by in Hebrews 2:12.  What point is the author of Hebrews trying to make in Hebrews 2:11-18?

Psalm 22   "Eloi Eloi Lama Sabachthani" (with 2022 answers) 

1.  What do we learn about God from verses 3,4,5,9 and 28?

We can have a personal relationship with Him.  He is personal.  He is relational.

He hears.

He is enthroned as the Holy One.

1.  What do we learn about God from verses 3,4,5,9 and 28?

We can have a personal relationship with Him.  He is personal.  He is relational.

He hears.

He is enthroned as the Holy One.

He is the Praise of Israel.

He has always been.  He is eternal.

He is the First Cause.

He is self-existent.

He is trustworthy.

He is able to rescue.  He helps.

He is faithful.

He never fails.

He is our Savior.

He is sovereign.  He is the ruler over all the nations.

 

2.  The opening words of this Psalm were quoted by Jesus while he was being crucified (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34).  Why might He have chosen these words to say at that time?

The Father has turned away from Him, because Jesus became sin for us. 

Jesus was feeling the separation from the Father.  He knew He was alone, and separated from the Father.

It says that He is the One the Scripture spoke of.  That He is the fullfillment of this prophetic Psalm.  He is the One that David wrote about (David wrote about this, even though crucifixion had not been invented when he wrote it).

This also ties in with Isaiah 53.

  

3.  Although it was written by King David, this Psalm is clearly about the Messiah and the suffering that He would endure.  What details from this Psalm do you see fulfilled in Jesus and in His crucifixion?

Jesus is the Holy One of God.  He is the praise of Israel (Palm Sunday).

The Father delights in him.

The Father did hide His face from Jesus while Jesus became sin for us.

God did not despise or disdain Him.

The Psalm was written, but it was ultimately fulfilled by the Son of David

They cast lots for his clothing and divided his garments.

He was mocked and insulted.

             “He trusts in the Lord, let the Lord rescue him.”

He was despised by the people.

None of his bones were broken (he could count all his bones).

His mouth was dry… Jesus said “I thirst”

They pierced his hands and his feet.

Jesus is praised from the great assembly, and from a people who were not yet born.

Verses 29-31

  

4.  The Messiah’s enemies are compared to several types of animals in this Psalm.  What animals are mentioned in this Psalm, and what symbolism might be implied by these types of animals?

Bulls – strong and powerful.  They also can be quite stubborn.  And aggressive.

Wild oxen – they have horns to gore.  They are wild.  They are strong.

Dogs – come in packs that surround their prey.  They bare their teeth.  Dogs make a lot of noise to scare thir victims.  They were unclean.  Dogs can be trained.

Lion – Loud.  Strong.  They attack and devour their prey.

  

5.  Verse 22 is quoted by in Hebrews 2:12.  What point is the author of Hebrews trying to make in Hebrews 2:11-18?

Jesus became a man like us, not an Angel.


Psalm 22   "Eloi Eloi Lama Sabachthani" (2021)

1.  What do we learn about God from verses 4,5,9 and 28?

  

2.  The opening words of this Psalm were quoted by Jesus while he was being crucified (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34).  Why might He have chosen these words to say at that time?

  

3.  Although it was written by King David, this Psalm is clearly about the Messiah and the suffering that He would endure.  What details from this Psalm do you see fulfilled in Jesus and in His crucifixion?

  

4.  The Messiah’s enemies are compared to several types of animals in this Psalm.  What animals are mentioned in this Psalm, and what symbolism might be implied by these types of animals?

  

5.  Verse 22 is quoted by in Hebrews 2:12.  What point is the author of Hebrews trying to make in Hebrews 2:11-18?


Psalm 22   "Eloi Eloi Lama Sabachthani" (with 2021 answers)  

1.  What do we learn about God from verses 3,4,5,9 and 28?

We can have a personal relationship with Him.  He is personal.  He is relational.

He hears.

He is enthroned as the Holy One.

He is the Praise of Israel.

He has always been.  He is eternal.

He is the First Cause.

He is self-existent.

He is trustworthy.

He is able to rescue.  He helps.

He is faithful.

He never fails.

He is our Savior.

He is sovereign.  He is the ruler over all the nations.

 

2.  The opening words of this Psalm were quoted by Jesus while he was being crucified (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34).  Why might He have chosen these words to say at that time?

The Father has turned away from Him, because Jesus became sin for us. 

Jesus was feeling the separation from the Father.  He knew He was alone, and separated from the Father.

It says that He is the One the Scripture spoke of.  That He is the fulfillment of this prophetic Psalm.  He is the One that David wrote about (David wrote about this, even though crucifixion had not been invented when he wrote it).

This also ties in with Isaiah 53.

  

3.  Although it was written by King David, this Psalm is clearly about the Messiah and the suffering that He would endure.  What details from this Psalm do you see fulfilled in Jesus and in His crucifixion?

Jesus is the Holy One of God. 

Jesus trusted in the Father from His mother’s womb.

He is the praise of Israel (The Triumphal Entry – Matthew 21:4-11, Matthew 21:14-16, Mark 11:8-11, Luke 19:37-40, John 12:12-19).

The Father delights in him (Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 17:5, Mark 1: 9-11, Mark 9:7, Luke 3:21-22).

The Father did hide His face from Jesus while Jesus became sin for us (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34). 

God did not despise or disdain Him (Acts 2:33).

The Psalm was written by David, but it was ultimately fulfilled by the Son of David (Matthew 21:30-31, Matthew 21:9, Mark 10:47-48, Luke 19:38-39, Acts 2:30).

They cast lots for his clothing and divided his garments (Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, Luke 22:34b, John 19:23-24).

He was mocked and insulted (Matthew 27:27-31, Mark 15:16-21, Mark 15:29-32, Luke 23:35-37, Luke 23:39).

             “He trusts in the Lord, let the Lord rescue him.” (Matthew 27:41-44).

He was despised by the people (Luke 23:23, John 19:15).

He is surrounded by His enemies (the bulls, dogs, lions, wild oxen from this psalm) at his crucifixion.

None of his bones were broken (he could count all his bones – John 19:31-37).

His mouth was dry… Jesus said “I thirst” (John 19:28)

They pierced his hands and his feet (John 19:37b, John 20:24-29).

Jesus is praised from the great assembly, and from a people who were not yet born.

Verses 29-31 (Revelation 6:13).

  

4.  The Messiah’s enemies are compared to several types of animals in this Psalm.  What animals are mentioned in this Psalm, and what symbolism might be implied by these types of animals?

Bulls – strong and powerful.  They also can be quite stubborn.  And aggressive.

Wild oxen – they have horns to gore.  They are wild.  They are strong.

Dogs – come in packs that surround their prey.  They bare their teeth.  Dogs make a lot of noise to scare their victims.  They were unclean.  Dogs can be trained.

Lion – Loud.  Strong.  They attack and devour their prey.

  

5.  Verse 22 is quoted by in Hebrews 2:12.  What point is the author of Hebrews trying to make in Hebrews 2:11-18?

Jesus became a man like us, not an Angel.

By becoming human, He was able to die in our place.

By becoming human, He is able to serve as our High Priest.

Proverbs 30:1-9 "Every Word of God"

1. Who is Agur son of Jakeh?  Why is it significant that we know his name?

 

2. Why does Agur speak so poorly of himself in verses 2 and 3?

 

3.  What is the answer to the questions posed in verse 4?

 

4. What does it mean to say that God’s words are flawless?  Are there examples of people adding to God’s words (and what was the result)?

 

5. Explain each of the pitfalls Agur writes about in verses 8-9.

Proverbs 30:1-9 "Every Word of God" (with answers)

1. Who is Agur son of Jakeh?  Why is it significant that we know his name?

 

He was a Prophet.

He saw himself as ignorant and stupid.

He was a man.

 

He was a Gentile (at least he and his father have Gentile names).

 

God chose him by name.

God cares for him (and for you) by name.

God cares about Gentiles (and they have always been a part of His plan).

 

2. Why does Agur speak so poorly of himself in verses 2 and 3?

Because, in himself, he did not have knowledge of God, the Holy One.  And each of us was like this at one time.

He is not perfect (and neither are we).

He knows himself, that’s why he speaks so poorly of himself.  He is acutely aware of his own sins and shortcomings.

He has the humility to share this with others.

When trying to compare yourself to God, there is no comparison.  His focus is on God, not other people.

 

Exodus 20:19 – the Israelites are aware that they are not worthy of speaking to God (so they ask Moses to speak to God on their behalf)

Isaiah 6:5 – we have unclean lips we have no right to see a Holy God.

Isaiah 64:6 - our righteousness is like filthy rags… we are sinners

Isaiah 55:8-9 – God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours (as much higher as the heavens are above the earth)

1 Timothy 1:15 – Paul refers to himself as the “Chief of Sinners” as he is acutely aware of his own sins

 

3.  What is the answer to the questions posed in verse 4?

 

The answer to these questions is not a simple human being.

God (the Creator, the Sustainer,…).

His Son is Jesus.

 

4. What does it mean to say that God’s words are flawless?  Are there examples of people adding to God’s words (and what was the result)?

 

God doesn’t make mistakes.

 

His Word is Truth (also, Jesus said that He is the Truth).

Jesus also referred to Himself as the Word (and Jesus was flawless/perfect).

His Word is for our benefit (His Words will have their effect and not be empty).

God’s Word is complete (nothing needs to be added to it).

His words are perfect.

 

In Revelation we are warned not to add to God’s Word (or to subtract from it).

To add or subtract from God’s word it makes it so the result is no longer flawless, perfect, or absolutely true.

 

Many people ignore certain parts of God’s word, or even literally cut them out of the Bible like Thomas Jefferson did (he did not want to be confronted by the parts that disagree with his views).

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses have changed certain words in the Bible (The New World “Translation”).

The Mormons have added additional books (The Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, etc.).

Christian Science Practitioners have added an additional book (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures)

Muslims have added another book which supersedes the Bible in their religion (the Quran)

 

The Catholic Church adds an Apocrypha to the Bible.  They also consider certain statements by the Pope to be as authoritative as Scripture.

 

We add our own traditions.

 

Adding to God’s Word distorts the Truth.

Confusion. 

Compartmentalization.  A separation of Faith from thinking.

It can lead to falling away if a person finds the error they may think it is all error, which can then cause others to stumble.

 

This should lead to conviction, and returning to Truth.

  

5. Explain each of the pitfalls Agur writes about in verses 8-9.

 

He does not want to become a thief (which is a sin).

Your reputation reflects on God if it is known that you are a believer.

It would dishonor God.

 

He is worried about pride.  This can quickly go from having plenty and not needing anything  to not needing God either. 

It can take our focus off of the Lord.

 

We want to daily trust and depend on the Lord’s provisions, and not stuff.

He doesn’t want to be influenced by lies (because God is Truth).


Image of praying hands.

Jonah 2:1-9   "I Called to the Lord"

1.  In verses 3 and 4, Jonah acknowledges that it was God who brought Jonah to the predicament mentioned in verse 1.  Does God sometimes punish/discipline you?  What is the purpose of the punishment/discipline experienced by Jonah? When bad things happen to someone, is it always a sign that God is punishing that person? 

 

2.  Do you ever feel like you have been banished from God’s sight?  Is it possible to run away or to hide from God?  Is it possible to be overlooked by God?

 

3. In verse 7, how did Jonah respond when his life was ebbing away?  How does this change his perspective?

 

4.  Why does Jonah speak of those who cling to idols in verse 8? 

 

5.  Under what circumstances does Jonah utter the joyful words of verse 9?  Have his circumstances changed since verse 1?  Why does Jonah speak of grateful praise and of salvation? 

Jonah 2:1-9   "I Called to the Lord" (with answers)

1.  In verses 3 and 4, Jonah acknowledges that it was God who brought Jonah to the predicament mentioned in verse 1.  Does God sometimes punish/discipline you?  What is the purpose of the punishment/discipline/pruning experienced by Jonah? When bad/difficult things happen to someone, is it always a sign that God is punishing that person? 

 

David was afflicted by God after having affair and committing murder.

Hebrews 12:4-11

Proverbs 3:11-12

 

God does not desert him, even though he is being disciplined (similar to how God did not desert the man in 1 Corinthians 5:5 who was expelled from the church).

Repentance.

Restoration.

To know God in a way we did not before (Psalm 119:67).

To share God’s holiness (Hebrews 12:11).

Discipline gives us the chance to respond to that discipline.

We are trained by discipline.

To accomplish God’s purpose.

God reveals Himself through discipline (Jonah 1:16).

God works through discipline so that others may come to know Him.

 

Note: God gives Jonah a second chance.  Our God is a God of second chances.

 

Note: God uses difficulties/discipline/hard times to help us grow.

 

Note: Job went through very hard times, but it was not a sign of God’s displeasure or of Job’s disobedience.

 

John 9:3 – difficulties and hard times can be used to reveal God’s glory

 

In fact, all of us are messed up sinners, but God still uses us.  And most of the people in the Bible even have some of their sins and flaws and shortcomings recorded.

 

2.  Do you ever feel like you have been banished from God’s sight?  Is it possible to run away or to hide from God?  Is it possible to be overlooked by God?

 

He will never leave us or forsake us.  We cannot (successfully) run or hide from Him.

 

You cannot hide from the One who created you and our entire universe.  He does not overlook anyone.

 

Note: God did not overlook the people of Nineveh.  In fact, He loved them enough to send a prophet (Jonah) so that they might repent.

 

Psalm 139:1-13

Matthew 10:29-31

 

3. In verse 7, how did Jonah respond when his life was ebbing away?  How does this change his perspective?

 

He prays.

 

He remembers the LORD.

 

He meditates on God’s Word (there are allusions to many Psalms in this prayer).

 

He recognizes that God, not Jonah, is responsible for salvation, and God gets to choose who He will save (verse 9).

 

Repentance from disobedience (but he still begrudges God’s choice to offer repentance to the people of Nineveh).

 

He allows himself to be used by God.

 

4.  Why does Jonah speak of those who cling to idols in verse 8? 

 

The people of Nineveh worship idols.  If they cling to them, then they will forfeit the grace that could be theirs.

 

The people of Nineveh do not know God.

 

Not all idols are visible things/ statues.

 

Jonah may be comparing himself to an idolater because he turned away from God’s command.

 

He had forgotten who God is.

 

5.  Under what circumstances does Jonah utter the joyful words of verse 9?  Have his circumstances changed since verse 1?  Why does Jonah speak of grateful praise and of salvation?

 

He is still inside the fish/whale/ sea creature.

He still has a relationship with God.  He has realized again what that means.

His circumstances have not changed (except that three days have passed), but he has changed in the midst of those circumstances.

He has been reminded of God’s power.

God has saved the ship from wrecking, He has saved Jonah from drowning, and so he can trust that He can save him from the fish.  He can save the people of Nineveh.

He has changed direction.  Instead of sailing to Tarshish, he is now planning to return to Nineveh.  He has repented, and vowed to obey the Lord.


Picture of a U-Turn sign.

Jonah 3 "Repentance and Mercy"

1. How does Jonah 3:1-3a compare to Jonah 1:1-3?  What do these verses tell us about God?

 

2. What is the message that God gives Jonah?  How would you expect the Ninevites to respond to this message?  How would you respond to this message?  How would your fellow Americans respond to this message?

 

3. How do the people respond to this message?  How does the king respond? 

 

4. How does God respond to their repentance?  How does God respond to our repentance?

 

5. John the Baptist is given a similar message to deliver to the people of Israel in Matthew 3:1-2, 5-10.  What are the responses of John, the people, the religious leaders and God in this account, and how do they compare to Jonah 3? 

Jonah 3   "Repentance and Mercy (with answers)

1. How does Jonah 3:1-3a compare to Jonah 1:1-3?  What do these verses tell us about God?

 

God is sovereign.  He chooses us.  He chose those people.

God has a message for people.

God gives people the opportunity to repent.

God wants people to repent.  He is a God of Mercy.

God does not change His mind.  He told Jonah to go once, and now He tells him to go a second time.

God is a God of second chances. God gives Jonah a second chance, and he gives the people a second chance.

 

2. What is the message that God gives Jonah?  How would you expect the Ninevites to respond to this message?  How would you respond to this message?  How would your fellow Americans respond to this message?

“40 more days and Nineveh will be overturned.”

People have a choice to either believe the message or not believe the message.

By believing the message, they know the only thing they can do is ask God for Mercy.

It is unexpected that they would listen to Jonah.

Most Americans today are not believers, so we would not expect them to respond to the message and repent.  But, that was the case in Nineveh, too.  So we need to continue to share the Gospel with those around us.

People have given similar messages (with time frames) in America, they get a small following,  but are largely ignored or ridiculed (and deservedly so).

 

3. How do the people respond to this message?  How does the king respond? 

This pagan people who had not previously followed God recognized that Jonah really was from God.

They believe God (interestingly, it does not say that the believed Jonah, but rather, they believed God).

They recognized that God had the power to destroy their city.

The recognized that their ways were evil and violent.

They turned from their evil ways.  They repented.

They fasted (and prayed).  Since everyone (including the animals) was fasting, this likely resulted in many businesses being closed.

They put on sackcloth.  From the least to greatest, including the animals.  This was a symbol of mourning.

The people heard first, and then the king also responded.

The king leaves his throne and sits in the dust (this acknowledges that God is really the one in charge).

A proclamation is made (this encourages the people to respond even more).  These are not just empty words.

Cry out to God every night. 

Turn from violence.

 

4. How does God respond to their repentance?  How does God respond to our repentance?

He relented (and the people recognized that He spared them).

He did not destroy the city.

He showed them mercy.

 

5. John the Baptist is given a similar message to deliver to the people of Israel in Matthew 3:1-2, 5-10.  What are the responses of John, the people, the religious leaders and God in this account, and how do they compare to Jonah 3?

 

Jonah and John were both chosen by God, and both were given a ministry to bring people to salvation.  Also, both are Old Testament prophets.

Jonah ran away, but John embraced his calling.

John wanted the people to repent, Jonah only spoke of God’s wrath.

Jonah was called to speak to Gentiles, John was speaking to Jews.

 

While the King and Nobles of Nineveh lead the repentance, the Pharisees and Sadducees thought being physical descendants of Abraham was good enough.  They thought that they did not have anything to repent of.

They clung to the Law instead of embracing repentance and seeking God’s mercy.

Others among the people repented, and became true sons of Abraham.

Jonah went to the people, the people went to John.

In both cases, word spread quickly of what these prophets had to say.

 

In both cases, God is sovereign in how the message is delivered.

In both cases God leaves them waiting for eternal salvation.

In both cases we see God’s mercy (in saving them).

In both cases we see God’s grace in sending a prophet to them and giving them the opportunity to repent.

In both cases we see God’s power.


Jonah 4 "Slow to Anger, and Abounding in Love"

1. Why is Jonah angry in verses 1 through 3?  Has God ever done anything that seemed wrong to you?  What do these verses tell us about God?

  

2. How does Jonah respond to God’s question in verse 4?

 

3.  Why does Jonah decide to watch the city?  What is God’s purpose in providing the plant and the worm?  Was it right for Jonah to be angry?

Jonah 4 "Slow to Anger, and Abounding in Love" (with answers)

1.    Why is Jonah angry in verses 1 through 3?  Has God ever done anything that seemed wrong to you?  What do these verses tell us about God?  What do they tell us about ourselves?

Jonah did not believe the people were worthy of being spared.

Jonah believed that they deserved to die (and he was right… but so do we).

Jonah believed that it was not fair/ just.

He might have been worried about his reputation (he said they would be destroyed, and they were not).

He may have been focused himself, or he may have been focused on his people (but neither is the right focus).

He may have been worried about his people (the Ninevites were enemies of Israel).

There is no barrier to God’s love (For God so loved the world).

God is a God of Mercy.

He is slow to anger.

He abounds in love.

He relents from sending calamity.

God has revealed Himself (Jonah’s words show a familiarity with how God revealed Himself in Exodus).

God is immutable (unchanging).

God has given knowledge to all of Creation that He is God (Romans 1 beginning in verse 18).

 

We are sinful (and He is Holy).

We are prideful/ arrogant.

 

 

2. How does Jonah respond to God’s question in verse 4?

He did not respond.

He storms off (and sits down).  Like a pouting child.

 

He knows that he has no excuse.

 

 

3.  Why does Jonah decide to watch the city?  What is God’s purpose in providing the plant and the worm?  Was it right for Jonah to be angry?

He wants to see the city destroyed.  He is still hoping the city will be destroyed by God.

He should be rejoining that many sinners have come to repentance.

 

The plant is provided to show that Jonah’s priorities are out of order (that he is more worried about a plant than he is about people).  Remember: people are made in God’s image.

The plant does show that God cares for Jonah.

The plant shows that God has Power.

It shows that all life is in God’s hands (the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away - Job 1:21).

 

It shows us that we should have compassion (even for the unsaved), just as He did.

God shows us his love for the people (and reminds us that we also should love people)

 

God is sovereign.  God can do whatever He chooses with the plant that He owns and created. Jonah has no rights to this plant; he has simply enjoyed it.  So Jonah does not have a right to be angry.

We definitely see this same attitude today (I have a right to be angry) in America among the “woke.”

Jonah appears to feel entitled to the plant.  The idea is that God owes me (or “the world” owes me).  There is a spiritual blindness (or perhaps a spiritual blindfold that is willingly worn).


Malachi 1:6-14 Honor and Respect for God

1. How should a son honor his father?  How, then, should we honor our Heavenly Father?

 

2. How should a servant show respect for his master?  How should we respect our Master, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings?

 

3. Who is this passage written to?  How have these people displeased God?  How does this passage apply to us today?

 

4. Why reasons are given for these kind of sacrifices being offered? 

 

5.  Why does God care so much about this? 


Malachi 1:6-14 Honor and Respect for God (with answers)

1. How should a son honor his father?  How, then, should we honor our Heavenly Father?

Obedience.

Love.

Kindness.

He should make his father proud (consider Job).

He should respect his father.

Humility.

A son represents his father. His actions reflect on his parents.

A son should trust his Father.

He should lean on his father for help and guidance.

 

A servant’s conduct reflects on their master.

You can see the master’s character through employees.

We should always obey those in authority (even if they are bad).  How much more should we obey God who is truly good).

It is important for a servant to have a good attitude (1 Peter 2:18-21).

The master is the provider (an employer provides the paycheck).

 

 

2. How should a servant show respect for his master?  How should we respect our Master, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings?

He is the Lord of Host/ Lord of Armies.  He has more authority than any father or master or boss.

The parable of the laborers (Matthew 20:1-16).

 

3. Who is this passage written to?  How have these people displeased God?  How does this passage apply to us today?

 

Israelites.

More specifically, it is written to the priests.

 

As priests, their behavior is being modeled to the people.

“Who cares?” is not a good attitude to model.

They are also robbing God.  God doesn’t need their sacrifices, but that doesn’t change the fact they he deserves them and had commanded that they give them.

What they are doing seems OK.  Not that bad.  But it is disobeying God.

It’s about attitude.  God wants all of us.  The sacrifices were symbolic of giving ourselves to Him.

This is disrespectful (and in a culture that claims to value respect very highly, this is a very willful act of disrespect).

The sacrifices were designed to point us to our need of a Savior and to Jesus’s coming sacrifice.  Devaluing the sacrifices devalues God’s plan.

 

Today we take communion.  We are to do this in remembrance of Him.

It’s not about just going through the motions.  It’s important to continue to seek God through the Scriptures and through prayer (genuinely speaking to God and genuinely listening to Him).

We are still to offer/sacrifice our heart, soul, mind, and strength.  All of who we are (Mark 12:30, Romans 12:1, 1 Peter 2:5)

Being under grace should motivate us to give even more than those who were under the Law.

We are called priests by Him (1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6, Revelation 5:10).

Our focus should be on God, not on ourselves.

 

4. Why reasons are given for these kind of sacrifices being offered? 

Not really believing in God.  Or at least not believing that He is active in our world and cares about us and what we do.  Seeing God as distant.

Not really believing the sacrifice is important (these sacrifices are supposed to point to Jesus and the Sacrifice He will make).

They may not see the importance, but God sees a bigger picture.

We are called to holiness.

It is tempting to do things on the cheap (this dishonors God, and it can get in the way of effective ministry).

They may have had other plans for the things the things that were the best (this elevates things above God).

This is often a creeping thing, not a conscious decision to put ourselves above God (when did this happen?  How did I get here?).

 

 

5.  Why does God care so much about this? 

The sacrifices point to our sin nature and need for forgiveness.

They point to Jesus and His Sacrifice.

They honor God (and He deserves to be honored as the Creator, He is personal, He is our Savior and Redeemer)

Obedience is important.  It is tied closely to faith and trust (Think of Gideon and how he started with a lack of trust, and then God called Him to even greater trust) (think of Saul and his lack of faith and trust… he trusted a medium and he trusted Samuel, who was dead, more than he trusted God Himself).

 


Picture of a whale.

Matthew 12:38-40   "The Sign of Jonah"

1. What is wrong with asking to see a miraculous sign from Jesus?  Have you ever wanted to see a miraculous sign?


2.  Although he rebukes the Pharisees for making this request, he grants them a sign anyway: the Sign of Jonah.  What is the sign of Jonah and how does this compare to Jesus response to a similar question in John 2?


3.  Were Jesus words about the sign of Jonah and about raising “this temple” understood by those who heard them?


4. What was the purpose of this sign?  What difference does it make?


Matthew 12:38-40   "The Sign of Jonah" (with answers)

1. What is wrong with asking to see a miraculous sign from Jesus?  Have you ever wanted to see a miraculous sign?

We are surrounded by miracles if we choose to believe that they are miracles.

They were expecting signs to show that He was from God, but they were not accepting the signs and miracles that He did. 

They were unwilling to grow.  They kept wanting more signs.

There is a purpose for signs.  God has bigger plans (and He cares for us).

They may have wanted to see one specific sign (like the end of Roman oppression)… that is, they may have wanted to tell God how He should go about things.

They wanted to be in control.

They wanted a show; a performance.

They had already decided not to believe Him, so they may have been looking for an excuse to justify their decision.

  

2.  Although he rebukes the Pharisees for making this request, he grants them a sign anyway: the Sign of Jonah.  What is the sign of Jonah and how does this compare to Jesus response to a similar question in John 2?

The sign of Jonah is that Jesus would die, stay dead for three days, and then rise again.

The sign of Jonah is intended as proof of Jesus’ authority.

It was intended to show His victory over death.

This would be a clear sign… not something that could ever happen by natural means.

  

John 2:18-19

18 Then the Jews demanded of him, “What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”

19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

This is a similar answer in that it speaks (metaphorically) of Jesus being dead for three days.

In John 2 we don’t see the same rebuke.  Maybe the first time they asked for a sign it was OK to ask.

 

3.  Were Jesus words about the sign of Jonah and about raising “this temple” understood by those who heard them?

The people claimed not to understand.  The disciples did not understand.

 

John 2:20-22

20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

 

Matthew 27:62-66

62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”

65 “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

  

4. What was the purpose of this sign?  What difference does it make?

Jesus told us ahead of time what He would do.

It’s interesting that the Pharisees understood before the disciples did.  More than understanding is needed.

After the Disciples saw Him rise from the dead, these words would be a comfort to them (and they needed comfort because they were feeling hopeless, lost and scared).

It shows that Jesus is trustworthy.

It shows that Jesus knew what was going to happen.

It shows that Jesus was willing to do this for us (He could have run the other way as Jonah did), and out of obedience to the Father.

It is related to His power to lay down His life and to take it up again.

 

Matthew 17:22-23

 

Luke 24:4-8

4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.

 

Romans 8;34

34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

 

 

1 Corinthians 15:20-23

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.


Matthew 13:1-23 "The Parable of the Sower"

1.  Who is the soil along the path?  That is, what does it mean to not understand the message?

 

2.  Who is the rocky ground?  That is, what does it mean to have no root?  Also, how else could a person respond to trouble and persecution (and how have you responded to trouble and persecution)?

 

3. Who is the thorny soil?  That is, what are the worries of this life?

 

4.  Who is the good soil?

 

5.  What does it mean to be fruitful?

 

6. Why did Jesus say that he told this story as a parable?  Does this explanation surprise you?


Matthew 13:1-23 "The Parable of the Sower" (with answers)

1.  Who is the soil along the path?  That is, what does it mean to not understand the message?

They heard God’s Word.  They had an opportunity to hear Truth, and they did actually hear the Truth.

They have the choice to reject or receive what they heard.

Someone too busy to try to understand.

Someone who is just not interested.

Someone who treats the Word of God casually.

These may be similar to the excuses made in the parable about those invited to the wedding.

 

Question: Is it possible to become a different type of soil?  Yes.  This happens through the work of the Holy Spirit in God’s time.

 

Question:  How many people in the crowd he addressed that day from the boat belonged to each type of soil?  The same is true in this church gathering today.

 

Note: Everyone has heard or seen some of God’s Truth.

 

2.  Who is the rocky ground?  That is, what does it mean to have no root?  Also, how else could a person respond to trouble and persecution (and how have you responded to trouble and persecution)?

To have no root: to focus on God’s love, and an eternity in Heaven, but not to prepare themselves by learning deeper truths about how Christians will be persecuted.

 

Someone who takes up any doctrine that they like the sound of, not wanting to embrace the hard things that the Bible teaches.  They want to agree with everyone.  A people pleaser.

 

Maybe someone who relies entirely on human logic and not on Faith.

 

Someone who does not understand the importance of God’s Truth.  They do not know how to prioritize the things that they should get rid of when trouble comes.

 

When we are persecuted, we need to cling to our Root/ go to the Rock.  He can and will strengthen and encourage us.  We also can be encouraged by other Christians.

 

3. Who is the thorny soil?  That is, what are the worries of this life?

The weeds and the good plants grow together.  That is, their spiritual life is growing together with these other things.

The weeds may look lie wheat, but they are counterfeit.  They have no eternal value, and should be thrown away.

Things that are materialistic.  New cars, retirement, putting kids through college. 

 

Striving to accomplish things in your own power rather than depending on God.

 

Knows the Word, but focuses on Earthly things.  They still keep up with the Joneses.  They wind up looking like the ungodly around them.

 

These are not fruitful Christians.

 

4.  Who is the good soil?

The receptive.

Those who are open to letting God cultivate them.

Those who seek first the Kingdom of God.

The fruitful.

Those who surrender and are fully committed.

They take the Word to heart.

Someone who is prepared to grow (it is God who prepares the soil and does the work in the heart).

Continual growth.  Endurance.  Perseverance. 

Obedient.

 

5.  What does it mean to be fruitful?

You have to prepare yourself to be fruitful.

It involves recognizing our blessings, and what we can use and share with others.

It involves commitment.

It involves growth.

It can involve sacrifice. 

You started with a seed.

It involves change.

It involves action.

To pass along the seed.

 

 

6. Why did Jesus say that he told this story as a parable?  Does this explanation surprise you?

Isaiah prophesied that He would speak in parables (Isaiah 6:9-10).

If the soil is fertile, if the heart is prepared (by God) to receive the Word, then there is a desire for more.  For those who do not want to know; they will not search out the meaning.

To teach His disciples.

Those with hard/dull hearts will only hear a story, not the lesson behind it.

They are able to suppress/hold down the Truth that they do not want to hear.

God’s grace.


Matthew 28   "Therefore Go"

1. The word angel can be translated as messenger.  What message does this angel bring to these two women?

 

2. How do the women respond to the angel’s message?

 

3. How to the guards respond to the angel’s message?  How do the chief priests respond to the guards’ report?

  

4. The four Gospel writers each record these events slightly differently (for instance, Luke mentions two angels instead of one.  Mark and John mention Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene in the garden, while Matthew mentions Jesus appearing to the women on their way to tell the disciples, etc.).  Why might these details differ between the four accounts?  Can these accounts be reconciled? 

 

5. In verse 9 we see that the women worshiped Him, and in verse 17 we see that the eleven also worshiped Him.  Why is Jesus worthy of their worship (and ours)?

 

6. Verses 19 and 20 are often referred to as “the Great Commission.” How does this commission affect us? 

Matthew 28   "Therefore Go" (with answers)

1.    The word angel can be translated as messenger.  What message does this angel bring to these two women?

 

Do not be afraid!

Jesus has risen!

He is no longer in the tomb.

They were invited to look in the tomb and to confirm the message.

It is a message of hope.

This happened just as He said.  God is in control.  And He is faithful.

They are to tell the other disciples.

To go with the disciples to Galilee.

  

2.    How do the women respond to the angel’s message?

 

They were afraid.

An angel is a supernatural being.  He is intimidating.  It is unusual, and unusual can be scary.

Typically when someone tells you not to be afraid, there is a reason to be afraid.

Being reminded of death and tombs can be fear inducing.

They were also afraid because the stone was rolled away, and there was an earthquake.  And fear does not leave us quickly.

They may have been aware of their own sin in the presence of an angel.

 

Their fear did not keep them from obeying quickly.  This is bravery.

They were filled with joy even though they were experiencing fear.

 

Most of the angel’s message has to be repeated by Jesus, Himself.

 

3.    How to the guards respond to the angel’s message?  How do the chief priests respond to the guards’ report?

 

They were afraid (they are sinful and the angel is holy; the angel was somehow awe inspiring, he didn’t just look like a regular person; there was an earthquake, they saw the stone rolled away, a dead man that the Roman army had killed had come to life… they may have feared retribution).

 

They reported the message, but then lied about it (and people were deceived by them).

They cared more about money than about what had happened (more than they cared about the supernatural even that had terrified them and filled them with awe, and more than they cared about their duty as soldiers).

 

The chief priests stayed on message (the body might be stolen… the body had been stolen).

They covered up and lied about what God had done.

 

4.    The four Gospel writers each record these events slightly differently (for instance, Luke mentions two angels instead of one.  Mark and John mention Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene in the garden, while Matthew mentions Jesus appearing to the women on their way to tell the disciples, the other Gospels make it clear that the stone war rolled away before the women arrived, etc.).  Why might these details differ between the four accounts?  Can these accounts be reconciled? 

 

Matthew may have felt that the number of angels was not that important, just the angel’s message.

 

They see things differently from one another.

They were each inspired by God in their writing.

It gives us four accounts, not just one.

Different writers are writing to a different audience, and they have a different focus (Jesus as King, Jesus as God, Jesus as Servant).

Yes, the accounts can be reconciled.

 

5.    In verse 9 we see that the women worshiped Him, and in verse 17 we see that the eleven also worshiped Him.  Why is Jesus worthy of their worship (and ours)?

 

Worship is adoration and love.

 

Jesus is God.

He is Holy and Sovereign.

He is our Creator.

He chose us.

He died for us.  He is our Redeemer.  He is our Savior.

 

Worship should be continual, not just confined to a Worship Service or Worship Songs.

 

6.    Verses 19 and 20 are often referred to as “the Great Commission.” How does this commission affect us?

 

 

Elsewhere He says that the Gospel must be preached to every people before he returns (so we need to continue to try to reach the lost, and to pray for and support those who are doing the work of evangelism).

We are to put our talents to work to share the Gospel.

We should share God’s Word wherever we are.

We are to teach people to obey Jesus’ commands.

He encourages us by promising to be with us until the end of the age (the Great Commission is that we go and do while He is with us).


Mark 4:35-41 "Calm in the Storm"

1. Verse 35 states that this event did not take place in a vacuum.  How is this passage related to what the disciples had already seen and heard that day?

  

2. How could Jesus sleep during a storm like this?

  

3. In verse 39 Jesus shows that he has power over the storm.  What does this reveal about Him?  That is, what is the answer to the disciples’ question in verse 41?

  

4.In verse 40 Jesus rebukes His disciples.  What did they do wrong in this situation? 

  

5. What storms have you experienced in your life, or are you experiencing in your life right now?


Mark 4:35-41 "Calm in the Storm" (with answers"

1.  Verse 35 states that this event did not take place in a vacuum.  How is this passage related to what the disciples had already seen and heard that day?

This has been a day of teaching (about growth, about sowing, about faith, about using the gifts that they are given, about how God is in control…)

This was a day where they heard many parables.

Jesus spent the day preaching from this boat.

They were under the impression that ministry was done for the day, and it was now time for them to do what they knew about (boating).

They had heard teaching on faith, now they had the opportunity to put that faith into action.

  

2.  How could Jesus sleep during a storm like this?

He knew His destination, and He knew what would happen to Him.

He knew the storm was coming, and He knew that they would get through it.

He was completely centered in God’s will.

He can use this to show them that they also can sleep through a storm.

He could sleep because He was fully human (He was like us in every way except without sin).

He was tired (ministry can make you tired).

 

3. In verse 39 Jesus shows that he has power over the storm.  What does this reveal about Him?  That is, what is the answer to the disciples’ question in verse 41?

He has faith.

Jesus is powerful.

He is not just a person.  Humanity is weak, but He is strong.

Nature is obedient to Him.

Jesus is the creator.  He created nature.

He is the Ruler of everything.

Everything must obey Him (and everything should obey Him).

Jesus is God.

Jesus calmed the storm on His own authority… almost casually.

 

 4.In verse 40 Jesus rebukes His disciples.  What did they do wrong in this situation? 

That doubted that Jesus cared for them.

That lacked faith in the Father and in Jesus.

They let fear crowd out their faith (fear is the opposite of faith).

Storms happen all the time, but in this storm they forgot that God is in control.

Their focus was on themselves, not on God.

The more you focus on yourself, the less you focus on Jesus (or His Word).

This is a similar lesson to what Peter will learn when he tries to walk to Jesus on the water, but takes his eyes off of Him, and becomes afraid.

  

5. What storms have you experienced in your life, or are you experiencing in your life right now?

Are you discouraged?  Are you having dark thoughts?  Thinking “Is this storm ever going to end.”

This reminds us of almost everyone we prayed for in Sunday School this morning.

There is a lesson to be learned in many storms… and often the calm will come when you learn that lesson.

Sometimes we won’t understand for a year or two (or even longer).

We can hope for the day when there will be no more storms.


Luke 9:18-27 "The Crowd, the Disciples, and the Christ"

1.  Why might the crowds have thought that Jesus was John the Baptist?  Elijah?  One of the Prophets?

 

2. Who do the crowds say that Jesus is today?

 

3. What does it mean to be the Christ of God?

 

4.  Why might Jesus have commanded the Disciples to not tell anyone about this?

 

5.  Did Jesus fulfill the prophecy from verse 22?

 

6. What does it mean to take up your cross daily?

 

7. What is meant by “losing his life” or by saving it?

 

8. In what way did some who were standing there see the Kingdom of God?


Luke 9:18-27 "The Crowd, the Disciples, and the Christ" (with answers)


1.  Why might the crowds have thought that Jesus was John the Baptist?  Elijah?  One of the Prophets?

 John had recently been beheaded.

Jesus had a similar message to John.  They both spoke very powerfully.

Reincarnation?  Jesus was doing miracles?

This was clearly not a logical thought since they had seen John baptize Jesus.

They were not listening to who John said he was, or who John said Jesus was, or who Jesus said He was (they were more interested in the spectacle than the man).

Jesus didn’t physically look the part of a King or a Messiah (they judge on outward appearances).

They had not accepted Jesus as being the Messiah, so they were still looking for someone else.

 

Elijah went up to Heaven and did not die (and he was expected to return).

 

They were looking to the Old Testament because they had not hear anything new from God in a long time (except from John).  They tried to fit Jesus into what they already had instead of accepting that God was doing something new.

 

They didn’t understand.

 

2. Who do the crowds say that Jesus is today?

A Teacher.  Possibly a wise teacher.

A radical (and that He was executed for that).

A Good man.

A prophet.

 A myth or fairy tale.

There are those who say He did not die on the cross.

 That He was a fake (that the Disciples stole the body), that he just died on the cross.

 

There are many who say He was God in the flesh, but his message is what they want it to be.  They make Jesus in their own image.  They put the words in His mouth that they want to hear.

They do not want to change, so they change their idea of who God is and who Jesus is.

 

There are those who intellectually can say He is the Son of God, but do not think it matters or impacts their lives.

 

There are those that just don’t think about Him at all.

 

The crowds today still try to fit Jesus into their own culture and expectations, and don’t know about the Bible.

 

3. What does it mean to be the Christ of God?

 Christ means Savior or Liberator (of the world).

Christ is the Greek word for Messiah (which is a Hebrew word).

 

It means He came to reconcile us to God, and to give us eternal life, and to save us from death (and it implies that we are in need of a Savior).

 This also implies that Jesus comes from God.

 

NOTE: Matthew 16:17 makes it clear that the Holy Spirit revealed this to Peter.

 

4.  Why might Jesus have commanded the Disciples to not tell anyone about this?

 People would have just thought they were crazy (until he had been resurrected to prove His identity).

It would have been more difficulty to continue His ministry (there would be those attacking Him, and those pushing Him to overthrow Rome quickly).

This is about timing (He still had work to do before being tried and going to the cross).

This is an emotionally, religiously, and politically charged title, and He does not want people acting on those emotions, etc. in their human way.  He also was not interested in fulfilling the expectations that men had added to God’s Word regarding the Messiah.

He wants the people to know Him first, and then they can learn about titles like this.

 

Jesus knew who He was, and did not need to prove who He was (and perhaps did not want to have an intellectual debate about His identity, as that would be unproductive).  The time would come to prove who He was, as He did on the Emmaus road.

The Disciples would not have been able to influence anyone to become a believer through this message.

 

The Disciples did not yet understand what this meant.

 

5.  Did Jesus fulfill the prophecy from verse 22?

YES.  All of it (and He also fulfilled a great many other prophecies).

 

6. What does it mean to take up your cross daily?

It starts with Belief.

It is public, we are to live like we know the Lord and to share His Word.

Obedience.

Stay filled with the Spirit (and produce fruit).

We are to daily put to death the flesh, and surrender/submit to Him.

A cross is a burden.

It is a narrow road that we are called to follow.

 

This is an ongoing/daily struggle (of course living life in the flesh is a bigger struggle… even though it may seem easier).

Living according to the Spirit is hard, but living life in the flesh is ultimately harder.

We can actually have peace while carrying our cross.

  

7. What is meant by “losing his life” or by saving it?

 The sacrificial system from the Old Testament could not save you.  We are saved by Faith.

If someone tried to save their life by conforming to the patter of this world then they could lose their soul.

 

A willingness to give up all that you have.

To lose my life means to deny myself (denying yourself could even mean literally losing your physical life).  Failing to deny self means gaining the world’s approval, but losing God’s approval. 

To seek the world’s approval means ultimately being destroyed/lost/separated from God.

 

Without Him, you really have nothing.

 

8. In what way did some who were standing there see the Kingdom of God?

 If they have seen Jesus and heard His Word and been part of His Church, then they have seen the Kingdom of God in some sense.

Seeing Jesus’ glory is seeing the Kingdom (because He is the King).

Peter, John and James got a glimpse of something special at the Transfiguration.


Luke 11:37-54 "Woe to You"

1. What was the purpose of washing before meals, and why might Jesus not have washed before this meal?


2. Jesus has three woes and another criticism for the Pharisees.  Who are the Pharisees?  What point is Jesus making with each of these statements?

 

Cleaning cups and dishes (verses 39-41).


Tithing (verse 42).

 

Important seats (verse 43).

 

Unmarked graves (verse 44).


3. Why does the Expert in the Law object in the way that he does?


4. How does Jesus respond to this Expert in the Law?


Loading people down with burdens. (verse 46)


Building tombs for the prophets that their ancestors/forefathers killed (verses 47-51).


Taking away the key of knowledge and not entering themselves (verse52).


5. How do the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law respond to this criticism (verse 53)?  How else could they have responded?


Luke 11:37-46 "Woe to You" (with answers)

1. What was the purpose of washing before meals, and why might Jesus not have washed before this meal?

This ceremonial washing was a tradition (as was the traditional foot washing which Jesus rebuked Simon for neglecting in Luke 7:44)).  See Mark 7:1-8 for a more detailed explanation of this tradition.

It was more than what the Old Testament Law required.

It was not necessarily a bad tradition.

Similar to people saying Grace before they eat.

 

Jesus had a point to make.  He wanted to have a conversation about this.

He wanted to point out that serving God and loving Him is not about conformity or tradition.

Jesus was clean in a way that no other person can be (see John 13:10 for context).

 

2. Jesus has three woes and another criticism for the Pharisees.  Who are the Pharisees?  What point is Jesus making with each of these statements?

 

Pharisees were Jews.

They were in a position of spiritual authority, and they felt that way about themselves.

They believed they could get to Heaven by keeping the Law.

They tended toward legalism.

They tended toward self-righteousness.

They believed (or at least wanted to believe) that they were doing what God wanted them to do.

Image was important to them.  Pride.

They were good at going through the motions.

Somewhat like the older brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

 

Who are the equivalent of the Pharisees today?  People who are in church, and studying the Bible, and even teaching others.

 

Cleaning cups and dishes (verses 39-41).

Ceremonial cleaning only cleans the outside, it doesn’t actually do the job of cleaning your heart or mind (just like baptism as a wonderful symbol but does not actually save us).

If it’s not accompanied by washing on the inside, it’s of no value.

We need to inspect our hearts, to look at who we are before God, and not just go through motions.  We also need to invite God to look into our hearts and point out to us of the dirt that is there.

Isaiah pointed out that our best righteousness was just filthy rags.  That is, we cannot clean ourselves.  We can only be clean through Jesus’ righteousness.

 

We are to be generous to the poor (possibly in time or in money). 

We are to care about the poor.

 

Tithing (verse 42).

Giving 10% is called tithing.

 

They thought there were doing what they were supposed to by just doing enough to satisfy the letter of the law (in fact, they  learned the lesson from Malachi 3:6-12 and were not robbing God… of their money).

It is all about motivation.  The right reason to tithe is for the love of God, not simply to keep a rule.

“I already gave at the office” is similar to this attitude, meaning it’s somebody else’ turn to be generous.

1 Corinthians 13.

 

Important seats (verse 43).

 

This may be related to the love of money.

It is also about power.

This is about being seen, and letting others know how important you are.

It’s superficial.  About being shown the proper respect.

It is about caring more about how people talk about you than about how God talks about you. (Matthew 5:11-12)

It sees others as tools/opportunities instead of as God’s creation.

Application: claiming as seat at church as your own (going “ahem” if a visitor sits in it).  Or claiming a good parking spot.

If you have to remind people how important you are, maybe you’re not that important.

See Luke 14.

 

 

The last will be first and the first will be last. (Matthew 20:16)

 

Unmarked graves (verse 44).

It implies that they are spiritually dead.

What’s inside them is unclean.

They are hypocrites.

They are not as important as they think they are.  In fact, they should be avoided.

They are unknown to God.

 

 

3. Why does the Expert in the Law object in the way that he does?

They felt like if they followed the Law and had all their ducks in a row, they would be close to God.  They felt like they were better than everybody else (self-righteousness).  They felt righteous even when compared to the Pharisees.

Pride.

They practiced the same things as the Pharisees.

 

Consider the “three monkeys”: hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.

 

He may have felt convicted or rebuked, but he said he had been insulted/reproached.

 

Us… all of us… humanist that has experienced/embraced/insensitivity greed and hypocrisy.

Today we find it easy to find the faults/sins in the culture, not too hard to find the faults and shortcomings of the Church in America, and much harder to look at the faults/shortcomings/traditions in our own local church and our own lives.

The reality is that nobody keeps God’s Law perfectly

 

4. How does Jesus respond to this Expert in the Law?

Jesus removes any doubt that His comments were supposed to apply to them as well.

 

Loading people down with burdens. (verse 46)

Jesus came to fulfill the Law.  He would do everything for those who could not lift their own burden.

It is easier to point out others shortcomings, and what they need change.  It is much harder to help them through that process.  It requires a relationship and it requires time.

 

Building tombs for the prophets that their ancestors/forefathers killed (verses 47-51).

The prophets and apostles were God’s messengers and they were speaking His truth, and they did not want to hear the Truth.

They try to absolve themselves of guilt by building these monuments.

Building tombs was an outward way of showing respect for these prophets, while persecuting them is the exact opposite of respect.

They align themselves with the prophets when the prophets are gone and no longer delivering God’s message.

Jesus is speaking of how they will treat Him.

Love of country that outweighs their love of God or the Truth.

 

 

Taking away the key of knowledge and not entering themselves (verse52).

 

They weren’t sharing what they knew about God.  They were sharing the unimportant things, like these rituals and traditions that they had made up, but they weren’t sharing what was important.

They focused on the things you have to do instead of the attitude of the heart and a right relationship with God.

For us today: we should talk about God’s Word instead of just Christian books.

They were hypocrites.

For us today: we must not mislead or hinder others.

It’s easy to take advantage of someone if you know the law better than they do.

Selfish pride/ silly human pride/ ego in know the law better than others.

They keep the religious focus on themselves instead of God.

Focus on their traditions (like shiny beads) instead of God and His Law.

Looking at the Law as supreme instead of God as Supreme.

They missed the point of the Law (Romans 3:20).

 

5. How do the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law respond to this criticism (verse 53)?  How else could they have responded?

They didn’t like it.

They respond out of their flesh.  It’s human nature to be defensive when you are criticized.

They attack Him.  They oppose Him fiercely. 

They start trying to trap Him (woman caught in adultery, paying taxes to Caesar).

They do not search their hearts to see if these things are true.  They do not search the Scriptures to if these things are true.  They do not try to learn or repent from his message.


Luke 17:1-5   "Sin and Forgiveness"

1. The words of verse two sound pretty extreme.  What is meant by Jesus’ words here? 

  

2.  Verse three transitions from focusing on the sinner, to focusing on the one who is wronged.  How do verses 3 and 4 compare to Matthew 18:21-22:

  

3.  How does David’s attitude in Psalm 51:4 compare to verses 3 and 4?

  

4.  Why do the apostles respond to Jesus statement by asking for increased faith?  That is, how is faith related to sin and to forgiveness? 

Luke 17:1-5   "Sin and Forgiveness" (with answers)

1. The words of verse two sound pretty extreme.  What is meant by Jesus’ words here? 

We are all sinners.

Often people do not realize that they are sinning.  Perhaps something is culturally acceptable or culturally expected, but they may still be sin.  And perpetuating these sins is serious enough to warrant our thinking about and questioning these cultural norms and actions.

Sin is serious, and causing others to sin is possibly even more serious.

Even though we can be forgiven, there are still consequences for sin.

One sin is too many. If we have broken any one law, then we are law breakers.

As a Christian, sin (and causing others to sin) can hurt your credibility.

For a Christian, physical death is not the end.

 

2.  Verse three transitions from focusing on the sinner, to focusing on the one who is wronged.  How do verses 3 and 4 compare to Matthew 18:21-22:

God calls us to be merciful (seven times in a day, or seventy-seven times, or seventy times seven times).

The number of times doesn’t matter… we should forgive.

In Matthew 18 we are told to forgive… with no mention of repentance being required first.

We are to be longsuffering.

 

3.  How does David’s attitude in Psalm 51:4 compare to verses 3 and 4?

David sinned against Uriah (committed adultery with his wife, murdered him), sinned against Bathsheba (lead her to commit adultery with him), against his army (sacrificed one of their best soldiers as part of the cover-up).  David says that the One he really sinned against is God.

God is the One who sets the standards and makes the rules.  David may have sinned against these people, but he ultimately sinned against the authority of God by breaking His rules/commands/laws.

We do sin against God seven times in a day, and ask forgiveness, and He continues to forgive (but disobedience does lead to consequences).

And we don’t actually ask for forgiveness for each of our sins individually (and thankfully we don’t have to).

 

4.  Why do the apostles respond to Jesus statement by asking for increased faith?  That is, how is faith related to sin and to forgiveness? 

It can be very hard to forgive, depending on what was done to us.

Faith in God leads us to forgive those who wronged or hurt us, just as He forgave us (Jesus, on the cross: Father forgive them for they know not what they do).

The part that we can’t do, God will do.

Faith needs to be increased to meet the needs of the moment.

Faith is total dependence on God.  It is not putting on a show for others.  Faith, like forgiveness, must be genuine.

They may have been asking for more faith so that they would not sin against God (as much), and therefore not need to ask for forgiveness quite as often.

My faith, along with God’s power is what accomplishes forgiveness.

If someone sinned against me, then they also sinned against God (and His forgiveness is the forgiveness that they truly need).


Luke 19:1-10 "To Seek and to Save"

1. Who was Zacchaeus, and what kind of life had he lead up to this point?

 

2. Why did Zacchaeus climb this tree?  What was he looking for, and why?  How did you catch your first glimpse of Jesus?

 

3. How does Jesus react to finding Zacchaeus in the tree?

 

4. Why did the crowd disapprove of Jesus being Zacchaeus guest?  Should we, as Christians, be the “guest of sinners?”  How can one be both holy (set apart) and the guest of a sinner?

  

5. How does Zacchaeus react to this encounter with Jesus? 

Luke 19:1-10 "To Seek and to Save" (with answers)

1. Who was Zacchaeus, and what kind of life had he lead up to this point?

 

He was a tax a chief collector (for the Romans).

He was looked down upon by the other Jews. He was very unpopular.

He was wealthy.

He had apparently cheated people.  He was corrupt.

He was short.

He has perhaps been hungry for a change in His life.  He was aware that his life needed to change.

 

 

2. Why did Zacchaeus climb this tree?  What was he looking for, and why?  How did you catch your first glimpse of Jesus?

 

He wanted to see.

He wanted to see Jesus.

Perhaps he knew he needed a change in his life.

He may have just been curious.

He may have heard that Matthew had changed, and wanted to see why.

He may have been hoping for forgiveness.

He set aside pretense and properness to be an adult who has climbed a tree to see over a crowd.  In this moment he was thinking about Jesus, not about himself.

He was alone in a crowd when he climbed the tree.

He was determined to see Jesus.

 

Zacchaeus may have been inspired by Matthew since Matthew was also a tax collector.


It could be that his mom or others were praying for him. Whose salvation are you praying for?

 

 

3. How does Jesus react to finding Zacchaeus in the tree?

 

He sees him.

He speaks to him.

He tells him to come down.  At once.  With haste.

He doesn’t tell him to clean up his life first.

He does not act surprised.  He was looking for someone like Zacchaeus… someone who needed to be saved.

His purpose was to seek and to save the lost.

Jesus knew that He had a mission in talking to Zacchaeus.  He invited Himself over.

He chose to spend time with Zacchaeus.

Jesus doesn’t worry about what people will think.

Right away Jesus gives Zacchaeus an opportunity to serve Him (literally to serve Him as host).

 

Jesus does not approve of what Zacchaeus has done.  He does not condone what he has done.  He does forgive him.

 

How do we react when someone comes into the church late and sits in the back row?

 

4. Why did the crowd disapprove of Jesus being Zacchaeus’ guest?  Should we, as Christians, be the “guest of sinners?”  How can one be both holy (set apart) and the guest of a sinner?

 

They would rather shun Zacchaeus than try to help him change.

They probably assume he will never change.

They thought of him as a sinner (and forgot that they also are sinners).

They like to dislike him. 

 

They expect Jesus to hang our with the “right people.”  People like them.  People who “deserve” God’s favor.

They don’t understand that Jesus can be with a sinner without becoming like a sinner.  That is, he is there to help Zacchaeus change, not to join him in his sinful lifestyle or to simply fellowship with him in his sinful lifestyle.

 

They feel that Jesus should be set apart from such people.


They see themselves as being better than “sinners” like Zacchaeus.

Humility: rightly recognizing who we are and who God is and our relationship with Him.  The crowd lacks humility.

They see themselves as righteous partly because they look down on tax collectors and sinners (see Luke 18:9-14).

Jealousy (Jesus chose Zacchaeus over any of them… and maybe of them were priests and Levites).


We are to be salt and light… to influence sinners… to share the Gospel with sinners.  You can’t do this without talking to them and spending time with them.

 

We are not called to approve of their actions or lifestyle.


Who do we not like?  Those who take advantage of children?  Abortionists?


It is a hard thing to tell people that they shouldn’t do what they want to do.

We need to be faithful to the Truth… but not to look down on the people.

We can remind people that they always have a choice.

 

We need to make sure we influence them but do not get influenced by them.  Jesus was and is well equipped for this… better equipped than we are.

 

We can and should love people, which means that sometimes we need to point out their sins and not to fellowship with them in their sin.


5. How does Zacchaeus react to this encounter with Jesus? 


He reacts instantly with:

Gratitude.

Humility.

Readiness to change.

Repentance.

Eagerness and desire to help others and make restitution.


A picture of a gold coin (but not a mina).

Luke 19:11-27 "Put this Money to Work"

1.  According to verse 11, why does Jesus tell this parable?  What will happen next when He leaves Zacchaeus’ house?

 

2. In this parable, Jesus compares Himself to a master, to a king, and to a judge.  What do we learn about Jesus through each of these roles?

 

3.  Where is the Master going, and how long will He be gone?

 

4.  What are the servants supposed to do while they wait for their master to return?  What are we supposed to do while we wait for Jesus to return?

 

5. What do the minas represent?  What does it mean to earn a profit?  What would if have looked like if the third servant had put the money in the bank? 


6. Who are those who did not wish to have Jesus as their King?  What is their fate?  Is this a just punishment?


Luke 19:11-27 "Put this Money to Work" (with answers)

1.  According to verse 11, why does Jesus tell this parable?  What will happen next when He leaves Zacchaeus’ house?

His time is coming soon to be crucified.

His time to return as King is not so soon.

It is important to remind people that he is Judge and King and Master before He goes away.

(This parable about money is told at Zacchaeus’ house… someone who worked with money for a living).

 

Jesus will go to Jerusalem next… the Triumphal entry… and then Easter.

  

2. In this parable, Jesus compares Himself to a master, to a king, and to a judge.  What do we learn about Jesus through each of these roles?

Master… He is Lord.  He deserves, and expects, obedience.

        … we are supposed to serve Him.

King… He is King of the universe by right of having made it.

    … He is the Ultimate Authority in the land he rules (which is the universe).

    … there is no higher power in this universe.

    … He is noble.

Judge… He has a right to judge, and a right to forgive.

 

3.  Where is the Master going, and how long will He be gone?

He is going to a distant land.

His authority comes from Heaven to be King on Earth (but Jesus was actually “born King of the Jews” so He doesn’t really need to be made king like the character in the parable does).

Nobody knows how long He will be gone (but He will return). – Matthew 24:36

 

4.  What are the servants supposed to do while they wait for their master to return?  What are we supposed to do while we wait for Jesus to return?

They are supposed to make money for Him using the money he gave to them.

We are supposed to make disciples.  We are supposed to pray.  We are supposed to use the talents/attributes and resources He gave us for His Kingdom.

He wants to see that we are faithful with what we have.

He wants to reward us lavishly for our faithfulness.

 

5. What do the minas represent?  What does it mean to earn a profit?  What would if have looked like if the third servant had put the money in the bank? 

The minas represent talents/attributes/resources.

To earn a profit means to store up treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

To earn a profit here means to make disciples.

 

We are not to hide our talents/gifts.

We are supposed to be bold, not timid.

It is about attitude; it is about our will; He doesn’t need us.

What does putting the money on deposit look like?  What is the minimum we should be doing?  Prayer for others.

We should be kind to others (along with the other fruit of the Spirit).  We should act like Christians.

We can financially support others who are doing the work (like the local church, or Voice of the Martyrs, or Our Daily Bread, or Samaritan's Purse, or any other ministry that is actively sharing the Gospel and making disciples).

 

6. Who are those who did not wish to have Jesus as their King?  What is their fate?  Is this a just punishment?

The Jews who rejected Him are definitely in this category (but so is anyone else who hates Him and rejects Him).

They tried to stop Him from being their King.

 

The fate of those who reject Jesus is eternal death… eternal separation from God.

The punishment is harsh, but it is just.

 

There are consequences for what we do… both good and bad.


Image of a palm branch.

Luke 19:28-40 "Hosanna!"

1.  This passage is often referred to as the “Triumphal Entry,” and it is commemorated by “Palm Sunday.”  What is a triumphal entry?  What triumph might Jesus be celebrating?  What triumph might the people think He is celebrating (see John 12:17-19)?

 

2.  What is the significance of Jesus riding on a colt that had never been ridden?  (see Matthew 21:4-5)

 

3.  What is the significance of each of the following titles of Jesus? (see Psalm 118:21-29 and Mark 12:10-11)

He who comes in the name of the Lord. (Matthew,Mark,John)

The king who comes in the name of the Lord. (Luke)

The King of Israel. (John)

The Son of David. (Matthew)

The prophet from Nazareth in Galilee. (Matthew)

What is the significance of each of these other phrases that the crowd shouts/sings?

Hosanna! (Mark,John)


Hosanna in the highest! (Matthew,Mark)


Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! (Luke)


Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! (Mark)

 

Do the people know who Jesus really is?  Are they right in shouting these things?  (see Luke 22:70-23:3 and John 18:33-37)

 

4.  What is the response to all this shouting and adulation? (see Luke 19:39-40)

  

5.  The modern day equivalent of a triumphal entry might be a ticker tape parade through New York City, followed by being presented with the key to the city.  What would you expect someone to do after such an honor?  What does Jesus do after this entry into Jerusalem?  (see Luke 19:41-44, Mark 11:11, and Luke 19:45-47.)


Luke 19:28-40 "Hosanna!" (with answers)

1.  This passage is often referred to as the “Triumphal Entry,” and it is commemorated by “Palm Sunday.”  What is a triumphal entry?  What triumph might Jesus be celebrating?  What triumph might the people think He is celebrating (see John 12:17-19)?

 

After a victory, Roman armies would ride in triumphantly.

 

Victory over death (He has just raised Lazarus from the dead, and He will soon raise Himself from the dead… and this is all a promise that He will raise us from the dead as well).

Victory over sin (because death is the consequence of sin).

 

The people are celebrating miracles and the possibility of Jesus being King, now, and resotring the nation of Israel.

Some people may be celebrating without really thinking it through or really even knowing why.  Some of these same people shouting Hosanna will, less than a week later, be shouting to crucify Him.

  

2.  What is the significance of Jesus riding on a colt that had never been ridden?  (see Matthew 21:4-5)

Jesus is fulfilling prophecy.

It is a minor miracle to be able to ride an animal that has never been ridden before.

The donkey may well have known the importance of the One who was riding him.

This is not a war horse.  It is not fancy.  A donkey is humble and lowly.

The donkey is a symbol of peace (in this case, Jesus is bringing the means for having peace with God – see Luke 19:41).

Riding a donkey is a symbol of Kingship (previously, in Luke 19, Jesus spoke of Himself as someone going on a journey to become King).

  

3.  What is the significance of each of the following titles of Jesus? (see Psalm 118:21-29 and Mark 12:10-11)

 

He who comes in the name of the Lord. (Matthew,Mark,John)

He represents God.

 

The king who comes in the name of the Lord. (Luke)

He is King of kings and Lord of lords.

He has authority.

They recognize that authority come from God.

 

The King of Israel. (John)

He is the rightful King of Israel (the people expected Him to restore the kingdom… which He will do, but not at that time).

 

The Son of David. (Matthew)

He is Jewish.

He is a descendent of David (and heir to the promises made to David).

 

The prophet from Nazareth in Galilee. (Matthew)

He is a Prophet (one who speaks for God, which can include foretelling the future, can include making secrets known).

Not only is He a prophet, but He fulfills prophecy (prophecy confirmed who Jesus is, along with the miracles that He did, so that we can trust the things that He said).

 

What is the significance of each of these other phrases that the crowd shouts/sings?

Hosanna! (Mark,John)

“Lord, save us” from sin

“Lord, save us” from guilt

“Lord, save us” from death

“The Lord saves”

 

Hosanna in the highest! (Matthew,Mark)

He is the Savior.

He brings the ultimate salvation.

He is the only One who can save.

 

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! (Luke)

There is peace in Heaven that is greater than we can have here on Earth.

We have an eternal hope of Heaven, and of the Peace there.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

He makes peace between us and God.

We can have that peace with God, even when things around us are stressful/unhealthy/dysfunctional.

We are to have a relationship with Him in order to have His peace (John 16:33).

He deserves all the glory!

 

Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! (Mark)

People had expectations that Jesus would quickly restore David’s kingdom.

Jesus will restore the Kingdom of Israel.

His kingdom is to be a blessing.

Blessed means “happy”.  Jesus’ coming kingdom is happy news.

God’s favor is on this.  He is the source of this happiness.

 

Do the people know who Jesus really is?  Are they right in shouting these things?  (see Luke 22:70-23:3 and John 18:33-37)

They probably don’t really know who He is.  But they do know that He is special.  They can probably sense that He is different somehow.  They know He comes from God.

They are 100% correct in the things they are recorded as shouting (at least the ones that are recorded).

 

4.  What is the response to all this shouting and adulation? (see Luke 19:39-40)

Pharisees: 

Tell them to stop!

They claimed that this was blasphemy… that is they claimed that the people were attributing to a mere man that which is due to God.

There was some level of jealousy for the attention Jesus was getting.

There was fear for their position.

There was fear of the consequences if what he said were true.

They found comfort in the status quo.

They wanted to serve God… as a distant God who gave them Laws and rules, and then let them be.

There was fear of what Rome might do (a fear that was well founded as Jerusalem would be destroyed in a little under 40 years when a rebellion/uprising was put down).

Jesus: 

If they stop, the stones would cry out.

There is something about this that is so important, that needs to be said so much, that God would cause a miracle to make sure this event continues.

This Truth will be told and cannot be silenced.

Jesus is acknowledging that He deserves this honor and that the things the people are saying are true.

  

5.  The modern day equivalent of a triumphal entry might be a ticker tape parade , followed by being presented with the key to the city (think of a sports team that just won the national championship).  What would you expect someone to do after such an honor?  What does Jesus do after this entry into Jerusalem?  (see Luke 19:41-44, Mark 11:11, and Luke 19:45-47.)

 

You would expect gratitude.

You would expect pride.

You would expect excitement.

You would expect partying (or at least going to Disneyland).

 

Jesus wept over the city.

Jesus foretold the future of the city.

Jesus had compassion for the people who He knew were going to reject Him.

 

He responded in humility.

He responded in love.

 

He went to the Temple.

He went to honor and worship God the Father.

 

He drove the moneychangers out of the Temple so that it would be a place of prayer (he did so in a violent way, but did not harm them as He certainly could have), and he also drove the animals out.

It appears that these money changers had set up shop in the part of the Temple that was open to Gentiles, and thus they were not able to worship in an appropriate setting.

He taught and preached, even though they were trying to kill Him.


Luke 20:1-19 "Jesus Can't be Trapped"

1. What things might the chief priests, teachers of the law and the elders be referring to in verse 2?  That is, what has just occurred in chapter 19?


2.  What point is Jesus making in bringing up John the Baptist, and why doesn’t he choose to answer them directly (something like “I’m the Son of God, so that’s my Authority”)?

 

3. The Parable of the Tenants appears to also be part of Jesus’ answer about His authority (“he went on to tell the people”).  How is it related to the question that was asked of Him? 

 

4. Verses 15-17 take a dark turn.  Why is this so serious?  What does this prophecy mean?  Do you think that the people understood Jesus meaning (why or why not)?

 

5. What point is Jesus making by quoting Psalm 118:22?

Luke 20:1-19 "Jesus Can't be Trapped" (with answers)

1. What things might the chief priests, teachers of the law and the elders be referring to in verse 2?  That is, what has just occurred in chapter 19?

He arrived in Jerusalem in the Triumphal Entry.

He drove the moneychangers and merchants and their animals from the temple.

Jesus has been teaching and preaching, specifically He has been teaching things that are different from what they teach.

He also claims to forgive sins.

 

2.  What point is Jesus making in bringing up John the Baptist, and why doesn’t he choose to answer them directly (something like “I’m the Son of God, so that’s my Authority”)?

 

He is reminding them of what John the Baptist said about Him (and possibly reminding them of what the Father said when Jesus was baptized).

He is reminding them of how they treated John (and of what John had to say about them… a brood of vipers).

 

He knows that they are not genuinely looking for answer, but are instead trying to trap Him.

If He answers that He is God, then they are confident the people will turn against Him (either because He is a madman or a blasphemer).

If He answers that it is His own authority (that He was born King of the Jews), then they can have the Romans deal with Him.

If He answers that He is a man, then they can refute and rebuke Him (because they are the rightful authority).

It was not yet His time to die (He will be crucified on His time schedule… and His time table is for this to happen at Passover because He is the fulfillment of Passover… He is the true Passover Lamb.  Also, if He were arrested this day then He would not have fulfilled the Prophecy about being betrayed by Judas.).

 

By answering in the form a questions, he reveals to their motives to them (he reveals to them that they are not looking for the Truth).  And this also shows us that Jesus knew what they were thinking.

 

He also effectively gets out of their trap.

 

They say they “don’t know” in answer to His question (which is a lie), while He says that He won’t tell them (which is the truth).

 

3. The Parable of the Tenants appears to also be part of Jesus’ answer about His authority (“he went on to tell the people”).  How is it related to the question that was asked of Him? 

The parable speaks of the servants, who are the prophets (like John the Baptist, who had been killed because of the message he brought).

Jesus is the Son of the Owner (and the Owner of the Vineyard is the Owner of the World).

He has been sent by God.

Jesus will be killed by them.

This was also a trap for the religious leaders… Jesus was prophesying about what they would do to Him.  If they killed him now, it would make this prophecy come true (and support His other teachings), but if they didn’t kill Him then He would continue to teach.

The tenants were the chief priests, teachers of the Law and the elders.  They knew this was about them.

This revealed their hearts to them… they wanted to stop Him, and now they were confronted with the idea that stopping Him would require killing Him (although we know that didn’t stop Him at all).

 

4. Verses 15-17 take a dark turn.  Why is this so serious?  What does this prophecy mean?  Do you think that the people understood Jesus meaning (why or why not)?

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Some day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

 

Jesus is the Way… no one comes to the Father except through Him.

This is serious, there are serious consequences, and Jesus wants to point them out (this gives them an opportunity to repent).  The is reminiscent of how Jonah prophesied destruction on Ninevah, but then it did not come to pass because the people repented.

Sometimes a hard truth is needed.

 

God’s timing… He is pushing them to arrest Him soon, because He is ready to go to the cross at Passover.

 

This is justice.  If they kill the Son of God and do not repent, then they do not deserve eternal life… they in fact deserve Hell.

 

These people were crazy to think that they could inherit the vineyard if they killed the rightful Heir (and yet, if they could reduce God to something that is just written on a page, then the authority in Judaism/Judea would be theirs… or at least that was their goal since Rome was actually in charge, and Jerusalem would fall in the near future).

 

 

5. What point is Jesus making by quoting Psalm 118:22?  What is the larger context of Psalm 118:19-29?

Jesus is comparing Himself to a stone (which is solid).

To the Cornerstone which gives a building its strength, and keeps it from falling, and is the important stone.

Without Jesus we would fall.

Jesus had quite recently stated that not one stone would be left on top of another in Jerusalem… but Jesus is still here.

 

Verses 25-27 sound a lot like the Triumphal entry that had just occurred.

 

When the King comes, they are supposed to open the gate for Him, and they did not properly greet their King or make Him welcome.

 

Verse 20 sounds like what Jesus said in John 10:7 (I am the gate/door)

Verse 27 reminds us of Jesus’ words that He is the Light

 

Jesus’ words also echo Isaiah 8:11-15 (which spells out that this is about Jerusalem… and about traps).


Luke 20:20-26 "Give to God what is God's"

1.  This is the second trap the teachers of the Law and the chief priests laid for Jesus in Luke 20 (the first was in verses 1-8).  What response did they think Jesus might give?  Why were they astonished in verse 26?

 

2.  What is the significance of the denarius that they showed Jesus?

 

3.  In verse 23 it says that Jesus saw through their duplicity.  But, if they had not been intent on trapping Jesus, would this have been a good question?  What similar questions might be asked today? 

 

4. In addition to getting out of their trap, Jesus’ answer is true.  How can we apply this answer to our lives today (see question 3)?


Luke 20:20-26 "Give to God what is God's" (with answers)

1.  This is the second trap the teachers of the Law and the chief priests laid for Jesus in Luke 20 (the first was in verses 1-8).  What response did they think Jesus might give?  Why were they astonished in verse 26?

Rome is the occupying force, and paying taxes to Caeser involves paying taxes, paying taxes to a foreign government, and paying taxes that will be used to fund the continued occupation of Israel/Judea by that foreign government.

Caesar claimed to be a god, so paying taxes to him could be seen as supporting a false religion.

If Jesus says “yes” then He would lose the support of religious Jews and patriotic Jews.

If Jesus says “no” then they are going to turn Him in to the Roman authorities.

They probably figured that Jesus best way out of this was to blow a lot of smoke and not say anything of substance (this would erode the people’s respect for Him).

 

 

2.  What is the significance of the denarius that they showed Jesus?

It has picture of Caesar, and it also states that he is a god.  That is, there is literally blasphemy written on the coin.

 

 

3.  In verse 23 it says that Jesus saw through their duplicity.  But, if they had not been intent on trapping Jesus, would this have been a good question?  What similar questions might be asked today? 

Yes, for the reasons mentioned in question 1, this is a legitimate question.

Should we wear masks in church if the government says so?

Should we close the church if the government says so?

Paying taxes to the State of California, today, means that your tax dollars are being used to support abortion and transgender procedures on minors.

 

4. In addition to getting out of their trap, Jesus’ answer is true.  How can we apply this answer to our lives today (see question 3)?

Jesus answer: Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.

So, what is Caesar’s, and what is God’s?

As for what belongs to the government, we are to obey those God has put in authority (unless they demand you do something that is against God’s Word) – See Romans 13:1-7 (which was written when Nero was emperor of Rome).

Also pray for them.

As for what is God’s: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Luke 10:27).  That is, all of who you are should be used to love Him.  All of your thoughts should show love to God.  All of your feelings and emotions should show love to God.  All of your actions should show love to God.


Vanity by Auguste Toulmouche

Luke 20:41-21:4 Jesus Asks a Question and Makes an Observation

1. Why does Jesus ask the question in verse 41?  Is He implying that the Messiah is not the son of David?  Is He implying that the Psalm 110:1 is incorrect?  What, is the answer to this question?

 

2.  What was wrong with the scribes’ attitude?

 

3. Why did Jesus’ followers need to beware of the scribes/ teachers of the Law?  That is, what harm could the scribes/ teachers of the Law do to Jesus’ followers (and why would they receive harsher judgement)?

 

4.  Why does Jesus commend the poor widow?  Should we emulate her actions?  Should we emulate her attitude? 


Luke 20:41-21:4 Jesus Asks a Question and Makes an Observation (with answers)

1. Why does Jesus ask the question in verse 41?  Is He implying that the Messiah is not the son of David?  Is He implying that the Psalm 110:1 is incorrect?  What, is the answer to this question?

The Messiah is the Son of David (He is a descendant of David… in His human lineage… both Mary and Joseph were descended from David), but more importantly, He is the Son of God.

For Jesus, being descended from royalty is nothing compared to who He really is.

Jesus is King, not just of David’s throne (in fact, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords).

 

God is the Heavenly Father for Jesus, and for all of us who believe.  Our earthly families are not as important and as being sons and daughters of God.

 

2.  What was wrong with the scribes’ attitude?

 

They set themselves above everyone else (including God).

They were concerned about rank and power.

They were concerned about what people thought of them, more than what God thought of them.

Pride.

They live a “me first” lifestyle.

They are not concerned about those they are supposed to be shepherding.

Greed (they are getting wealthy off of those who can least afford to support them).

Their prayers were in vain, which leads others not to pray, or not to pray seriously or sincerely.

 

3. Why did Jesus’ followers need to beware of the scribes/ teachers of the Law?  That is, what harm could the scribes/ teachers of the Law do to Jesus’ followers (and why would they receive harsher judgement)?

False teachings could potentially lead people astray.  The idea that following the Law could lead to salvation was tempting, but it leads to bondage as we try to keep the Law perfectly when we cannot possibly do that (think of the rich young ruler).

They could be swayed by what the scribes are supposed to represent, and want to emulate them.

Pride is contagious (if you see proud people, you either want to tear them down, or you want to be just as proud).

They could seek rewards in this life (financial, positional, etc.).

We can get lazy when we look up to others spiritually, and just listen to them instead of studying the Scriptures for ourselves (see Acts 17:11).

It confuses us to see “spiritual people” that are actually distant from God.

We see this warning echoed throughout the Epistles in warnings about Judaizers.

We need to confess our sins to God, not try to cover them up.

 

People are being taken advantage of financially, and some of those people are disciples.  This also takes money away from other ministries that are doing God’s work.

 

4.  Why does Jesus commend the poor widow? Should we emulate her actions?  Should we emulate her attitude?

This widow doesn’t care what other people think.

Her attitude is not only God first, but God only.

She trusts Him completely.


John 1:35-51 Jesus Calls Disciples

1.  How do the two men in verse 35 learn about Jesus?  How does meeting Jesus affect their lives?

 

2. Who does Andrew invite to meet Jesus? 

 

3.  What does Cephas/Peter mean, and why does Jesus give this new name to Simon?

 

4. How does Jesus invite Philip?  What is a disciple?  Are you a disciple?

 

5.  How does Philip respond to Jesus’ invitation?  Who does he tell about Jesus?

 

6.  How does Nathaniel respond to Philip’s invitation?  How does Jesus start this relationship with Nathaniel?


John 1:35-51 Jesus Calls Disciples (with answers)

1.  How do the two men in verse 35 learn about Jesus?  How does meeting Jesus affect their lives?

John told them about Jesus.

They saw Jesus.

Jesus spoke to them.

They spent time with Jesus.

 

John’s attitude is that Jesus must increase and he must decrease.  He encourages his disciples to leave Him and follow Jesus. John does not hold onto them… his whole mission has been preparing people to follow Jesus, and he is happy when they do.

 

Later, Jesus will call Andrew to be one of his Disciples (see Matthew 4:18-20) and to follow Him, but for now it just changes their outlook/perspective on life.  They have found the Messiah!

Note: they are immediately convinced of who Jesus is.

Note: these new disciples immediately invite others to follow Jesus as well.  They don't need to study first, or know all the answers; they just know that Jesus is the answer.

 

2. Who does Andrew invite to meet Jesus? 

His brother (we should care strongly about sharing the Good News with our family members).

Simon (he will wind up being a Disciple, an Apostle, a leader in the early church, and he will write books that become part of the Bible).

 

3.  What does Cephas/Peter mean, and why does Jesus give this new name to Simon?

Cephas is Aramaic, and Peter is Greek, and they mean Rock (think of the name/nickname Rocky).

Jesus knows what Peter will say in Matthew 16:18, and Jesus will explain then why he is called Peter.

He has the authority to give out new names.

Nicknames like this are part of having a relationship (this indicates that a relationship is being built here).

In Revelation 2:7 it says that we all receive a new name (and that name has with a meaning of who He created each of us to be).

In future passages it seems that when Jesus calls him Simon, it means Simon is not doing what he’s supposed to.  Otherwise Jesus calls him Peter (like when a parent calls their child by their full name).

 

4. How does Jesus invite Philip? What is a disciple?  Are you a disciple?

He just said “follow me” (Jesus knows each person, and calls them in different ways).

There are many ways to come to Jesus, but only One Way to come to God.

A disciple is a follower/student/apprentice.  Someone who follows and learns in order to become like the teacher.

Hopefully each of us is a disciple of Jesus.

In the Gospels we do see the Twelve Disciples (which refers to these twelve in particular, while there were many other disciples of Jesus).

 

5.  How does Philip respond to Jesus’ invitation?  Who does he tell about Jesus?

Philip just follows enthusiastically when called.

He immediately tells Nathaniel (who will also become a Disciple and Apostle).

 

 

6.  How does Nathaniel respond to Philip’s invitation?  How does Jesus start this relationship with Nathaniel?

Can anything good come out of Nazareth?  His first thought is that this does not meet his expectations.

You can’t put God in a box.

He’s not a tame a Lion (you can’t control Him, or completely predict what He will do, but you can trust Him completely).

 

Nathaniel is dubious, but he does come.

 

After Jesus speaks to him, Nathaniel recognize that Jesus was King.

Nathaniel apparently had a knowledge of the Scriptures (but this, on its own was not enough, he needed to know Jesus, just as Samuel needed to know the Lord in the Old Testament (1 Samuel 3)).

 

Jesus tells Nathaniel that He saw him before he met Him (He always knew each of us and He can speak to our hearts about our past… our secret sins, our doubts, our dreams and desires, or the things for which we thought we could never be forgiven).

 

There is something about how Jesus speaks that gets people’s attention (see John 7:46).


John 2:1-11 A Wedding in Galilee

1. Jesus initially expresses reluctance to involve Himself in this problem.  Why does He perform this miracle anyway?

  

2. What might be the significance of this, Jesus’ first miracle?

  

3. Why is the master of the feast’s reaction significant?

 

4.  Why does Jesus perform miracles?  Did Jesus perform miracles as a child such as those recorded in the Infancy Gospel of Thomas (written in the 2nd century) or in the Qur’an (written in the 7th century)? 


John 2:1-11 A Wedding in Galilee (with answers)

1. Jesus initially expresses reluctance to involve Himself in this problem.  Why does He perform this miracle anyway?

Jesus knows that His ministry will start at some time.

Jesus knows that His miracles have a purpose.

 

Mary is not dissuaded at all.

Mary has complete faith that Jesus can do something (and will do something).

She has waited something like thirty years to see something like this happen.

 

Jesus performs this miracle because of his mother.

One of the Commandments is to honor your father and mother (this is an important commandment that is recorded multiple times in the Bible. Exodus 20:12, Leviticus 19:3, Deuteronomy 5:16, Matthew 15:3-9, Matthew 19:16-19, Ephesians 6:2-3 ).

 

 

2. What might be the significance of this, Jesus’ first miracle?

His Disciples were there, and their belief was strengthened by this miracle/sign (see verse 11b).

We are invited to believe in Him because of the evidence of the miracles.

Jesus did this miracle in a way that was personal to a limited number of people (almost anonymously).  Later in His ministry He occasionally has to tell people not to talk about His miracles. 

Jesus is humble and allows the bride and groom and their wedding to remain the center of attention.

Weddings are important to God (symbolically, as He is the Groom and the Church is the Bride, 2 Corinthians 11:2, and also marriages are important in God’s plan for people, Hebrews 13:4).

This miracle (like all of Jesus’ miracles) is a sign of the authority that He has, and of His relationship with the Father.

Jesus has power of creation (John 1:3).

This shows Jesus authority/superiority over the Old Testament rituals.

Wine/alcohol is not inherently sinful, 1 Timothy 5:23 (drunkenness is a sin, Ephesians 5:18).  We can see from the reaction here that this wine clearly contains alcohol.

Pleasure is not sinful (Colossians 2:20-23).  We should enjoy life.  The pursuit of pleasure can lead to sin, but ascetism is not Jesus’ position or teaching.

 

 

3. Why is the master of the feast’s reaction significant?

He didn’t know where it came from (so this is unbiased testimony about what Jesus did).

It was very good. When Jesus does a miracle, He does it well.

The master of the ceremony is willing to rebuke the bridegroom, in contrast to Jesus’ humility in not drawing attention to Himself.  His focus seems to be on himself (what will people think of me and my skills as the master of an event like this?).

 

4.  Why does Jesus perform miracles?  Did Jesus perform miracles as a child such as those recorded in the Infancy Gospel of Thomas (written in the 2nd century) or in the Qur’an (written in the 7th century)? 

They prove the truth of what he says.

They show His power and authority.

Miracles can be seen by both believers and nonbelievers.

Miracles show the power of God.

It fulfills prophecy.

They help people to come to Him.

These are signs.  They have significance beyond the actual act itself.

He loved people and performed miracles to help them.

 

According to this, Jesus did not perform miracles as a child. 

See also Mark 6:1-5 where the people from His hometown indicate that they have not seen Him perform miracles before.


A picture of Jesus ascending into Heaven.

Acts 1:1-12 (and Luke 24:50-53) "After He Said This"

1. The event described in these passages is called “the Ascension,” because Jesus ascended into Heaven.  When did this event take place?

  

2.  What did Jesus do during the period of time identified in question 1?

  

3.  What are some of the “convincing proofs” that are mentioned in verse 2?  Can we use these same proofs when telling others about Jesus’ resurrection?

  

4. Before returning to Heaven, what does Jesus tell His disciples about what will happen next?  Do these same things apply to us?

  

5.  The word “bless” is used in both Luke 24:51 and Luke 24:52.  What does it mean to bless someone?  How has Jesus blessed you?  How can you bless God?

  

6.  In Luke 24:52 it says that they “worshipped Him.”  What does it mean to worship someone?  Is Jesus worthy of our worship?


Acts 1:1-12 "After He Said This" (with answers)

1. The event described in these passages is called “the Ascension,” because Jesus ascended into Heaven.  When did this event take place?

40 days after the resurrection

10 days before Pentecost

  

2.  What did Jesus do during the period of time identified in question 1?

He talked

He spoke about the Kingdom of God

He showed Himself alive, with many convincing/infallible proofs

He appeared to many

He performed miracles (the catch of fish)

Promised/reminded them that the Holy Spirit was coming

Gave them instructions to wait for the Holy Spirit

He opened the Scriptures to them

 

 3.  What are some of the “convincing proofs” that are mentioned in verse 2?  Can we use these same proofs when telling others about Jesus’ resurrection?

He showed Himself to Mary, Cleopas and the other disciple on the Emmaus road, to the Apostles (in the upper room), to the Apostles (fishing), James, to over 500 of the brethren at once.

He appeared in multiple locations.

He spoke with knowledge of what Thomas was feeling, and with insight into what Peter was feeling.

He ate with them.

He talked to them

He breathed on them.

He invited them to touch Him.

He showed them His hands and His side.

He opened the Scriptures to them (from the Old Testament), showing where it said He would suffer, die, and then be raised again.

He was able to convince those who doubted at first (Thomas declared He was God).

He did this over a period of 40 days.

Because of who they knew Jesus to be, sinless, holy, they were able to recognize Him (that is He still speaks, eats, does miracles, He has compassion for Peter, He gives peace, He commissions them)

He fulfilled His own very specific prophecies about dying and being resurrected

The tomb is empty

The grave clothes were also empty

Two proofs we have other than these:

He did send us the Holy Spirit, and He lives within.

The New Testament (written by multiple authors (and not just the four Gospels), each telling their own story and using their own experiences, but inspired by the Holy Spirit and given continuity by Him)

  

4. Before returning to Heaven, what does Jesus tell His disciples about what will happen next?  Do these same things apply to us?

The Holy Spirit will come.

The Holy Spirit will be a gift from the Father.

They will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

They will be empowered by the Holy Spirit.

They will be witnesses through the power of the Holy Spirit.

It will not be too long before this happens (because they are to wait in Jerusalem for it).

He gives them instructions to wait in Jerusalem.

He gives them specifics about where they are to minister.

Don’t be concerned about when the kingdom will be restored to Israel.

  

5.  The word “bless” is used in both Luke 24:51 and Luke 24:52.  What does it mean to bless someone?  How has Jesus blessed you?  How can you bless God?

Praising.

To entreat God on behalf of someone.  To ask God to work on their behalf.

God’s favor.

A type of anointing/commissioning.

Obedience and Faith (Luke 1:42-45)

In Matthew 5:44 Jesus says to “bless those who curse you.”

Jesus blessed them.  In John 17 we see Jesus praying for them.  He entreats God on their behalf, and on our behalf.  He puts God’s favor on us.  He empowers us.

 

In the Old Testament we see Abraham, and Jacob blessing their sons and descendants through prophecy.

 

This is a different word from the word used in the Beatitudes, which means to be happy.

 

6.  In Luke 24:52 it says that they “worshipped Him.”  What does it mean to worship someone?  Is Jesus worthy of our worship?

 

To understand and declare/proclaim His worth.

To believe in His word.

To adore.

This word literally means to kiss the ground that someone walks on.

To do reverence to.

To bow down.

This is the same word that was used of the Magi when they worshipped Jesus.


A picture of a pulpit.

Acts 13:16-41 "Sermon in Antioch"

1. In verses 17-23, Paul gives a history lesson to those in the synagogue.  What is the point of this lesson?

 

2. What do verses 24 and 25 tell us about John’s ministry?  What do they tell us about who Jesus is?

 

3. What message of salvation is Paul referring to in verse 26?  Who is this message for?  Does this message (and this salvation) still apply to us today?

 

4. What is the purpose of each of the quotations that Paul gives (Psalm 2, Isaiah 55 and Psalm 16)?

 

5. What does it mean to be set free from sin (verse 39)?

 

6. What is the warning that Paul draws from Habakkuk 1:5?  Is this warning still relevant to us today?


Acts 13:16-41 "Sermon in Antioch" (with answers)

1. In verses 17-23, Paul gives a history lesson to those in the synagogue.  What is the point of this lesson?

 

It was part of God’s plan.

This reminds the people that God had previously made and fulfilled prophecies.

Paul points out that God fulfills His promises (and therefore should expected to give the promised Messiah)

To reinforce that what he was about to say about Jesus was related to what was said in Scripture, and is a continuation of God’s plan.

These events reveal God’s power.

These events reveal God’s sovereignty (He chose Israel, He gave them the land, etc.)

Paul shows them how God changes how he deals He deals with His people (God Himself does not change), the wilderness wandering, the Judges, the Kings… and now there is Jesus

Paul introduces David, who is Jesus’ ancestor (and a “type” of Jesus)

 

2. What do verses 24 and 25 tell us about John’s ministry?  What do they tell us about who Jesus is?

He was a part of God’s plan (continuing the things that started in the Old Testament).

John knew who he was (and that he was not even worthy to untie Jesus’ sandals).

John recognized that he was an unclean sinner.

John had humility.

John acts as though people should be looking for the Messiah.

His ministry was preaching repentance (asking forgiveness and turning away from sin) and baptism (while John’s baptism may have foreshadowed Christian baptism which symbolizes Christ’s burial and resurrections as well as washing/cleansing from sins, John’s baptism was just a public symbol and declaration of repentance and submission to God).

John pointed to Jesus (which is what he also did while still in the womb).

Jesus is greater than John.

Jesus is greater than earthly kings who have servants to dress and undress them.

Jesus is the One who is worthy.

 

3. What message of salvation is Paul referring to in verse 26?  Who is this message for?  Does this message (and this salvation) still apply to us today?

God has made a way for our sins to be forgiven.

We can have everlasting life.

Jesus died for our sins, and was resurrected making a way for us.

Jesus did all of the work.  All we need to do is to believe/ have faith in Him.

 

This message is for the whole world, for all of us (and especially me).

  

4. What is the purpose of each of the quotations that Paul gives (Psalm 2, Isaiah 55 and Psalm 16)?

Psalm 2: Jesus is the Son of God.  Psalm 2 says that He will rule the earth.

             Jesus fulfills prophecy.

Isaiah 55:3 God wants everyone to listen.

                  God loves us.

                  God keeps His promises.

Psalm 16:10  Jesus is the Holy One.

                     Jesus life did not end in His death.

                     God is all powerful.  He can do anything.

5. What does it mean to be set free from sin (verse 39)?

 

We were slaves to sin (we were ruled by our evil desires) before Jesus freed us.

We were born with a sin nature.  Now God gives us a new nature.

Now we can choose to serve Jesus rather than our sin nature (or someone else’ sin nature).

We can treat Him as Lord of our lives.

This does not mean that we stop sinning (but hopefully we sin less often).

We are freed from the eternal consequences of our sin (the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life)..

Mercy and Forgiveness and Grace.

This forgiveness and freedom comes from God.

 

The only thing we have to do to obtain this forgiveness is believe/ have faith.

This is spiritual freedom.

This forgiveness breaks down the barrier between us and God (this barrier has existed ever since Eve and Adam first sinned).

 

6. What is the warning that Paul draws from Habakkuk 1:5?  Is this warning still relevant to us today?

There will be a Judgement, and no one will escape.

Jesus, as the Messiah, paid the price for our sins so that we could be judged by His righteousness instead of by our sin.

Not believing in Him will result in perishing.

 

The scoffers choose to walk in their own darkness.  They choose not to see (as if they choose to wear a blindfold while walking down the street).

 

Luke 16:19-31 we see that they would not believe even if someone were raised from the dead (as Jesus was).

 

That act as if they were not expecting Messiah to come.  Actions reveal beliefs.


Romans 8:18-28 "Hope is for the Future"

1. Under what sufferings and frustrations do we, and all of creation, find ourselves at the present time?

 

 

2.  What is this glory that will be revealed in us, and where does it come from?

 

 

3.  What is meant by the word “hope” in this passage, and what is this hope that we have?

 

 

4.  What do verses 24 and 25 reveal about the nature of hope?

 

 

5.  How might this relate to 1 Corinthians 13:13?

 

 

6.  How is this hope related to the Spirit, as is explained in verses 26 and 27?

 

 

7.  With verses 18-27 in mind, what are some of the “things” referred to in verse 28?


Romans 8:18-28 "Hope is for the Future" (with answers)

1. Under what sufferings and frustrations do we, and all of creation, find ourselves at the present time?

 

Death.

Lies and misinformation.

Broken relationships.

Weakness.

Suffering.

Sickness.

Backsliding and Apostasy.

Immorality.

Pride.

Exaltation of self.

Worship of false idols (actual idols, celebrities, family, power, wealth…)

Mixed up priorities.

Celebration of what is wrong.

Prejudice and racism.

Segregation.

Toil and labor.

Disorder and entropy.

Natural disasters.

Pandemics.

Disabilities.

 

It is a result of Adam and Eve’s sin.

 

God can use all of these things to test and refine us.

 

 

2.  What is this glory that will be revealed in us, and where does it come from?

 

Our adoption as sons of God (not just family ties, but the rights of sons). 

The redemption of our bodies (eternal life).

Emancipation from our sin nature and evil desires.

Liberation from the limitations of our sin nature that keep us from being all that God created us to be.

 

The old order will be gone; everything will be made new.

Our character will be made new (be made perfectly moral).

We will be changed so that God can have fellowship with us, because He does not fellowship sin.

 

We will see creation as it was meant to be.

The fruition of all that God created us to be.

Even the suffering will yield good fruit. 

We will be like Him.

We will be able to marvel at Him, and how He planned and brought to fruition.

 

A state of blissful perfection in which we will reside.

 

 

3.  What is meant by the word “hope” in this passage, and what is this hope that we have?

 

Hope is a sure expectation.

It is not a wish, or wishful thinking.  It is surety.

Hope is an “already” and a “not yet.”  Positionally we already have it, even though we are not currently experiencing it.

If NASA told you that you were an astronaut, you would be an astronaut even though you are still on Earth and not in space.

 

The Greek word for hope here is Elpis: Hope, expectation, trust, confidence.

 

There is a connection between hope and faith.

 

 

We hope for…

Eternal life.

 

Christ in us, the Hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27).

The Holy Spirit with in us.

We have a purpose

 

Hope should inspire us to tell others.

 

 

4.  What do verses 24 and 25 reveal about the nature of hope?

 

Who hopes for what he already has?  In this case, what we already have will not last (it is subject to decay and corruption).

But we do already have some of God’s love in us, and Faith, and Hope which will last.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on Earth…but store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).

 

We hope for something more than what we have (because we can mostly see what we have).

 

Hope involves anticipation.

 

Our Hope is spiritual in nature.

We were saved in this hope.

Our hope is for the future (the redemption of our bodies).

 

Our hope is in line with God’s will.  It is based on God’s will.

It is not just a wish.

 

We know it’s coming… we’re just waiting patiently for it.  In fact, it’s already in process.

 

Our Source of Life is eternal.  Our Source of Hope is eternal.

 

 

5.  How might this relate to 1 Corinthians 13:13?

 

Our hope will be fulfilled, and then it will be something we have, but love is never diminished.

 

Love is even greater than hope.

Christ is Love (God is Love).

God loved us first (John 3:16).  He is the Source of Love.

 

Our Hope is in Him and His Love.

 

Love never fails.  That is, love never ends.

 

 

6.  How is this hope related to the Spirit, as is explained in verses 26 and 27?

 

The Holy Spirit lifts us up.  In the same way that Hope is encouraging, the Spirit is encouraging.

He intercedes for us.

 

We only need to ask and it will be given to us (Matthew 7:7).  Prayer is related to hope.

We have the same hope and assurance in the Holy Spirit.

 

Hope is related to relationship.

 

 

7.  With verses 18-27 in mind, what are some of the “things” referred to in verse 28? 

 

The suffering and groaning of creation.

Decay and death.

 

Hope.

 

The Holy Spirit.

The reminders He gives us.

Prayer.

 

The Spirit of God uses difficulties in our lives to accomplish something good.


1 Corinthians 1:17-31   "The Foolishness of God"

1.  What is wrong with using eloquent wisdom/clever words/ wisdom of words/ fancy words/ words of human wisdom in order to proclaim the Gospel?  How could the use of such words nullify the power/meaning/effect of the cross?

  

2.  Why would those in the world see the message about the cross as foolishness? 

 

3.  Is there anything wrong with signs or with wisdom?  Is there anything wrong with desiring signs or desiring wisdom?  If not, then what are the Jews and the Greeks/Gentiles being chastised for in verse 22?

 

4.  Consider verses 21 and 26?  Who, today, would be considered wise? A scribe? A debater?  Powerful? Of noble verse?  Also, did any of these descriptions apply to you when you came to Christ?

  

5. Since God is neither foolish nor weak, what is meant by the phrases in verse 25?

 

6. How is it that we can boast in the Lord?  Is it OK to boast about other things?

 

7. In what way is Jesus our Source of Life, Wisdom from God, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption?


1 Corinthians 1:17-31   "The Foolishness of God" (with answers)

1.    What is wrong with using eloquent wisdom/clever words/ wisdom of words/ fancy words/ words of human wisdom in order to proclaim the Gospel?  How could the use of such words nullify the power/meaning/effect of the cross?

 

Worldly wisdom compromises/dilutes the Gospel.  It can add to God’s Word things that are not there… “follow Jesus and you will be healthy, wealthy and wise.”  When they find out it’s not true, they will leave.

 

You have to preach to everyone, so that everybody understands, not just to intellectual people.

 

It can turn the spotlight on the preacher.

 

You can be to intellectual/abstract so that the message is not practical.

 

Fancy words from a preacher make people think they don’t need to read the Bible themselves.

 

Our fanciest Words can’t match God’s perfection.

The Gospel stands on its own.

 

It can come off as a sales pitch (people may think you’re not authentic, or they may feel manipulated).

 

It could delay sharing the Gospel as we try to figure out the perfect words.

 

 

2.  Why would those in the world see the message about the cross as foolishness? 

When you die, you die.  That is, they have trouble believing someone could rise from the dead.

If He was truly God, why couldn’t He save Himself

It was an apparently disgraceful way to die.  So how can they respect Him?

It was a painful way to die.  So why would anyone choose to submit to it?

We like to do things by our own effort.  So we don’t want a Salvation that was accomplished for us.

People think they are OK.  They recognize their danger and need for a Savior.

They don’t want to have personal contact with God.

It was 2000 years ago.  Why should this affect me today?

It’s not a sign that we can see today.

Why would Jesus dying make a difference?  When other people die it doesn’t make a difference.

Some people have such a radically different worldview (they don’t believe that there is a God, or could be a God, or that God could be personal, or that they have a soul).

Unmet expectations (God does not promise health, wealth, wisdom, etc.)

 

They don’t have the Holy Spirit and have not experienced the power of God.

 

2.    Is there anything wrong with signs or with wisdom?  Is there anything wrong with desiring signs or desiring wisdom?  If not, then what are the Jews and the Greeks/Gentiles being chastised for in verse 22?

To expect signs is to believe that God has an obligation to us.

The cross is the supreme sign, so asking for more signs is not appropriate.

Demanding that God do things our way is wrong.

 

 

 

3.    Consider verses 21 and 26?  Who, today, would be considered wise? A scribe? A debater?  Powerful? Of noble birth?  Also, did any of these descriptions apply to you when you came to Christ?

 

Wise: educated (degrees… phd’s, etc.), scientists, leaders/politicians, people we want to believe.

          Those who are successful and prosperous.

          Most of us are wise in our own eyes.

Scribes: Judges (and Supreme Court Justices), Lawyers, journalists

Debaters: Lawyers, Political Commentators

Powerful: Athletes, Actors, Wealthy People, politicians, Business People

Noble: Royal Family (even if they are just figureheads)

            Political families in the US (Kennedys, Bushs, Roosevelts, Clintons)

            People with name recognition

Some of us were considered wise (the scripture says not many, instead of not any)

Selena Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon: Saved by an “m” (because she was of noble birth)

 

 

5. Since God is neither foolish nor weak, what is meant by the phrases in verse 25?

God chooses the lowly things.

Things that seem foolish or weak to the world.

 

Creating humans knowing that we would sin. 

Choosing to die on the cross.

Loving us while we were His enemies.

Knowing everything about me and loving me anyway.

Anything God does that goes contrary to human wisdom.

In our “wisdom” we argue with God.

Anything that requires faith can seem like foolishness and require us to put aside our plans and wisdom and trust God.

God does the “impossible.” Nothing is impossible for God.

God let Jacob sort of win when he wrestled with God.  God chose to be weak before revealing His strength so that Jacob would come to the place where he wanted God’s blessing.

 

6. How is it that we can boast in the Lord?  Is it OK to boast about other things?

By acknowledging (and talking to others) about His work in my life.

Ultimately, we can boast about Him saving us.

Boasting in the Lord involves confidence that we belong to Him and He is for us.

 

It is not OK to boast about other things.  God created everything, we did nothing.

He chose us.

If we boast about our accomplishments/ talents, we are taking some of His glory.

It’s a matter of perspective.  Are you boasting out of pride, or out of gratitude.

 

7. In what way is Jesus our Source of Life, Wisdom from God, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption?

He is all knowing.

He is the Source of our wisdom and strength (John 15 – Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches).  If you’re not connected to Him, you’re not alive.

He is the source of eternal life (without Him there is eternal death… eternal separation from God).

He gives us abundant life (life is more than just being alive physically).

God orders our lives.

We are not righteous without Him.

Without Him, we wouldn’t know God.

He has given us His Word.

He has paid the price and redeemed us.


A picture of a megaphone.

Hebrews 1 "He Has Spoken to Us by His Son"

1. Verse one says God has spoken through the prophets in many times and many ways.  Who were some of these prophets?  What were some of the ways in which God spoke through them?

  

2.   Verse two says God has spoken through His Son.  How did/does God speak through Jesus?

  

3.  Verses two and three describe several attributes of the Son.  What do we learn about Jesus from these verses?

  

4.  Verse four speaks of the name Jesus inherited.  What is this inherited name?  How does this name reflect the fact that Jesus is superior to the angels?

 

 5.  Today, the Jehovah’s Witnesses claim that Jesus was an angel.  How is this claim addressed in this chapter?  How is this claim addressed in Psalm 2:7, 2 Samuel 7:14, I Chronicles 17:13, Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 104:4, Psalm 45:6-7, Psalm 102:25-27, and Psalm 110:1?

 

 6.  Are angels real?  According to verses 7 and 14, what is the purpose of angels? 


Hebrews 1 "He Has Spoken to Us by His Son" (with answers)

1. Verse one says God has spoken through the prophets in many times and many ways.  Who were some of these prophets?  What were some of the ways in which God spoke through them?

Eve (when she named Seth), Enoch, Job (when he spoke of how he would see his redeemer), Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Balaam, Samuel, Saul, David, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Haggai, Jonah, Daniel, John the Baptist, etc.

They were men and women, kings, judges, administrators, prophets for hire.

They had ministries in many times and in many places.

God spoke to the prophets via angels.

God spoke to the prophets through dreams and visions.

God spoke to the prophets through a still small voice.

Exodus 33:11 – God spoke to Moses “face to face” “as a friend.”

God actually wrote on tablets that he gave to Moses.

God spoke through the prophets through their writing.

God spoke through the prophets through the words that they spoke.

         -both words about the future and words about the present.

God spoke through the prophets through persecution.

God spoke through the prophets through their symbolic actions.

         -including offering sacrifices.

         -including anointings.

         -including marrying an adulterous wife.

God spoke through the prophets by enabling them to do miracles.

         -including healings.

         -including raising the dead.

         -including multiplying food (oil and flour).

         -including power over nature (Elijah and the drought)

God spoke through the prophets over the course of many years.

God spoke through the prophets in many geographical locations.

 

 

2.   Verse two says God has spoken through His Son.  How did/does God speak through Jesus?

God spoke through Jesus’ words.

         -both words about the future and words about the present.

God spoke through the miracles He performed.

         -including healings (including giving sight to a man born blind).

         -including His power over demons.

         -including raising the dead (and especially by raising Himself from the dead).

         -including multiplying food (the loaves and fishes).

         -including power over nature (Calming the storm, walking on water)

God spoke through the symbolic acts that Jesus performed.

         -including offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice.

         -including Jesus’ baptism.

         -including walking on water.

         -including the Triumphal Entry.

         -including washing the Disciples’ feet.

         -including His crucifixion.

His sinless life.

        

Jesus speaks to us today through His spirit in us (Romans 8:9).

Jesus speaks to us today through His Word, the Bible.

 

3.  Verses two and three describe several attributes of the Son.  What do we learn about Jesus from these verses?

He upholds the universe.

He created all the world.

He is the heir of all things (all things belong to Him, all glory and honor are due to Him).

He is the radiance of God’s glory (He embodies all of God’s glory… He is the outshining of who God is).

He is the exact image/imprint of God.

He sustains all things by His powerful Word (He is omnipotent)

He purified us from our sins (He is our Savior).

He is all powerful, and full of authority (he purged our sins by Himself).

He is at the Father’s right hand (he is part of the Trinity, He is majestic, He is ruler, He is sovereign).

God speaks to us through Him (He is the Mediator between us and the Father).

He is the Son of God (and He holds the title of “Son of God.”).

 

 

 

 

 

4.  Verse four speaks of the name Jesus inherited.  What is this inherited name?  How does this name reflect the fact that Jesus is superior to the angels?

Son of God (and He is also the Son of Man).

He is the incarnate God.  Emmanuel. 

The Father gave Him all the Glory.

Angel means messenger.  The Son is greater than any other messenger.

Angels are created, He is the Creator.

His actions and ministry are superior to anything angles have done Ministering and communicating with us), and they added to His Glory.

Inheritance hints at incorruptibility.

Jesus means “God Saves” which describes who Jesus is.

 

 

 

5.  Today, the Jehovah’s Witnesses claim that Jesus was an angel.  How is this claim addressed in this chapter?  How is this claim addressed in Psalm 2:7, 2 Samuel 7:14, I Chronicles 17:13, Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 104:4, Psalm 45:6-7, Psalm 102:25-27, and Psalm 110:1?

This passage clearly says the Son is superior to angles.

To know the Son is to know the Father.

Psalm 2:7

Jesus is unique… He is the Son of God (and God is His Father).

We also know that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (and so we see all three parts of the Trinity when thinking of Jesus as the Son.

Both Jesus and the Father are God… they are two members of the Godhead

2 Samuel 7:14a

Jesus is called the Son of God on account of His divine nature.

I Chronicles 17:13

Jesus will always be the Son of God… the Father will never take His love away from Him.

Deuteronomy 32:43

He is the One who makes atonement for us.

Vengeance belongs to Him.

Psalm 104:4

“He makes winds His angels, flames of fire His servants”

Angels are His servants (and they exist, but we may not be able to see them).

God is in charge of the angels.  God is above them.  They are created.

Angels are messengers for both the Father and the Son.

Angels are not people.  People do not become angels when they die.

Fire implies that they have some connection to purity.  To remove the chaff, to carry His messages and to carry out His judgement.

 

Psalm 45:6-7

He is eternal.

He is the King.

He is Righteous.

He hates wickedness.

Psalm 102:25-27

He is eternal.  He is immutable (unchanging).

He is Creator.

Psalm 110:1 

Jesus and the Father are both Lord.

YHWH (God) speaks to Adonai (Lord)

God is eternal.

He makes Himself known.

Jesus is at the right hand of the Father.

He is exalted.

His work of redemption is done, so now he can sit.

He has enemies, but they do not and will not prevail.

He is victorious.

Being at the right hand of the Father puts Him in the position to intercede for us.

 

6.  Are angels real?  According to verses 7 and 14, what is the purpose of angels? 

Yes they are real.

Angels are messengers.  They take God’s word to people.

They warn people.

They get people’s attention.

To minister to people.

They worship Him (which should remind us not to worship them).

Also, they serve us (which should remind us not to worship them).

We should seek after spiritual experiences with God, not seek after spiritual experiences with angels.

They appear to be God’s agents to prune, to purify, and to bring judgement.

To provide: comfort, strength, protection, and encouragement to God’s people.

We have seen angels at the Garden of Eden, at Sodom and Gomorrah, we have seen them speak to Daniel, to Zechariah, to Mary.

There are a lot of angels around us (see Elisha and his servant, and see the shepherds)

They help us.

They serve us.

From other passages we see that they seem to intercede for us (the children’s angels)

They are usually not visible to us.


Hebrews 2:1-4 "Pay Attention"

1. Verse 1 begins with the word “therefore.”  Thus, these verses serve as the conclusion to the previous chapter.  According to these verses, then, why did the author of Hebrews spend so much time comparing Jesus to angels in chapter 1?

  

2.  What was the message declared by angels?

  

3.  What is this greater message?  How do we know that this message is reliable?  In light of this, what are we instructed to do?


Hebrews 2:1-4 "Pay Attention" (with answers)

1.     Verse 1 begins with the word “therefore.”  Thus, these verses serve as the conclusion to the previous chapter.  According to these verses, then, why did the author of Hebrews spend so much time comparing Jesus to angels in chapter 1?

 

God is in charge.  He is the Creator.

That we make sure that we worship Jesus, not angels.

Jesus is Supreme (so He is superior to angels).

We need to pay more attention so we don’t drift away.

We need to pay attention to Him in all aspects of our lives.

Pay attention to His Word.

Pay attention to His Voice as He speaks to us and leads us.

Pay attention, even in the things that we think we already know.

  

 

2.  What was the message declared by angels?

         Jesus (the Son of God) was coming into the world.

         Gabriel told about the birth of John the Baptist.

         The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

         The birth of Isaac.

         Prophecies to Daniel.

         Tell about Spiritual warfare.

         The message given to Balaam.

Note: All these messages came to pass.

 

They ministered to Jesus after He was tempted.

These angels are created by God and commanded by God.

 

2.     What is salvation?  What do we need to escape from?  That is, from what do we need to be saved/rescued? 

 

Salvation… to be saved from our sins

           … to be saved from God’s wrath

           … to be saved from the just consequences of our sins (which separated us from God, due to

               our choices)

           … to be reconciled to God (so we can have a relationship with Him)

           … we can be coheirs with Christ

           … to have power over sin; to make godly choices

           … to be able to live eternally with the Lord

           … this is eternal salvation

           … therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

           … we are forgiven, justified (all of our sin, past present and future is put on Christ, and we are

               given the Righteousness of Christ)

           … He paid the price for us

Spiritually, eternally, we cannot save ourselves.

 

Greek word for salvation is soteria: deliverance, salvation, rescue, safety, preservation, welfare, prosperity

 

  

 

 

3.     How do we know that this message of salvation is reliable?  In light of this, what are we instructed to do?

 

Through God’s Word.

He spoke through the prophets and through angels.

Confirmation trough signs, wonders and miracles.

Confirmation through gifts of the Holy Spirit

The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of a changed life

 

Signs (semeion) a sign, miracle, indication, mark, token.  A sign given especially to confirm or corroborate or authenticate.

Note: A road sign gives clear direction to lead you to a certain point.

 

Wonders (terasin) a wonder, marvel, portent.  A miraculous wonder done to elicit a reaction from onlookers.  An extraordinary event with its supernatural effect left on all who witness it.

Like Pentecost.  Like Lazarus being raised from the dead.  Like Moses seeing the burning bush.  A floating axe head.

 

Some wonders had their effect on a large crowd, others on a specific person.

 

Miracles (dynamisim) Powerful deeds, deeds showing physical power, marvelous works.

 

Something that can’t reasonably be attributed to anything else but God’s divine work.

 


1 Peter 1:13-25 "Be Holy in All You Do"

1. Verse thirteen contains several commands for us to follow.  What does it mean to…

Prepare your minds for action.

 

Be self-controlled.

 

Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

 

2. Verses fourteen through sixteen call us to be holy.  What does it mean to be holy?  Why should we make the effort to be holy?  When and where should strive to be holy?

  

3.  There is some debate among scholars as to whether 1 Peter was addressed to Jewish believers or to Gentile believers (see verse 1).  In light of each of these possibilities, what might characterize the “empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors” refer to?  What about 21 century Christians in America, what empty ways of life have been handed down to us from our ancestors?

  

4.  In these verses several titles of Jesus are referenced.  What does it mean that Jesus is…

The Christ (verse 13)

 

A Lamb without blemish or defect (verse 19)

 

Chosen before the Creation of  the World (verse20)

 

5.  Verse twenty-two makes a connection between purity and obedience, and love.  How should purity and obedience motivate us to love one another?

 

 6. Verse Twenty four contains a quotation from Isaiah 40:6-8.  Why does Peter put this quotation here?  What else does Isaiah say in chapter 40, and how does this apply to Christians?


1 Peter 1:13-25 "Be Holy in All You Do" (with answers)

1. Verse thirteen contains several commands for us to follow.  What does it mean to…

Prepare your minds for action (in Greek literally says “gird up the loins of your mind”). 

Prepare to run, jump, fight, ride…

 

Be self-controlled.  Be sober minded.

Be sober.  Be watchful.  Keep your eyes open.

Be spiritually and morally alert.

 

Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Hope.  Anticipate.  Look forward to.

Be assured.  Know.  Trust His promise.

Rest your hope fully on Him.  Let go of your burdens.

Have this unshakable foundation on which you can stand.

Don’t look for anything else to save you.

 

Even though we are living in His grace now, we continue to anticipate the future realization of His grace.

We will put this grace to the test some day.

 

2. Verses fourteen through sixteen call us to be holy.  What does it mean to be holy?  Why should we make the effort to be holy?  When and where should we strive to be holy?

We need to know His Word.  You cannot be holy if your ignorant of what pleases God.  As you know more, you can be more holy.

We should try to be as close as we can to God/Jesus.

We should be obedient (obedience isn’t always easy, and it doesn’t always feel good).

We should publicly try to live holy lives.

We should also try to live holy in our private lives.

We should really keep trying to be true to His Word.

We need to deny the evil desires that used to control us.  Every day.

We need to listen to the Holy Spirit (we are baptized by the Holy Spirit).

Purified and Sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

 

We are to live as foreigners (we are to not be influenced by the culture here).

 

Hagiai: Holy. Sacred.   Set apart by God.  Set apart for God.  Different.  Unlike.  Otherness.

2 Peter 1:5-11

We have been given Jesus’ holiness in some sense, so we are saved.  Why make the effort to live holy lives?

It’s a command from God.

To be an example to non-Christians.

So we can be effective productive.

Because we love Him.

It is our destiny to be like Him.  We were created with this purpose.  So this is a growing up into who we are.

He builds our character.

To make our salvation sure.  This is part of the sanctification process.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (proverbs 9:10).  We should fear the consequences of our sins.

 

We should be Holy IN ALL WE DO.

Actions.

Thoughts.

Our relaxation.  The entertainment we enjoy.

We are not to be a “chameleon.”  We should stand out wherever we are.  We should not be swayed by our circumstances (or by our friends, or by our coworkers, or by Government).  Truth is Truth in all circumstances.

  

 

3.  There is some debate among scholars as to whether 1 Peter was addressed to Jewish believers or to Gentile believers (see verse 1).  In light of each of these possibilities, what might characterize the “empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors” refer to?  What about 21 century Christians in America, what empty ways of life have been handed down to us from our ancestors?

Materialistic things.  And debt (personal and national)

Pleasure, lust and hedonism.

A focus on outward/external appearances instead of the internal (not just about beauty and looks, but outward appearances of holiness).

Thinking “I’m better than you are.”  Prejudice and divisiveness.

Our sin nature.

Traditions.  Including family traditions.  Religious traditions.  Things that started off good, but lost direction.

Trying to find Salvation by following the Law and offering sacrifices.

Ingratitude.  Not glorifying God as God.  (1 Cor. 4:7 What do you have that you did not first receive)

We want to take His place.  Instead of recognizing that we were created in His image, we want to make Him in our image.

The idea that our own work has given us all that we have and are.

Treaties that have been made with God’s enemies.

Dependence on anyone or anything besides God.

 

 

4.  In these verses several titles of Jesus are referenced.  What does it mean that Jesus is…

The Christ (verse 13)

-          Christ is from the Greek translation of the Hebrew word, Messiah.  It means “the anointed one”… the one who will deliver God’s people.

 

A Lamb without blemish or defect (verse 19)

-          He is sinless.

-          He is the sacrifice Lamb (which is why He now has scars).

-          He is the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb (and all that came with that).

-          He saves us from death.

 

Chosen before the Creation of  the World (verse20)

-          He is self existent.  He existed before the creation of the world.

-          There is a plan.

-          He is the plan.  He is not a “plan B.”  This shows that God is omniscient.

-          He has the power to carry out this plan.

-          There are separate rolls in the Trinity.

 

5.  Verse twenty-two makes a connection between purity and obedience, and love.  How should purity and obedience motivate us to love one another?

Love (and the ability to love) is a blessing from God in response to purifying ourselves and obeying Him.

When we receive the truth, we are purified so that we can love as Christ loved.

We are commanded by God to love one another.

Our love proves that we are Christians and we belong to Him.

We need to serve Him with pure motives. 

We could not love like this if we were not enabled by Him to do so.

It takes forgiveness to love.  God forgave us, so we should forgive and love others.

This is the same Peter that asked how many times he should forgive his brother.

For God so loved the World…

If you love Me, keep My commandments (John 14:15)

We are to go past the brotherly love, and move into the sacrificial love.  And to do so fervently, earnestly, to our full potential.

It is interesting the Peter writes this considering the conversation he had with Jesus about phileo and agape love (John 21:15-19).

 

  

6. Verse Twenty four contains a quotation from Isaiah 40:6-8.  Why does Peter put this quotation here?  What else does Isaiah say in chapter 40, and how does this apply to Christians?

 

Our time on earth is limited/brief.

So that we will look forward to eternal life.

To let us know that God is eternal, and His word lasts forever.

Scripture does not become outdated.

We need to read all of God’s Word.  Not just focus on the parts we want to see.

We need to not only read, but study and understand His Word.

God does not change (but we need to change).

 

Isaiah 40:3 “A voice of one calling…” – quoted in Matthew 3:1-3, Mark 1:2-4, Luke 3:2-6 and John 1:19-23

This was a prophecy regarding the coming of John the Baptists (and how he would announce the coming of Christ).

This is a call to prepare our hearts to receive the Messiah.

 

Isaiah 40:13 “Who has understood the mind of the Lord or instructed Him as His counselor.” – quoted in Romans 11:34

Paul uses this verse at the springboard to his teaching on living sacrifices, and on being transformed by the renewing of our minds and on not conforming to the pattern of this world.

 

Verse 2 speaks of sins being paid for.

Verse 5 says all mankind will see what God does when Messiah comes.

People, and nations, and false gods are like a vapor.

 

Also consider Psalm 103:15-18 where David expresses some similar thoughts on our days on earth being like the days of a flower.  However, rather than comparing this to God’s Word and how it endures, he compares it to God’s love and God’s righteousness, and how they will endure forever..  Again, the point is to focus on God, because everything else is temporary.


2 Peter 1:12-21 "Reminders"

1.  Why does Peter choose to remind the early church of these things when he does?  Have you been reminded of these things recently?  Are there people in your own life whom you should remind about these things?

 

2.  Today, as in Peter’s day, there are those both inside and outside the Church who would say that the Gospel (and the Bible as a whole) consists of “cleverly devised stories (NIV),” “cleverly contrived myths (CSB),” “cunningly devised fables.”  Why would those outside the Church say such things?  Why would those who call themselves Christians say such things?

 

3. What is Peter’s response to those who discount the Gospel message as being just stories/myths/fables?

 

4.  In Mark 9:2-12, Mark relates what happened on the Mount of Transfiguration.  What happened in this account, and why might Peter have wanted to reference it here?

 

5. What is prophecy?  What do prophecies and scriptures have to do with the eyewitness testimony Peter referenced in verses 16-18?


2 Peter 1:12-21 "Reminders" (with answers)

1.  Why does Peter choose to remind the early church of these things when he does?  Have you been reminded of these things recently?  Are there people in your own life whom you should remind about these things?

 

He knows his time on Earth will end soon.

He knows that humans tend to forget/have lapses in memory.  We “leak.”

Peter wants to put these things in writing so that there will be a physical reminder. (just as the Israelites would often forget things in the Old Testament… this is why God provided the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire to remind them of His presence).

He wants them to deepen their faith (when you hear it again, you may get more out of it).

Peter is concerned that the churches are accepting false doctrine.  They seem to have forgotten these basics as they listen to false teachers (see chapter 2).

To encourage them.

Peter can remember all of the times that he needed a reminder.

 

2.  Today, as in Peter’s day, there are those both inside and outside the Church who would say that the Gospel (and the Bible as a whole) consists of “cleverly devised stories (NIV),” “cleverly contrived myths (CSB),” “cunningly devised fables (NKJV).”  Why would those outside the Church say such things?  Why would those who call themselves Christians say such things?

They are able to dismiss the Bible as not having facts.  They may cite science to “debunk” it.

They do not have the Holy Spirit.

Satan will try to keep them from understanding.

They see that it all fits, and need to dismiss it somehow if they don’t want to accept it.

The Bible was written as many books by many authors over thousands of years, and it does not contradict itself (contrast Greek mythology, Roman mythology, Star Wars, or Marvel Movies which contain multiple contradictions and inconsistencies… the Bible is not fiction, but if it were it would be very clever and contrived).

If the Bible were fiction, then our faith is in vain.  It’s worthless.

It is easy to doubt or dismiss supernatural things if you want to.

 

People also try to find natural explanations for miracles.

They are willing to say that it is based on truth, but not that it is Truth.

 

People that say such things are not seeking the Spirit’s leading.

 

There is something they would rather believe than the Bible.

It results in a broader path rather than the narrow way.  It is more popular and less offensive to those around them.

They may have been deceived.

They are not spending enough time in the Bible.

Sometimes it is a matter of needing time to continue to grow in faith.

We need to grow closer to Him to be able to trust Him fully and have complete faith in Him.

 

 

3. What is Peter’s response to those who discount the Gospel message as being just stories/myths/fables?

He tells of how he was with Jesus.

He gives details of what he personally witnessed/heard/experienced.

He relies on the Holy Spirit to lead him in his response (see Acts 2).

He points to God.

 

He uses word pictures/analogy of darkness and light.

He encourages people to pay attention.

 

For us, we can tell of how much of the Bible was written by eyewitnesses.

We can also tell of God’s power and faithfulness and miracles in our own lives.

 

Peter also points to prophecy in the Bible (and we can point to that as well).

 

4.  In Mark 9:2-12, Mark relates what happened on the Mount of Transfiguration.  What happened in this account, and why might Peter have wanted to reference it here?

 

The word tent that Peter previously used is the same that he used when offered to put up three “shelters.”  This speaks to how the Holy Sprit has transformed a simple fisherman into someone who can speak well concerning the things of God.

 

The Truth is important.

Knowing that this is true helps us to stand firm and to continue in what God called us to do.  It would not be worth it to be persecuted for something that is not true.

The Lord is coming back again.  Peter is testifying that he personally saw Jesus’ glory, and heard the Father speak about Him, so this is a reliable Hope.

We have an eternal hope. 

This is encouraging because it shows that Moses and Elijah are alive (in Heaven), and so we have hope in the resurrection.

 

Verses 12-13 refer to the persecution of the prophets, and the church is and will be persecuted.

 

5. What is prophecy?  What do prophecies and scriptures have to do with the eyewitness testimony Peter referenced in verses 16-18?

 

Prophecy is the Word of God given by the Holy Spirit/spoken through the Holy Spirit.

Speaking God’s Truth.

It may include telling about future events, but it is not limited to that.

True prophecy is God’s revelation of something.

Prophecy needs to be shared, not hidden or kept to oneself.

 

Peter is warning of false prophets and false teachers that would come.

Peter is letting them know looking back they can see God’s faithfulness in fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.

Peter is reminding them to study God’s Word.

We have seen that the prophecies about the Messiah were fulfilled (this confirms Jesus’ identity even if you are not an eyewitness as Peter was).


2 Peter 2:1-3 "False Teachers"

1. Are false prophets and false teachers as big a problem today as they were during the time of the Old Testament and during the time of the Early Church?  If so, how can a Christian recognize a false teacher (or a false teaching)?

 

2. What types of false teaching does Peter reference in this passage?  Are there any other types of false teachings you can think of that are presented today?

 

3.  According to Peter, what is the danger posed by these false teachers?


2 Peter 2:1-3 "False Teachers" (with answers)

1. Are false prophets and false teachers as big a problem today as they were during the time of the Old Testament and during the time of the Early Church?  If so, how can a Christian recognize a false teacher (or a false teaching)?

 

False teachers/ false prophets can be hard to recognize (they could deceive even the elect if that were possible – Mathew 24:24).

They may even performs “signs” and miracles.

They mix a little truth with a greater lie.  There is a twisting of the Truth (see Luke 4:9-12).  Adding a little doubt or a little “maybe”.

See if the teaching is in the Bible (Acts 17:11 – search the Scriptures daily to see if these things are true).

False can be popular (because they say what our itching ears want to hear – 2 Timothy 4:3). People often want someone to follow.

Galatians 1:10 – trying to win human approval and please people.

They may appeal to greed (and they may be motivated by greed) – 2 Peter 2:3

A different gospel (Galatians 1:6-9) – a different path to Heaven/God or adding requirements to the Gospel, or a different promising material rewards to those who follow.

Their lives don’t follow God’s standards (depraved conduct).  Some false teachers advocate violence or even suicide.

Those who say that they know when Jesus will return (Matthew 24:23-26).

Those who say that Jesus already has returned in secret.

Having a form of godliness, but denying its power (2 Timothy 3:5-7)

You will know them by their fruits (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control).

The Holy Spirit can tell you that are not teaching what is right.

 

This may also apply to those who have started false religions (eg Mormonism, Islam, etc.).

 

This doesn’t just apply to those that we call “teachers,” but to everyone who calls themselves a Christian.

 

2. What types of false teaching does Peter reference in this passage?  Are there any other types of false teachings you can think of that are presented today

Destructive heresies – outside the Word of God (verse 1)

Having a form of godliness, by denying His power (Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science, Scientology, etc.)

Depraved conduct (there is no condemnation… God is Love… God forgives); pleasure seeking.  The idea that Grace is a license to sin.  Carousing in broad daylight.  Antinomianism – verses 13-14.

Despising authority (and slandering celestial beings) – verse 10.

A different Gospel (works are required… Galatians 3).

They appeal to the lusts of the flesh – verse 18.

Denying the Lord – verse 1.

All roads lead to God (see Matthew 7:13-14)

  

3.  According to Peter, what is the danger posed by these false teachers?

Lead people into sin (and stop growing spiritually).

Take people away from God’s Word.

People can be lead astray.

Church members may be exploited.

Bring the Way of Truth into disrepute.


A picture of a donkey.

2 Peter 2:14-16 "Balaam's Error"

Numbers 22-24, 31:8, 15-16, Deuteronomy 23:4-5, Joshua 13:22, Jude 11, Revelation 2:14


1. Who is Balaam, and what is he famous/infamous for?

  

2. Peter refers to “the way of Baalam” and Jude refers to “Balaam’s error.”  What are they warning us about?

  

3.  Why might God have given Balaam’s donkey the ability to speak?  What lessons can we learn from this?

  

4.  Why might God have chosen a man like Balaam to be a prophet?  What lessons can we learn from this?


2 Peter 2:14-16 "Balaam's Error" (with answers)

Numbers 22-24, 31:8, 15-16, Deuteronomy 23:4-5, Joshua 13:22, Jude 11, Revelation 2:14

 

1. Who is Balaam, and what is he famous/infamous for?

 

He was a prophet.

Balaam was hired to by the king of Moab to curse the Israelites.

God opposed him (and could have killed him), and his donkey saved his life and rebuked him.

Instead of cursing the Israelites, he blessed them.

He advised the Moabites on how to corrupt Israel.

  

2. Peter refers to “the way of Baalam” and Jude refers to “Balaam’s error.”  What are they warning us about?

 

He was motivated by money/greed (same motivation as Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8).

He chose his own way.

He took God for granted.

He reluctantly obeyed God’s command (to prophecy only what God told him to), but looked for a loophole to still bring God’s disfavor on the Israelites.  That is, he did not care about God’s heart.

He practiced divination.

He chose to corrupt God’s people.

  

3.  Why might God have given Balaam’s donkey the ability to speak?  What lessons can we learn from this?

 

To show His power.

Nothing is impossible with God.

To get Balaam’s undivided attention.

To save his life.  To give Balaam another chance to follow God.

To communicate with Balaam.

 

God can use anyone, even a donkey.

  

4.  Why might God have chosen a man like Balaam to be a prophet?  What lessons can we learn from this?

To show that He can use anyone (even a greedy Gentile with questionable morals).

God uses the weak.

So we can learn from his mistakes (three different New Testament authors use Balaam as an example).   Note: God also chose Judas.  And He chose Peter (who would deny Him three times), and Thomas (who would doubt the Resurrection) and David (who was a murderer and adulterer), etc.

To remind us to move forward and do what we know we should do.


2 Peter 3 "The Day of the Lord"

1.  How might this reminder of the coming judgement stimulate the believers to wholesome thinking (and what is wholesome thinking/purity of mind/unsullied mind/sincere mind)?

 

2. In talking about the end times, why does Peter start by reminding us of Creation and of the Flood?

 

3. What point is Peter trying to make in verse 8?

 

4. What is meant by the Day of the Lord coming like a thief (see Matthew 24:36-44)?

 

5. Why does Peter point us to Paul and his letters in verses 15 and 16?


2 Peter 3 "The Day of the Lord" (with answers)

1.  How might this reminder of the coming judgement stimulate the believers to wholesome thinking (and what is wholesome thinking/purity of mind/unsullied mind/sincere mind)?

 God wants us to be holy because He is holy.

God commands us to be holy because He is holy.

He wants our thinking to be in line with His Word.

He wants us to be able to see things clearly and intelligibly, and to be able to proceed without mistake.

We are to have clear judgement and clear discernment.

When we internalize His Word we are able to think His thoughts.

It’s not about our own “happy thoughts,” it’s what God says.

God has given us the best way to live.

We are fed a lot of junk through social media, TV, books, magazines, newspapers, internet, music, etc.

Our feelings lead us astray.

We take the less offensive stuff today to be OK (things that are relatively wholesome are not truly wholesome).

We also accept a lot of junk in the name of Christ (Christmas junk, Easter junk…).

 

History is full of scoffers, not just in the Church age.  As Solomon said, there is nothing new under the sun.

 

It is important to read and study the Word, and to fellowship with other Christians in a church, and to listen to the Holy Spirit.

 

This is how we prepare for the Day of the Lord.

The Day of the Lord motivates us to be ready.

The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).

 

2. In talking about the end times, why does Peter start by reminding us of Creation and of the Flood?

We still have a sin nature, and so we are deserving of judgement (and it is only by God’s grace that we can receive Jesus’ righteousness).

God has the power to create and to destroy (and he has done both of those).

God has the authority to destroy because He created.

We also get the assurance the God saves those who walk with Him (as he saved Noah as his family during the Flood, and as he saved Lot and his family from Sodom).

 

3. What point is Peter trying to make in verse 8?

The Lord is outside of time.  He is eternal.

He (and His grace) is unending.

God is not lazy, he has not forgotten about us; he does care.

He is not slow because He is weak.

He cares about us.

God is patient. 

 

This is not some mysterious code for deciphering other scriptures.

 

4. What is meant by the Day of the Lord coming like a thief (see Matthew 24:36-44)?

We won’t know when it’s coming.

If someone says they know, don’t believe them.  This is a mark of a lot of cults.

He will not return secretly.

Wickedness abounds today as it did in the days of Noah, but we still don’t know when He will return, when the judgement will happen.

We should keep watch.  We should guard our heart.

We should act with urgency in sharing the Gospel.

We should be sold out for Christ, not going part way, but being fully persuaded.  Hold nothing back.

If you’re not bearing fruit today, there may not be a tomorrow to bear fruit.

 

5. Why does Peter point us to Paul and his letters in verses 15 and 16?

Peter is pointing out that He and Paul are fellow Apostles.  They may have had their differences at times (Galatians 2:11-21), but Paul’s message is fully endorsed by Peter here.

Peter is saying that Paul’s letters are Scripture.

We should read Paul’s letters.

It’s not always easy to understand.  That should be a comfort to you when you get confused.


3 John "Fidelity to the Truth"

1. Who is this letter from (that is, who is “the Elder,” and why might he use that title?)? 

  

2.  What is John’s prayer for Gaius (Caius)?  Is this an appropriate prayer?  Can we pray like this for other believers?

   

3. What does John say makes him glad?  Does this make you glad as well?  Why does John call Gaius h

is child?  Do you have spiritual children like John does?

 

4.  What has Gaius done for the Church?  Why did these brothers accept nothing from the pagans/gentiles?

  

5. Nothing is known about Gaius and Diotrephes except for what is written here.  Some scholars believe that they each pastored a local church in the same area, or even in the same city.  Others believe that they were both members of the same local church.  What is Diotrephes doing differently from Gaius?  How does Jon plan to deal with this?

  

 6. It is possible that Demetrius was the messenger who brought this letter to Gaius, but he may have simply been a member of the church there.  What is Demetrius commended for here?

   

7. When John uses the word “we,” who is he including with himself?


3 John "Fidelity to the Truth" (with answers)

1. Who is this letter from (that is, who is “the Elder,” and why might he use that title?)? 

John the Apostle.  The author of John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Revelation.

He previously referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved.

Elder: Someone who is senior to others; who has seniority.

        Someone with knowledge and experience.

           A leader.

  

2.  What is John’s prayer for Gaius (Caius)?  Is this an appropriate prayer?  Can we pray like this for other believers?

Good health.

Good spiritual health.

Prosperity.

That he continue to be able to show hospitality to others.

 

There is always a lesson in prayer.

 

Yes this is appropriate.  It is appropriate to pray for both physical and spiritual needs for those serving God.

We should pray about all things.

  

3. What does John say makes him glad?  Does this make you glad as well?  Why does John call Gaius his child?  Do you have spiritual children like John does?

 

Hearing that his “children” are walking in truth.

Hearing that they are faithful to the truth.

Hearing that they are listening and learning.

 

He uses the word “child” because he taught Gaius, and it sounds like he is the one that led Gaius to Jesus.

He feels some responsibility to seeing that these “children” he lead to faith continue to grow and mature.

John is happy that the people he lead to Jesus are walking in the Truth.

Paul also referred to some people as his children (see Titus 1:4).

 

This is not meant to diminish the fact that God is their Father.

 

4.  What has Gaius done for the Church?  Why did these brothers accept nothing from the pagans/gentiles?

 

Welcoming Christians.

He is loving them and sharing God’s love with them.

He is fellowshipping with them.

 

It sounds like he is welcoming and supporting missionaries (those who are speaking to the pagans).

 

He is being faithful to the Truth.  He doesn’t compromise the Truth.  He stands up for Truth.

He puts his foot down, and he stands on the Truth.

 

He is doing all of this faithfully/regularly/this isn’t a one time thing.

 

They were not accepting money from those they were sharing the Gospel with.  The Gospel is not for sale, and they did not want it to look like they were trying to get converts for the sake of making money. 

  

5. Nothing is known about Gaius and Diotrephes except for what is written here.  Some scholars believe that they each pastored a local church in the same area, or even in the same city.  Others believe that they were both members of the same local church.  What is Diotrephes doing differently from Gaius?  How does John plan to deal with this?

 

It is possible that Diotrephes looked down on these missionaries because: they were not wealthy, they were leading people to join other churches, there may have been minor doctrinal differences.

He put himself ahead of others.

He likes to be first.  He likes to be in charge.

Pride.

 

John will deal with this personally.

He will admonish him, but he is dealing with him as a brother.

  

6. It is possible that Demetrius was the messenger who brought this letter to Gaius, but he may have simply been a member of the church there.  What is Demetrius commended for here?

 

Demetrius is commended by the Truth, as is Gaius.  Perhaps John is encouraging Gaius to work with Demetrius.  Perhaps he is encouraging Gaius to receive Demetrius as he has these other Christians.

  

7. When John uses the word “we,” who is he including with himself?

 

John is including the church with himself when he writes these things.

He refers to these people as “the friends.”

 

Today, the Quakers refer to themselves (appropriately) as the Society of Friends.



(Misc. Scriptures) The Gifts God Gives

JESUS

Isaiah 9:6

6 For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 3:16 (NKJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

 

What do these verses tell us about the Giver (God)?

What do these verses tell us about the gift (Jesus)?

For what purpose was/is this gift given?

 

 

ETERNAL LIFE

John 10:27-30

27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

John 17:1-3

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

 

What do these verses tell us about the Giver (Jesus)?

What do these verses tell us about the gift (eternal life)?

For what purpose was/is this gift given?

 

 

THE HOLY SPIRIT

Luke 11:11-13

11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

John 14:16-18

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Romans 5:5 (NKJV)

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces [b]perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

 

What do these verses tell us about the Giver (God the Father)?

What do these verses tell us about the gift (the Holy Spirit)?

For what purpose was/is this gift given?

 

 

PEACE

John 14:27 (NRSV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

 

What does this verse tell us about the Giver (Jesus)?

What does this verse tell us about the gift (peace)?

For what purpose was/is this gift given?

 

 

FAITH

Ephesians 2:8

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

 

What does this verse tell us about the Giver (God)?

What does this verse tell us about the gift (faith)?

For what purpose was/is this gift given?

 

 

ALL GOOD THINGS

Matthew 7:9-10

9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

James 1:17

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Romans 8:32 (NASB)

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?

 

What do these verses tell us about the Giver (God)?

What do these verses tell us about the gift (every good and perfect gift/all things)?

For what purpose was/is this gift given?


The Gifts God Gives (with answers)

JESUS

Isaiah 9:6

6 For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 3:16 (NKJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

 

What do these verses tell us about the Giver (God)?

He loved the world.

He gives to us.

He is sovereign.  What He decides to do, he accomplishes (His gifts don’t get lost in the mail).

He is passionate/ zealous about giving.

 

What do these verses tell us about the gift (Jesus)?

Jesus is male/masculine.

He came to this earth.

He was born as a child.  That is He became human (he is both human and divine).

He is humble.  He humbled Himself. 

His coming was foretold by the prophets, and He fulfills prophecy.

He is the Ruler.

He gives life and He saves (He is also a Giver, and He is the Savior).

He is trustworthy (we can believe in and depend on Him).

He is wonderful, amazing, out of the ordinary.

He has wisdom to give.  He is the Counselor.  His council is always perfect/wonderful.

We can communicate with Him (you can’t receive counsel without communication).  This is what prayer is.

He is God.

He is mighty.

He is eternal/ everlasting.

He is the Everlasting Father/ Father of Eternity.

He is the originator/source of eternal life (the Author and Perfector of our faith).

He is the Prince of Peace.  He is the Giver of Peace.  We can rest in this peace.

He is a Leader.

He has nobility.

He is just and righteous.

He has the power to establish His kingdom.  No one can stop Him.

His kingdom will have no end (and it will be recognized by all).

He foresees.

 

For what purpose was/is this gift given?

It is God’s plan to redeem mankind because we sin.

He gives us hope and a future.

He will reign on David’s throne (He is a descendent of David/ the Son of David)

 

 

ETERNAL LIFE

John 10:27-30

27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

John 17:1-3

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

 

What do these verses tell us about the Giver (Jesus)?

He loves us.

He has sheep (us).

He has obedient sheep, who follow Him.

He knows His sheep (us).

He is our Shepherd and our Protector.

He gives us eternal life.  He is the Giver of Eternal Life.

He keeps us in His hand so that we are secure.

He is one with the Father.

He is God.

He is the Way to eternal life.

We (the sheep) are a gift to Him (Jesus).

He does works (miracles, etc.).

 

What do these verses tell us about the gift (eternal life)?

We are eternally secure.

We are kept by God.

We will not perish.

Eternal life is a gift.

It comes with relationship to God, and knowing Him.  We will/do enjoy God’s presence.

We will be with Him.

 

 

For what purpose was/is this gift given?

God chooses to give it to us because He loves us and wants a relationship with us.

 

 

THE HOLY SPIRIT

Luke 11:11-13

11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

John 14:16-18

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Romans 5:1-5 (NKJV)

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces [b]perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

 

What do these verses tell us about the Giver (God the Father)?

He gives us peace, through Jesus Christ.

He justifies us.

He is good (and we are evil).

He gives good gifts.

He provides.

He is Father.

He is accessible.

He gives us hope and joy.

He loves us.

God is triune (we see God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit all in the same passage).

 

What do these verses tell us about the gift (the Holy Spirit)?

The Holy Spirit is a personality, not an object.  He is God.

He is the Spirit of Truth, so He reveals the Truth from what is wrong.

He loves us.

He gives us hope.

He is knowable.

He lives in us and with us.

He will be with us forever.

He is the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He is unknown by the world.

The world cannot accept Him.

He is our Advocate.

He is our Helper (he helps us).

 

For what purpose was/is this gift given?

He is given to us in response to our asking.

He comes to help us and advocate for us.

To change us from what we were.

To pour out the love of God in our hearts.

So that we can have access to the Father.

To sanctify us… thus we can glory in tribulation.

 

 

PEACE

John 14:27 (NRSV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

 

What does this verse tell us about the Giver (Jesus)?

He is the Prince of Peace.

 

What does this verse tell us about the gift (peace)?

True peace is only possible through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

It is a feeling of being complete or whole. There is no room for anything else (like fear).

Peace involves unity and accord. 

Fellowship with God.

Peace is related to rest.

Peace is related to hope. 

Peace is related to Truth.

This peace is more than the peace the world gives.

This peace passes all understanding.

 

For what purpose was/is this gift given?

We are troubled, so this gift was given to take away our fears and anxieties and give us peace.

We can be confident/ assured that we are right with God, have a right relationship with Him, and we will never face God’s wrath.

 

 

FAITH

Ephesians 2:8

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

 

What does this verse tell us about the Giver (God)?

God is the initiator/author/originator of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

God is a giver of grace and mercy.

God provides for us.

He gives us precious gifts.

 

What does this verse tell us about the gift (faith)?

We need this faith to be saved.

Without Him giving us this faith, we would not be saved. 

We can hold onto/ count on this faith.

There is a relationship between faith and peace.

 

For what purpose was/is this gift given?

It is given out of His mercy and His love for us.

We are given faith so that we will be saved (from wrath, from hell, etc.)… because we deserve wrath and hell because of our sin.

We are not naturally good, not naturally deserving of salvation.

 

 

ALL GOOD THINGS

Matthew 7:9-10

9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

James 1:17

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Romans 8:32 (NASB)

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?

 

What do these verses tell us about the Giver (God)?

He gives us what we need.

He is approachable (as our Father), and we can ask Him for things.  We are to have a relationship with Him.

He is in Heaven.

He expects us to come and ask him (at least sometimes) before giving those things to us.

He gives freely (we cannot command or compel Him).

He is unchanging and immutable.

He is limitless.  He has unlimited resources.

 

What do these verses tell us about the gift (every good and perfect gift/all things)?

His gifts are good (they are not bad).

His gifts are perfect (they are not incomplete).

Sometimes we are given gifts before we realize it.

 

For what purpose was/is this gift given?

To provide for our needs.

To fulfill His purpose.