Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Sorry. Check the date.

I made an update to an earlier posting and this caused it to come to the top.  When you use the questions, please pay attention to the chapter referenced as they are now a bit out of order.  Sorry.

Also sorry for the late posting today.

PH

Ash Wednesday - Matthew 23

Wednesday, February 13 - Ash Wednesday - Matthew 23
This chapter comprises a sharply worded discourse by Jesus, criticizing the religous practices and lifestyle of the Pharisees and Saducees, the religious leaders of Jesus' day. These words serve as a caution to all of us not to use religion as a basis for judging others or for lording one's position over others.
23:1-12 What is Jesus warning against in this section? The religious leaders created many rituals and extraneous laws which went beyond God's intentions. Does anyone do that today?
The religous leaders sometimes used their religion for "show" -- have you ever done this?
Who are those in our world today who see titles in prideful fashion? When have you experienced "greatness" by being the servant of others?
23:13-32 This section contains seven "woes". What does each "woe" warn against?
13-14
15
16-22
23-24
25-26
27-28
29-32
What does Jesus mean when He calls the religious leaders "whitewashed tombs?" (v. 27)
23:37-39 Note Jesus' deep love for His people despite their failings and faults. He years to gather them as a mother bird gathers her chicks. How are these words both a worning and a comfort?

Join us for church this evening at 7 pm.


Thursday, January 31 - Matthew 14


Thursday, January 31  -  Matthew 14

 

 

14:1-12            Anger and resentment will sometimes take people to extreme places.   Herodias hated John for pointing out her sin.  She takes extreme measures to get retribution.   Have you ever been so angry with someone that you wanted revenge?  How did it consume your spirit?

 

Herod makes a foolish oath to give Herodias’ daughter anything?  Have you ever promised something foolish?   How did it affect you?

 

14:13-21    This miracle is recorded in all four Gospels.  Why do you think this is such a significant moment in the eyes of the disciples?  What does it say about God’s ability to provide even in the hardest circumstances?  How might it have strengthened the disciples faith for the journey ahead?

 
 

14:22-32          At what point does Peter (whose name literally means “rock”)  begin to sink (like a “rock”)?   Think back on a time when you took your eyes off Jesus and began to sink?  How did Jesus bring rescue to you?

 
 

14:35-36     What does the behavior of the people reveal about their belief in Jesus?  What does it say about Jesus’ power?

Wednesday, February 13, 2013 - Matthew 23 (P)

Wednesday, February 13 -  Ash Wednesday - Matthew 23
 
 
 
This chapter comprises a sharply worded discourse by Jesus, criticizing the religous practices and lifestyle of the Pharisees and Saducees, the religious leaders of Jesus' day.  These words serve as a caution to all of us not to use religion as a basis for judging others or for lording one's position over others.
 
 
23:1-12   What is Jesus warning against in this section?   The religious leaders created many rituals and extraneous laws which went beyond God's intentions.  Does anyone do that today?
 
The religous leaders sometimes used their religion for "show" --  have you ever done this?
 
 
Who are those in our world today who see titles in prideful fashion?  When have you experienced "greatness" by being the servant of others?
 
 
23:13-32   This section contains seven "woes".   What does each "woe" warn against?
 
13-14
 
15
 
16-22
 
23-24
 
25-26
 
27-28
 
29-32
 
What does Jesus mean when He calls the religious leaders "whitewashed tombs?"  (v. 27)
 
 
23:37-39   Note Jesus' deep love for His people despite their failings and faults.  He years to gather them as a mother bird gathers her chicks.   How are these words both a worning and a comfort?
 

Join us for church this evening at 7 pm.
 


Monday, February 11, 2013

Tuesday, February 12 - Matthew 22


Tuesday February 12th- Matthew 22

 

22: 1-14

This section describes a great banquet where the invited guests did not come. Did this ever happen to you? What did you do?

 

God invites all people to His wedding banquet, but not all come. Think about the far-reaching measure of God’s grace and how He has invited you.

 

Who is the man without wedding clothes? What does it say about the man that, though the master had wedding clothes, he did not bother to take them?

 

 

22:15-22 

How is our responsibility to earthly government established by God? How does our earthly responsibility pale in comparison to our heavenly responsibility?

 
22:23-33

 Why would the Saducees, who do not believe in the resurrection of the dead, ask Jesus this question?

 

What does Jesus mean when He says, “they will be like the angels in heaven?” Does this mean we will have wings and fly?

 

If the resurrection does not focus around marriage, what is the focus? (see v. 32)

22:34-40 

Jesus summarizes the Law by using the word “love.” To what extent is “love” an adequate summary of God’s Law? Can the Law be characterized as “loving?”

 
22: 41-46 

How can it be that Jesus is both the Son of David and the Lord of David? Think about the mystery of the incarnation, and ponder this question.
 

What attitude or conception of the Messiah do the people show in v. 42? Earthly king or heavenly king?

Monday, February 11, 2013--Matthew 21


Monday February 11th

 

Monday February 11th- Matthew 21

21:1-11

 

Jesus enters Jerusalem in a very lowly way. Why do you think He chose such an entrance, when He deserved the glory of a king?

 

21:12-17

 

Why were the chief priests and teachers angry when Jesus did these things? What was Jesus saying by His actions?

 

21:18-22

 

In cursing the fig tree, Jesus is teaching a lesson about not bearing fruit. What is the fruit that God requires of us?

 

What do Jesus’ words say about the power of prayer?

 

21:23-27

 

What is Jesus’ point in asking this question? Is He trying to trap the Pharisees, or teach them something?

 

21:28-32

 

This is a very clear condemnation of the Pharisees and their behavior. Think back to John and his message. What was their reaction to John? Has their reaction changed, now that Jesus is the main figure?

 

21:33-46

 

Identify the people in this parable. Who is the Son, and who are the tenants?

 

Jesus says clearly that the kingdom of God will be taken away from the Jews and given to someone else. Why is this happening? To whom is it given?