June 9-14
Continuing in Mark …
June 9: Read Mark 10-12
1. (12:1-12) What is Jesus’ message in this parable of the tenants? Why, in your opinion, does this cause the priests to take action toward arresting Jesus?
2. (12:28-34) What is the great commandment which Jesus shares with a questioning scribe? Why do you think obedience to this two-part commandment would be more important to Jesus than burnt offerings and sacrifices?
3. (11:15-19) Jesus cleanses the temple at Jerusalem. He overturns the tables of money changers and the chairs of those selling pigeons. Why do you think He did this? What might Jesus want to overturn in your life to cleanse it? Will you let him?
4. (12:41-44) Why does Jesus approve of the widow’s offering of two coins? Are you giving willingly out of your poverty? Are you giving generously out of your wealth?
5. (10:17-31) This conversation between Jesus and the rich young ruler serves as an example to His disciples as well as to us about the danger of riches. Which of your riches (material possessions, friends, goals, talents) might be standing between you and God? What can you be doing to remove this barrier?
6. What stood out to you from today’s reading?
June 10: Read Mark 13-16
1. (13:12-13) Have you seen families divided over their belief in Jesus? How do you think God feels about this?
2. (14:53-65; 15:1-5) Look again at the way Jesus stood before Caiaphas and Pilate. What do you admire about Jesus? What puzzles you about his behavior?
3. (14:32-42) Has there been a time in your life when you felt like Jesus in Gethsemane, when you cried to God and felt forsaken by Him? Talk to God about that time. How did that time affect your relationship with Him? What did you learn about God, your Father? What did you learn about yourself?
4. (15:39) What moved the centurion to pronounce, “Surely this was the Son of God”? (What finally moved you to that realization?)
5. (16:14-18) How does the risen Jesus both scold and encourage the disciples? What commission does Jesus assign to His disciples and to us? How might you “preach the gospel” in your world today?
6. What stood out to you from today’s reading?
June 11: Week 3 Continued - The Gospel of Luke
The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man” (Luke 23:47).
To whom is salvation available? Can I believe the details of Christ’s life? What roles do prayer and the Holy Spirit have in my life? Luke wrote, “… it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have taught.” (1:3,4)… Luke’s purpose is just as valid for us 2000 years later. This gospel account is so detailed! Luke was a self-conscious and meticulous historian, as well as a trained physician, and his literary skills present a firm historical foundation for faith in Jesus Christ. His biography of Jesus is also an account of the beginning of the church, a history which is continued in the book of Acts.
Luke’s gospel is characterized throughout by a strong note of joy, a note which four times breaks into hymns of praise: the Mary’s song (1:46-55), the benediction of Zechariah (1:68-79), the proclamation of the angels (2:14), and the pronouncement of Simeon (2:29-32). The source of this joy is Luke’s message to the world: God’s salvation is available to all people through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Luke also emphasizes the importance of prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit. The selection of stories reflects Luke’s own warm interest in people–the sick, the helpless, the poor, the social outcasts, the children, and, in a striking way, the women of that day. Two of Luke’s favorite phrases are “preach the gospel” and “salvation”–phrases which summarize the character of Jesus’ ministry and the content of His message. The portrait which Luke paints of Jesus is that of perfect manhood: He is “Son of man” as well as “Son of God.”
As you read Luke’s account, look for these themes: 1) The universal relevance of the message of Jesus Christ 2) The joyful tone of praise 3) The perspective and portraits of women 4) The emphasis on prayer that Jesus’ life modeled 5) The sensitivity to a Gentile audience 6) Luke’s careful work as historian
June 11: Read Luke 1-3
1. (1:11-20) Consider Zechariah’s reaction to the angel’s news. Do you think it’s irreverent? Understandable? Surprising?
2. (2:8-20) The shepherds respond to the angels and their message in three stages. What are these three stages? Have you experienced any of them, and if so, which one(s) and when?
3. (3:7-18) What is John’s message? Describe his approach.
4. (1:26-38) Think about the issue of an unmarried mother at this time. What do Mary’s reactions reveal about her character? Has there ever been a time when you’ve had to struggle between having people’s approval and submitting to God? If so, which did you choose? What was the outcome?
5. (1:46-56) How might you describe the emotions behind Mary’s song? Why does she praise God? Which of those reasons can you also praise God for?
6. What stood out to you from today’s reading?
June 12: Read Luke 4-6
1. (4:28-30) Imagine this scene–what kind of emotions might people be feeling? Can you imagine the scene, the people, the noise level? What do you think of how Jesus handled the excited mob?
2. (5:12-13) Who asks for healing in this passage? How does Jesus respond? Why might Jesus’ touch be significant to a leper? Imagine the inner healing caused by that simple gesture.
3. (4:1-6) What is going on in these six verses? What does Jesus’ example teach about the value of knowing Scripture? What comfort do you get from reading that Jesus was tempted–just as you are?
4. (4:42; 5:16; 6:12) What significant pattern emerges? Is this a pattern of your life? Should it be? If you think so, start today!
5. What stood out to you from today’s reading?
June 13: Read Luke 7-9
1. (8:22-25) What do you imagine the disciples feeling as they woke Jesus? What happened to their faith?
2. (9:46-48) What do you think Jesus felt when he heard the disciples’ argument? Jesus and His disciples obviously had different definitions of greatness, what do you think they learned here? What does this teaching mean?
3. (7:41-47) Why did the woman “who had lived a sinful life” love Jesus so deeply? Why do you love Jesus? How have specific instances of His forgiveness increased your love for Him?
4. (9:57-62) What excuses do these people have for not following Jesus? What excuses do you have for not following Him today?
5. (8:19-21) How does Jesus identify His mother and brothers? How might you look like a mother or brother to Jesus today (in other words, what part of Jesus’ teaching will you put into practice today)?
6. What stood out to you from today’s reading?
June 14: Read Luke 10-12
1. (10:30-37) What question is Jesus answering with the story of the Good Samaritan? What is Jesus’ answer?
2. (10:38-42) How do Martha and Mary respond to Jesus’ presence in their home? Which behavior does Jesus commend and why? Do you feel you tend to act more like Mary or Martha?
3. (12:13-21) According to Jesus, what are right and wrong attitudes toward material possessions?
4. (11:5-13) Why does the man give his friend bread? Why might God be willing to give us what we request? Is there any reason not to approach God? How certain can you be that He will answer?
5. (11:37-54) What is Jesus’ message when he compares the Pharisees to the cup and dish? What might be a modern equivalent to the hypocritical actions and appearances of the Pharisees? Does your inner life correspond to the image you project when you’re gathered with other Christians?
6. What stood out to you from today’s reading?