Luke 8:1-15 - Parable of the Sower

Midweek Bible Study – for personal use or small groups

Prayer: Holy Spirit, open our hearts and minds to this sacred scripture. Inspire us with Christ’s teaching and enable us to apply His lesson in our daily lives. In His Name, we pray. Amen.

Background:   Primarily, Jesus was a radical teacher who came with new ideas, words, and ways of God’s Kingdom. His stories, which He called ‘parables,’ were meant to make His people think deeply about their faith, their commitment to God, and how they actually practiced the religion they frequently professed. Those challenges still confront us and today’s passage will cause us to honestly reflect on what we believe about Jesus and how we apply those beliefs in our own lives.

                        Jesus belonged to an agricultural society, so this parable would have connected with the ordinary lives of a lot of His people. In today’s complicated and technological world, we may miss some of what Jesus expressed, especially if we only take a superficial glance at the text. Hopefully, this study will create a more thoughtful response to Christ’s teaching and cause us to seriously reflect on our faith commitment to Him.

The Text (read this inwardly once and then read aloud together if in a group. Highlight or underline anything that impacts you or causes you to question what the passage is conveying).

Luke 8:1-15 – The Parable of the Sower

1 Afterward, Jesus and His twelve disciples journeyed throughout the towns and villages to proclaim the good news of God’s Kingdom.

2-3 Some women joined them who had been cured of demonism and diseases: Mary Magdalene who had suffered from seven evil spirits; Joanna, Chuza’s wife who was the steward of King Herod; Susanna and several others. These women supported Christ and the disciples from their own resources.

4  As a large crowd gathered from the different towns, Jesus told them this parable:

5-6 “A farmer went out to sow some seed. As he scattered it, some seed landed on the path where it was trampled down, so the birds consumed it. Some fell among the rocks, so when it emerged, the shoots withered because there was no moisture.

7-8 Other seed fell into thorns, which eventually choked the young plants. But the rest of the seed landed on good soil. It came up to produce a crop, a hundred times more than was originally sown.”

Jesus ended the parable with these words “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

9-10 Later, the disciples asked Jesus what the parable meant. He said, “Knowledge about the secrets of God’s Kingdom has been taught to you, but to the rest, I speak in parables, so that,

“‘Though looking, they may not see; though listening, they may not understand.’

11-13 “This is what the parable means: The seed is the Word of God. Those on the path are the ones who initially hear, but then the devil comes to take away God’s word from their hearts; they become unbelievers and are not saved. Those among the rocks are the ones who joyfully receive God’s word but they have no spiritual depth. They believe for a little while, but when tested, they soon fall away. 

14-15 The seed that landed on the thorns symbolizes those who hear, but eventually they are consumed by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, so they do not grow. However, the seed on good soil represents those with integrity and goodness, who hear God’s word, embrace it, and faithfully produce a crop.

The Study: Take your time going through each question section and write down some notes or answers. If in a small group, discuss each question together. Take turns in asking the questions and make notes of what the others are sharing.

Luke 8:1-15 – The Parable of the Sower

1 Afterward, Jesus and His twelve disciples journeyed throughout the towns and villages to proclaim the good news of God’s Kingdom.

What does the ‘good news of God’s Kingdom’ mean to you? What do you think it meant to the people in Christ’s time?

2-3 Some women joined them who had been cured of demonism and diseases: Mary Magdalene who had suffered from seven evil spirits; Joanna, Chuza’s wife who was the steward of King Herod; Susanna and several others. These women supported Christ and the disciples from their own resources.

Why do you think Luke mentioned the women who followed and supported Jesus? What aspects of their lives surprise you? How is their service modeled in our churches today?

4  As a large crowd gathered from the different towns, Jesus told them this parable:

5-6 “A farmer went out to sow some seed. As he scattered it, some seed landed on the path where it was trampled down, so the birds consumed it. Some fell among the rocks, so when it emerged, the shoots withered because there was no moisture.

7-8 Other seed fell into thorns, which eventually choked the young plants. But the rest of the seed landed on good soil. It came up to produce a crop, a hundred times more than was originally sown.”

Jesus ended the parable with these words “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

What did Jesus tell stories to His people? How did they receive them? How important are story-tellers in our churches today? How are we nurturing faith story-tellers in our congregations?

9-10 Later, the disciples asked Jesus what the parable meant. He said, “Knowledge about the secrets of God’s

Kingdom has been taught to you, but to the rest, I speak in parables, so that,

“‘Though looking, they may not see; though listening, they may not understand.’”

What secret knowledge did Christ give to His disciples and why was He being so selective? How did they use that knowledge? Where do we find that knowledge being taught and used in our own lives?

11-13 “This is what the parable means: The seed is the Word of God. Those on the path are the ones who initially hear, but then the devil comes to take away God’s word from their hearts; they become unbelievers and are not saved. Those among the rocks are the ones who joyfully receive God’s word but they have no spiritual depth. They believe for a little while, but when tested, they soon fall away. 

What warnings was Jesus giving to His disciples with this explanation of His parable? How would it affect their own future ministries? Why was this an important lesson for the first Gospel readers to learn? Where do we see these things happening in the church today?

14-15 The seed that landed on the thorns symbolizes those who hear, but eventually they are consumed by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, so they do not grow. However, the seed on good soil represents those with integrity and goodness, who hear God’s word, embrace it, and faithfully produce a crop.

How do these last two examples of the seed represent your life? How hard is it to remain faithful when we are beset with personal problems? What happens to our faith when greed, worry, or insecurity affect us?

How has our faith been fruitful? What opportunities is God giving us now to share and grow our faith?

Any other comments or questions?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank You for challenging us today. We know that we could be better Christians and more faithful followers of Your ways. Help us to reflect on our individual lifestyles which may hinder us from growing spiritually. Show us some new ways of deepening our relationship with You. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

Share the Peace of Christ with one another before you leave.

Monday 22nd June Bible Study for 28th June

Summer Sunday School

Passages for Sunday June 28th

Psalm 30:6-12 and Mark 5:24-34

Read Psalm 30:6-12

Background       Psalm 30 is a song of deliverance. This meant that the writer expressed his thanks to God for saving him from a serious, life-threatening event. The subtitle of the psalm suggests that it was written by King David and that years after his death, when the Temple was being dedicated, it was sung during the initial ceremony. It may have been sung in memory of the great king, or perhaps as a reminder to everyone that the prime function of the Temple was to be a sacred place where the people could make their personal heartfelt prayers directly to God.

Questions

a)      In verse 6, the psalmist mentions how his prosperity had made him secure. Has his wealth displaced God?

b)      How had God’s favor established his fortune? What happened when he felt that God had turned his back on the psalmist?

c)       What indications do we get from the psalm which reveal to us that the writer was experiencing a serious life-threatening issue? Have we ever experienced something similar?

d)      What is the outcome of the psalmist’s prayer? How would his experience help other people pray to God?

e)      Has there been a time or event when our own lives have been endangered? How did it affect our faith in God?

Read Mark 5:24b-34

Background       This Gospel event happens as Christ walks to the home of Jairus, in order to heal his ailing daughter. An old woman in the crowd, who has a chronic illness, reaches out and touches Jesus in order to be cured of her disease. It is the last desperate act of someone who has tried everything else to be healed. She has faith in Christ’s power, but because she has become an introvert, she does not want to draw any attention to herself.

Questions

a)      The passage tells us that the diseased woman had spent everything she had on being cured by physicians, but none of their remedies worked. What do you think this did to her confidence and how would it have affected her financially?

b)      Where do you think she heard the reports about Jesus? What do you think was said about Him?

c)       What did the woman propose to do? What made her reluctant to ask Jesus for help?

d)      How does Jesus react to what she did? Why does He want her to publicly reveal her act? How did the woman feel at this?

e)      The story shows us the power of faith. In times of sickness or suffering, how does our faith in Christ heal us? How can we share that faith in Him with others who are ill or suffering?

Summer Sunday School - June 21

Summer Sunday School

Passages for Sunday June 21st

Psalm 107:1-9 and Mark 4:35-41

Read Psalm 107:1-9

Background       Psalm 107 begins the fifth section of the Book of Psalms. It is a lengthy psalm which presents a ‘Cliff Notes’ version of the history of the Hebrew people. It was written at a perilous time when the people of God doubted if they could continue. The psalmist helps his people recall the past goodness of God during previous difficult years. The purpose of the psalm is to strengthen their faith by relying upon God, Who has never deserted them.

Questions

a)      How do we give thanks to God? What moments of deliverance and blessing have we known from God in our lives?

b)      What causes people to wander away from God? What brings them back to Him?

c)       Why did God deliver the Hebrew people from their past distresses? How has that deliverance affected us today?

d)      How does God satisfy our souls? What makes us hunger and thirst for His love?

e)      Psalm 107 is written for the deliverance of entire community. How can our church express and present this to our own community?

Read Mark 4:35-41

Background       This short Gospel passage is all about Jesus calming the storm. It reveals to us the power of Christ in dangerous circumstances; the fear of the disciples in the midst of the storm; and the wonder they experienced after Jesus intervened to save their lives. The passage was also written at a time when the First Christians were being persecuted, which caused them to question their faith and fear for their own lives.

Questions

a)      What are your initial thoughts about this story? Has it helped you in the midst of your own troubles?

b)      Why did Jesus ask His disciples to take the boat across to the other side of the Lake? What did He hope to do over there?

c)       How did the storm affect the disciples? What did they fear most?

d)      Jesus is asleep during the storm, in the stern of the boat. What does this tell us about Him? The disciples questioned whether Christ cared for their safety. What does this tell us about them?

e)      Jesus commands the storm and waves to be still. Where does that power come from? What does this tell us about who Jesus really is?

f)       Jesus questions the faith of the disciples, who have allowed their fears to over-rule their beliefs. Have we ever experienced that same kind of faithless fear? How was it remedied?

Summer Sunday School - June 14

Passages for Sunday June 14^th

Psalm 20:1-5 and Mark 4:26-34

Read Psalm 20

Background       We all want God to bless us. The writer of this psalm was no different. Psalm 20 almost reads like an answer to an urgent set of prayers. It was probably spoken or sung by a priest to someone or some group of worshippers who had spoken aloud or inwardly communicated to God what was most on their minds. Perhaps a sacrifice had also been made, as a ritualistic means of seeking God’s favor.

Questions

a)      When we pray to God, how do we expect Him to answer us? What daily protection do we constantly need from Him?

b)      The psalmist expresses that God’s help comes from the sanctuary itself. How do we use our church sanctuaries as places for seeking and receiving help?

c)       Why does the psalmist mention sacrifices and burnt offerings? What sacrifices or offerings do we make to God today?

d)      What are the desires of your heart? What plans do you want God to make successful? How do we approach Him for these things?

e)      The psalm ends with a note of hopefulness and thanksgiving. When God grants us a positive answer to our prayers, how do we intentionally thank Him?

Read Mark 4:26-34

Background       The Gospels are full of Christ’s enigmatic stories that we call parables. Within each of these stories is a deep lesson which is meant to draw us closer to God. Most of us have a favorite parable which has become meaningful to our lives, showing us that the relevancy of Christ’s teaching is important to every generation.

Questions

a)      Why did Jesus use parables to convey His teaching? How do we use those parables today?

b)      Most of Christ’s parables are about the Kingdom of God. What does God’s Kingdom mean to us today?

c)       Both these parables in the passage are about the Kingdom of God growing. Where do we see God’s Kingdom growing in our church and community? How can we be part of that growth?

d)      What was the point of the mustard seed parable? How can that parable inspire our congregation?

e)      Did Christ speak in parables because the people could not handle the whole truth? Is that also true of us today?

f)       Why did Jesus explain the meaning of the parables to the disciples? How did they use those explanations as part of their own future ministries?

Summer Sunday School - Sunday June 7

Summer Sunday School

Passages for Sunday June 7^th

Psalm 130:1-8 and Mark 3:20-30

Read Psalm 130

Background       In the Bible, this psalm is also called ‘a song of ascents.’ It was frequently sung by Jewish pilgrims who were travelling to Jerusalem for one of the major feasts that took place in the city. Because Jerusalem is situated on a mountain, the pilgrims had to climb an uphill road to get there. As they walked, hiked, or rode to the city, the pilgrims sang these wonderful songs of ascents to keep them travelling. In the Bible, Psalms 120 to 134 are all listed as songs of ascents.

Questions

a)      Why is the psalmist crying out to God for mercy? What does he want God to do?

b)      Do you think that God keeps a record of our sins? How do we approach Him for forgiveness?

c)       What is the psalmist waiting for from God? What does this tell us about how quickly God answers our prayers?

d)      How do we experience God’s unfailing love in our lives? How does He redeem Israel, as well as us, from sin?

e)      What made this psalm so meaningful to a pilgrim? What hymns do we sing that are equally meaningful to us?

Read Mark 3:20-30

Background       This Gospel passage reveals to us some of the opposition that Jesus faced at the beginning of His ministry. We are also introduced to some of His actual family members who are very concerned about Him.

                As usual, Jesus uses the incident to create a special teaching moment about unity, as well as to push back against those who were unjustly criticizing His work by castigating Him as being possessed by the devil.

Questions

a)      Why was Christ’s family concerned about Him? What did they intend to do with Him?

b)      Why did His detractors say that Jesus was possessed? What did they hope to do to His new ministry?

c)       How did Jesus respond? Why did He mention Satan by name? What does this tell us about Christ’s belief in the devil?

d)      Jesus was explaining what happens to a kingdom when it is divided against itself. How do His words resonate with what’s happening in the Church today?

e)      What do you think Christ means by ‘blasphemy against the Holy Spirit’? Why can this sin never be forgiven?

f)       How does Jesus challenge our own ideas about Him through the events and sayings contained in today’s scripture? What unites us to Him and to His Church?

Ordinary 33A Bible Study - Matthew 25:14-30

Date

Sunday November 16

Lectionary Sunday

Ordinary 33A

Gospel Passage

Matthew 25:14-30

Background Information

            Jesus is telling this parable during His last week in Jerusalem. He has been in conflict with the various religious groups situated in the city. He is now talking to the people and teaching them about what God has entrusted to them in each of their lives. He is trying to get them to understand two major points:

a)      Everyone has the potential to bear fruits of faith in their lives

b)     The established religious groups were fruitless despite being initially blessed by God.

Facts of Interest

A talent is equal to 75 pounds of gold. In today’s market, it would be worth $1.25 million.

The parable is about being faithful and effective stewards for God.

Questions to consider

1)     Why did the man entrust his property to his servants? Why did he give them different amounts? What did he expect of them?

2)     How did the servants respond? What made them do this?

3)     When he returned, what did the man seek from his servants?

4)     How did he react to his servants who multiplied the talents of gold?

5)     How did he react to the servant who hid the gold?

If our faith is meant to produce fruit, are we doing this?

If Christ returned today, how would He settle His accounts with us?

If we inwardly hide our faith, are we guilty of misusing God’s gifts?

How should churches and church people apply the teachings of this parable?

Other links

Exegetical Notes: http://www.crossmarks.com/brian/matt25x14.htm

Readers’ Drama: http://www.dramatix.org/archive/family/parable_of_talents.html

Modern Hymn: http://www.carolynshymns.com/o_god_we_yearn_for_safety.html

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for allowing us to serve You each day. Enable us to multiply our faith effectively by helping others in our community and church. In Your Name, we pray. Amen.

Lectionary Bible Study - Easter 2B - John 20:19-31

Oasis Bible Study – Wed 11 April, 2012

Overview of Study

After the First Easter, Jesus re-appeared among His disciples on several occasions. He comes to them with a message of peace and a mission to tell the world of His Good News. Our challenge is to think about how Christ appears to the world through us and what mission we are meant to presently fulfill.

Approaching God

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You came back to the disciples to reassure them of God’s power and to teach them new lessons of faith. Open our hearts and minds to Your message and ministry for us today.  In Your Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture: John 20:19-31

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." 30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Input from Group

Why did Jesus return to be with His disciples? How did they initially react?

What kind of peace was Christ bringing to them? how did that peace help them in their predicament?

How did Jesus give them the Holy Spirit? Where have we encountered a similar experience in the Bible?

What was the purpose of the gift of the Holy Spirit? Why did Jesus emphasize the ministry of forgiveness?

Why do you think Thomas was not originally there? What made Jesus come back for him?

How did Thomas react to Christ’s reappearance? Is Christ our Lord and our God?

Service Applications

The Resurrection is the keystone of our faith. Without it, the Christian church would never have come into existence. How does the Resurrection affect our lives, our faith, and our churches today? Where can we show the power of Resurrection in our community?

For silent prayerful reflection:  If Jesus reappeared to me today, how would that alter my life? Do I live my life as if Christ is always with me? Why/why not?