Oasis Lectionary Bible study - Mark 12:38-44 - Lent 4B

Oasis Bible Study – Lent 4B

Overview of Study

Ambitious clergy who seek esteem, power, and wealth were as much a problem for the people in Christ’s time as they sadly still are today. In this passage, Jesus uses an unnoticed act of a powerless person as a direct contrast to the public pomposity of the local religious leaders.

Approaching God

Prayer: Lord Jesus, reveal to us the heart of this passage and teach us Your holy ways. Open our minds to the understanding of this scripture and enable us to apply its truths in our lives today.  In Your Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

38 As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."

41 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. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on."

Input from Group

Why did advise His followers to be wary of the religious teachers?

Why did the religious teachers look to be publicly honored and revered? Is that still prevalent today?

Why did Jesus say that they would be punished? What kind of punishment was he talking about?

Why was Jesus the only one who noticed what the widow gave?

What pleased Christ about her gift?

Were the other gifts worthless in His eyes? Why/why not?

What lesson about stewardship does this event provide for us?

What lesson about clergy does this passage express to us?

Any other questions or comments?

Service Applications

What we give to God belongs to God, so we’re not giving up anything; we are actually giving back what God already owns.

Consider what you give to God through the Church each year. Is it more or less than what you pay for sports tickets, entertainment, alumni dues or leisure activities annually? What does that tell you about your commitment to God?

For silent prayerful reflection:  How does what I give to God compare to the widow’s offering? Am I being a good steward or am I still withholding resources from God?

Oasis Bible study: Mark 12:28-34 - Lent 3B

Oasis Bible Study – Wed 7 Mar, 2012

Overview of Study

All over the world, people discuss religion. Whether it is in churches or mosques, coffee shops or even pubs, people are drawn into conversations about God, the meaning of life, and the afterlife.

In this passage, Jesus has been discussing religious issues and answering questions about faith for a while. One of the spectators, a lawyer, watches the debate and listens carefully to Christ’s answers. This inspires him to ask his own question: which is the most important commandment?

Approaching God

Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach us the importance of Your words and help us to learn from Your actions. Open our hearts and minds to the message of this Gospel passage.  In Your Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" 

29"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." 

32 "Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." 34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Input from Group

Why did Jesus have to debate religious issues with His people? How was He faring?

What made the lawyer ask his own question? What may have the others thought he was doing?

Why were the commandments so important to the people of Christ’s day? What do you think the lawyer knew of them?

How did Jesus respond to the lawyer’s question? What is of prime importance to Jesus?

How can we love God so intensely?

Why did Jesus add ‘loving your neighbor?’ What was He trying to convey to the lawyer?

How did the lawyer respond? Why did Jesus consider the answer to be wise?

Why did the people stop asking Jesus questions after this event? What effect would it have on His ministry?

Any other questions or comments?

Service Applications

Loving God and loving our neighbor are not mutually equivalent. We are commanded by Christ to love God first and then to love our neighbor next. Why is it so important not to get the one mixed up with the other?

Think about how you love God. How do you love Him with all of your heart? Your soul? Your mind? Your strength?

For silent prayerful reflection:  How can I love God more? Who is my neighbor? How can I love God by helping my neighbor?