How can we be freed from sin?
John 8:31-36
31 So Jesus said to those who believed in him, If you obey my teaching, you are really my disciples; 32 you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
33 We are the descendants of Abraham, they answered, and we have never been anybody's slaves. What do you mean, then, by saying, You will be free?
34 Jesus said to them, I am telling you the truth: everyone who sins is a slave of sin. 35 A slave does not belong to a family permanently, but a son belongs there forever. 36 If the Son sets you free, then you will be really free.
1. What do you think Jesus meant when he said: “everyone who sins is a slave of sin.” (v. 34)?
2. What does it mean to be free from the slavery of sin?
3. Jesus tells us that the truth will set us free from the slavery of sin. What do you think is this truth?
4. Jesus also tells us that the Son sets us free. Who is the Son and how do you think he sets us free from the slavery of sin?
Jesus is greater than Abraham
John 8:51-59
51 I am telling you the truth: whoever obeys my teaching will never die.
52 They said to him, Now we know for sure that you have a demon! Abraham died, and the prophets died, yet you say that whoever obeys your teaching will never die. 53 Our father Abraham died; you do not claim to be greater than Abraham, do you? And the prophets also died. Who do you think you are?
54 Jesus answered, If I were to honor myself, that honor would be worth nothing. The one who honors me is my Father—the very one you say is your God. 55 You have never known him, but I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I obey his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see the time of my coming; he saw it and was glad.
57 They said to him, You are not even fifty years old—and you have seen Abraham?
58 I am telling you the truth, Jesus replied. Before Abraham was born, I Am.
59 Then they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and left the Temple.
5. In v. 51, Jesus says: “I am telling you the truth: whoever obeys my teaching will never die.” What do you think he means?
6. In v. 37, Jesus says: “I know you are Abraham's descendants.” Who is Abraham? Why do the people—the Israelites—call him their “father”? Why was he so respected?
7. At the end of the video, Jesus says: “Before Abraham was born, I Am.” What do you think this means? Why do you think the crowd got so mad?
Exodus 3:13-15
13Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” 14God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” 15God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.
8. What did we learn about Jesus this week?
Friday, December 9, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Jesus is the Light
Read John 8:1-12
1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until on Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Discussion:
Word meanings: circle the words you do not know and discuss
1. Why did the Pharisees bring this woman to Jesus? What exactly was the trap?
2. What did the Mosaic Law demand when someone was charged with adultery (read Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22)
3. What did Jesus do in verse 6? Why do you think Jesus did that?
4. How did Jesus turn the question back on the accusers? (verse 7)
5. How does Jesus show both justice and mercy in verse 11?
6. Jesus says he is the “light of the world”. What do you think is the connection between light and life? How might this apply to the story we just read?
1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until on Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Discussion:
Word meanings: circle the words you do not know and discuss
1. Why did the Pharisees bring this woman to Jesus? What exactly was the trap?
2. What did the Mosaic Law demand when someone was charged with adultery (read Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22)
3. What did Jesus do in verse 6? Why do you think Jesus did that?
4. How did Jesus turn the question back on the accusers? (verse 7)
5. How does Jesus show both justice and mercy in verse 11?
6. Jesus says he is the “light of the world”. What do you think is the connection between light and life? How might this apply to the story we just read?
Friday, November 25, 2011
Streams of Living Water
Opening question: Share a time when you were very thirsty.
Let’s read John 7:37-39
37 It was the last and most important day of the Feast. Jesus stood up and spoke in a loud voice. He said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 Does anyone believe in Me? Then, just as Scripture says, streams of living water will flow from inside him.” 39 When He said this, He meant the Holy Spirit. Those who believed in Jesus would receive the Spirit later. Up to that time, the Spirit had not been given. This was because Jesus had not been glorified yet.
Questions:
1. In your own words, try to retell what happened on the last day of the Feast.
2. What kind of ‘thirst’ do you think Jesus was speaking of?
3. Do you think spiritual thirst is real? Explain.
4. If anyone is spiritually thirsty, what should they do, according to Jesus?
5. What does it mean to ‘believe in’ Jesus?
6. What are ‘streams of living water’ and where do they come from?
7. Have you begun to drink this ‘living water’ yet? If so, what is it like?
Let’s read John 7:37-39
37 It was the last and most important day of the Feast. Jesus stood up and spoke in a loud voice. He said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 Does anyone believe in Me? Then, just as Scripture says, streams of living water will flow from inside him.” 39 When He said this, He meant the Holy Spirit. Those who believed in Jesus would receive the Spirit later. Up to that time, the Spirit had not been given. This was because Jesus had not been glorified yet.
Questions:
1. In your own words, try to retell what happened on the last day of the Feast.
2. What kind of ‘thirst’ do you think Jesus was speaking of?
3. Do you think spiritual thirst is real? Explain.
4. If anyone is spiritually thirsty, what should they do, according to Jesus?
5. What does it mean to ‘believe in’ Jesus?
6. What are ‘streams of living water’ and where do they come from?
7. Have you begun to drink this ‘living water’ yet? If so, what is it like?
Friday, November 18, 2011
Twelve Baskets
Opening question: What is your favorite kind of food?
Read John 6:1-13
1 Sometime after this, Jesus crossed over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. It is also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A large crowd of people followed him. They had seen the miraculous signs he had done on those who were sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside. There he sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish Passover Feast was near. 5 Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him. So he said to Philip, "Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?" 6 He asked this only to put Philip to the test. He already knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, "Eight months' pay would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" 8 Another of his disciples spoke up. It was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 9 He said, "Here is a boy with five small loaves of barley bread. He also has two small fish. But how far will that go in such a large crowd?" 10 Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down. The number of men among them was about 5,000. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves and gave thanks. He handed out the bread to those who were seated. He gave them as much as they wanted. And he did the same with the fish. 12 When all of them had enough to eat, Jesus spoke to his disciples. "Gather the leftover pieces," he said. "Don't waste anything." 13 So they gathered what was left over from the five barley loaves. They filled 12 baskets with the pieces left by those who had eaten.
Discussion:
1. What were some of your thoughts while watching the video?
2. Try to retell what happened in your own words.
3. What does verse 6 mean to you?
4. What do we learn about Jesus?
5. How can this story apply to our lives?
Read John 6:1-13
1 Sometime after this, Jesus crossed over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. It is also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A large crowd of people followed him. They had seen the miraculous signs he had done on those who were sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside. There he sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish Passover Feast was near. 5 Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him. So he said to Philip, "Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?" 6 He asked this only to put Philip to the test. He already knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, "Eight months' pay would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" 8 Another of his disciples spoke up. It was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 9 He said, "Here is a boy with five small loaves of barley bread. He also has two small fish. But how far will that go in such a large crowd?" 10 Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down. The number of men among them was about 5,000. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves and gave thanks. He handed out the bread to those who were seated. He gave them as much as they wanted. And he did the same with the fish. 12 When all of them had enough to eat, Jesus spoke to his disciples. "Gather the leftover pieces," he said. "Don't waste anything." 13 So they gathered what was left over from the five barley loaves. They filled 12 baskets with the pieces left by those who had eaten.
Discussion:
1. What were some of your thoughts while watching the video?
2. Try to retell what happened in your own words.
3. What does verse 6 mean to you?
4. What do we learn about Jesus?
5. How can this story apply to our lives?
Friday, October 21, 2011
Nicodemus
Read John 3:1-7 (NIrV)
1 There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus. He was one of the Jewish rulers. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. We know that God is with you. If he weren’t, you couldn’t do the miraculous signs are doing.” 3 Jesus replied, “What I’m about to tell you is true. No one can see God’s kingdom without being born again.” 4 “How can I be born again when I am old?” Nicodemus asked. “I can’t go back inside my mother! I can’t be born a second time!” 5 The Jesus answered, “What I’m about to tell you is true. No one can enter God’s kingdom without being born through water and the Holy Spirit. 6 People give birth to people. But the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised when I say, ‘You must all be born again.’
Question 1: Who came to Jesus by night? What conclusion had he reached about Jesus?
Question 2: What did Jesus say one must do to enter the kingdom of God?
Question 3: What two births did Jesus contrast in verse 6? What do you think is the difference between the two births?
Read John 3:16-21 (NIrV)
16 “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. 17 “God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world. He sent his Son to save the world through him. 18 Anyone who believes in him is not judged. But anyone who does not believe is judged already. He has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 “Here is the judgment. Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light. They loved darkness because what they did was evil. 20 “Everyone who does evil things hates the light. They will not come into the light. They are afraid that what they do will be seen. 21 But anyone who lives by the truth comes into the light. He does this so that it will be easy to see that that he has done is with God’s help.
Question 4: According to Jesus, what is the gift for those that believe in him? What do those who do not believe in Jesus receive?
Question 5: What do you think people need to be saved from?
Question 6: Why do you think some people love darkness rather than light, but other people love it? Give some applications to illustrate the idea.
Read John 3:31-36 (NIrV)
31 “The One who comes from above is above everything. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks like someone from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above everything. 32 He gives witness to what he has seen and heard. But no one accepts what he says. 33 Anyone who has accepted it has said, “Yes God is truthful.” 34 The One whom God has send speaks God’s words. God gives the Holy Spirit without limit. 35 “The Father loves the Son and has put everything into his hands. 36 Anyone who says no to the Son will not have life. God’s anger remains on him.”
Question 7: In verse 33, what does it mean to say that ‘God is truthful’?
Question 8: What is the consequence of believing or not believing?
1 There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus. He was one of the Jewish rulers. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. We know that God is with you. If he weren’t, you couldn’t do the miraculous signs are doing.” 3 Jesus replied, “What I’m about to tell you is true. No one can see God’s kingdom without being born again.” 4 “How can I be born again when I am old?” Nicodemus asked. “I can’t go back inside my mother! I can’t be born a second time!” 5 The Jesus answered, “What I’m about to tell you is true. No one can enter God’s kingdom without being born through water and the Holy Spirit. 6 People give birth to people. But the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised when I say, ‘You must all be born again.’
Question 1: Who came to Jesus by night? What conclusion had he reached about Jesus?
Question 2: What did Jesus say one must do to enter the kingdom of God?
Question 3: What two births did Jesus contrast in verse 6? What do you think is the difference between the two births?
Read John 3:16-21 (NIrV)
16 “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. 17 “God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world. He sent his Son to save the world through him. 18 Anyone who believes in him is not judged. But anyone who does not believe is judged already. He has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 “Here is the judgment. Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light. They loved darkness because what they did was evil. 20 “Everyone who does evil things hates the light. They will not come into the light. They are afraid that what they do will be seen. 21 But anyone who lives by the truth comes into the light. He does this so that it will be easy to see that that he has done is with God’s help.
Question 4: According to Jesus, what is the gift for those that believe in him? What do those who do not believe in Jesus receive?
Question 5: What do you think people need to be saved from?
Question 6: Why do you think some people love darkness rather than light, but other people love it? Give some applications to illustrate the idea.
Read John 3:31-36 (NIrV)
31 “The One who comes from above is above everything. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks like someone from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above everything. 32 He gives witness to what he has seen and heard. But no one accepts what he says. 33 Anyone who has accepted it has said, “Yes God is truthful.” 34 The One whom God has send speaks God’s words. God gives the Holy Spirit without limit. 35 “The Father loves the Son and has put everything into his hands. 36 Anyone who says no to the Son will not have life. God’s anger remains on him.”
Question 7: In verse 33, what does it mean to say that ‘God is truthful’?
Question 8: What is the consequence of believing or not believing?
Friday, September 23, 2011
the Authority of Jesus
Opening Questions: What is authority? Who in your life has authority over you? How did they get that authority?
Read
Luke 4:31-37
31 Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee. On the Sabbath day he began to teach the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority. 33 In the synagogue there was a man controlled by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice. 34 "Ha!" he said. "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are. You are the Holy One of God!" 35 "Be quiet!" Jesus said firmly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down in front of everybody. And it came out without hurting him. 36 All the people were amazed. They said to each other, "What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits. And they come out!" 37 The news about Jesus spread throughout the whole area. (New International Readers Version)
Questions
1. In Luke 4:32, the people are amazed at Jesus’ teaching. Why?
2. What are evil spirits? What do they do? In Luke 4:33-34, how does the evil spirit respond when Jesus comes near to him?
3. What does Jesus do to the evil spirit? Why was he able to do this? Why couldn’t anyone else do this?
4. How do the people respond to what they see and hear? What conclusions do they reach about Jesus? What do we learn about Jesus from this passage?
5. Do evil spirits exist today? If so, are they involved in our lives? How? What can we do about this?
The following verses may be helpful in answering Question 5:
When the devil lies, he speaks his natural language. He does this because he is a liar. He is the father of lies. (John 8:44)
People hear the message about the kingdom but do not understand it. Then the evil one comes. He steals what was planted in their hearts. (Matthew 13:19)
I was afraid that Satan might have tempted you in some way. (1 Thessalonians 3:5)
Control yourselves. Be on your guard. Your enemy the devil is like a roaring lion. He prowls around looking for someone to chew up and swallow. (1 Peter 5:8)
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them [the evil spirits], because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. (1 John 3:8)
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)
Read
Luke 4:31-37
31 Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee. On the Sabbath day he began to teach the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority. 33 In the synagogue there was a man controlled by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice. 34 "Ha!" he said. "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are. You are the Holy One of God!" 35 "Be quiet!" Jesus said firmly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down in front of everybody. And it came out without hurting him. 36 All the people were amazed. They said to each other, "What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits. And they come out!" 37 The news about Jesus spread throughout the whole area. (New International Readers Version)
Questions
1. In Luke 4:32, the people are amazed at Jesus’ teaching. Why?
2. What are evil spirits? What do they do? In Luke 4:33-34, how does the evil spirit respond when Jesus comes near to him?
3. What does Jesus do to the evil spirit? Why was he able to do this? Why couldn’t anyone else do this?
4. How do the people respond to what they see and hear? What conclusions do they reach about Jesus? What do we learn about Jesus from this passage?
5. Do evil spirits exist today? If so, are they involved in our lives? How? What can we do about this?
The following verses may be helpful in answering Question 5:
When the devil lies, he speaks his natural language. He does this because he is a liar. He is the father of lies. (John 8:44)
People hear the message about the kingdom but do not understand it. Then the evil one comes. He steals what was planted in their hearts. (Matthew 13:19)
I was afraid that Satan might have tempted you in some way. (1 Thessalonians 3:5)
Control yourselves. Be on your guard. Your enemy the devil is like a roaring lion. He prowls around looking for someone to chew up and swallow. (1 Peter 5:8)
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them [the evil spirits], because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. (1 John 3:8)
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)
Friday, September 16, 2011
Alive Forever and Ever
Opening question: If you could, would you want to live forever?
Let’s read Revelation 1:9-18:
9 I, John, am a believer like you. I am a friend who suffers like you. As members of Jesus' royal family, we can put up with anything that happens to us. I was on the island of Patmos because I taught God's word and what Jesus said. 10 The Holy Spirit took complete control of me on the Lord's Day. I heard a loud voice behind me that sounded like a trumpet. 11 The voice said, "Write on a scroll what you see. Send it to the seven churches in Asia Minor. They are Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea." 12 I turned around to see who was speaking to me. When I turned, I saw seven golden lampstands. 13 In the middle of them was someone who looked like the Son of man. He was dressed in a long robe with a gold strip of cloth around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes were like a blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze metal glowing in a furnace. His voice sounded like rushing waters. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth came a sharp sword that had two edges. His face was like the sun shining in all of its brightness. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. Then he put his right hand on me and said, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One. I was dead. But look! I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys to Death and Hell."
Discussion questions:
1. Who was John, and who was he writing to?
2. What does it mean to be a believer? A believer in what?
3. What does the term “royal family” mean, and how do you become a member?
4. What was John doing on the island of Patmos, taking a vacation?
5. How is the person speaking to John described?
6. Who is this person speaking to John, and from what you know, why did he die?
7. What do you think Jesus means by holding the “keys of Death and Hell”?
Let’s read Revelation 1:9-18:
9 I, John, am a believer like you. I am a friend who suffers like you. As members of Jesus' royal family, we can put up with anything that happens to us. I was on the island of Patmos because I taught God's word and what Jesus said. 10 The Holy Spirit took complete control of me on the Lord's Day. I heard a loud voice behind me that sounded like a trumpet. 11 The voice said, "Write on a scroll what you see. Send it to the seven churches in Asia Minor. They are Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea." 12 I turned around to see who was speaking to me. When I turned, I saw seven golden lampstands. 13 In the middle of them was someone who looked like the Son of man. He was dressed in a long robe with a gold strip of cloth around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes were like a blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze metal glowing in a furnace. His voice sounded like rushing waters. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth came a sharp sword that had two edges. His face was like the sun shining in all of its brightness. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. Then he put his right hand on me and said, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One. I was dead. But look! I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys to Death and Hell."
Discussion questions:
1. Who was John, and who was he writing to?
2. What does it mean to be a believer? A believer in what?
3. What does the term “royal family” mean, and how do you become a member?
4. What was John doing on the island of Patmos, taking a vacation?
5. How is the person speaking to John described?
6. Who is this person speaking to John, and from what you know, why did he die?
7. What do you think Jesus means by holding the “keys of Death and Hell”?
Friday, September 9, 2011
Paul & Barnabas
Opening question: What is the religion of your parents?
Lets read a true story from Acts.
8 In Lystra there sat a man who couldn't walk. He hadn't been able to use his feet since the day he was born. 9 He listened as Paul spoke. Paul looked right at him. He saw that the man had faith to be healed. 10 So he called out, "Stand up on your feet!" Then the man jumped up and began to walk. 11 The crowd saw what Paul had done. They shouted in the Lycaonian language. "The gods have come down to us in human form!" they exclaimed. 12 They called Barnabas Zeus. Paul was the main speaker. So they called him Hermes. 13 Just outside the city was the temple of the god Zeus. The priest of Zeus brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates. He and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas. 14 But the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard about this. So they tore their clothes. They rushed out into the crowd. They shouted, 15 "Why are you men doing this? We are only human, just like you. We are bringing you good news. Turn away from these worthless things. Turn to the living God. He is the one who made the heavens and the earth and the sea. He made everything in them. 16 In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17 But he has given proof of what he is like. He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven. He gives you crops in their seasons. He provides you with plenty of food. He fills your hearts with joy." 18 Paul and Barnabas told them all these things. But they had trouble keeping the crowd from offering sacrifices to them.
Word List:
Lystra – a city in modern-day Turkey.
Lycaonian – the langage of the people living in Lystra.
gods – people or things that are worshipped or given the highest place of honor and respect.
Zeus – the Greek word for the Latin word Jupiter, one of the major Italian gods.
Hermes – the Greek word for the Latin word Mercury, one of the major Roman gods.
tore their clothes – a demonstration of extreme anger or deep sorrow.
Discussion Questions:
1. What was happening in verses 8-10?
2. How did the people of Lystra treat Paul & Barnabas?
3. Why did Paul & Barnabas get so freaked out?
4. How did Paul describe God?
5. What are some of the gods that people pay special attention to in today’s world?
6. What do you think God wants people to “turn away from” and “turn to” in 2011? Please explain.
Lets read a true story from Acts.
8 In Lystra there sat a man who couldn't walk. He hadn't been able to use his feet since the day he was born. 9 He listened as Paul spoke. Paul looked right at him. He saw that the man had faith to be healed. 10 So he called out, "Stand up on your feet!" Then the man jumped up and began to walk. 11 The crowd saw what Paul had done. They shouted in the Lycaonian language. "The gods have come down to us in human form!" they exclaimed. 12 They called Barnabas Zeus. Paul was the main speaker. So they called him Hermes. 13 Just outside the city was the temple of the god Zeus. The priest of Zeus brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates. He and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas. 14 But the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard about this. So they tore their clothes. They rushed out into the crowd. They shouted, 15 "Why are you men doing this? We are only human, just like you. We are bringing you good news. Turn away from these worthless things. Turn to the living God. He is the one who made the heavens and the earth and the sea. He made everything in them. 16 In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17 But he has given proof of what he is like. He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven. He gives you crops in their seasons. He provides you with plenty of food. He fills your hearts with joy." 18 Paul and Barnabas told them all these things. But they had trouble keeping the crowd from offering sacrifices to them.
Word List:
Lystra – a city in modern-day Turkey.
Lycaonian – the langage of the people living in Lystra.
gods – people or things that are worshipped or given the highest place of honor and respect.
Zeus – the Greek word for the Latin word Jupiter, one of the major Italian gods.
Hermes – the Greek word for the Latin word Mercury, one of the major Roman gods.
tore their clothes – a demonstration of extreme anger or deep sorrow.
Discussion Questions:
1. What was happening in verses 8-10?
2. How did the people of Lystra treat Paul & Barnabas?
3. Why did Paul & Barnabas get so freaked out?
4. How did Paul describe God?
5. What are some of the gods that people pay special attention to in today’s world?
6. What do you think God wants people to “turn away from” and “turn to” in 2011? Please explain.
Friday, August 26, 2011
the 10 Commandments
Opening question: What do you think should be Rule #1 for all the people of the world?
Let’s read the 10 Commandments (from Exodus 20:3-17), given by God to the nation of Israel about 3500 years ago:
1 Do not put any other gods in place of Me.
2 Do not make statues of gods that look like anything in the sky or on the earth or in the waters. Do not bow down to them or worship them. I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God. I punish the children for the sin of their parents. I punish the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of those who hate Me. But for all time to come I show love to all those who love Me and keep my commandments.
3 Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will find guilty anyone who misuses His name.
4 Remember to keep the Sabbath day holy. Do all of your work in six days. But the seventh day is a Sabbath in honor of the LORD your God. Do not do any work on that day. The same command applies to your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and your animals. It also applies to any foreiners who live in your cities. In six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth. He made the oceans and everything in them. But He rested on the seventh day. So He blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
5 Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long time in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
6 Do not commit murder.
7 Do not commit adultery.
8 Do not steal.
9 Do not give false witness against your neighbor.
10 Do not long for anything that belongs to your neighbor. Do not long for your neighbor's house, wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey.
Discussion questions:
a - Circle any difficult words.
b - What is a commandment?
c - Make up a 2011 version of commandment #10?
d - What do you think was the purpose of these commandments?
e - What happens if we obey or disobey God’s commandment(s)?
f - Which commandment do you think is the most important one? Why?
g - Which commandment do you think is the most difficult to obey? Explain.
h - Why should anyone obey the 10 commandments in 2011?
Let’s read the 10 Commandments (from Exodus 20:3-17), given by God to the nation of Israel about 3500 years ago:
1 Do not put any other gods in place of Me.
2 Do not make statues of gods that look like anything in the sky or on the earth or in the waters. Do not bow down to them or worship them. I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God. I punish the children for the sin of their parents. I punish the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of those who hate Me. But for all time to come I show love to all those who love Me and keep my commandments.
3 Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will find guilty anyone who misuses His name.
4 Remember to keep the Sabbath day holy. Do all of your work in six days. But the seventh day is a Sabbath in honor of the LORD your God. Do not do any work on that day. The same command applies to your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and your animals. It also applies to any foreiners who live in your cities. In six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth. He made the oceans and everything in them. But He rested on the seventh day. So He blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
5 Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long time in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
6 Do not commit murder.
7 Do not commit adultery.
8 Do not steal.
9 Do not give false witness against your neighbor.
10 Do not long for anything that belongs to your neighbor. Do not long for your neighbor's house, wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey.
Discussion questions:
a - Circle any difficult words.
b - What is a commandment?
c - Make up a 2011 version of commandment #10?
d - What do you think was the purpose of these commandments?
e - What happens if we obey or disobey God’s commandment(s)?
f - Which commandment do you think is the most important one? Why?
g - Which commandment do you think is the most difficult to obey? Explain.
h - Why should anyone obey the 10 commandments in 2011?
Friday, August 19, 2011
The Church at Laodicea
Opening question: If you could invite any famous person for dinner, whom would you ask? Why?
Let’s read about a church that Jesus spoke to 2000 years ago:
Revelation 3:14-22
14 This is what you must write to the angel of the church in Laodicea: I am the one called Amen! I am the faithful and true Witness and the Source of God's creation. Listen to what I say. 15 I know everything you have done, and you are not cold or hot. I wish you were either one or the other. 16 But since you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 You claim to be rich and successful and to have everything you need. But you don't know how bad off you are. You are pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. 18 Buy your gold from Me. It has been refined in a fire, and it will make you rich. Buy white clothes from Me. Wear them and you can cover up your shameful nakedness. Buy medicine for your eyes, so that you will be able to see. 19 I correct and punish everyone I love. So make up your minds to turn away from your sins. 20 Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together. 21 Everyone who wins the victory will sit with Me on My throne, just as I won the victory and sat with My Father on His throne. 22 If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says.”
Discussion questions:
1. How is Jesus described in these verses?
2. How did the church people in Laodicea feel about themselves? And how did God feel about this church?
3. What does it mean to be “lukewarm” about something?
4. What does Jesus tell the people to do in verse 18?
5. What do you think the words “gold” and “white” and “medicine” might be talking about?
6. What promises does Jesus give to those who listen to Him?
7. According to Jesus, what are true riches and success?
Let’s read about a church that Jesus spoke to 2000 years ago:
Revelation 3:14-22
14 This is what you must write to the angel of the church in Laodicea: I am the one called Amen! I am the faithful and true Witness and the Source of God's creation. Listen to what I say. 15 I know everything you have done, and you are not cold or hot. I wish you were either one or the other. 16 But since you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 You claim to be rich and successful and to have everything you need. But you don't know how bad off you are. You are pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. 18 Buy your gold from Me. It has been refined in a fire, and it will make you rich. Buy white clothes from Me. Wear them and you can cover up your shameful nakedness. Buy medicine for your eyes, so that you will be able to see. 19 I correct and punish everyone I love. So make up your minds to turn away from your sins. 20 Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together. 21 Everyone who wins the victory will sit with Me on My throne, just as I won the victory and sat with My Father on His throne. 22 If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says.”
Discussion questions:
1. How is Jesus described in these verses?
2. How did the church people in Laodicea feel about themselves? And how did God feel about this church?
3. What does it mean to be “lukewarm” about something?
4. What does Jesus tell the people to do in verse 18?
5. What do you think the words “gold” and “white” and “medicine” might be talking about?
6. What promises does Jesus give to those who listen to Him?
7. According to Jesus, what are true riches and success?
Friday, August 12, 2011
Refurbished
Opening question: Have you ever bought something that was refurbished?
Read the following from the Bible about how man’s fellowship with God was ruined / refurbished
Broken fellowship -- Ecclesiastes 7:29
God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path.
How it happened -- Genesis 3:1-8
1 The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” 2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” 4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” 6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. 8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees.
The result -- Romans 5:12; 6:23a
12 Adam sinned, and that sin brought death into the world. Now everyone has sinned, and so everyone must die. 23 The wages of sin is death.
The repair -- 1 Peter 3:18
18 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
Fellowship refurbished -- 1 John 1:3,4
3 We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that you may share our joy.
Discussion questions:
1. What was mankind’s problem in the very beginning stages of the human race?
2. What were some of the results of man’s choice to ignore God?
3. How did God repair man’s sin problem?
4. Do you think it’s important to have fellowship with God and with other people? Explain.
5. How can we experience being refurbished in our fellowship with God, and with others?
6. Have you been, or are you being, refurbished spiritually? Tell your (ongoing) story.
Read the following from the Bible about how man’s fellowship with God was ruined / refurbished
Broken fellowship -- Ecclesiastes 7:29
God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path.
How it happened -- Genesis 3:1-8
1 The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” 2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” 4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” 6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. 8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees.
The result -- Romans 5:12; 6:23a
12 Adam sinned, and that sin brought death into the world. Now everyone has sinned, and so everyone must die. 23 The wages of sin is death.
The repair -- 1 Peter 3:18
18 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
Fellowship refurbished -- 1 John 1:3,4
3 We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that you may share our joy.
Discussion questions:
1. What was mankind’s problem in the very beginning stages of the human race?
2. What were some of the results of man’s choice to ignore God?
3. How did God repair man’s sin problem?
4. Do you think it’s important to have fellowship with God and with other people? Explain.
5. How can we experience being refurbished in our fellowship with God, and with others?
6. Have you been, or are you being, refurbished spiritually? Tell your (ongoing) story.
Friday, August 5, 2011
the Heart of Man
Opening question: Do you think human nature is basically good or evil?
Let’s read what Jesus says about human nature:
Mark 7:1-8, 14-23
1 The Pharisees gathered around Jesus. So did some of the teachers of the law. All of them had come from Jerusalem. 2 They saw some of his disciples eating food with "unclean" hands. That means they were not washed.
3 The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands to make them pure. That's what the elders teach. 4 When they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they wash. And they follow many other teachings. For example, they wash cups, pitchers, and kettles in a special way. 5 So the Pharisees and the teachers of the law questioned Jesus. "Why don't your disciples live by what the elders teach?" they asked. "Why do they eat their food with 'unclean' hands?" 6 He replied, "Isaiah was right. He prophesied about you people who pretend to be good. He said,
" 'These people honor me by what they say. But their hearts are far away from me. 7 Their worship doesn't mean anything to me. They teach nothing but human rules.' 8 You have let go of God's commands. And you are holding on to the teachings that men have made up."
14 Again Jesus called the crowd to him. He said, "Listen to me, everyone. Understand this. 15 Nothing outside of you can make you 'unclean' by going into you. 16 It is what comes out of you that makes you 'unclean.' " 17 Then he left the crowd and entered the house. His disciples asked him about this teaching. 18 "Don't you understand?" Jesus asked. "Don't you see? Nothing that enters people from the outside can make them 'unclean.' 19 It doesn't go into the heart. It goes into the stomach. Then it goes out of the body." In saying this, Jesus was calling all foods "clean." 20 He went on to say, "What comes out of people makes them 'unclean.' 21 Evil thoughts come from the inside, from people's hearts. So do sexual sins, stealing and murder. Adultery, 22 greed, hate and cheating come from people's hearts too. So do desires that are not pure, and wanting what belongs to others. And so do telling lies about others and being proud and being foolish. 23 All those evil things come from inside a person. They make him 'unclean.' "
Word list:
Pharisees – a group of religious leaders of Israel 2000 years ago.
the law – the rules that God gave to the people of Israel.
Jerusalem – the capital of Israel.
unclean – unqualified to enter heaven; unacceptable to God.
elders – leaders.
Isaiah – a prophet of Israel, who lived about 700 years before Jesus.
prophesied – when someone speak for God to the people.
adultery – having sex with someone who is already married.
Discussion questions:
1. Does your culture have any rules that everyone is supposed to follow?
2. What are some human rules that you think everyone should follow?
3. Are you familiar with any of God’s rules? If so, which ones do you think are the most important ones?
4. Are we born with a clean heart, or does it have to become clean somehow? Explain
5. So, how can our hearts become clean, so we can become acceptable to God, and enter heaven someday?
Let’s read what Jesus says about human nature:
Mark 7:1-8, 14-23
1 The Pharisees gathered around Jesus. So did some of the teachers of the law. All of them had come from Jerusalem. 2 They saw some of his disciples eating food with "unclean" hands. That means they were not washed.
3 The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands to make them pure. That's what the elders teach. 4 When they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they wash. And they follow many other teachings. For example, they wash cups, pitchers, and kettles in a special way. 5 So the Pharisees and the teachers of the law questioned Jesus. "Why don't your disciples live by what the elders teach?" they asked. "Why do they eat their food with 'unclean' hands?" 6 He replied, "Isaiah was right. He prophesied about you people who pretend to be good. He said,
" 'These people honor me by what they say. But their hearts are far away from me. 7 Their worship doesn't mean anything to me. They teach nothing but human rules.' 8 You have let go of God's commands. And you are holding on to the teachings that men have made up."
14 Again Jesus called the crowd to him. He said, "Listen to me, everyone. Understand this. 15 Nothing outside of you can make you 'unclean' by going into you. 16 It is what comes out of you that makes you 'unclean.' " 17 Then he left the crowd and entered the house. His disciples asked him about this teaching. 18 "Don't you understand?" Jesus asked. "Don't you see? Nothing that enters people from the outside can make them 'unclean.' 19 It doesn't go into the heart. It goes into the stomach. Then it goes out of the body." In saying this, Jesus was calling all foods "clean." 20 He went on to say, "What comes out of people makes them 'unclean.' 21 Evil thoughts come from the inside, from people's hearts. So do sexual sins, stealing and murder. Adultery, 22 greed, hate and cheating come from people's hearts too. So do desires that are not pure, and wanting what belongs to others. And so do telling lies about others and being proud and being foolish. 23 All those evil things come from inside a person. They make him 'unclean.' "
Word list:
Pharisees – a group of religious leaders of Israel 2000 years ago.
the law – the rules that God gave to the people of Israel.
Jerusalem – the capital of Israel.
unclean – unqualified to enter heaven; unacceptable to God.
elders – leaders.
Isaiah – a prophet of Israel, who lived about 700 years before Jesus.
prophesied – when someone speak for God to the people.
adultery – having sex with someone who is already married.
Discussion questions:
1. Does your culture have any rules that everyone is supposed to follow?
2. What are some human rules that you think everyone should follow?
3. Are you familiar with any of God’s rules? If so, which ones do you think are the most important ones?
4. Are we born with a clean heart, or does it have to become clean somehow? Explain
5. So, how can our hearts become clean, so we can become acceptable to God, and enter heaven someday?
Friday, July 29, 2011
Don't Love the World
Opening question: What do you like the most about the world we live in?
Read the following story about the people of the world, from God’s point of view:
Genesis 11:1-9
1 At one time, the whole Earth spoke the same language. 2 It so happened that as they moved out of the east, they came upon a plain in the land of Shinar and settled down. 3 They said to one another, "Come, let's make bricks and fire them well." They used brick for stone and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, "Come, let's build ourselves a city and a tower that reaches Heaven. Let's make ourselves famous so we won't be scattered here and there across the Earth." 5 GOD came down to look over the city and the tower those people had built. 6 GOD took one look and said, "One people, one language; why, this is only a first step. No telling what they'll come up with next -- they'll stop at nothing! 7 Come, We'll go down and garble their speech so they won't understand each other." 8 Then GOD scattered them from there all over the world. And they had to quit building the city. 9 That's how it came to be called Babel, because there GOD turned their language into "babble." From there GOD scattered them all over the world.
James 4:4,5
4 You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and His way. 5 And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that, "He's a fiercely jealous lover."
1 John 2:15-17
15 Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. 16 Practically everything that goes on in the world -- wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important -- has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from Him. 17 The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out -- but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.
Discussion questions:
1. What do you think “the world” is referring to in the verses above?
2. Why do you think God wanted to keep the people from building their tower?
3. Agree or disagree: Jealousy is always wrong.
4. What is a “fiercely jealous lover”? Can you think of a possible example?
5. What’s wrong with “wanting” something?
6. What does it mean to be “set for eternity”?
7. How can we be set for eternity?
Read the following story about the people of the world, from God’s point of view:
Genesis 11:1-9
1 At one time, the whole Earth spoke the same language. 2 It so happened that as they moved out of the east, they came upon a plain in the land of Shinar and settled down. 3 They said to one another, "Come, let's make bricks and fire them well." They used brick for stone and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, "Come, let's build ourselves a city and a tower that reaches Heaven. Let's make ourselves famous so we won't be scattered here and there across the Earth." 5 GOD came down to look over the city and the tower those people had built. 6 GOD took one look and said, "One people, one language; why, this is only a first step. No telling what they'll come up with next -- they'll stop at nothing! 7 Come, We'll go down and garble their speech so they won't understand each other." 8 Then GOD scattered them from there all over the world. And they had to quit building the city. 9 That's how it came to be called Babel, because there GOD turned their language into "babble." From there GOD scattered them all over the world.
James 4:4,5
4 You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and His way. 5 And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that, "He's a fiercely jealous lover."
1 John 2:15-17
15 Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. 16 Practically everything that goes on in the world -- wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important -- has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from Him. 17 The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out -- but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.
Discussion questions:
1. What do you think “the world” is referring to in the verses above?
2. Why do you think God wanted to keep the people from building their tower?
3. Agree or disagree: Jealousy is always wrong.
4. What is a “fiercely jealous lover”? Can you think of a possible example?
5. What’s wrong with “wanting” something?
6. What does it mean to be “set for eternity”?
7. How can we be set for eternity?
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Opening question: What do you do when you do something wrong?
Read the following from the Bible:
Luke 18:9-14
9 Jesus told this parable to certain people who had convinced themselves that they were righteous and who looked on everyone else with disgust. 10 “Two people went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself with these words, ‘God, I thank You that I’m not like everyone else -- crooks, evildoers, adulterers -- or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week. I give a tenth of everything I receive.’ 13 But the tax collector stood at a distance. He wouldn’t even lift his eyes to look toward heaven. Rather, he struck his chest and said, ‘God, show mercy to me, a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, this person went down to his home justified rather than the Pharisee. All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.”
Difficult words:
parable – an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.
righteous – to be right with God.
Pharisee – a religious leader of Israel.
tax collector – those who works for Rome (e.g., hated by the Jews), who would often keep some of the money they collected for themselves.
fast – to go without food to show devotion to God.
give a tenth – to give 10% of your income to support the work of God.
mercy – when you don’t get what you deserve (i.e., some kind of punishment).
sinner – one who is doing what is wrong against God, others, or him/herself.
justified – being pronounced right with God.
lift yourself up – to think/talk too highly about yourself.
Discussion questions:
1. How would you describe the two men in the story?
2. How would you compare the two prayers?
3. Thought question: How would you grade yourself before God?
4. What do you think the main point of the parable is?
5. How do the following Bible verses help us understand more about sin and being righteous or justified?
Roman 3:23,24
23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
1 John 2:1,2; 1:9
1 My dear children, I'm writing this to you so that you will not sin. But suppose someone does sin. Then we have One who speaks to the Father for us. He stands up for us. He is Jesus Christ, the Blameless One. 2 He gave His life to pay for our sins. But He not only paid for our sins. He also paid for the sins of the whole world. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Read the following from the Bible:
Luke 18:9-14
9 Jesus told this parable to certain people who had convinced themselves that they were righteous and who looked on everyone else with disgust. 10 “Two people went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself with these words, ‘God, I thank You that I’m not like everyone else -- crooks, evildoers, adulterers -- or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week. I give a tenth of everything I receive.’ 13 But the tax collector stood at a distance. He wouldn’t even lift his eyes to look toward heaven. Rather, he struck his chest and said, ‘God, show mercy to me, a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, this person went down to his home justified rather than the Pharisee. All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.”
Difficult words:
parable – an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.
righteous – to be right with God.
Pharisee – a religious leader of Israel.
tax collector – those who works for Rome (e.g., hated by the Jews), who would often keep some of the money they collected for themselves.
fast – to go without food to show devotion to God.
give a tenth – to give 10% of your income to support the work of God.
mercy – when you don’t get what you deserve (i.e., some kind of punishment).
sinner – one who is doing what is wrong against God, others, or him/herself.
justified – being pronounced right with God.
lift yourself up – to think/talk too highly about yourself.
Discussion questions:
1. How would you describe the two men in the story?
2. How would you compare the two prayers?
3. Thought question: How would you grade yourself before God?
4. What do you think the main point of the parable is?
5. How do the following Bible verses help us understand more about sin and being righteous or justified?
Roman 3:23,24
23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
1 John 2:1,2; 1:9
1 My dear children, I'm writing this to you so that you will not sin. But suppose someone does sin. Then we have One who speaks to the Father for us. He stands up for us. He is Jesus Christ, the Blameless One. 2 He gave His life to pay for our sins. But He not only paid for our sins. He also paid for the sins of the whole world. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Friday, July 15, 2011
the Lord's Prayer
Opening question: If you could ask God anything, what would it be?
Read what Jesus says about prayer:
Matthew 6:7-13
7 When you pray, do not keep talking on and on the way ungodly people do. They think they will be heard because they talk a lot. 8 Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need even before you ask him. 9 This is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored. 10 May your kingdom come. May what you want to happen be done on earth as it is done in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our sins, just as we also have forgiven those who sin against us. 13 Keep us from falling into sin when we are tempted. Save us from the evil one.'
Matthew 7:7-11
7 Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. 8 Everyone who asks will receive. He who seeks will find. The door will be opened to the one who knocks. 9 Suppose your son asks for bread. Which of you will give him a rock? 10 Or suppose he asks for a fish. Which of you will give him a snake? 11 Even though you are evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Discussion questions:
1. What is prayer?
2. Do you ever pray? If so, what do you pray about?
3. What can we learn about God from these verses?
4. Is there anything that Jesus teaches about prayer that you don’t understand?
5. What do you like about what Jesus has to say? Why?
6. What do you need a lot of prayer for?
7. Close in a time of prayer.
Read what Jesus says about prayer:
Matthew 6:7-13
7 When you pray, do not keep talking on and on the way ungodly people do. They think they will be heard because they talk a lot. 8 Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need even before you ask him. 9 This is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored. 10 May your kingdom come. May what you want to happen be done on earth as it is done in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our sins, just as we also have forgiven those who sin against us. 13 Keep us from falling into sin when we are tempted. Save us from the evil one.'
Matthew 7:7-11
7 Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. 8 Everyone who asks will receive. He who seeks will find. The door will be opened to the one who knocks. 9 Suppose your son asks for bread. Which of you will give him a rock? 10 Or suppose he asks for a fish. Which of you will give him a snake? 11 Even though you are evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Discussion questions:
1. What is prayer?
2. Do you ever pray? If so, what do you pray about?
3. What can we learn about God from these verses?
4. Is there anything that Jesus teaches about prayer that you don’t understand?
5. What do you like about what Jesus has to say? Why?
6. What do you need a lot of prayer for?
7. Close in a time of prayer.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Christians and the World
Opening Question: Complete this sentence:
I hate ____________________________________.
Read John 15:18-27, circling any words you’re not sure about:
18 If the people of this world hate you, just remember that they hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, its people would love you. But you don't belong to the world. I have chosen you to leave the world behind, and that is why its people hate you. 20 Remember how I told you that servants are not greater than their master. So if people mistreat me, they will mistreat you. If they do what I say, they will do what you say. 21 People will do to you exactly what they did to me. They will do it because you belong to me, and they don't know the one who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Everyone who hates me also hates my Father. 24 I have done things that no one else has ever done. If they had not seen me do these things, they would not be guilty. But they did see me do these things, and they still hate me and my Father too. 25 That is why the Scriptures are true when they say, "People hated me for no reason." 26 I will send you the Spirit who comes from the Father and shows what is true. The Spirit will help you and will tell you about me. 27 Then you will also tell others about me, because you have been with me from the beginning.
Discussion questions:
1 - Who is speaking? And who else is He speaking about?
2 - Why would anyone hate Jesus?
3 - Have you ever hated, or been hated? Explain.
4 - Where does hatred come from, and what’s the solution for it?
5 - What is the Spirit’s job, as Jesus explains?
6 - What is our job, as followers of Jesus?
7 - What will happen if we do our job as followers of Jesus, according to Jesus? What does Jesus say about that?
I hate ____________________________________.
Read John 15:18-27, circling any words you’re not sure about:
18 If the people of this world hate you, just remember that they hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, its people would love you. But you don't belong to the world. I have chosen you to leave the world behind, and that is why its people hate you. 20 Remember how I told you that servants are not greater than their master. So if people mistreat me, they will mistreat you. If they do what I say, they will do what you say. 21 People will do to you exactly what they did to me. They will do it because you belong to me, and they don't know the one who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Everyone who hates me also hates my Father. 24 I have done things that no one else has ever done. If they had not seen me do these things, they would not be guilty. But they did see me do these things, and they still hate me and my Father too. 25 That is why the Scriptures are true when they say, "People hated me for no reason." 26 I will send you the Spirit who comes from the Father and shows what is true. The Spirit will help you and will tell you about me. 27 Then you will also tell others about me, because you have been with me from the beginning.
Discussion questions:
1 - Who is speaking? And who else is He speaking about?
2 - Why would anyone hate Jesus?
3 - Have you ever hated, or been hated? Explain.
4 - Where does hatred come from, and what’s the solution for it?
5 - What is the Spirit’s job, as Jesus explains?
6 - What is our job, as followers of Jesus?
7 - What will happen if we do our job as followers of Jesus, according to Jesus? What does Jesus say about that?
Friday, June 24, 2011
Stumbling Blocks
Opening question: Who is the greatest person in the world today?
Read Matthew 18:1-7, circling difficult words:
1 The disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, 3 “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me. 6 But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come. But woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!
Discussion questions:
1. How would you define greatness?
2. Why does Jesus use a child to explain greatness?
3. What is the kingdom of heaven and how do we enter it?
4. What is the world referring to?
5. What are some examples of stumbling blocks in today’s world?
6. What does it mean to be converted?
7. Have you been converted? If so, please tell your story.
Read Matthew 18:1-7, circling difficult words:
1 The disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, 3 “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me. 6 But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come. But woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!
Discussion questions:
1. How would you define greatness?
2. Why does Jesus use a child to explain greatness?
3. What is the kingdom of heaven and how do we enter it?
4. What is the world referring to?
5. What are some examples of stumbling blocks in today’s world?
6. What does it mean to be converted?
7. Have you been converted? If so, please tell your story.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Be Like Christ
Opening question: Who has been a good example for you to follow?
Read Philippians 2:1-11 (NIrV)
1 Are you cheerful because you belong to Christ? Does his love comfort you? Is the Holy Spirit your companion? Has Christ been gentle and loving toward you? 2 Then make my joy complete by agreeing with each other. Have the same love. Be one in spirit and purpose. 3 Don't do anything only to get ahead. Don't do it because you are proud. Instead, be free of pride. Think of others as better than yourselves. 4 None of you should look out just for your own good. You should also look out for the good of others. 5 You should think in the same way Christ Jesus does. 6 In His very nature He was God. But He did not think that being equal with God was something He should hold on to. 7 Instead, He made Himself nothing. He took on the very nature of a servant. He was made in human form. 8 He appeared as a man. He came down to the lowest level. He obeyed God completely, even though it led to His death. In fact, He died on a cross. 9 So God lifted Him up to the highest place. He gave Him the name that is above every name. 10 When the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone's knee will bow to worship Him. Every knee in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow to worship Him. 11 Everyone's mouth will say that Jesus Christ is Lord. And God the Father will receive the glory.
Discussion questions:
1. What do you think is the most important word in the verses above?
2. Agree or disagree: It is always wrong to be proud.
3. Does verse 3 speak against the idea of competition (like in school, sports, etc.)?
4. How is Jesus Christ described?
5. Why did Jesus die on a cross?
6. Why do you think God gave Jesus the highest place and name in the universe?
7. Why should we bow to worship Jesus, and say that He is Lord?
Read Philippians 2:1-11 (NIrV)
1 Are you cheerful because you belong to Christ? Does his love comfort you? Is the Holy Spirit your companion? Has Christ been gentle and loving toward you? 2 Then make my joy complete by agreeing with each other. Have the same love. Be one in spirit and purpose. 3 Don't do anything only to get ahead. Don't do it because you are proud. Instead, be free of pride. Think of others as better than yourselves. 4 None of you should look out just for your own good. You should also look out for the good of others. 5 You should think in the same way Christ Jesus does. 6 In His very nature He was God. But He did not think that being equal with God was something He should hold on to. 7 Instead, He made Himself nothing. He took on the very nature of a servant. He was made in human form. 8 He appeared as a man. He came down to the lowest level. He obeyed God completely, even though it led to His death. In fact, He died on a cross. 9 So God lifted Him up to the highest place. He gave Him the name that is above every name. 10 When the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone's knee will bow to worship Him. Every knee in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow to worship Him. 11 Everyone's mouth will say that Jesus Christ is Lord. And God the Father will receive the glory.
Discussion questions:
1. What do you think is the most important word in the verses above?
2. Agree or disagree: It is always wrong to be proud.
3. Does verse 3 speak against the idea of competition (like in school, sports, etc.)?
4. How is Jesus Christ described?
5. Why did Jesus die on a cross?
6. Why do you think God gave Jesus the highest place and name in the universe?
7. Why should we bow to worship Jesus, and say that He is Lord?
Friday, June 3, 2011
Fool's Pride
Opening question: What is one of the best choices you have ever made?
Let’s read what the Bible says about the way we should or should not exercise our will:
Luke 12:16-21
16 Then Jesus told them this parable: There was once a rich man who had land which bore good crops. 17 He began to think to himself, I don’t have a place to keep all my crops. What can I do? 18 This is what I will do, he told himself; I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, where I will store the grain and all my other goods. 19 Then I will say to myself, “Lucky man! You have all the good things you need for many years. Take life easy, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.” 20 But God said to him, “You fool! This very night you will have to give up your life; then who will get all these things you have kept for yourself?” 21 And Jesus concluded, “This is how it is with those who pile up riches for themselves but are not rich in God’s sight.”
James 4:13-16
13 Now listen to me, you that say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to a certain city, where we will stay a year and go into business and make a lot of money.” 14 You don’t even know what your life tomorrow will be! You are like a puff of smoke, which appears for a moment and then disappears. 15 What you should say is this: “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” 16 But now you are proud, and you boast; all such boasting is wrong.
Matthew 26:39
39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Discussion:
1. How would you describe the men in the 2 stories?
2. Is it wrong to be proud?
3. What’s wrong with wanting to be rich?
4. How would you compare the way the men and Jesus made their choices?
5. What’s the “cup of suffering” that Jesus was talking about?
6. Why was Jesus willing to drink the cup?
7. How can we benefit today from the way Jesus chose to do God’s will 2000 years ago?
Let’s read what the Bible says about the way we should or should not exercise our will:
Luke 12:16-21
16 Then Jesus told them this parable: There was once a rich man who had land which bore good crops. 17 He began to think to himself, I don’t have a place to keep all my crops. What can I do? 18 This is what I will do, he told himself; I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, where I will store the grain and all my other goods. 19 Then I will say to myself, “Lucky man! You have all the good things you need for many years. Take life easy, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.” 20 But God said to him, “You fool! This very night you will have to give up your life; then who will get all these things you have kept for yourself?” 21 And Jesus concluded, “This is how it is with those who pile up riches for themselves but are not rich in God’s sight.”
James 4:13-16
13 Now listen to me, you that say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to a certain city, where we will stay a year and go into business and make a lot of money.” 14 You don’t even know what your life tomorrow will be! You are like a puff of smoke, which appears for a moment and then disappears. 15 What you should say is this: “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” 16 But now you are proud, and you boast; all such boasting is wrong.
Matthew 26:39
39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Discussion:
1. How would you describe the men in the 2 stories?
2. Is it wrong to be proud?
3. What’s wrong with wanting to be rich?
4. How would you compare the way the men and Jesus made their choices?
5. What’s the “cup of suffering” that Jesus was talking about?
6. Why was Jesus willing to drink the cup?
7. How can we benefit today from the way Jesus chose to do God’s will 2000 years ago?
Friday, May 27, 2011
Remember Jesus
Opening question: Can you share one of your most pleasant memories?
Read Isaiah 53:1-12
Note: Isaiah was a prophet of Israel, who lived about 700 years before Jesus was born. He gave messages from God about the corrupt condition of Israel. And he predicted the coming of Jesus 700 years later. He also spoke about the future of planet earth.
1 Who has believed what we've been saying? Who has seen the Lord's saving power? 2 His servant grew up like a tender young plant. He grew like a root coming up out of dry ground. He didn't have any beauty or majesty that made us notice him. There wasn't anything special about the way he looked that drew us to him. 3 Men looked down on him. They didn't accept him. He knew all about sorrow and suffering. He was like someone people turn their faces away from. We looked down on him. We didn't have any respect for him. 4 He suffered the things we should have suffered. He took on himself the pain that should have been ours. But we thought God was punishing him. We thought God was wounding him and making him suffer. 5 But the servant was pierced because we had sinned. He was crushed because we had done what was evil. He was punished to make us whole again. His wounds have healed us. 6 All of us are like sheep. We have wandered away from God. All of us have turned to our own way. And the Lord has placed on his servant the sins of all of us. 7 He was beaten down and made to suffer. But he didn't open his mouth. He was led away like a sheep to be killed. Lambs are silent while their wool is being cut off. In the same way, he didn't open his mouth. 8 He was arrested and sentenced to death. Then he was taken away. He was cut off from this life. He was punished for the sins of my people. Who among those who were living at that time could have understood those things? 9 He was given a grave with those who were evil. But his body was buried in the tomb of a rich man. He was killed even though he hadn't harmed anyone. And he had never lied to anyone. 10 The Lord says, "It was my plan to crush him and cause him to suffer. I made his life a guilt offering to pay for sin. But he will see all of his children after him. In fact, he will continue to live. My plan will be brought about through him. 11 After he suffers, he will see the light that leads to life. And he will be satisfied. My godly servant will make many people godly because of what he will accomplish. He will be punished for their sins. 12 So I will give him a place of honor among those who are great. He will be rewarded just like others who win the battle. That is because he was willing to give his life as a sacrifice. He was counted among those who had committed crimes. He took the sins of many people on himself. And he gave his life for those who had done what is wrong.
Discussion questions:
1. Any difficult words or phrases?
2. Name all the different personalities you can find in the verses above.
3. How is Jesus described?
4. What was His mission?
5. What are some of the results of His death (and resurrection)?
6. Who did Jesus die for?
7. How can we benefit from the death and resurrection of Jesus?
Read Isaiah 53:1-12
Note: Isaiah was a prophet of Israel, who lived about 700 years before Jesus was born. He gave messages from God about the corrupt condition of Israel. And he predicted the coming of Jesus 700 years later. He also spoke about the future of planet earth.
1 Who has believed what we've been saying? Who has seen the Lord's saving power? 2 His servant grew up like a tender young plant. He grew like a root coming up out of dry ground. He didn't have any beauty or majesty that made us notice him. There wasn't anything special about the way he looked that drew us to him. 3 Men looked down on him. They didn't accept him. He knew all about sorrow and suffering. He was like someone people turn their faces away from. We looked down on him. We didn't have any respect for him. 4 He suffered the things we should have suffered. He took on himself the pain that should have been ours. But we thought God was punishing him. We thought God was wounding him and making him suffer. 5 But the servant was pierced because we had sinned. He was crushed because we had done what was evil. He was punished to make us whole again. His wounds have healed us. 6 All of us are like sheep. We have wandered away from God. All of us have turned to our own way. And the Lord has placed on his servant the sins of all of us. 7 He was beaten down and made to suffer. But he didn't open his mouth. He was led away like a sheep to be killed. Lambs are silent while their wool is being cut off. In the same way, he didn't open his mouth. 8 He was arrested and sentenced to death. Then he was taken away. He was cut off from this life. He was punished for the sins of my people. Who among those who were living at that time could have understood those things? 9 He was given a grave with those who were evil. But his body was buried in the tomb of a rich man. He was killed even though he hadn't harmed anyone. And he had never lied to anyone. 10 The Lord says, "It was my plan to crush him and cause him to suffer. I made his life a guilt offering to pay for sin. But he will see all of his children after him. In fact, he will continue to live. My plan will be brought about through him. 11 After he suffers, he will see the light that leads to life. And he will be satisfied. My godly servant will make many people godly because of what he will accomplish. He will be punished for their sins. 12 So I will give him a place of honor among those who are great. He will be rewarded just like others who win the battle. That is because he was willing to give his life as a sacrifice. He was counted among those who had committed crimes. He took the sins of many people on himself. And he gave his life for those who had done what is wrong.
Discussion questions:
1. Any difficult words or phrases?
2. Name all the different personalities you can find in the verses above.
3. How is Jesus described?
4. What was His mission?
5. What are some of the results of His death (and resurrection)?
6. Who did Jesus die for?
7. How can we benefit from the death and resurrection of Jesus?
Friday, May 20, 2011
The Lord is my Shepherd
Opening Question: Tell us about one of your needs that you want God to provide for.
Read this Psalm out loud and slowly 3 times
Psalm 23 (ESV)
A PSALM OF DAVID
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Word Meanings:
pasture: A land covered with grass for grazing animals;
righteousness: morally upright, without guilt or sin;
rod: a stick of wood or metal;
staff: stick or cane;
anoint: apply or pour oil;
dwell: to live as a resident
Questions
1. This is the best known Psalm of all the 150 Psalms. Why do you think so?
2. Which section of the Psalm best describes your need that you shared with the group?
3. What images or emotions come to your mind when you close your eyes and think of:
- A shepherd
- Valley of the shadow of death
- Anoint someone’s head with oil
- Green pastures and still waters
- A rod and a staff
- An overflowing cup
4. Based on this Psalm, what do you think about the Personality of God?
5. Which of the promises made in the above Psalm do you need to personally claim and apply in your life today?
6. Match each row on the left from Psalm 23 with the promises of the LORD. Either draw arrows or write down the letter that matches the promise. Some of them are done for you. (It is okay to have multiple different answers.)
7.Read these verses from the New Testament that show how God fulfills the promises of Psalm 23 in Jesus Christ.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
John 7:37 If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.
John 6:35 I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 11:25 I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
Hebrews 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.
Revelations 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Read this Psalm out loud and slowly 3 times
Psalm 23 (ESV)
A PSALM OF DAVID
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Word Meanings:
pasture: A land covered with grass for grazing animals;
righteousness: morally upright, without guilt or sin;
rod: a stick of wood or metal;
staff: stick or cane;
anoint: apply or pour oil;
dwell: to live as a resident
Questions
1. This is the best known Psalm of all the 150 Psalms. Why do you think so?
2. Which section of the Psalm best describes your need that you shared with the group?
3. What images or emotions come to your mind when you close your eyes and think of:
- A shepherd
- Valley of the shadow of death
- Anoint someone’s head with oil
- Green pastures and still waters
- A rod and a staff
- An overflowing cup
4. Based on this Psalm, what do you think about the Personality of God?
5. Which of the promises made in the above Psalm do you need to personally claim and apply in your life today?
6. Match each row on the left from Psalm 23 with the promises of the LORD. Either draw arrows or write down the letter that matches the promise. Some of them are done for you. (It is okay to have multiple different answers.)
7.Read these verses from the New Testament that show how God fulfills the promises of Psalm 23 in Jesus Christ.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
John 7:37 If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.
John 6:35 I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 11:25 I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
Hebrews 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.
Revelations 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
Read John 4:4-26
4 Jesus went back to Galilee. He had to go through Samaria. 5 He came to a town in Samaria called Sychar. It was near the piece of land Jacob had given his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there. Jesus was tired from the journey. So he sat down by the well. It was about noon. 7 A woman from Samaria came to get some water. Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8 His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew. I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" She said this because Jews don't have anything to do with Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered her, "You do not know what God's gift is. And you do not know who is asking you for a drink. If you did, you would have asked him. He would have given you living water." 11 "Sir," the woman said, "you don't have anything to get water with. The well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 "Our father Jacob gave us the well. He drank from it himself. So did his sons and his flocks and herds. Are you more important than he is?" 13 Jesus answered, "All who drink this water will be thirsty again. 14 But anyone who drinks the water I give him will never be thirsty. In fact, the water I give him will become a spring of water in him. It will flow up into eternal life." 15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water. Then I will never be thirsty. And I won't have to keep coming here to get water." 16 He told her, "Go. Get your husband and come back." 17 "I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands. And the man you have now is not your husband. What you have just said is very true." 19 "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our people have worshiped on this mountain for a long time. But you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem." 21 Jesus said, "Believe me, woman. A time is coming when you will not worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know. Salvation comes from the Jews. 23 "But a new time is coming. In fact, it is already here. True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. They are the kind of worshipers the Father is looking for. 24 "God is spirit. His worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth." 25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah, who is called Christ, is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." 26 Then Jesus said, "I, the one speaking to you, am he."
1. Go over any difficult words.
2. Try to put the story into your own words.
3. Is there a conflict between men and women in your culture?
4. Does racism exist in your culture? If you think so, why?
5. How does Jesus address the two issues above?
6. What does it mean to worship God in spirit and in truth?
7. What is the relationship between worship and God and Jesus?
4 Jesus went back to Galilee. He had to go through Samaria. 5 He came to a town in Samaria called Sychar. It was near the piece of land Jacob had given his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there. Jesus was tired from the journey. So he sat down by the well. It was about noon. 7 A woman from Samaria came to get some water. Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8 His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew. I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" She said this because Jews don't have anything to do with Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered her, "You do not know what God's gift is. And you do not know who is asking you for a drink. If you did, you would have asked him. He would have given you living water." 11 "Sir," the woman said, "you don't have anything to get water with. The well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 "Our father Jacob gave us the well. He drank from it himself. So did his sons and his flocks and herds. Are you more important than he is?" 13 Jesus answered, "All who drink this water will be thirsty again. 14 But anyone who drinks the water I give him will never be thirsty. In fact, the water I give him will become a spring of water in him. It will flow up into eternal life." 15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water. Then I will never be thirsty. And I won't have to keep coming here to get water." 16 He told her, "Go. Get your husband and come back." 17 "I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands. And the man you have now is not your husband. What you have just said is very true." 19 "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our people have worshiped on this mountain for a long time. But you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem." 21 Jesus said, "Believe me, woman. A time is coming when you will not worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know. We worship what we do know. Salvation comes from the Jews. 23 "But a new time is coming. In fact, it is already here. True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. They are the kind of worshipers the Father is looking for. 24 "God is spirit. His worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth." 25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah, who is called Christ, is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." 26 Then Jesus said, "I, the one speaking to you, am he."
1. Go over any difficult words.
2. Try to put the story into your own words.
3. Is there a conflict between men and women in your culture?
4. Does racism exist in your culture? If you think so, why?
5. How does Jesus address the two issues above?
6. What does it mean to worship God in spirit and in truth?
7. What is the relationship between worship and God and Jesus?
Friday, May 6, 2011
Lord of the Sabbath
Opening Question: What do you like to do when you take time to rest?
Read Luke 6:1-11
1 Now it happened that He was passing through some grain fields on a Sabbath; and His disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating the grain. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, "Why do you do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?" 3 And Jesus answering them said, "Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him, 4 how he entered the house of God, and took and ate the consecrated bread which is not lawful for any to eat except the priests alone, and gave it to his companions?" 5 And He was saying to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." 6 On another Sabbath He entered the synagogue and was teaching; and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. 7 The scribes and the Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He healed on the Sabbath, so that they might find reason to accuse Him. 8 But He knew what they were thinking, and He said to the man with the withered hand, "Get up and come forward!" And he got up and came forward. 9 And Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to destroy it?" 10 After looking around at them all, He said to him, "Stretch out your hand!" And he did so; and his hand was restored. 11 But they themselves were filled with rage, and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
Word list:
Sabbath - the last day of the week for the Jews (Saturday).
disciples - followers.
synagogue - place of worship and fellowship for the Jews.
withered - twisted and shortened.
scribes – experts in all the religious laws the Jews had added to God’s laws.
rage – extreme anger.
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you like the most about these stories?
2. Is there anything that you don’t quite understand?
3. Say something about the scribes and the Pharisees.
4. What do you think Jesus meant in verse 5?
5. Agree or disagree: Jesus taught that it’s OK to break rules.
6. How can we apply these 2 stories to our lives today?
Read Luke 6:1-11
1 Now it happened that He was passing through some grain fields on a Sabbath; and His disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating the grain. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, "Why do you do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?" 3 And Jesus answering them said, "Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him, 4 how he entered the house of God, and took and ate the consecrated bread which is not lawful for any to eat except the priests alone, and gave it to his companions?" 5 And He was saying to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." 6 On another Sabbath He entered the synagogue and was teaching; and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. 7 The scribes and the Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He healed on the Sabbath, so that they might find reason to accuse Him. 8 But He knew what they were thinking, and He said to the man with the withered hand, "Get up and come forward!" And he got up and came forward. 9 And Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to destroy it?" 10 After looking around at them all, He said to him, "Stretch out your hand!" And he did so; and his hand was restored. 11 But they themselves were filled with rage, and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
Word list:
Sabbath - the last day of the week for the Jews (Saturday).
disciples - followers.
synagogue - place of worship and fellowship for the Jews.
withered - twisted and shortened.
scribes – experts in all the religious laws the Jews had added to God’s laws.
rage – extreme anger.
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you like the most about these stories?
2. Is there anything that you don’t quite understand?
3. Say something about the scribes and the Pharisees.
4. What do you think Jesus meant in verse 5?
5. Agree or disagree: Jesus taught that it’s OK to break rules.
6. How can we apply these 2 stories to our lives today?
Friday, April 29, 2011
A Fish Story
Opening question: Have you ever caught a fish?
Read Luke 5:1-11
1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” 5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. 8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me -- I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
Discussion:
1. Go over any difficult works or phrases.
2. Describe in your own words what happened in this story.
3. How did Jesus know where there would be so many fish?
4. Why did Peter ask Jesus to leave?
5. What did Jesus mean in verse 10?
6. How did Simon, James and John respond to the actions and words of Jesus? Explain.
7. What does it mean to you to “leave everything and follow Jesus”?
Read Luke 5:1-11
1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” 5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. 8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me -- I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
Discussion:
1. Go over any difficult works or phrases.
2. Describe in your own words what happened in this story.
3. How did Jesus know where there would be so many fish?
4. Why did Peter ask Jesus to leave?
5. What did Jesus mean in verse 10?
6. How did Simon, James and John respond to the actions and words of Jesus? Explain.
7. What does it mean to you to “leave everything and follow Jesus”?
Friday, April 22, 2011
A Parable of the Cross
Most (“The Bridge”) is a film about a father who decides he must crush to death his own son, whom he loves very much, in order to save the lives of many others. This story is a parable, because it teaches us about what God the Father did to his own Son on the cross. Isaiah 53:10 says that “it was the LORD's will to crush him.” Let us look at the story of The Bridge and see what it shows us about God and the meaning of the death of Jesus on the cross.
1. Why do you think the father is sad when he is having tea with his son? Is God ever sad? What do you think might make God sad? What do the following verses tell us about this?
The LORD saw how bad the sins of man had become on the earth. All of the thoughts in his heart were always directed only toward what was evil. The LORD was very sad that he had made man on the earth. His heart was filled with pain. (Genesis 6:5-6, NIRV)
This verse refers to a time when a good friend of Jesus died, and many people were grieving:
Jesus saw her crying. He saw that the Jews who had come along with her were crying also. His spirit became very sad, and he was troubled. "Where have you put him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied. Jesus cried. (John 11:33-35, NIRV)
2. In the film, when the train comes too early, the bridge is up and the son is trapped where the bridge must come down. The father must decide between crushing his son or letting the people on the train die. In what way is this like the decision God had to make?
All have sinned. The payment for sin is death. (Romans 3:23, 6:23)
Christ didn't have any sin. But God made him become sin for us. So we can be made right with God because of what Christ has done for us. (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIRV)
But the servant was pierced because we had sinned. He was crushed because we had done what was evil. He was punished to make us whole again. His wounds have healed us.
(Isaiah 53:5, NIRV)
How can we become healed because of what Christ has done for us?
3. In the end of the film, the father is in a new city. There he recognizes a woman from his former neighborhood, who had been on the train. She had been a drug addict, pregnant, alone, and very unhappy. But now she has a new life. She and her baby boy are healthy and happy. When the father sees this, he rejoices. How is this like the joy the Father and Jesus experience?
Jesus said: "I tell you, it will be the same in heaven. There will be great joy when one sinner turns away from sin.” (Luke 15:7 NIRV)
Jesus was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. (Hebrews 12:2, NLT)
When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, my righteous servant will be satisfied. (Isaiah 53:11, NLT)
4. The son in the film died, just like Jesus died, so that others could live. But unlike the son in the film, Jesus rose from death a few days later. He is alive. Happy Easter!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Jesus at Work
Opening question: What kind of work do you like doing?
Read Luke 4:31-43
31 Jesus went to the town of Capernaum in Galilee and taught the people on the Sabbath. 32 His teaching amazed them because he spoke with power. 33 There in the Jewish meeting place was a man with an evil spirit. 34 He yelled out, "Hey, Jesus of Nazareth, what do you want with us? Are you here to get rid of us? I know who you are! You are God's Holy One." 35 Jesus ordered the evil spirit, "Be quiet and come out." The demon threw the man to the ground in front of everyone and left without harming him. 36 They all were amazed and kept saying to each other, "What kind of teaching is this? He has power to order evil spirits out of people!" 37 News about Jesus spread all over that part of the country. 38 Jesus left the meeting place and went to Simon's home. When Jesus got there, he was told that Simon's mother-in-law was sick with a high fever. 39 So Jesus went over to her and ordered the fever to go away. Right then she was able to get up and serve them a meal. 40 After the sun had set, people with all kinds of diseases were brought to Jesus. He put his hands on each one of them and healed them. 41 Demons went out of many people and shouted, "You are the Son of God!" But Jesus ordered the demons not to speak because they knew he was the Messiah. 42 The next morning Jesus went out to a place where he could be alone, and crowds came looking for him. When they found him, they tried to stop him from leaving. 43 But Jesus said, "People in other towns must hear the good news about God's kingdom. That's why I was sent."
Word List:
Sabbath -- the day of rest for the Jews. Saturday for us.
evil spirits / demons -- angels that are constantly at war with God.
Son of God -- the second person of the Trinity (Trinity, or Tri-Unity, means 3-in-1. The Bible teaches there are 3 persons in one God -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit -- who operate in perfect harmony with each other).
Messiah -- anointed one. (Anoint means rub. Throughout time, cultures have used nice-smelling oils for various reasons, like perfume, cologne, cosmetics, burial preparation, and even in ceremonies to install their kings).
good news -- the message that we can be forgiven of all our sins, and be given power to live a new life of love.
God’s kingdom -- a system in which everyone surrenders to God and serves Him as their chosen King.
Discussion questions:
1. What was Jesus doing in the verses above?
2. How would you describe demons?
3. Say something about the different kinds of people that Jesus helped.
4. Any comments about the way Simon’s mother-in-law responded to being healed?
5. Jesus gave a lot of orders (see verses 35, 39, 41). Comments?
6. What would the world be like if Jesus was King, and everyone was serving Him?
7. How can we join Jesus, and help spread the good news about God’s kingdom?
Read Luke 4:31-43
31 Jesus went to the town of Capernaum in Galilee and taught the people on the Sabbath. 32 His teaching amazed them because he spoke with power. 33 There in the Jewish meeting place was a man with an evil spirit. 34 He yelled out, "Hey, Jesus of Nazareth, what do you want with us? Are you here to get rid of us? I know who you are! You are God's Holy One." 35 Jesus ordered the evil spirit, "Be quiet and come out." The demon threw the man to the ground in front of everyone and left without harming him. 36 They all were amazed and kept saying to each other, "What kind of teaching is this? He has power to order evil spirits out of people!" 37 News about Jesus spread all over that part of the country. 38 Jesus left the meeting place and went to Simon's home. When Jesus got there, he was told that Simon's mother-in-law was sick with a high fever. 39 So Jesus went over to her and ordered the fever to go away. Right then she was able to get up and serve them a meal. 40 After the sun had set, people with all kinds of diseases were brought to Jesus. He put his hands on each one of them and healed them. 41 Demons went out of many people and shouted, "You are the Son of God!" But Jesus ordered the demons not to speak because they knew he was the Messiah. 42 The next morning Jesus went out to a place where he could be alone, and crowds came looking for him. When they found him, they tried to stop him from leaving. 43 But Jesus said, "People in other towns must hear the good news about God's kingdom. That's why I was sent."
Word List:
Sabbath -- the day of rest for the Jews. Saturday for us.
evil spirits / demons -- angels that are constantly at war with God.
Son of God -- the second person of the Trinity (Trinity, or Tri-Unity, means 3-in-1. The Bible teaches there are 3 persons in one God -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit -- who operate in perfect harmony with each other).
Messiah -- anointed one. (Anoint means rub. Throughout time, cultures have used nice-smelling oils for various reasons, like perfume, cologne, cosmetics, burial preparation, and even in ceremonies to install their kings).
good news -- the message that we can be forgiven of all our sins, and be given power to live a new life of love.
God’s kingdom -- a system in which everyone surrenders to God and serves Him as their chosen King.
Discussion questions:
1. What was Jesus doing in the verses above?
2. How would you describe demons?
3. Say something about the different kinds of people that Jesus helped.
4. Any comments about the way Simon’s mother-in-law responded to being healed?
5. Jesus gave a lot of orders (see verses 35, 39, 41). Comments?
6. What would the world be like if Jesus was King, and everyone was serving Him?
7. How can we join Jesus, and help spread the good news about God’s kingdom?
Friday, April 8, 2011
Job Description of Jesus
Opening question: Can you describe the job you now have, or you hope to have in the future?
Let’s read about Jesus’ job description, found in Luke 4:14-22
14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Holy Spirit. News about him spread through the whole countryside. 15 He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. 16 Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. On the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue as he usually did. And he stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He unrolled it and found the right place. There it is written,
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me. He has anointed me to tell the good news to poor people. He has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners. He has sent me so that the blind will see again. He wants me to free those who are beaten down. 19 And he has sent me to announce the year when he will set his people free."
20 Then Jesus rolled up the scroll. He gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were staring at him. 21 He began by saying to them, "Today this passage of Scripture is coming true as you listen." 22 Everyone said good things about him. They were amazed at the gracious words they heard from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.
Word List:
Galilee – the region where Jesus was from.
Holy Spirit – the 3rd member of the trinity (3-in-1, Father + Son + Holy Spirit = God)
synagogue – a place where the Jews met for fellowship.
Nazareth – the city where Jesus was raised.
Sabbath – the day of rest for the Jews, Saturday.
scroll – a paper-like material that was written on, and kept rolled up.
prophet Isaiah – one of God’s messengers to Israel, who lived about 700 years before Jesus was born.
anoint – to pour or put on a perfume-like oily substance.
Scripture – the word of God, the Bible.
gracious – beautiful, pleasant.
Joseph – the step-father of Jesus (Jesus’ real father was God).
Discussion questions:
1. How would you put what Jesus said into your own words?
2. What do the following words mean to you? Poor_______ Prisoners_______ Blind_______ Beaten down________
3. Have you ever felt poor, imprisoned, blind or beaten down emotionally or spiritually? Please explain.
4. How can Jesus set people free today?
5. Has Jesus set you free in any way? If so, please share how?
Let’s read about Jesus’ job description, found in Luke 4:14-22
14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Holy Spirit. News about him spread through the whole countryside. 15 He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. 16 Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. On the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue as he usually did. And he stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He unrolled it and found the right place. There it is written,
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me. He has anointed me to tell the good news to poor people. He has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners. He has sent me so that the blind will see again. He wants me to free those who are beaten down. 19 And he has sent me to announce the year when he will set his people free."
20 Then Jesus rolled up the scroll. He gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were staring at him. 21 He began by saying to them, "Today this passage of Scripture is coming true as you listen." 22 Everyone said good things about him. They were amazed at the gracious words they heard from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.
Word List:
Galilee – the region where Jesus was from.
Holy Spirit – the 3rd member of the trinity (3-in-1, Father + Son + Holy Spirit = God)
synagogue – a place where the Jews met for fellowship.
Nazareth – the city where Jesus was raised.
Sabbath – the day of rest for the Jews, Saturday.
scroll – a paper-like material that was written on, and kept rolled up.
prophet Isaiah – one of God’s messengers to Israel, who lived about 700 years before Jesus was born.
anoint – to pour or put on a perfume-like oily substance.
Scripture – the word of God, the Bible.
gracious – beautiful, pleasant.
Joseph – the step-father of Jesus (Jesus’ real father was God).
Discussion questions:
1. How would you put what Jesus said into your own words?
2. What do the following words mean to you? Poor_______ Prisoners_______ Blind_______ Beaten down________
3. Have you ever felt poor, imprisoned, blind or beaten down emotionally or spiritually? Please explain.
4. How can Jesus set people free today?
5. Has Jesus set you free in any way? If so, please share how?
Friday, March 25, 2011
Who is Jesus?
Opening question: What does the name "Jesus Christ" make you think of?
Read Mark 2:1-12
1 A few days later, Jesus entered Capernaum again. The people heard that he had come home. 2 So many people gathered that there was no room left. There was not even room outside the door. And Jesus preached the word to them. 3 Four of those who came were carrying a man who could not walk. 4 But they could not get him close to Jesus because of the crowd. So they made a hole in the roof above Jesus. Then they lowered the man through it on a mat. 5 Jesus saw their faith. So he said to the man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." 6 Some teachers of the law were sitting there. They were thinking, 7 "Why is this fellow talking like that? He's saying a very evil thing! Only God can forgive sins!" 8 Right away Jesus knew what they were thinking. So he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? 9 Is it easier to say to this man, 'Your sins are forgiven'? Or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? 10 I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Then Jesus spoke to the man who could not walk. 11 "I tell you," he said, "get up. Take your mat and go home." 12 The man got up and took his mat. Then he walked away while everyone watched. All the people were amazed. They praised God and said, "We have never seen anything like this!"
Discussion questions:
1. Make a list of all the different people in this story.
2. What were the teachers thinking, and how did Jesus know their thoughts?
3. What is the answer to Jesus’ question in verse 9?
4. How did the 4 men demonstrate their faith in Jesus?
5. How did Jesus help the man who could not walk?
6. What are some things we learn from this story?
Read Mark 2:1-12
1 A few days later, Jesus entered Capernaum again. The people heard that he had come home. 2 So many people gathered that there was no room left. There was not even room outside the door. And Jesus preached the word to them. 3 Four of those who came were carrying a man who could not walk. 4 But they could not get him close to Jesus because of the crowd. So they made a hole in the roof above Jesus. Then they lowered the man through it on a mat. 5 Jesus saw their faith. So he said to the man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." 6 Some teachers of the law were sitting there. They were thinking, 7 "Why is this fellow talking like that? He's saying a very evil thing! Only God can forgive sins!" 8 Right away Jesus knew what they were thinking. So he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? 9 Is it easier to say to this man, 'Your sins are forgiven'? Or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? 10 I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Then Jesus spoke to the man who could not walk. 11 "I tell you," he said, "get up. Take your mat and go home." 12 The man got up and took his mat. Then he walked away while everyone watched. All the people were amazed. They praised God and said, "We have never seen anything like this!"
Discussion questions:
1. Make a list of all the different people in this story.
2. What were the teachers thinking, and how did Jesus know their thoughts?
3. What is the answer to Jesus’ question in verse 9?
4. How did the 4 men demonstrate their faith in Jesus?
5. How did Jesus help the man who could not walk?
6. What are some things we learn from this story?
Friday, March 11, 2011
Stones
Opening question: Where to you look to find complete security?
Read John 10:22-33 out loud, and then again silently:
22 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 29 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 29 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 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.” 31 Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, 32 but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” 33 “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”
Word list:
Festival of Dedication – a Jewish holiday celebrating the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians hundreds of years earlier.
Solomon’s Colonnade – an area outside the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem.
the Jews – the religious leaders of the nation of Israel 2000 years ago.
suspense – a period of waiting to find out about something; mental uncertainty.
Messiah – anointed one. Anoint means to put oil on, expressing a special blessing. In Jewish history, when a man became king they would pour oil on his head, symbolizing God’s blessing. “Messiah” is a Hebrew word, and Hebrew is the language of the Jews of Israel. In the Greek language, Messiah is translated “Christ”.
works (see verse 29) – miracles.
snatch – to grab or take away quickly.
Father – God.
blasphemy – speaking against God.
mere – being nothing more or nothing better than something else.
Discussion:
1. Retell what’s happening in this account of Jesus.
2. Why does Jesus call his followers “sheep”?
3. What does Jesus promise his followers?
4. What is the relationship between Jesus and God?
5. Why did the Jews get so angry at Jesus?
6. Do you believe Jesus was (and is) God? Explain.
Read John 10:22-33 out loud, and then again silently:
22 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 29 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 29 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 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.” 31 Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, 32 but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” 33 “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”
Word list:
Festival of Dedication – a Jewish holiday celebrating the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians hundreds of years earlier.
Solomon’s Colonnade – an area outside the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem.
the Jews – the religious leaders of the nation of Israel 2000 years ago.
suspense – a period of waiting to find out about something; mental uncertainty.
Messiah – anointed one. Anoint means to put oil on, expressing a special blessing. In Jewish history, when a man became king they would pour oil on his head, symbolizing God’s blessing. “Messiah” is a Hebrew word, and Hebrew is the language of the Jews of Israel. In the Greek language, Messiah is translated “Christ”.
works (see verse 29) – miracles.
snatch – to grab or take away quickly.
Father – God.
blasphemy – speaking against God.
mere – being nothing more or nothing better than something else.
Discussion:
1. Retell what’s happening in this account of Jesus.
2. Why does Jesus call his followers “sheep”?
3. What does Jesus promise his followers?
4. What is the relationship between Jesus and God?
5. Why did the Jews get so angry at Jesus?
6. Do you believe Jesus was (and is) God? Explain.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Alive in Christ
Read Ephesians 2:1-10 together as a group. Then take a few minutes to read it again silently:
1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil — the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Word list:
sins - the bad things we think, say or do OR the good things that we don’t think, say or do.
the devil - Satan, the evil being fighting against God and good.
inclinations - desires.
mercy - when you don’t get the punishment you deserve.
Christ - Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the word.
grace - when you get something you don’t deserve.
heavenly realms - the place where heaven is.
salvation - the process of being saved from God’s anger.
masterpiece - a beautiful work of art.
Discussion:
1. Make a list of words that sound:
Negative
Positive
2. What is our condition before we believe in Christ? And after?
3. What kind of deadness is verse 1 talking about?
4. Agree or disagree: If someone lives a good life on earth, they should be allowed to go to heaven.
5. What’s the difference between “gift” (see verse 8) and “reward” (see verse 9)?
6. What are some good things we can do after we become believers in Christ?
7. Why do we need to be “created anew” and how can that happen to us?
1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil — the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Word list:
sins - the bad things we think, say or do OR the good things that we don’t think, say or do.
the devil - Satan, the evil being fighting against God and good.
inclinations - desires.
mercy - when you don’t get the punishment you deserve.
Christ - Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the word.
grace - when you get something you don’t deserve.
heavenly realms - the place where heaven is.
salvation - the process of being saved from God’s anger.
masterpiece - a beautiful work of art.
Discussion:
1. Make a list of words that sound:
Negative
Positive
2. What is our condition before we believe in Christ? And after?
3. What kind of deadness is verse 1 talking about?
4. Agree or disagree: If someone lives a good life on earth, they should be allowed to go to heaven.
5. What’s the difference between “gift” (see verse 8) and “reward” (see verse 9)?
6. What are some good things we can do after we become believers in Christ?
7. Why do we need to be “created anew” and how can that happen to us?
Friday, February 25, 2011
You Must be Born Again
Opening question: Have you ever wished you could start life over again?
Read John 3:1-9
1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus, who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again.” 4 “How can anyone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
Discussion Questions:
1. Any difficult words?
2. How are Nicodemus and Jesus described?
3. What’s happening in this encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus?
4. What is flesh? And spirit?
5. What is the kingdom of God?
6. Why do we need to be born again to see and enter the kingdom of God?
7. What does it mean to be born again, and how can we experience this second birth?
Read John 3:1-9
1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus, who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again.” 4 “How can anyone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
Discussion Questions:
1. Any difficult words?
2. How are Nicodemus and Jesus described?
3. What’s happening in this encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus?
4. What is flesh? And spirit?
5. What is the kingdom of God?
6. Why do we need to be born again to see and enter the kingdom of God?
7. What does it mean to be born again, and how can we experience this second birth?
Friday, February 18, 2011
From Death to Life
Opening question: What is the greatest gift we can receive and give?
Read Romans 5:12-21
12 Adam sinned, and that sin brought death into the world. Now everyone has sinned, and so everyone must die. 13 Sin was in the world before the Law came. But no record of sin was kept, because there was no Law. 14 Yet death still had power over all who lived from the time of Adam to the time of Moses. This happened, though not everyone disobeyed a direct command from God, as Adam did. In some ways Adam is like Christ who came later. 15 But the gift that God was kind enough to give was very different from Adam's sin. That one sin brought death to many others. Yet in an even greater way, Jesus Christ alone brought God's gift of kindness to many people. 16 There is a lot of difference between Adam's sin and God's gift. That one sin led to punishment. But God's gift made it possible for us to be acceptable to him, even though we have sinned many times. 17 Death ruled like a king because Adam had sinned. But that cannot compare with what Jesus Christ has done. God has been so kind to us, and he has accepted us because of Jesus. And so we will live and rule like kings. 18 Everyone was going to be punished because Adam sinned. But because of the good thing that Christ has done, God accepts us and gives us the gift of life. 19 Adam disobeyed God and caused many others to be sinners. But Jesus obeyed him and will make many people acceptable to God. 20 The Law came, so that the full power of sin could be seen. Yet where sin was powerful, God's kindness was even more powerful. 21 Sin ruled by means of death. But God's kindness now rules, and God has accepted us because of Jesus Christ our Lord. This means that we will have eternal life.
Discuss the following:
1.list some things that are the opposite of something else:
Note: About 2000 years after Adam lived, God raised up a leader for the Jews, the people of Israel. His name was Moses. At one point, God gave Moses a list of rules, called the Law. The Law was supposed to govern the way the Jews were to relate to each other and to God.
2. Do you think the Law that God gave to the people of Israel was positive or negative? Explain.
3. Why is “death” compared to being like a “king” in verse 17?
4. How is God described throughout these verses?
5. How many times is the word “gift” used, and why do you think it’s repeated so many times?
6. What did Jesus do about Adam’s sin, which was passed down to his children and to the rest of the human race?
7. What is “God’s gift” and how can we receive it?
Read Romans 5:12-21
12 Adam sinned, and that sin brought death into the world. Now everyone has sinned, and so everyone must die. 13 Sin was in the world before the Law came. But no record of sin was kept, because there was no Law. 14 Yet death still had power over all who lived from the time of Adam to the time of Moses. This happened, though not everyone disobeyed a direct command from God, as Adam did. In some ways Adam is like Christ who came later. 15 But the gift that God was kind enough to give was very different from Adam's sin. That one sin brought death to many others. Yet in an even greater way, Jesus Christ alone brought God's gift of kindness to many people. 16 There is a lot of difference between Adam's sin and God's gift. That one sin led to punishment. But God's gift made it possible for us to be acceptable to him, even though we have sinned many times. 17 Death ruled like a king because Adam had sinned. But that cannot compare with what Jesus Christ has done. God has been so kind to us, and he has accepted us because of Jesus. And so we will live and rule like kings. 18 Everyone was going to be punished because Adam sinned. But because of the good thing that Christ has done, God accepts us and gives us the gift of life. 19 Adam disobeyed God and caused many others to be sinners. But Jesus obeyed him and will make many people acceptable to God. 20 The Law came, so that the full power of sin could be seen. Yet where sin was powerful, God's kindness was even more powerful. 21 Sin ruled by means of death. But God's kindness now rules, and God has accepted us because of Jesus Christ our Lord. This means that we will have eternal life.
Discuss the following:
1.list some things that are the opposite of something else:
Note: About 2000 years after Adam lived, God raised up a leader for the Jews, the people of Israel. His name was Moses. At one point, God gave Moses a list of rules, called the Law. The Law was supposed to govern the way the Jews were to relate to each other and to God.
2. Do you think the Law that God gave to the people of Israel was positive or negative? Explain.
3. Why is “death” compared to being like a “king” in verse 17?
4. How is God described throughout these verses?
5. How many times is the word “gift” used, and why do you think it’s repeated so many times?
6. What did Jesus do about Adam’s sin, which was passed down to his children and to the rest of the human race?
7. What is “God’s gift” and how can we receive it?
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Prodigal Son
Opening question: Can you think of anyone who has lived, or is living, a wild and crazy life?
Read and look over the following story that Jesus told:
11 "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger son spoke to his father. He said, 'Father, give me my share of the family property.' So the father divided his property between his two sons. 13 Not long after that, the younger son packed up all he had. Then he left for a country far away. There he wasted his money on wild living. 14 He spent everything he had. Then the whole country ran low on food. So the son didn't have what he needed. 15 He went to work for someone who lived in that country, who sent him to the fields to feed the pigs. 16 The son wanted to fill his stomach with the food the pigs were eating. But no one gave him anything. 17 Then he began to think clearly again. He said, 'How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food! But here I am dying from hunger! 18 I will get up and go back to my father. I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven. And I have sinned against you. 19 I am no longer fit to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers." 20 So he got up and went to his father. While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him. He was filled with tender love for his son. He ran to him. He threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattest calf and kill it. Let's have a big dinner and celebrate. 24 This son of mine was dead. And now he is alive again. He was lost. And now he is found.' So they began to celebrate." (Luke 15:11-24)
Discussion questions:
1. Try to retell the story, putting it into your owns words.
2. How would you describe the son?
3. What do you think is one of the key words in this story? Explain.
4. Make a list of all the actions of the father toward his prodigal son.
5. In what way was the son "dead" and how did he come "alive again"?
6. How does this story illustrate man’s relationship with God?
7. As this story illustrates, what do we have to do before our relationship with God can be restored?
Read and look over the following story that Jesus told:
11 "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger son spoke to his father. He said, 'Father, give me my share of the family property.' So the father divided his property between his two sons. 13 Not long after that, the younger son packed up all he had. Then he left for a country far away. There he wasted his money on wild living. 14 He spent everything he had. Then the whole country ran low on food. So the son didn't have what he needed. 15 He went to work for someone who lived in that country, who sent him to the fields to feed the pigs. 16 The son wanted to fill his stomach with the food the pigs were eating. But no one gave him anything. 17 Then he began to think clearly again. He said, 'How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food! But here I am dying from hunger! 18 I will get up and go back to my father. I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven. And I have sinned against you. 19 I am no longer fit to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers." 20 So he got up and went to his father. While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him. He was filled with tender love for his son. He ran to him. He threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattest calf and kill it. Let's have a big dinner and celebrate. 24 This son of mine was dead. And now he is alive again. He was lost. And now he is found.' So they began to celebrate." (Luke 15:11-24)
Discussion questions:
1. Try to retell the story, putting it into your owns words.
2. How would you describe the son?
3. What do you think is one of the key words in this story? Explain.
4. Make a list of all the actions of the father toward his prodigal son.
5. In what way was the son "dead" and how did he come "alive again"?
6. How does this story illustrate man’s relationship with God?
7. As this story illustrates, what do we have to do before our relationship with God can be restored?
Friday, January 7, 2011
the boy Jesus
Opening Question: What was the highlight of your winter vacation?
Take turns reading the verses in Luke 2:41-52
41 Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. 42 When he was 12 years old, they went up to the Feast as usual. 43 After the Feast was over, his parents left to go back home. The boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But they were not aware of it. 44 They thought he was somewhere in their group. So they traveled on for a day. Then they began to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45 They did not find him. So they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courtyard. He was sitting with the teachers. He was listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at how much he understood. They also were amazed at his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were amazed. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been worried about you. We have been looking for you everywhere." 49 "Why were you looking for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand what he meant by that. 51 Then he went back to Nazareth with them, and he obeyed them. But his mother kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart. 52 Jesus became wiser and stronger. He also became more and more pleasing to God and to people.
Word List:
Passover Feast – a major holiday for Jewish people 2000 years ago, and today as well.
Jerusalem – spiritual capital of Israel, and the city where Jesus was crucified (killed on a cross).
Temple courtyard – the place outside the temple in Jerusalem, where the people of Israel, the Jews, worshipped God.
Father – another word for God. The Bible tells us there is one God, with 3 personalities (or titles) – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are all equally the one, true Creator of the universe, the Trinity.
Nazareth – a small city, about 65 miles north of Jerusalem, where Jesus grew up.
Discussion:
1. How would you retell this story, using your own words?
2. Based on the story, what kind of child was Jesus?
3. Agree or disagree: Jesus was being disrespectful toward his parents.
4. What do you think Jesus’ parents were thinking and feeling when they realized he was missing?
5. What was Jesus doing in the temple; why did he end up there?
6. Which was more important to Jesus – his relationship to his “father” or his “Father”? Explain.
7. Just about all we know about the next 18 years of Jesus’ life is found in verse 52. How do you think he was pleasing to God and to people?
Take turns reading the verses in Luke 2:41-52
41 Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. 42 When he was 12 years old, they went up to the Feast as usual. 43 After the Feast was over, his parents left to go back home. The boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But they were not aware of it. 44 They thought he was somewhere in their group. So they traveled on for a day. Then they began to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45 They did not find him. So they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courtyard. He was sitting with the teachers. He was listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at how much he understood. They also were amazed at his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were amazed. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been worried about you. We have been looking for you everywhere." 49 "Why were you looking for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand what he meant by that. 51 Then he went back to Nazareth with them, and he obeyed them. But his mother kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart. 52 Jesus became wiser and stronger. He also became more and more pleasing to God and to people.
Word List:
Passover Feast – a major holiday for Jewish people 2000 years ago, and today as well.
Jerusalem – spiritual capital of Israel, and the city where Jesus was crucified (killed on a cross).
Temple courtyard – the place outside the temple in Jerusalem, where the people of Israel, the Jews, worshipped God.
Father – another word for God. The Bible tells us there is one God, with 3 personalities (or titles) – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are all equally the one, true Creator of the universe, the Trinity.
Nazareth – a small city, about 65 miles north of Jerusalem, where Jesus grew up.
Discussion:
1. How would you retell this story, using your own words?
2. Based on the story, what kind of child was Jesus?
3. Agree or disagree: Jesus was being disrespectful toward his parents.
4. What do you think Jesus’ parents were thinking and feeling when they realized he was missing?
5. What was Jesus doing in the temple; why did he end up there?
6. Which was more important to Jesus – his relationship to his “father” or his “Father”? Explain.
7. Just about all we know about the next 18 years of Jesus’ life is found in verse 52. How do you think he was pleasing to God and to people?
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