I mentioned in my previous post how wonderful the first class was last week. I totally underestimated what was going to happen. Again, this is true not only in our study but also in the other two taking place.
Without question I was most impressed with the preparation of those in my class. It seemed that everyone had read and re-read the text in Luke 1 & 2 and had come fully ready for discussion. Our discussion was great and I can only imagine what it will be like next week.
I hope you were impressed as well at the core message found when we looked at the lives of the characters in Luke 1 & 2. Though flawed, they all seemed to have a heart for God and were therefore prepared to be used by Him for amazing things. They are truly outstanding examples of discipleship from whom we could learn much.
As to the upcoming week, below is the text and some of the questions we will consider. If you check this out and have some pre-class comments or questions, please post them so we can all share our thoughts and idea.
As we focus our attention this week on John the baptizer we can't avoid the "radical" example he provides for us as disciples of Jesus. May God continue to inspire us through His word and by His Spirit.
Luke 3:1 – 4:15
Questions To Consider
1) If you were an orthodox Jew listening to John the Baptist, how would you react to what he said? Shock? Surprise? Agreement?
2) What images did John use in his preaching, and what was their significance?
3) What unique things does Luke mention about John’s teaching on repentance? Can you think of similar emphasis elsewhere in the gospel?
4) Were John’s converts forgiven, absolutely and finally? Justify your answer?
5) React to this statement: the “baptism” of the Spirit was just a way of describing the overwhelming arrival of the Spirit, like the submerging in water of baptism.
6) Compare what Luke tells us about the Holy Spirit and Jesus in 3:22-4:21 with similar material in Matthew and Mark. What is Luke telling us?
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The preparation and study beforehand made the class today totally awesome. The new seating format greatly added to the discussion. Irene's comment about Matthew being written for men and Luke for women showed great insight.
ReplyDeleteI agree totally with your observation. I had not previously considered the more feminine view of Luke's approach. It is something I will pay closer attention too in the future. I don't really think it is as much a female versus male audience as it is the sensitivity of Luke from an inclusive perspective. Neveretheless I will look more deeply for this as we continue our study. I know the participation in the class will inspire me to greater preparation in the weeks to come.
ReplyDeleteWe just wanted to say that Sunday morning's class was excellent! We agree with Tom that the new seating arrangement added to the discussion. It was more intimate and it lends itself well to sharing our thoughts. It was touching to see the emotion on your face when you realized that we had done our "homework" and came prepared to discuss.
ReplyDeleteWe are looking forward to next Sunday's class!
I like the way you're assigning homework! I can't remember a time when so many people can't wait for Bible class. Are we morons for not trying this sooner? I sure feel like one! I think the temptation of Jesus is the second most powerful story in the Bible, second only to the Passion. How cool is our saviour!
ReplyDeleteJ. is the question about being morons a trick question? (Ha!) I am greatful God is so patient with us and allows us the opportunity to experience His blessings as we seek to follow Him more completely. We are all certainly "a work in progress". I'm also experiencing a personal infusion of the joy of the Holy Spirit brought on by the excitement of so many who are really getting into these discussion classes. No question that there is a renewed desire to grow in Jesus.
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