Often when a popular leader - a pastor, a politician, a teacher - retires from office, somethng slips. What made Joshua such an effective replacement?

Israel served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the LORD had done for Israel.

~Joshua 24:31

Joshua was an effective replacement for Moses because he not only was taught by Moses as to how to be a great leader, but he carefully watched every bit of Moses' moves so he could become an effective leader

Priscilla

After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.  There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.  Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks

~Acts 18:1-4

Why did Priscilla and Aquila leave Rome and come to Corinth?  What effect did this order of Claudius have on the spread of the gospel?

• Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome
• a great effect; many Jews were persecuted

Paul had not only his faith but also his occupation in common with Priscilla and Aquila.  Describe the special camaraderie you have with those who share your occupation and your faith.

• When you have a friend who has the same job and beliefs as you do, it is very easy to warm up to them.  You can even speak about things in your field on a higher level than you probably could with most other people

Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.  They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.

~Acts 18:18-19

Priscilla and Aquila left Corinth and went with Paul to Ephesus.  Would you be willing to move if God told you to do so to spread the truth of the gospel?  Why or why not?  Why would it be difficult or easy for you to make such a move?

• yes, if it was his will for me to do so. 
• I think it would be easy because I am a Christian with a strong faith

When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined.  But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.

~Acts 18:20-21

Priscilla and Aquila asked Paul to stay with them and "spend more time with them" in Ephesus.  Perhaps they wished him to stay in order to learn more from him.  But it is also possible that they were concerned for him and wished him to stay in order to give him the comfort of their home and companionship.  Read I Corinthians 16:19 to find out what Priscilla and Aquila did in Paul's absence.

• This is what I Corinthians 16:19 says:
  
  The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.
  
  They became leaders of a church

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.  He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.  He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

~Acts 18:24-26

Apollos needed further instruction in the truth, and Aquila and Priscilla took on the task.  Note the way in which Priscilla and Aquila instructed him.  What wisdom can you gain from Priscilla and Aquila's example of quietly taking Apollos aside to instruct him?

• being more constructive in my criticisms

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus.  They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

  Greet also the church that meets at their house.

Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.

~Romans 16:3-5

It appears that Priscilla and Aquila are now back in Rome; moving from Rome to Corinth to Ephesus and back again.  Priscilla moved a lot, but she obviously served wherever she lived.  How can you apply her example to your life?

• In a way, it does seem easy to apply her example to my life.  I have also moved a lot in my life and have served my church wherever I lived

What does Paul here claim that Aquila and Priscilla did for him?

• They risked their lives for him by giving him shelter

Have you ever risked your life for anyone?  Have you ever experienced hardship in order to advance the cause of the gospel?  Describe what happened.

• In either case, I don't think I have done either of those things

What have you learned about Priscilla that helps you understand why Paul entrusted her and Aquila with leading a church in their home?

• she has thoroughly stayed faithful to God's word

Note that every time Aquila and Priscilla's names appear, they appear together, sometimes one first, sometimes the other.  What sort of couple does this make you think they were?

• A loving couple that always worked together
  

What arguments have you heard Christians use for or against wars?

The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them, slain, over to Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots.”

~Joshua 11:6

mostly - and this might be of a quaker influence, although I am not one myself - I've heard Chrisitans be against wars because of their violence

Lydia

From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis.  From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.

  On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there.

~Acts 16:11-13

In ancient times, when there was no synagogue in a city, it was the custome of those who worshiped the true God to gather for prayer outdoors preferably near running water.  Describe the scene crated in your mind when you read verse 13.

• a group of women are gathered at the river where the disciples will preach to them

What is your place of community worship like?  Where do you think your community would gather for worship if you had no church building?

• small and in the countryside
• we would probably worship in a park

One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God.

~Acts 16:14a

What does the first part of this verse tell you about Lydia?  Which of the things you know about Lydia from these few words would you consider most important?

• that she sold dyed cloth in the markets
• that she was a worshiper of God

Try to consturct a sentence about yourself similar to this one about Lydia.  Which of the things you list about yourself do you consider your most important characteristic?

• One of those listening was a woman from the city of Elizabethville named Sarah, a teacher in music. She was a worshiper of God.
• that I am a worshiper of God

The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

~Acts 16:14b

What do you think is meant by the words, "The Lord opened her heart to respond"?  If you have experienced something similar, what were the circumstances and what was your response?

• Lydia became filled with the Holy spirit
• to me, it happened through singing a hymn and I was overcome with emotion

When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

~Acts 16:15

Lydia responds to the gospel message with two actions.  what are they?

• she becomes baptized and invites Paul and the disciples to her home

How did she persuade Paul and his companions to stay at her house?  Why do you think she was so anxious for them to stay with her?

• she sort of challenges them saying "If you consider me a believer in teh Lord."
• She was excited and over joyed of her new life upon her

After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.

~Acts 16:40

When Paul and Silas got out of prison, they immediately went to Lydia's home again.  What does this verse say the did there?  They had been beaten severely (verse 23) and put in stocks in prison (verse 24); however, they respond not by complaining or moaning over their circumstances but by encouraging the believers in Philippi.  How do you think Lydia and her fellow believers responded to what Paul and Silas had to say to them?

• they encouraged the believers that were there, including Lydia
• they were probably sad to hear what happened to them but glad that they are still alive

It can be difficult to minister to others when your own problems and troubles are overwhelming.  How can you be an encouragement to those around you inspite of your own trials?  Mare than that, how can you be an encouragement to those around you because of your trials?

• by giving thanks to God inspite of your shortcomings
• people are able to learn from your trials
  

Do ou know anyone with real vision? If so, what do they see that others don't?

I am actually stumped on answering this question.  If you read this, then I give you a challenge to think up an answer using Joshua 7 and commenting with your answer below.

Dorcas

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.

~Acts 9:36

Describe what sorts of things you think Dorcas was probably doing.  Compare the verse with Acts 10:38.

• let's take a look at what Acts 10:38 says:
  
  

  how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

  I would have done exactly this

If someone were to write such a verse about you, what would it say?  Are you pleased with the statement?  What could you do to improve on it?

• In Elizabethville there was a disciple named Sarah (in Hebrew her name is Princess); she was always doing good and helping the poor.
• yes
• nothing

About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room.  Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

  Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

~Acts 9:37-39

Why do you think the disciples of Joppa wanted Peter to come?  What picture does this verse give of Dorcas's activities for the poor?  Who does it appear she especially helped?

• The knew Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and could possibly raise Dorcas from the dead
• she helped many people that were in need, especialy those that were alone

The help Dorcas provided was an essential part of her character.  She had the gift of helping.  Even if you don't have that particular gift, are there ways you can reach out to the needy, helping to meet their needs on your own or through your church or community?

• I am usually a very helpful person, but if I think about one thing, I think I would say helping to serve food

Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.  He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.

~Acts 9:40-41

Describe what you think the scene was like when Peter brough Dorcas back to her friends and neighbors.

• Those that ere mourning were fill with joy and praise

Have you ever experienced such an event?  What were the circumstances?  How did you feel?

• I don't believe I have experienced something like this on that level

This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.

~Acts 9:42

What sort of response did people have to Dorcas's miracle?

• they were very suprised

God was definitely glorified through Dorcas's life, death, and resurrection.  What if Dorcas had not been raised?  Would God still have been glorified?  How?

• It is possible that God still would have been glorified, I believe Peter would have had a harder time getting the people to come to God had it not been for Dorcas's resurrection

Mary Magdalene

At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.  And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

  When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.”

  Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.

  With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.

  The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.  And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

  Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome.

~Mark 15:33-40

Why do you think these women went and watched Jesus die on the cross?  What drew them?  Imagine, if you can, how they reacted when they saw he was dead.

• they were followers of Jesus and they cared for their teacher very much
• I imagine they were greatly filled with sorrow

Would you have gone to the cross?  Would you have watched "from a distance" or stayed at home?  Try to imagine yourself there.  Does this image change anything about what you feel for Jesus?

• yes
• I would have watched from a distance
• I always feel full of sorrow on Good Friday so I would say that my feelings have not changed

In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.

~Mark 15:41

What do you think these women might have done for Jesus?  How do you think they "cared for his needs??  Why would all of these women follow Jesus to Jerusalem?  What do you think they saw in Jesus that they didn't see in other men?

• listened to His teaching and washed his feet
• they believed in his teaching
• they saw that he brings the truth and will give himself to suffer and die for us

It is very likely that these women knew following Jesus to Jerusalem could be dangerous, but they went anyway.  Would you still follow Jesus anywehre if it meant danger to you or to your family?

• yes

It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.  Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died.  When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph.  So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.  Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.

~Mark 15:42-47

Why were the two Marys interested in where Jesus was buried?  What might have they been planning to do?

• to help prepare the body for burial
• pray for his prophesy

Again, put yourself as a woman in this event.  Would you have followed all the way to Jesus' tomb?  What might have you been feeling besides grief?

• yes
• anxiousness

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.  So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

  So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb.  Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.  He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in.  Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.  Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.  (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

~John 20:1-9

What did Mary think had happened to Jesus?  Why was Jesus' resurection so hard for them to believe?

• That his body had been taken away
• because they ouly thought him as a human being instead of a divine being

Would Jesus' resurction from the dead have been hard for you to believe?  Why or why not?

• I think I would have reacted the same as Mary because I probably would have thought someone would have taken his body as well before the time of his resurection

Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

  Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb  and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

  They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”  At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

  He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

  Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

~John 20:10-16

Why do you think Mary didn't recognize Jesus?  What made her recognize him?  Why would Jesus' speaking her name make her know it was really him?

• she was to scared that the worst was true
• he spoke her name
• She thought Jesus was the gardener and she didn't know who the gardener was at all

Do you think God knows you by name?  If you're not sure, read Isaiah 43:1.

• of course I do and I hold this scripture to be true:
  

  But now, this is what the LORD says—
  he who created you, Jacob,
  he who formed you, Israel:
  “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
  I have summoned you by name; you are mine.



Are you more like Mary or like Martha? Why do you think Jesus Preferred Mary's way?

Just to clarify, if you are unclear of the question, by "Mary's way", we are talking about the fact that she (Mary) listened to Jesus' teachings while Martha hussled around to make sure everything was perfect for her visitors.  It seems that I will be answering these two questions in a backwards fashion today.  To answer the first question, I think I would be more like Mary than Martha.

The Widow With The Two Coins

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.

~Mark 12:41

Why would Jesus watch people putting money into the offering?  What do you think he was looking for?

• to see who is more generous in giving to the church

Picture yourself in this scene: You're in the temple, putting your offering into the receptacle.  You don't know it, but Jesus is watching.  What does he see?

• he sees a person giving willingly and faithfully out of thanksgiving

But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

~Mark 12:42

The trumpet-shaped receptacles for offerings were made of metal.  Compare the difference between the sound of the widow's offering with the sound of the offerig of the rich.  Who do you think was most noticed by the crowd?  Who did Jesus notice?

• the crowd notices the rich, but Jesus notices the widow

What did Jesus see about the woman that others in the crowd missed?  What might Jesus see about you that others around you might miss?

• a thankful woman despite her financial issues
• a person with many gift she can give to the wolrd

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.  They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

~Mark 12:43-44

What was significant about the widow's offering?  Why do you think Jesus pointed the widow's offering out to his disciples?  What did he want them to think, to understand?

• she gave all the money she had to the church
• that she had great faith in God

How does the widow's offering compare to the offering that Jesus was about to make?  What was similar about it?  What was different?

• close to the same
• Both won't be giving much
• Jesus doesn't give anything

In one sentence, summerize what the Holy Spirit is teaching you through this story.

• Don't be afraid to give everything you have to God
  

What does it mean to pray "in Jesus' name"? How can your life have the power and authority of Jesus behind it?

“Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

~Luke 10:16

To pray "in Jesus' name" means that you are giving your pray - whatever it may be about - to Him and that yo utrust his authority based on your faith in him.  Your life has the power and authority of Jesus behind it all based on what you say in your prayer.  If you believe that he will answer it, then you have the reason to not feel defeated in this world.  Life never comes easy, but through prayer, the power of Jesus always comes to save.

Salome, Mother of The Zebedees

Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

    “What is it you want?” he asked.

She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

~Matthew 20:20-21

What did James's and John's mother really want?  Do you think she was asking only for honor for her sons, or did she also want something for herself?

• honor for her sons\

How do you react when your child is honored?  How do you react when your child is passed over for some honor?  How are you like Salome?

• with great happiness
• a little disappointed but still happy for the other person
• I act just as hopeful as she does

“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”

“We can,” they answered.

  Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”

~Matthew 20:22-23

What "cup" is Jesus talking about here?  Do you think the disciples answered the question glibly or seriously?

• his ministry?
• they answered the question seriously

Would it be wise to prevent all suffering in the lives of your children?  Why or why not?

• not really because we all must endure a time of sorrow or defeat to learn any lessons in life

When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.

~Matthew 20:24

Why were the other disciples upset with James and John instead of with James's and John's mother?  Do you think James and John had some part in their mother's actions?

• Because James and John were not saught out by Jesus
• no

If you had been there, what would you have said to Salome?  Have you ever said something similar to the mother of one of your child's friends, perhaps not to her face but at least to yourself?  Why are mothers so eager to protect and elevate their own children?

• I probably would have reacted with the same answer
• I am not a mother yet, so this question doesn't exactly apply to me right now
• They want to make sure that they have everything they need in life

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—

~Matthew 20:25-27

With these words, Jesus totally overturns the natural reaction of his culture and ours.  How do you think his disciples and Salome reacted to his words?  What do you think Salome might have been thinking at this point?

• they probably felt stood corrected
• how thankful she was for Jesus' words

How easy or hard is it for you to play the role of servant?  Define servant leadership.  What has to change in your life for you to truly become a servant leader?

• pretty easy, I guess
• leading a group of people to help serve others
• nothing that I can think of at this point
  

Why do you think the Bible include accounts of big failure like this? Have you ever experienced a repeated failure, a sin or problem that keeps returning, no matter what you do?

 Because you did not serve the LORD your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity, therefore in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and dire poverty, you will serve the enemies the LORD sends against you. He will put an iron yoke on your neck until he has destroyed you.

~Deuteronomy 28:47-48

It's not so much a sin really, but I keep feeling like I'm failing at finding a job these days.  I try and I try to apply to all sorts of different places, but it always seems that everyone wants someone better experienced than me

Mary of Bethany

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

  When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.  “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

  Jesus wept.

  Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”

  But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

~John 11:32-37

Why is Mary crying here?  How does Jesus react to her grief?

• her brother is dead
• he felt both sorry and troubled

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.  “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

  Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

  So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.  I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

  When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”  The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

~John 11:38-44

Put yourself in Mary's place in this scene.  Your brother, who lives with you and supports you, has died and then is raised.  No information is given on the reactions of the sisters or the crowd.  How do you think they reacted?  How would you react?

• with pleasant suprise
• I think I would have racted the same way

Have you ever had something that caused you grief suddenly change to joy?  A sickness healed?  A child returned?  How did you react?  Whom did you thank?

• yes I think I have. 
• I reacted with great suprise and thanked God for it

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.  Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.  Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

~John 12:1-3

What do you think caused Mary to make such an extravigant gesture?

• she was thankful of Jesus miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead

If you were to make a year's worth of your wages (see John 12:5), what would you do with it for Jesus?

• here is what John 12:5 says:
  
  

  “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.”
  

   I can only thinK I would have done the same thing Mary did

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected,  “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.”  He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

~John 12:4-6

We're told exactly why this use of expensive perfume bothered Judas so much.  What word best describes it here?

• worry

How Sincere are you?  Like Mary?  Like Judas?  Somewhere in between?  If Jesus came to your home for dinner, what would you do to express your love for him?

• I think that I am more like Mary  when it comes to being sincere. 
• I would welcome him in with great kindness and treat him just like Mary did

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.

~John 12:7

Do you think Mary had any idea that this act of devotion was preparation for Jesus' burial?  How do you think she might have reacted to his statement?

• Not really
• with great suprise

You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

~John 12:8

Did Jesus mean we should ignore the poor and pay attention only to him?  If not, what exactly did he mean?

• not at all!
• that you will always have physical beings around you, but the person holding divinity will soon not be physically around

The poor are among us yet today, and so is Jesus, through the Holy Spirit.  What can we do to help the poor?  What can we do to acknowledge Jesus' presence to our world?

• feed them and give them clothing
• praise him through prayer 

Martha

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.

~Luke 10:38

What do the words "opened her house" tell you about Martha?

• that she was very welcoming

When have you opened your home to someone?  Not just had them over for coffee or a meal, but let them use your house as their own?  Opened your heart to them as well as your home?  Describe the person adn the circumstances.

• Since I still live with my parents, I can't exactly recall having a situation like this in my life.  If I were on my own right now, anyone that would be close to me would be more than welcome to stay

Hospitality is listed as a gift in I Peter 4:9.  Do you have the gift of hospitality?  How do you use it?

• I believe I do.  I would treat any of my guests like they were a part of my own family

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

~Luke 10:39

Describe what you think this scene looked like.

• I see the whole group in a dining area where Mary sits at Jesus' feet, the desciples are listening to his teachings and Martha is rushing around making sure everything is going well for her guests

Compare Mary and Martha.  Which woman are you more like?

• There are times when I'm like either woman.  Like Mary, I'm a good listener to anyone that may heed me advice or just wants to talk.  On the other hand, I can be like Martha, where I want to make a good impression for my guests or friends that are visiting.

Often, this story puts Martha in a negative light and Mary in a possitive one.  Do you think that's fair?  Why or why not?

• In a way I think it is because Martha didn't need to worry about impressing Jesus.  He would have been just as content with the dwelling's current condition no matter what and if his desciples had griped about it.  He would have rebuked them.  Martha should have been listening to Jesus' teachings just like her sister Mary

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

~Luke 10:40

Martha was pretty frank with Jesus.  What does that tell you about her relationship with him?  Why do you think she complained to Jesus instead of going directly to Mary?

• that she can be pretty impatient
• She probably complained to Jesus instead because she thought Mary wouldn't listen to her sister

If you were honest with Jesus, more honest than you've ever been before, what would you say to him?

• I would tell him anything that I would feel very uncomfortable telling anyone else I know

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

~Luke 10:41-42

What was Jesus trying to tell Martha?

• Not to worry and to just relax and listen to his teaching

If Jesus were to come to visit you today, would you busy yourself with preparation, as Martha did, or sit at his feet, like Mary?  Which position would you be more comfortable with?

• I think I would be more like Mary, sitting at his feet.  I also think I would be more comfortable with this position

What in your life would Jesus think is a distraction from spending more time with him?  Would he think these distractions were anymore legitimate than Martha's?

• I guess I would say the liesure reading I do all the time. 
• Probably not

As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.”

~Luke 11:27

We often study Martha and see her shortcomings.  However, this statement, made after her brother, Lazarus, had died, reveals another side of Martha.  What does her declaration here tell you about who Martha really was?

• deep inside, she was a true believer of God
  

The Syrophoenecian Woman

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.  A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”

~Matthew 15:21-22

What about these words makes it obvious that the woman and her daughter were both suffering?

• when she asked Jesus to have mercy on her

If your child were the one possessed, how woudl you aproach Jesus for healing?  What would you say?  How would you act?

• I would probably do the same exact thing the Syrophoenecian woman did

Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

~Matthew 15:23

Why do you suppose Jesus at first ignored the woman?  What was her response?

• It could be possible that he thought she had enough faith that her daughter would be healed on her own
• I think she was suprised by his unresponsiveness, so she tried to keep gettinghis attention

Was it ok for the woman to keep "crying out"?  Why or why not?

• sure, because she was probably wanting to see a miracle performed

He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

  The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.

  He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

~Matthew 15:24-26

The woman was not an Isrealite.  What might have been her response to Jesus' statement that he had come "only to the lost sheep of Isreal"?  Why do you think she didn't give up?

• suprise
• she wanted to see her daughter healed

How persistent are you in prayer?  Do you give up easily?  Or do you keep praying until you get a definite answer?

• I keep praying until I get a definite answer

“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

  Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

~Matthew 15:27-28

What was meant by the "crumbs" in verse 27?  What was the woman saying?

• the crumbs are individual people
• that everyone matters in this world

What was Jesus' response?  Why did he responsd in the way he did?

• he was very please because he was testing her faith

When have you asked for little and received much?  Were you suprised?  How often do we settle for the "crumbs" when Jesus really wants to give us the whole loaf?

• It probably happened a while ago but yes I believe I acted very suprised. 
• We probably only settle for so little on a very minimal basis, but we probably should do it more often

Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

~Matthew 15:23, 28

What is the difference between how the disciples responded to the woman and how Jesus ultimately responded to her?

• the disciples didn't want to be bothered whereas Jesus was willing to elp

When a needy person approaches you, do you respond like Jesus or like his disciples?  How do you respond if the person is emotionally needy - continually sticking close to you, interupting your conversations with others, asking questions you can't answer, and generally wanting more than you wish to give?

• I do my best to respond more like Jesus
• I don't think I have encountered all these situations, but when someone is emotionally in need of me, I do my best to be a good friend and provide them with any answers they might be seeking to the best of my ability and if I can't think of a good personal answer, then I ask them to pray about the situation
  

As Luke tells it, Jesus threatened the rich and powerful, but appealed to the poor and outcast. If Jesus came today, how would those two groups in our society respond to him?

Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

~Luke 5:31

I think it could be possible that they would have the same response as they did in his time

Joanna

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him,

~Luke 8:1

What do you think this part of Jesus' ministry was like?  Describe what you think his disciples may have done throughout the course of a day.

• I would think extremely busy, but I'm sure he enjoyed doing what he was donig very much
• They followed him wherever he needed to go, discussed a vast amount of topics with him and listened to his teachings

To whome do you minister in the course of your day?  What people around you need the sort of ministry spoken of in this verse?  Keep in mind that while Jesus was traveling and proclaiming the good news he was also healing the sick and "doing good" (Acts 10:38).

• I don't exactly do any spiritual ministering at the current moment, but if it counts, I minister to children on various educational subject almost every weekday
• many people that have doubts about God's existence

and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;  Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

~Luke 8:2-3

What sorts of diseases might Jesus have cured in these women?  What was their response?  Jesus healed many people, most of whom thanked him adn praised God for their healing.  But these women were beyond mere thanks to very practical acts of gratitude.  Why do you think they responded this way?

• one in particular that I can think of is leprousy
• pure awe
• because they believe the healing to be a miracle

Have you ever been healed of a sickness?  Have you ever been saved from a life-threatening situation?  Have you ever found relief from low spirits or evil spirits or depression?  Who brought about your delieverance?  What practical acts of gratitutde can you, like Joanna and the other women, do in response?

• whenever I was sick, the sickness went away on it's own
• no
• yes, from my best friend
• spend more time with that friend

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.  They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.  In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?  He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:  ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”  Then they remembered his words.

  When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.  It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.

~Luke 24:1-10

Joanna took care of Jesus during his life, supporting him with her work and her money.  Now she is planning ot take care of him in his death.  What does she find instead?

• the tomb was empty and Jesus was risen from the dead

Have you ever been totally suprised by a turn of events?  Especially something that you thought that was going to be terrible that turned out to be wonderful?  What was your response?

• yes, I would feel very excited about a certain sort of bad news turning into good news

But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.  Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

~Luke 24:11-12

Why didn't the disciples blieve what the women told them?  Do you think if you had been there you would have thought it was "nonsense" also?  What other reaction might you have had?

• because they wanted to see with their own eyes that they were telling the truth
• no
  

To what is God asking you to say yes? What sacrifice may be involved?

I believe he is asking me to say yes to evangelizing to others.  The sacrifice involved would be giving up some of my time that I would normally utilize for other things.

Think of a time in your life when an "old era" ended and something quite new began: a move, a marriage, a new job or perhaps an experience with God. What made this change difficult? What made it joyful? How was God involved?

I will talk about the time that I moved here to Pennsylvania.  I moved here from Wisconsin at the end of my second grade year.  What made this change difficult was that I had to leave any friends I made behind, however, the joyful part was that I got to make new friends.  The way that God was involved in this experience was that he was providing my dad with a new job that he liked.

Herodias

For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married.  For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

~Mark 6:17-18

Why do you think Herod had John put in prison?  Because he wanted to please his wife or because he was angry and afraid of John himself?

• He wanted to please his wife

When someone confronts you with something that is wrong in your life, how do you respond?

• My response will be told how I feel about the situation

So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.

~Mark 6:19-20

Note the different responses to John recorded in these verses.  What do these responses tell you about Herod and Herodias?

• that they have different views as to what should happen to John

Which response is more like yours when confronted with sin?  Are you like Herodia - sulking and wanting to get even with those who reveal your sin or failings?  Or are you like Herod - willing to listen, curious about what the other person has to say?

• I would say that I am more like Herod

Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.  When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.

The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.”  And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”

~Mark 6:21-23

What do you think Salome's dance must have been like to produce such an extravigant promise from her stepfather?

• it must have looked pretty seductive

Have you ever promised something to someone that you later wished you hadn't?  What did you do?

• Usually if I make a promise, I stick with it because I feel like i owe something to somebody

She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?”

“The head of John the Baptist,” she answered.

  At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”

~Mark 6:24-25

Have you ever plotted, like Herodias, to get your own way?  How does that make you feel about yourself?  Are you pleased when you get your own way, or is the result less that satisfying?

• I don't think I'm going to doubt that I have plotted to get my own way.  It's probably not right, but yes, usually when I get my own way, it is pretty satisfying

The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.  So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother.  On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

~Mark 6:26-29

What other response could Herod have given?  Was he obligated in some way to fullfill his promise or could he have told her to come with another, more reasonable request?

• there probably wasn't much he could say because he felt obligated to follow his wife's wishes

When have you done something you later wished you hadn't simply because of the pressure of those around you to do it?  What would have been a better response?

• I'm not actually sure if I have been pressured to do something to the similar point that Herod was pressured.  Had I been pressured like he was, I would have done my best to stand my ground 

Read over the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 5. How do they help us? What "rights" are they protecting?

Be careful to obey all these regulations I am giving you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the LORD your God.

~Deuteronomy 12:28

To somewhat refresh our memories, this is what the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 5 (:6-21) say:

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

“You shall have no other gods before me.
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.
“Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
“You shall not murder.
“You shall not commit adultery.
“You shall not steal.
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

The help us by telling us how to live our lives faithfully to God.   I guess we could say that they are protecting our individual rights for humanity and its possessions to be respected

The Woman With The Issue of Blood

So Jesus went with him.

A large crowd followed and pressed around him.  And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years.  She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse.

~Mark 5:24-26

Choose three words that best describe the kind of suffering experienced by this woman who had been bleeding for twelve long years.

• pain, sadness, frustration

When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak,  because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”  Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

~Mark 5:27-29

Probably this woman accidentally touched otherse in the crowd when she was trying to get to Jesus.  What do you think the crowd would have said or done if they had known she was sick and was unclean?  What did it take for this woman to accept such a risk?

• I think they may have screamed in outrage
• she probably had lots of guts to do what she did

Mark says this woman was thinking "If I just touch his cothes, I will be healed."  What does this tell you about this woman?  How does this relate to Jesus' statement in verse 34 that her faith has healed her?

• she was confident in what she needed to do
• she had faith

At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”

  “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”

  But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done ti.

~Mark 5: 30-32

How do you think Jesus knew someone had touched him?  Obviously, the touch of this woman was different from the other touches by those around him.  What made it different?

• he felt some power leave him

Describe how you might feel if you had the opportunity to actually touch Jesus physically. Is there anything about this woman - her suffering, her actions, her healing - that reminds you of yourself?  What is it?

• I would feel very excited about having that opportunity
• unfortunately, I can't think of anything at the moment

Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth.

~Mark 5:33

Why do you think this woman was afraid to admit she was the one in the crowd who had touched Jesus and been healed?

• maybe she thought someone would be able to spot or recognize her and know that she is unclean

Think of a time when something very special or miraculous happened to you.  Were you eager or hesitant to share it with others?  Why?

• I'm pretty sure I was very eager to share it with others because it was the first time I had the chance to spend some special time with someone

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

~Mark 5:34

Why does Jesus call this woman "daughter"?  How do you think the woman felt when Jesus spoke these words to her?

• being Christian is being part of one big family where Jesus, as God the Son, is more or lesss like a father to us
• she probably felt overjoyed

This woman had tried everything in order to be healed.  When Jesus came to her village, she knew she had another option.  How often do you try every other option to solve a problem before turning to God?  Is he often a last resort for you?  What would be a better way?

• I probably do it more often than necessary.  I try not to make God a last resort to turn to, but I probaby should go to him quicker than what I have been doing

When do you think most about God: when things are going well or when you are in trouble?

and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

~Deuteronomy 8:13-14

I would say when I'm more in trouble than not.  However, I should do it at either time

The Woman Who Lived A Sinful Life

When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.  A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.

~Luke 7:36-37

What do you think the woman was looking for when she came in to see Jesus at Simon's house?  Attention?  Forgiveness?  An opportunity to express her love?  Do you think everyone at the dinner knew who and what she was?

• Forgiveness
• yes

Describe what sort of feelings this woman might have had as she entered the house.  When have you felt that way?  Were you brave enough to continue like the woman did, or did you stop?  Describe the situation and your actions.

• She was probably feeling weary and full of sorrow.  Yess I have felt this way before, but as of when is hard to remember.  I believe I did continue on because it is best to get the worst behind you. There could have been a time when I said something hurtful and I didn't really mean it, but after thinking things over, I would feel bad for saying what I said, and I would go back and apologize to that person.

As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

~Luke 7:38

Put this extravigant scene into your own words.  Why do you think the woman acted this way?

• She knelt down at his feet and wept.  Her tears beagan to soad the flesh on his feet.  She mopped up the tears she made with her hair, kissed his feet and doused them with perfume.
• She must have realized taht Jesus was a sinless man and she wanted to be forgiven by him

How willing are you to be totally transparent in your worship?  What would need to happen to make you as open in expressing your love for Jesus as this woman was?

• very willing
• at the current moment, nothing needs to happen

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

~Luke 7:39

Describe the pharisee's attitued toward Jesus and toward the sinful woman.

• he felt doubt towards Jesus and disgust towards the sinful woman

Who are you more like: the judgemental pharisee or the broken woman?

• I would say that I am more like the broken woman

Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

    “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.  Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

  Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

~Luke 7:40-43

What did Jesus want Simon to understand from this story?  Do you think he did?

• that those with deeper wrongs should be forgiven first
• yes

In what ways can you be understanding and sympathetic towards those whose lives have been shattered by sin, like this woman?  Towards those whose lives are characterized by judging otherse, like the pharisee?  Who needs forgiveness more?

• by forgiving them
• the sinful woman

Picture yourself as this sinful woman.  Who has been like Jesus to you?  Who has acted toward you like the pharisee?

• my two best friends
• people that were jealous of me in high school

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.  You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.  You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.  Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

  Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

  The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

  Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

~Luke 7:44-50

Jesus here talks about this woman using her as an example to teach something to Simon.  What do you suppose she was thinking at this point?

• she was probably shocked that Jesus was defending her

Have you ever been made an example, good or bad, for others?  How did you feel?

• yes, and sometimes that made me feel more important
  

Put yourself in the disciples' place. How would you have responded to news of Jesus' death? Would you have believed in him still?

And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

~Mark 15:39

I may have responded with very deep sorrow, but I most certainly would have believed in him

The Woman of Samaria

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”  (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

  The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

~John 4:7-9

What makes it obvious that the Samaritan woman was suprised by Jesus' request?

• that Jews and Samaritans don't associate with each other

This woman, an outcast because of her race and her lifestyle, found acceptance in Jesus.  When have you associated with someone considered an outcast or befriended someone that wasn't part of your group?

• I think the first time I associated with someone taht could have been considered an outcast was probably in seventh grade.  This girl wasn't the brightest of the bunch, nor the prettiest of girls, but also her family life at home wasn't so great either

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

  “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?  Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

  Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,  but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

  The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

  He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

  “I have no husband,” she replied.

Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband.  The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

~John 4:10-18

Do you think the woman understood what sort of water Jesus was speaking of here?  Looking at her lifestyle, what do you think she was really thirsty for?

• no, she was probably just thirsty for regular water

What have you used to try to fulfill your spiritual thirsts?  Clothes?  Family?  Carer?  Recreation?  Christ?

• I think I have used Christ to fulfill my spiritual thirsts by talking to him through prayer

“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet.  Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”

    “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.  You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.  Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

~John 4:19-24

The woman abruptly changes the subject here.  Was she really interested in the answer or was she more interested in moving the topic away from her lifestyle?

• I think she was possibly interested in Jesus' answer to her previous question

Is it hard for you to face up to the areas of your life that need changing?  What tactics do you use to keep the light of God's work and spirit away from your weaknesses and sins?

• sometimes
• prayer

The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

  Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

~John 4:25-26

This is the very first time Jesus acknowledges exactly who he is.  Why do you think he would choose to tell this woman, an outcast of society, instead of the leaders of Jewish religion and culture, or even his own desciples?  Do you find his action delightful or just a bit distasteful?

• because God helps out those who are mistreated first
• I find his action delightful

Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

  Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people,  “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?”  They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

~John 4:27-30

What one part of their conversation convinced the woman that Jesus was who he said he was?

• when Jesus said "I am he"

What convinces you of the truth and validity of Jesus' claims?  If you could meet him at a well, as this woman did, what would you ask him?  What would convince you that he is what he said he is?

• the fact that he says we will thirst no more spiritually if we believe in him
• The only thing I can think is "Is it really you?", but in a way, that makes me feel like I'm talking like I don't believe in him, which is not true at all
• the way he would speak to me

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.”  So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days.  And because of his words many more became believers.

  They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

~John 4:39-42

What does the Samaritan woman do when she realizes who Jesus is?

• she tells the people of the town she is from

Once we've accepted the truth of Jesus' claims to be the Christ, what is the best response for us to make?  How often do we actually respond in the way the Samaritan woman responded, and with as much enthusiasm?

• we should respond with as much joy as the Samaritan woman had, and we probaby should do this more often

Who is in your inner circle? How does your inner circle treat those who are outside?

I would say that the people that are in my inner circle are those that are a part of my family and those that are my closest frieinds.  Any of these people are god people and they would treat those outside of that circle with warmth and kindness.

Anna

When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

~Luke 2:22-24

What does their careful observance of the Law of Moses tell you about Joseph and Mary?

• that they were God-fearing people

What about your life reveals your Christian committment?

• Everyday, I take some time to read from a devotional which takes about a couple of minutes and then I read a chapter from whatever certain book I am reading from the bible.  On a weekly basis, I go to church every sunday morning and go to church choir rehearsals.  On about a monthly (or so) basis, I help volunteer with fundraisers or events being held at my church

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.  Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

  “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
  which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

~Luke 2:25-32

What did Simeon's words reveal about himself?  What did they reveal about Jesus' life and ministry?

• that he was a very devout man and was ready to meet God in heaven
• the he was going to save us from all our sins

The promise Simeon held onto was that he would see the Christ before he died.  If you knew death were near, what would you like to see God accomplish before you died?

• to have me be accepted in a job somewhere

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.  Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

~Luke 2:33-35

What do you think Simeon meant when he told Mary that "a sword will pierce your...soul"?

• that she will become brokenhearted at his death

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

~Luke 2:36-37

Describe what you think Anna's lifestyle was like.

• she probably had a pretty simple lifestyle where she dedicated her love to the Lord

What about Anna's lifestyle wish were true of your own?  What can you do to make that happen in your life?

• I would say that I probably wish I did more fasting by eating some lighter meals

Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

~Luke 2:38

What do you think Anna said about Jesus?  How do you think the crowd that listened responded?

• that he is the light of the world and will bring us salvation
• they responded with amazement

If an Anna were to have spoken (prophesied) about you when you were six weeks old, what would she have said?

• she will be a great and loving person to all and will make a difference in this world
  

Mary, The Mother of Jesus

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

~Luke 1:26-35

Put the angel's greetings in to your own words.  Why do you think this greeting troubled Mary?

• "Hello, Mary.  I have come to bring you news from teh Lord."
• She was unsure if this was good news or bad news.

If an angel were to visit you today, what sort of greeting do you think he would give you?  What would the greeting reveal about your character and about your relationship with God?

• I think he would give me the same kind of greeting that Mary received
• If God has made me highly favored of Him, then he sees that I am a good person and abide by what he says

Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.  For no word from God will ever fail.

~Luke 1:36-37

What two things does the angel tell Mary In these verses?  Why would he tell her about Elizabeth?  Why would he tell her that "nothing is impossible with God"?  Didn't Mary already know this?

• Elizabeth is going to have a child and God's word will never fail
• so that Mary could be assured that she was not alone

If truly "nothing is impossible with God," what area of your life or circumstance do you need to turn over to him?  What is keeping you from doing this?

• that he will show me the way to someone that will make me happy in love
• my impatience

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

~Luke 1:38

What does Mary's response tell you about her?  Do you think at this point she truly realizes what her future holds?  How will the attitude apparent in these words help her in the difficult times in the future?

• that she is not afraid of God's plan
• yes, and her attitude will help her be strong in the future

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to their own town to register.

  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

~Luke 2:1-7

These words are so familiar and the story so well-known.  The birth of God on earth becomes commonplace, ordinary.  Reread these verses, considering while you do the emotions Joseph and Mary must have experienced, what they might have said to each other, how they might have prayed.  Then contemplate the actual event: not just the birth of a baby but the birth of the Christ!

• Both Mary and Joseph must have been full of many emotions.  They were probably both very excited and very scared at the same time as probably most couples are when their child is about to come to the world.  Joseph for sure was probably constantly reassuring Mary that they will find a place for the baby to be born, and they both probably prayed that they would find that place soon and that it would be in a safe part of town.

Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.  When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom.  After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.  Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.  When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him.  After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.  Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.  When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

    “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”  But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

  Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.  And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

~Luke 2:41-52

Who does Mary call Jesus' father?  Who does Jesus say his father is?  Why is this significant?

• Joseph
• God
• Jesus in a way has two fathers.  One earthly and one spiritual

Verse 51 says Mary and Joseph "did not understand" what Jesus meant by what he said to them.  However, verse 51 says that Mary "treasured all these things in her heart."  Contrast the two verses.  What do you think is meant by "treasured"?

• Mary might have been upset with Jesus, but she still loved him no matter what
• she loved every day she she spent with him
• eventhough Mary was upset with Jesus, she still loved him no matter what

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.  When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,”  and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

~John 19:25-27

It is pretty hard to put into words the agony Mary must have been experiencing as she watched her son die.  Seeing her distress must have added to Jesus' torment.  What does this scene tell you about their relationship?

• that they loved each other very much as mother and son

Watching a son or daughter die is perhaps the most painful experience known to the human race.  Where is the only place one can go to find some comfort when such painful events enter our lives?  Why?

• God, because he understands all of our pain and will comfort us at any time we are at our lowest