Gosple Bible Study Church Year B 2011-2012

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MARK
Introduction

The Gospel of Mark is the shortest Gospel.  If you have the time, it is inspiring to read Mark straight through.  It takes about one hour.  As you read jot down impressions, questions, and significant things that stand out for you.  We also encourage you to “hear” the Gospel of Mark spoken at FACE starting on Sunday, November 20 and continuing through the next four Sundays.  There will be some interesting questions to ask yourself.

Our Lutheran Study Bible says:

“The writer of this Gospel, according to tradition, is Mark (a companion of Peter and Paul mentioned in Acts 12:12, 25; 15:37-39; Col 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11 and Phlm 24), who would have written in Rome during the 60s C.E.  We cannot be certain of this claim, but evidence from the Gospel itself suggests that it was written for a community of Christians situated within the Roman Empire but outside of Palestine, sometime around the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E.”   (p. 1659)

“While chapters 1-10 may reflect up to three years of ministry, chapters 11-16 record the events of a single week.  The pace slows, but the action intensifies.  The entire story leads to the cross, but it also leads from the cross back into mission, as the disciples are directed to return to Galilee, where they will again see Jesus.”  (p. 1659)

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“[This Gospel] was written at a time when Christians needed to define who they were in connection to their Jewish heritage.  They were also experiencing challenges, if not outright persecution, from the prevailing Greco-Roman culture.  In effect, Christians were struggling with a question we often face today:  If Jesus Christ did such wonderful things and has overcome death in his resurrection, why can things often be so bad for us today?”  (p. 1660)

“Mark, however, consistently focuses our attention on the cross.  Jesus is indeed the Son of God, but this is not truly realized except in his serving, suffering, and death.  Jesus is indeed the hoped-for Messiah, but we only fully realize how he is making God’s kingdom present when we experience him as the crucified Messiah.”  (p. 1660)

We read in “The New Testament: A Student’s Introduction,” Second Edition, by Stephen L. Harris:

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“…Mark arranges his narrative around a geographical north-south polarity:  The first half of his narrative takes place in Galilee and adjacent areas of northern Palestine, a largely rural area of peasant farmers where Jesus recruits his followers, performs numerous miracles, and—despite some opposition—enjoys considerable success.  The second half (after Ch. 8) relates Jesus’ fatal journey southward to Judea and Jerusalem, where he is rejected and killed.  Besides dividing Jesus’ career into two distinct geographical area, Mark’s Gospel presents two contrasting aspects of Jesus’ story.  In Galilee, Jesus is a figure of power, using his supernatural gifts to expel demons, heal the sick, control natural forces, and raise the dead…the Galilean Jesus speaks and acts with tremendous authority, effortlessly refutes his detractors, and affirms or invalidates the Mosaic Torah at will.  Before leaving Caesarea Philippi, however, Jesus makes the first of three Passion predictions, warning his uncomprehending disciples that he will go to Jerusalem only to suffer humiliation and death…”   (p. 86)   

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“By using the Passion predictions as a device to link the indomitable miracle worker in Galilee with the helpless figure on the cross in Judea, Mark reconciles the two seemingly irreconcilable components in his portrait of Jesus.  The powerful Son of God who astonishes vast crowds with his mighty works is also the vulnerable Son of Man who, in weakness and apparent defeat, sacrifices his life ‘as a ransom for many’” (p. 86)

“Mark’s Gospel can be divided into five parts:

1. Prelude to Jesus’ public ministry (1:1-13)
2. The Galilean ministry; inaugurating the kingdom (1:14-8:26)
3. The journey to Jerusalem (8:27-10:52)
4. The Jerusalem ministry (11:1-15:47)
5. Postlude:  the empty tomb (16:1-8)”    (pp. 86-87)

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ADVENT 1: Week of November 21 thru 27, 2011

You are all welcome to join us in the Celebration Bible Study lead by one of the Pastors
On Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the church library.

Lectionary Readings:  Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (7); Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37

Prayer of the Day:  Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection awaken us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and keep us blameless until the coming of your new day, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

DAY 1

Read through the entire Gospel lesson:  Mark 13:24-37. 

Reflection questions:

1A1. Jot down any words or phrases that stand out for you.

1A2. What do you think God might be saying in these stories?

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Mark 13:24-37.
24 ‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,

25 and the stars will be falling from heaven,  and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 

26 Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. 

27 Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

28 ‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.

 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.

 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.

 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

32 ‘But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

33 Beware, keep alert;* for you do not know when the time will come. 

34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch.

35 Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 

36 or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly.

 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’ 

DAY 2

The Coming of the Son of Man
24 ‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,

25 and the stars will be falling from heaven,  and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 

26Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. 

27Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

Background:

• Mark is talking to Messianic Jews (new Christians) who are being persecuted by Nero an the traditional Jews.
• This quote (verses 24-26) is based on Daniel 7 which is apocryphal* writing.

“An apocalypse carries the message that God will set things right in the end and that in spite of the chaos and oppression that the people are undergoing they should not lose hope.”  ( “The Beginning of the Good News” Study Curriculum, p. 29)

Reflection questions:

1A3. What does the phrase “Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory” mean to you?

1A4. How do you react to “end of the world” announcements?

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DAY 3

The Lesson of the Fig Tree
28 ‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and

 29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.

 30Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.

 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Literary devices that Mark uses:

• Stark language.
• Coupling:  “Despite Mark’s often bleak language, he does not—ever—deliver a singular message of difficulty.  Nor does he depict trials that lead only into despair.”  (Hidden Power p. 110)  Mark always includes hope.  Notice that we have verses 24-27 followed by verses 28-30.

Reflection questions:

1A5. Think about summer and what it means to you.  What does summer represent in your life journey?

1A6. What do you think Jesus means by “...this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place?”  What might generation mean in this statement?

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DAY 4

The Necessity for Watchfulness
32 ‘But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 

33Beware, keep alert;* for you do not know when the time will come. 

34It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch.

35Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 

36or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly.

 37And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’ 

Reflection questions:

1A7. If Jesus is telling us that nobody knows when the end time will come and that you need to keep awake/alert for the time, what significance does that have for your daily life?

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DAY 5

Reread the entire Scripture Mark 13: 24-37.

• Does anything significant or new stand out for you with this reading?

Reread the entire Scripture again.

• What prayer might rise up in you (what would you like to say to God) after reflecting (listening to what God had to say to you) on this Scripture?

Reflection Questions:

1A8. Have you ever felt like your life was falling apart?  Does this Scripture have anything to say to you that might give you hope or comfort?

1A9. Has this Scripture changed your thinking or your life?  How?

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Mark 13:24-37.
24 ‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,

25 and the stars will be falling from heaven,  and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 

26 Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. 

27 Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

28 ‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.

 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.

 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.

 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

32 ‘But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

33 Beware, keep alert;* for you do not know when the time will come. 

34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch.

35 Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 

36 or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly.

 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’

ADVENT 2: Week of 28 Nov thru Dec 4, 2011

You are all welcome to join us in the Celebration Bible Study lead by one of the Pastors
On Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the church library.

Lectionary Readings:  Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 (13); 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8 

Prayer of the Day:  Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming strengthen us to serve you with purified lives; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever

DAY 1
Read through the entire Gospel lesson:  Mark 1:1-8. 

Reflection questions:

2A1. Jot down any words or phrases that stand out for you.

2A2. What do you think God might be saying in this story?

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Mark 1:1-8

“1The beginning of the good news* of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.*

2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,*‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,*   who will prepare your way; 

3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
   “Prepare the way of the Lord,   make his paths straight,’”

“4John the baptizer appeared* in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.” 

 7He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.

8 I have baptized you with*water; but he will baptize you with* the Holy Spirit.’”

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DAY 2
The Proclamation of John the Baptist
“1The beginning of the good news* of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.*
2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,*‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,*   who will prepare your way; 
3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
   “Prepare the way of the Lord,   make his paths straight,’”

Background:

• “The opening line, ‘here begins the gospel [good news] of Jesus Christ’ (1:1), simultaneously announces his epic theme and echoes Genesis 1, alerting the reader to see that in Jesus God has begun a new creative activity.  Jesus is the Christ (Greek translation of the Hebrew messiah) and ‘the Son of God…”(“The New Testament: A Student’s Introduction,” Fifth Edition, by Stephen L. Harris, p. 133)

• Mark places Jesus’ story in context of the Hebrew Bible. In 1:2-3 the quoted words are from Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3. (ibid)

Reflection questions:

2A3. What does the Christ or the Messiah mean to you/the Faith Lutheran community?  How might that be different from what it meant to the people in Biblical times?

2A4. How do you /does Faith Lutheran Church “prepare the way of the Lord” today?

 
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DAY 3

“4John the baptizer appeared* in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins

.6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.” 

Background:        

• “There are several images that are invoked.  The opening verse echoes God’s beginning in Genesis1, Isaiah and the exile are remembered.  John is portrayed in Elijah’s garb, the Jordan was the place Israel entered the promised land and where Elijah was taken up to heaven, and the Exodus desert wanderings are present also.  (Footnote bottom page 6, “The Beginning of the Good News” Study Curriculum).
• Remember that Jesus is the Greek version of Joshua, Moses successor who lead Israel across the Jordan River into the Promised Land.
• The “wilderness” refers to water (lakes and sea) and deserts.

Reflection questions:

2A5. Are we being invited to join the crowd in “our wilderness?  How?

2A6. How is baptism by John different from our baptisms today?  What significance does your baptism have in your daily life?

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DAY 4

 7 He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 

8 I have baptized you with*water; but he will baptize you with* the Holy Spirit.’”

Reflection question:

2A7. What does it mean to be baptized by the Holy Spirit?

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DAY 5
Reread the entire Scripture Mark 1:1-8.

2A8. Does anything significant or new stand out for you with this reading?

Reread the entire Scripture again.

2A9. What prayer might rise up in you (what would you like to say to God) after reflecting (listening to what God had to say to you) on this Scripture?

Reflection Questions:
2A10. What does power mean to you?  What does it mean in our world today?

2A11. How is John the messenger referred to in 1:2-7?

2A12. Now that you’ve read the whole Scripture reading for Advent week 2, why might the good news of Jesus Christ the Son of God be important to Mark’s community (audience)?  Is it important to you?  Why?  (Refer to the general Introduction to this study of Mark.)

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Mark 1:1-8

“1The beginning of the good news* of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.*

2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,*‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,*   who will prepare your way; 

3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
   “Prepare the way of the Lord,   make his paths straight,’”

“4John the baptizer appeared* in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.” 

 7He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.

8 I have baptized you with*water; but he will baptize you with* the Holy Spirit.’”

ADVENT 3: Week of December 3 thru 11, 2011

You are all welcome to join us in the Celebration Bible Study lead by one of the Pastors
On Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the church library.

Lectionary Readings:  Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126 (3) or Luke 1:46b-55 (52); 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28

Prayer of the Day  Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the words of your prophets, that, anointed by your Spirit, we may testify to your light; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

General Background about John

• “In John’s Gospel, the order of events and the portrayal of Jesus and his teaching are strikingly different from those in the Synoptic accounts.  Whereas the Synoptics depict Jesus as an eschatological healer—exorcist whose teachings deal primarily with Torah reinterpretation, John describes Jesus as an embodiment of heavenly Wisdom who performs no exorcisms and whose message centers on his own divine nature.  In John, Jesus is the human form of God’s celestial Word, the cosmic expression of divine Wisdom by which God created the universe.   As the Word incarnate (made flesh), Jesus reveals otherwise unknowable truths about God’s being and purpose.  To John, Jesus’ crucifixion is not a humiliating ordeal (as Mark characterizes it) but a glorification that frees Jesus to return to heaven.  John’s Gospel preserves no tradition of a Second Coming (the Parousia).  Instead, it argues that the risen Christ is eternally present in the invisible form of a surrogate—the Paraclete, or Holy Spirit, who continues to inspire and direct the believing community.” (“The New Testament: A Student’s Introduction,” Second Edition, by Stephen L. Harris, page 162)
• “The Gospel of John is not a portrait of the historical Jesus but a profound meditation on his theological significance.”   (ibid, page 163)
• “The author clearly states his purpose:  to inspire faith in Jesus’ divinity.  He describes Jesus’ miracles—which he calls ‘signs’—‘in order that you may hold faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this faith you may possess life by his name.” (ibid, page 163)

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DAY 1

Read through the entire Gospel lesson:  John 1:6-8, 19-28. 

Reflection questions:

3A1. Jot down any words or phrases that stand out for you.

3A2. What do you think God might be saying in this story?

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John 1:6-8, 19-28

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.

8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.”

19 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ 

20He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’*

 21And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’

 22Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ 

23He said,  ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said.’”

24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.

 25They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah,* nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’

26John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know,

 27the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’

 28This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.”

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DAY 2

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 

7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.

8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.”

Background: 

• Jesus is the Word and was in the beginning.  John is just a man who came to testify.  His purpose is to be a sign that points to the Light.  The author of John is taking no chances on being misunderstood about who John is and who Jesus is.
• “All” refers to everyone, including the Gentiles.
• In verse 7 “this is the first occurrence of the verb ‘to believe.’  Belief is always active in John’s Gospel—it is something one does, not what one has.”  (Lutheran Study Bible, p. 1753)

• Witnessing is not about asking a question.  It seems to imply making a statement, a proclamation about God’s action.
• Light:  When you get lost in the dark, you look for the light.

Reflection questions:

3A3. What do you think is the meaning of verses 6-8?

3A4. Who is the light?  What is John the Baptizer’s job here?

3A5. Does your life/FLC testify to the “light?”

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DAY 3

The Testimony of John the Baptizer
19 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ 

20He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’*

 21And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’

 22Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ 

23He said,  ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said.’”

Background:

• John uses “the Jews” as a designation for the religious leaders of his time.  John uses this term 70 times.  He usually uses it for Jesus’ opponents.
• Elijah was expected to return as a forerunner to the Messiah.

Reflection questions:

3A6. What might it mean to “make straight the way of the Lord?”

3A7. How are you/FLC called to “make straight the way of the Lord?” 

3A8. In answering the question “Who are you,” it’s not just who you are not, but also who you are.  Who are we as Lutherans/Christians?

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DAY 4

24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.

 25They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah,* nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’

 26John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know,

 27the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’

 28This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.”

Background: 

• Baptizing:  The meaning of baptizing here is not clear.  Some say baptism in John’s time had to do with purification.

Reflection question:

3A9. Are there times in your life when you don’t recognize Jesus?  Explain.

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DAY 5

Reread the entire Scripture John 1:6-8, 19-28

3A10. Does anything significant or new stand out for you with this reading?

Reread the entire Scripture again.

3A11. What prayer might rise up in you (what would you like to say to God) after reflecting (listening to what God had to say to you) on this Scripture?

Reflection Questions:

3A12. Compare this account of John the Baptizer’s testimony with that of last week’s.

3A13. How do you/Faith Lutheran witness to the “Light?”

3A14. Where do you look for/ find the Messiah in your everyday lives?

3A15. What might you/Faith Lutheran do to bring the Light into the life of someone living in darkness at this time of the year?

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John 1:6-8, 19-28

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.

8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.”

19 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ 

20He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’*

 21And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’

 22Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ 

23He said,  ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said.’”

24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.

 25They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah,* nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’

26John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know,

 27the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’

 28This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.”

ADVENT 4: Week of December 12 thru 18, 2011

Lectionary Readings:  2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:46b-55 (52) or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 (1); Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

Prayer of the Day  Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that would obstruct your mercy, that willingly we may bear your redeeming love to all the world, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

General background about Luke:

• “Luke’s Gospel presents Jesus’ career not only as history’s most crucial event but also as the opening stage of an indefinitely extended historical process that continues in the life of the Church (Acts 1-28).”   (The New Testament: A Student’s Introduction, page 135)

• “Luke’s two-volume (Luke-Acts) narrative functions in part as a theodicy, a literary work that tries to reconcile beliefs about divine goodness with the irrefutable fact that evil and undeserved suffering characterize human experience.”  (ibid, page 136)
• Luke was written in the year 70 C.E. after Jerusalem was destroyed.
• Just as Mark is the shortest Gospel, Luke is the longest and most complete. 
• Luke is the only Gospel that has the story of Jesus’ birth.

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DAY 1

Read through the entire Gospel lesson:  Luke 1:26-38.

Reflection questions:

4A1. Jot down any words or phrases that stand out for you.

4A2. What do you think God might be saying in this story?

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Luke 1:26-38

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 

27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

 28And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’*

 29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

 30The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 

31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.

32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 

33He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.'

 34Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’

 35The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 

36And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 

37For nothing will be impossible with God.’ 

38Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.

DAY 2

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 

27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

 28And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’*

 29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Background: 

• The verses preceding this passage tell us that the six months refers to Elizabeth’s (Mary’s cousin) pregnancy.
• Nazareth is a town in southern Galilee.  Galilee is where most of Jesus’ ministry takes place.
• House of David:
• Virgin: (Isaiah 7:14)

Reflection questions:

4A3. How do you think Mary felt when an angel appeared and started talking to her?

4A4. How does God deliver the message to you that you are his “favored one?”

Check the Blog

DAY 3

 30The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 

31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.

32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 

33He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.'

 34Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’

 35The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 

Background:  Talk about angels

• The phrase “found favor with God” means God has graced you.

Reflection questions:

4A5. Do the words in this passage make you think about the prophesies in the Old Testament?  If yes, how or why?

4A6. How does this passage show how/why Jesus is both Son of David and Son of God.

4A7. How does God answer Mary question: “How can this be…?” 

Check the Blog

DAY 4

36And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 

37For nothing will be impossible with God.’ 

38Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.

Background: 

• Elizabeth is an old lady.  Just like Sarah and Abraham, she and Zachariah have an “impossible” child.
• Elizabeth is a relative of Mary; therefore, John and Jesus are related.

Reflection questions:

4A8. Referring to verse 37, do you ever feel something is impossible?  What does Gabriel’s message mean to you?

4A9. Have you ever said “yes” to God?  Under what circumstances?  Was yours an immediate reply or did you need time to think about it?  Was it a positive yes or a begrudging yes?

Check the Blog

DAY 5

Reread the entire Scripture Luke 1:26-38

4A10. Does anything significant or new stand out for you with this reading?

Reread the entire Scripture again.

4A11. What prayer might rise up in you (what would you like to say to God) after reflecting (listening to what God had to say to you) on this Scripture?

Reflection Questions:

4A12. How might your day be different is you started off with Mary’s words in response to God’s call:  “Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word?”  How else might you word a prayer to start your day.?

4A13. What can you do to maintain a servant’s attitude in your day-to-day living?  In what ways can you develop the kind of humble spirit that Mary had?

4A14. Read the “Magnificat” (Luke 1:46-55), which is Mary’s response to what God is doing through her.     (Did we want to say more here?????)

4A15. In Mary, humanity is represented as the recipient of this life and love from God.  With her quiet awaiting of God’s act she is the figure of Advent, the opposite of the nervous activity of modern society.

Check the Blog

Luke 1:26-38

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 

27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

 28And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’*

 29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

 30The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 

31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.

32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 

33He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.'

 34Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’

 35The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 

36And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 

37For nothing will be impossible with God.’ 

38Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.

You are all welcome to join us in the Celebration Bible Study lead by one of the Pastors
On Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the church library.

Lectionary Readings:   Psalm 97 (11); Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:[1-7] 8-20 

Prayer of the Day:  All-powerful and unseen God, the coming of your light into our world has brightened weary hearts with peace. Call us out of darkness, and empower us to proclaim the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Some general background about Luke:

• Luke’s Christmas story is the (culminating point) of the on-going, Scriptural story of God’s love for and redemption of his creation. 
• This is a continuation of the Gospel story we studied in Advent 4 last week.
• Luke’s gospel focuses on the marginalized of society and on bringing God’s salvation to everyone, not just Israel.

DAY 1

Read through the entire Gospel lesson: 
Luke 2: [1-7] 8-20
(see below)

5C1: Jot down any words or phrases that stand out for you.

5C2: What do you think God might be saying in this story?

Luke 2: [1-7] 8-20

“1 [In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.

2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 

3All went to their own towns to be registered. 

4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 

5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.

6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.

7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.]”

“”8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 

9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

10But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 

11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 

12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ 

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

14’Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’” 

“15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’

16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 

17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 

18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 

19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 

20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”

DAY 2
“1 [In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 

2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 

3All went to their own towns to be registered. 

4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 

5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 

6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 

7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.]”

Background: 

• Caesar Augustus.  Augustus was remembered as the founder of the empire that brought peace to the world…there is an inscription … that calls him ‘savior of the whole world.’”   (Brian Stoffregen, “The Nativity of our Lord: Exegetical notes on Luke 2:1-20”)  It’s also interesting to note that Luke wrote that John the Baptizer was from Herod’s (local governor) reign.  Caesar Augustus (the emperor of the world as they knew it) gives Jesus a world-wide scope.
• “Caesar Augustus was heralded as the ideal for a rule of peace through strength…Jesus enacted the merciful peace God had in mind for the world all along and disclosed the future of God’s ultimate reign.”  (David Tiede, from his commentary in Working Preacher.com)

• “[Jesus’] titles, announced by the angels (2:11), are all scriptural and Jewish:  Savior, Messiah, and the Lord.”
• “’Messiah’ is the Hebrew version of the Greek word christos, ‘anointed one.’”
•  “’Lord’ is a pervasive scriptural title for Israel’s God…”
• “Savior”:  “Luke is the only synoptic evangelist to ascribe the title ‘Savior’ to Jesus … The promise in the angel’s announcement of Jesus the Savior is a declaration of God’s kingdom come to earth, …”    (David Tiede, from WorkingPreacher.com)
• Registration is like a census.  The Roman Empire had periodical censuses to assess taxes and military service eligibility.  The Jews would have been registered for tax purposes only.  There is proof that the census was taken every 14 years (actual records have been found for A.D. 20 through A.D. 270).   (William Barclay, “The Gospel of Luke: The Daily Study Bible,” 1962)
• The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was 80 miles long.

Reflection questions:

5C3: What impact does your “family story” have on your life today?

5C4: What significance is it to you that Jesus was born and raised as a human being?

5C5: Remembering last week’s story of the Angel Gabriel coming to Mary, imagine how Mary might be feeling on this long journey and the circumstances of Jesus’ birth.  What might she have been thinking or perhaps talking to God about? 

5C6: What has your journey to Bethlehem been like?

DAY 3

8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 

9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

10But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 

11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 

12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ 

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 

14’Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’” 

Background: 

• God often works through the unexpected, the unlikely, and the lowly.  (The Lutheran Study Bible)
• The shepherds:  Because of their “job” shepherds did not practice the Sabbath or participate in ceremonial rituals.  They are one of the marginalized groups of society in Jesus’ time.  “They were seen as ignorant, irreligious, immoral, crude and vulgar Jews…at the time of Jesus’ birth shepherding was a despised occupation…men who were not considered fit to be witnesses in court, are the first to witness the Christ child? …Luke’s nativity story begins with Caesar Augustus, the most powerful man in the universe, and it ends with lowly shepherds.”  (Brian Stoffregen)  Isn’t it worth noting that we refer to Jesus as the Lamb of God?

Reflection questions:

5C7: How was Jesus born into your life?  What “signs” point to Jesus’ birth in your life?

5C8: In what ways do you praise God with those Christmas angels?

5C9: Why do you think the word/announcement of God’s savior came first (in Luke’s Gospel) to people who live on the margins of Jesus’ society?  How do the marginalized today hear that word?

DAY 4
“15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’

16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 

17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 

18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 

19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 

20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”

Background: 

• Luke 2:15 uses the phrase “the thing that has taken place.”  The Greek says “Word” and in Hebrew it’s “word and deed.”
• Brian Stoffregen says, “The response of the shepherds is to go and see and tell; and then to return glorifying and praising God.” 

Reflection questions:

5C10 : How do you respond to word about Jesus in your life?

5C11: How do you/Faith Lutheran make Jesus known in today’s world?

5C12: How do you/Faith Lutheran glorify and praise God for all that you have heard and seen about God’s love manifested to us through Jesus? 

5C13: Like Mary, do you treasure and ponder what you know and experience bout Jesus?  How?

Reread the entire Scripture

1C14: Does anything significant or new stand out for you with this reading?

Reread the entire Scripture again.

1C15: What prayer might rise up in you (what would you like to say to God) after reflecting (listening to what God had to say to you) on this Scripture?

Reflection Questions:

5C16: It’s nice to think of sweet Baby Jesus, but what about all the hardships that Mary and Joseph had to go through.  What does that say to you today?  What message does this Christmas story bring to us today?

5C17: That character in this Gospel story do you most identify with?  Why?

5C18: That there was no room in the inn was symbolic of what was to happen to Jesus.  The only place where there was room for Him was on a cross.  He sought an entry to the over-crowded hearts of men; he could not find it; and still His search—and his rejection—go on.”  (Page 16, William Barclay, “The Gospel of Luke: The Daily Study Bible,” 1962)

5C19: How do we make room for Jesus to be born and live in our hearts?  How might we help others open the door to their hearts for Jesus to be born in them?

NAME OF JESUS:
Week of December 26, 2011 to January 1, 2012

You are all welcome to join us in the Celebration Bible Study
lead by one of the Pastors
On Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
in the church library.

Lectionary Readings:  Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 8 (1); Galatians 4:4-7 or Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 2:15-21 

Prayer of the Day:  “Eternal Father, you gave your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be a sign of our salvation.  Plant in every heart the love of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.”

DAY 1

Read through the entire Gospel lesson: 

2C1. Jot down any words or phrases that stand out for you.
2C2. What do you think God might be saying in this story?

 Luke 2:15-21

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 

16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.

 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child;

 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.

 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.

 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.”

DAY 2

“15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”

 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.

 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child;

18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.” 

Background: 

• Luke 2:15 uses the phrase “the thing that has taken place.”  The Greek says “Word” and in Hebrew it’s “word and deed.”
• Brian Stoffregen says, “The response of the shepherds is to go and see and tell; and then to return glorifying and praising God.” 

Reflection questions:

2C3.  Why might the shepherds have been in such a hurry to find the child about whom the angels told them?  Are you as eager to find him as the shepherds were?  Why or why not?

2C4.  Where have you (like the shepherds) found Jesus in your life?  What is your reaction/response whenever/wherever you find him?

DAY 3

“19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.

 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”

Reflection questions:

2C5.  Do you carry and ponder in your heart things and experiences that occur or you hear about in your life?  If yes, what kinds of things might that be?

2C6.  What have you heard and seen of God’s acting in your life and the world today for which you glorify and praise God?

DAY 4

“21After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.”

Background: 

Circumcision:

• Is…”the physical mark identifying members of the covenant people.”  (p. 42, Stephen Harris, “The New Testament: A Student’s Introduction, 5th Edition)

• Genesis 17:  Verses 1-8:  “When Abram was 99 years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless.  And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous…no longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations…and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you.  I will establish my covenant between me and you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.’”

• Verses 10-13:  “This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you:  Every male among you shall be circumcised.  You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.  Throughout your generations every male among you shall be circumcised when he is eight days old…”
  
  
• Every Jewish boy was circumcised on the eighth day after his birth.  So sacred was that ceremony that it could be carried out even on a Sabbath
  
  
• Luke 1:31  “(Angel Gabriel to Mary) And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.  32-33: He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.  He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Name of Jesus:   

• In Bible times, names indicated an individual’s character, function or destiny. When someone names another, it is a token of command and authority.  In the scripture, the father gives names to his children and to slaves.  Adam named his wife and all the animals and the name he gave them became their true name.

• The name contains who that child is in relationship to God. Before Jesus was even conceived God had chosen his name, a name that tells us the meaning of that child for us:  Savior, God saves  (Joshua)  We remember from Luke’s story about the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, that the Angel Gabriel tells Mary to name the baby Jesus.    

By changing the name of Abram, Sarai and Jacob, God expressed His absolute dominion over all men, and His particular benevolence toward those whom He receives into His own. God gave a name, even before their birth, to some whom He called for a great purpose, such as to Jedidiah or Solomon (2 Samuel 12:24,25); to John the Baptist (Luke 1:13); and to the Messiah (Luke 1:31).

Reflection questions:

2C7.  Why do you think it was important to Luke to establish Jesus’ family’s adherence to the Jewish law? 

2C8.  How are we initiated into/marked as God’s family today?

2C9.  How important are names in our culture?  Is there a particular significance to your name?  Explain.

2C10.  Does it make a difference to you to think about God knowing you before you were born?  Why or why not?  What might that say about who God created you to be?

DAY 5

Reread the entire Scripture: Luke 2:15-21

2C11.  Does anything significant or new stand out for you with this reading?

Reread the entire Scripture again.

2C12.  What prayer might rise up in you (what would you like to say to God) after reflecting (listening to what God had to say to you) on this Scripture?

Reflection Questions:

2C13.  Why do you think these particular details are included in this part of Luke’s Christmas story?

2C14.  Does the story of Jesus’ birth and naming make a difference in your life?  If yes, how?

Luke 2:15-21

“15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 

16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.

 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child;

 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.

 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.

 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.”

BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
Week of January 2-8, 2012

You are all welcome to join us in the Celebration Bible Study
lead by one of the Pastors
on Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,
in the church library.

Lectionary Readings: Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11

Prayer of the Day:  “Holy God, creator of light and giver of goodness, your voice moves over the waters. Immerse us in your grace, and transform us by your Spirit, that we may follow after your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.”

Some background information about Mark:

• “In Mark the baptism narrative is placed not within the public ministry of Jesus, but rather in the prologue.  Coupled with the temptation [1:12-13], the baptism performs a function important for the entire Gospel:  It establishes the identity and authority of the story’s central character, Jesus of Nazareth.”  (p.34, Lamar Williamson, Jr., “Mark”)
• It would seem that the baptism of Jesus is a more important event than his birth according to the writers of the New Testament.  There are only two accounts of Jesus’ birth (Matthew and Luke).  However there are 6 accounts of his baptism (in all four of the Gospels and in Acts and Romans).

• Holy Spirit descends on him like a dove.   “…the dove is the symbol of ‘gentleness’… [Jesus] will conquer, but the conquest will be the conquest of love.”  (p.11)

DAY 1

Mark 1:4-11

“4John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

 7He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 

8I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’

9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 

10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 

11And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’”

Read through the entire Gospel lesson:  Mark 1:4-11

1E1. Jot down any words or phrases that stand out for you.

1E2. What do you think God might be saying in this story?

DAY 2

Mark 1:4-6

“4John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 

5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.” 

Background: 

• See also Advent 2 (Day 3) where John’s appearance and preaching were featured.  This Sunday the focus is Jesus’ baptism.
• “Judaism was longing for a revival of prophecy…so John’s appearance and message caused great excitement.”  (p. 34, “Mark,” Lamar Williamson, Jr.)  The voice of prophecy was silent for 300 years and the people of Israel were waiting “for some authentic word from God.  And in John they heard it.”   (p. 7, Wiliam Barclay, “The Gospel of Mark: The Daily Study Bible.”) In “Understanding the New Testament” (Kee, Young & Frochlich) “John was a preacher of repentance, calling men to turn from their evil ways and to prepare for the eschatological judgment which God was about to visit on the earth….among Jewish sects in the first half of the first century the conviction seems to have been widespread that cleansing with water was a necessary step in preparation for the New Age.”

RELECTION QUESTION:

1E3. If you had been around at the time of John what would you have thought and what would have been your response?

DAY 3

Mark 1:7-8
“7He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.

 8I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’”

Background:  

• “[John] was completely humble.  His own verdict on himself was that he was not fit for the duty of a slave.  The sandals were composed simply of leather soles fastened to the foot by straps which passed through the toes.  The roads were quite unsurfaced.  In dry weather they were dust heaps; in wet weather rivers of mud.  To remove the sandals was the work and office of a slave.”  (p. 8, William Barclay, “The Gospel of Mark: The Daily Study Bible.)
• “He [John] told men that his baptism drenched them in water; but one was coming who would drench them in the Holy Spirit; and while water could cleanse a man’s body, the Holy Spirit could cleanse a man’s life and self and heart.”  (ibid.)

Reflection questions:

11E4. To whom does your life story draw attention?  To God?  To yourself?  To …?  What are the reasons for your answer?

1E5. Take a few moments to remember your baptism or the stories about your baptism.  If you wish to take a look at an actual baptism liturgy, turn to page 227 in the front of the ELW (our book of worship).

1E6. What does baptism mean to you today? What does it mean to you to be prepared? And Are you?

1E7. Is there a difference in being baptized with water or with the Spirit?

DAY 4

Mark 1:9-11

“9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 

10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 

11And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’”

Background: 

• Notice that God’s speaking is intended for Jesus only, not those who are around him.  This fits with Mark’s secrecy motif, i.e. the disciples were told not to tell anyone about what Jesus does.
• “The translation ‘just as’ in the NRSV is better rendered ‘immediately.’  This adverb…occurs for the first of 41 occurrences in the gospel of Mark.  The evangelist is drawing us into the drama of the gospel with each occurrence of this word.  The word ‘immediately’ both expresses a chronology (Greek, kronos) in the gospel story but also expresses an opportune time (Greek, kairos) of God’s kingdom breaking into our world in the stories, parables, miracles, deeds, sayings and teachings of Jesus throughout the gospel.”  (Paul S. Berge, in his commentary on Mark 1:4-11 in Working Preacher.)
• The word “torn” will occur again only when the temple curtain is “torn in two” at Jesus death (Mark 15:38).  (ibid.)  (In the Matthew and Luke the words “the heavens were opened” imply that it can be closed up again.)

Reflection questions:

1E8. Jesus, who turns out to be “my [God’s] Son, the Beloved; with you [Jesus] I am well pleased,” is baptized by the one who thinks himself not worthy to even “untie the thong of his sandals.”  Why might this be important or necessary to God’s story of salvation?

1E9. What does it mean to you to be called “the beloved of God?”  Do you hear this in your life?  If yes, where?

1E10. What do you imagine when you hear the words:  “He saw the heavens torn apart?”

DAY 5

Reread the entire Scripture

“4John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

 7He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 

8I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’

9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 

10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 

11And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’”

Reflection Questions:

1E13. In the background information about Mark it says that Jesus’ baptism seems more important than his birth.  What might that say about our own baptisms?  Do you celebrate your baptism?  If yes, how?  If no, how might you celebrate it?

1E14. What do you see as the difference between baptism done by John and baptism done by Jesus?

1E15. Note that God declares directly to Jesus immediately after his baptism that he is well pleased with him.  This is before Jesus has done anything to please God.  God also declares to Jesus that he is his son.  What might this say about your own baptism?  What might God be saying to you in your baptism?

EPIPHANY 2: Week of January 9 - 15, 2012

You are welcome to join us in the Celebration Bible Study lead by one of the Pastors
on Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the church library.

Lectionary Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20]; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51

Prayer of the Day: “Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, most merciful redeemer, for the countless blessings and benefits you give. May we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day praising you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.” 

Background about the Gospel of John:

• “The Gospel reading for the second Sunday after the Epiphany is always taken from John…In each year the Johannine text is a brief ‘interruption’ in the series of Epiphany gospel lessons that are otherwise taken from Matthew, Mark, or Luke…these texts from John match up nicely with the theme of Epiphany.  All three have something to do with the revelation of Jesus to Israel and the world.”  (Stephen Hultgren, WorkingPreacher.com).

• “…the Gospel of John is a book of ‘signs’ – namely things and people who point to something else.  Such ‘intermediaries’ are generally necessary in this gospel in order to come to faith.  Even Jesus is a type of intermediary as the ‘logos’ – the ‘Word’ or ‘Revealer’ of God … ‘These are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.”’ (20:31).  This gospel itself is a ‘sign’ to point us to the Messiah and new life in his name.”  (Brian Stoffregen in his commentary on this Scripture reading.) 
• John’s community believed “that the risen Crist is eternally present in the invisible form of a surrogate—the Paraclete, or Holy Spirit, which continues to inspire and direct the believing community.”  (“The New Testament: A Student’s Introduction,” Stephen L. Harris, page 221
• John creates a portrait of Jesus that differs in both outline and content from the other Gospels.  Whereas the synoptic gospels tell Jesus’ story: birth, death, teachings, actions, relationships, etc. John transforms the story. He concentrates on concepts about Jesus’/God’s nature, will, and intentions toward humanity (the definition of Theology).  For example, instead of a “birth” story, John sees Jesus as the eternal word (logos) who became physically human (incarnation).   (ideas from “The New Testament: A Student’s Introduction,” Stephen L. Harris)

DAY 1
John 1:43-51

“43The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ 

44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 

45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.’ 

46Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’  Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’

47When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’

48Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you get to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’

 49Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’

 50Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’

 51And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’”
Read through the entire Gospel lesson:  John 1:43-51

• Read the scripture
• Jot down any words or phrases that stand out for you.

Reflection Questions:

2E1: What do you think God might be saying in this story?

DAY 2
John 1:43-46

“43The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’

 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 

45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.’ 

46Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’  Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’”

Background:

• Previously (in John 1:35-42) two disciples of John the Baptist left him to follow Jesus. One of them, Andrew, went to his brother Peter and said we have found the Messiah. All three of these men followed Jesus on their own. In this lesson Jesus told Philip to follow him. “Nathanael was brought to Jesus by Philip. 
• Nathanael says “Can anything good ever came out of Nazareth” Nazareth was a quite undistinguished place. And all good Israelites knew that the Messiah was to come from the lineage and city of David (Bethlehem).  Nathanael himself came from Cana [John 21:2], another Galilean town, and, in the country places, jealousy between town and town, and rivalry between village and village, is notorious.”  (“The Gospel of John: The Daily Study Bible,” William Barclay, page 76.)  Notice that Philip does not argue the point with Nathanael.  He just says, “Come and see.” 

• Come and see” is an underlying theme in John.  It is an invitation to come and experience Jesus for yourself.
• Jesus baptism is a sign to John that Jesus is the one who is the Son of God and who will baptize with the Holy Spirit (1:33-34).  Following this John himself is a sign that points his own disciples to “the Lamb of God” (1:36-37).  Andrew then is a sign for his brother Simon pointing to the “Messiah” (1:41), “in our text, Philip points (reluctant) Nathanael to Jesus…(1:45).”  (Brian Stoffregen, in his commentary on this Scripture reading.)  These signs also point to identities of Jesus we will see developed in the Gospel. 

Reflection questions:

2E2: William Barclay in “The Gospel of John: the Daily Study Bible” states:  “The only true evangelist is the man who himself knows Christ.”  Do you agree or disagree?  Why?

2E3: Who or what were “sign(s)” that pointed to Jesus or God for you in your journey of faith?

2E4: Are you aware of having been or being a “sign” to others on their journey?  Explain.  How might being aware that you might be or are being a “sign” pointing to God affect your relationships with others?   

2E5: Some churches say that we find God/Jesus.  Others (like the Lutheran Church) say that God/Jesus find us?  What is your thinking on this?

2E6: What preconceptions about the church or about God might get in the way of a person following Jesus today?   Have you experienced any of these in others, or in yourself?

DAY 3
John 1:47- 48

“47When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ 

48Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you get to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’”

Background:  

• “It was not so much that Jesus had seen him under the fig-tree that surprised Nathanael; it was the fact the Jesus had read the thoughts of his inmost heart.”  (“The Gospel of John: The Daily Study Bible,” William Barclay, page 78)
• Some explanations about the “fig tree:”
• In Jewish thought the fig-tree always stood for peace.  Their idea of peace was when a man could be undisturbed under his own vine and his own fig-tree (1 Kings 4:25; Micah 4:4).  Still further, the fig-tree was leafy and shady, and it was the custom to sit and meditate under the roof of its branches.”  (ibid., page 77)
• “His [Nathanael’s] lack of deceit may be related to his time under a fig tree.  Micah 4:3-4 and Zechariah 3:10 suggest that ‘under a fig tree’ may be a place of contemplation.”  (Brian Stoffegren, in his commentary on this Scripture reading.)
• “An interesting note about the fig tree reference is that it traditionally denotes a place associated where Rabbis study the Torah.”  (Paul S. Berge, Working Preacher.com)

Reflection questions:

2E7: Brian Stoffregen in his commentary on this reading says, ”I think we need more fig trees – at least in a figurative sense…we need more places and time to be contemplative – time to be quiet and think.” 

2E8: How might we create “fig trees” at Faith Lutheran Church?

2E9: How might you make space for “fig tree” time on your journey?

2E10: What could happen if there were more “fig-tree” times?

2E11: See where you already have “fig-tree” time in your life this week.  Or you might try putting some “fig-tree” time into your schedule and see what happens for you.  Meditating on this week’s Bible Study could be done during “fig-tree” time.

DAY 4
John 1:49-51

“49Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ 

50Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’

 51And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’”

Background: 

• “…John describes Jesus as an embodiment of heavenly Wisdom …whose message centers on his own divine nature.”  [As in verse 51]  (“The New Testament: A Student’s Introduction,” Stephen L. Harris, page 221)
• “Verse 51 has an allusion to the ladder of Genesis 28:12 upon which ‘the angels of God were ascending and descending.’  Jesus, himself, has now become the bridge between heaven and earth, between divine and human, temporal and eternal.  The place to meet God is not the ladder of Jacob’s dream at Bethel, but Jesus.”  (Brian Stoffregen in his commentary on this Scripture.)

• Philip is an Hellenistic name; Nathanael is a good Israelite name.  Is Nathanael a symbol of all Israelites (like Jacob)?
• The “you” in verse 51 is plural which means that Jesus is talking to more than just Nathanael.  He is also talking to us.
• “The ultimate outcome of the calling of the various disciples is that they will see Jesus’ glory, above all the glory of his resurrection.”   (Stephen Hultgren, working Preacher.com)

Reflection questions:

2E12: What might be the “greater things than these” Jesus is talking about?

2E13: Would we be so fast in saying “you are the Son of God” if a stranger said to you they “saw you under the fig tree?”  Explain.

DAY 5

Reread the entire Scripture:  John 1:43-51

2E14: Does anything significant or new stand out for you with this reading?

Reread the entire Scripture again.

2E15: What prayer might rise up in you (what would you like to say to God) after reflecting (listening to what God had to say to you) on this Scripture?

Reflection Questions:

2E16: In this Scripture reading Jesus is recognized by sight as the “son of Joseph from Nazareth,” and by faith as the son of (coming from) God.  How do you recognize Jesus in your life?

2E17: Do you invite others to “come and see” Jesus?  Explain.  How does Faith Lutheran invite people to “come and see” Jesus?

2E18: How do you think this story fits with the Epiphany theme of revealing Jesus to Israel and to the world?

John 1:43-51

“43The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ 

44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 

45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.’ 

46Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’  Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’

47When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’

48Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you get to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’

 49Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’

 50Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’

 51And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’”
Read through the entire Gospel lesson:  John 1:43-51

EPIPHANY 3: Week of January 16-22, 2012

You are all welcome to join us in the Celebration Bible Study lead by one of the Pastors
On Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the church library.

Lectionary Readings:  Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12 (6); 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20

Prayer of the Day:  “Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service.  Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Background about the Gospel of Mark:

• “Mark’s style conveys his urgency:  He uses the present tense throughout his Gospel and repeatedly connects the brief episodes (periscopes) of his narrative with the transition word immediately.”   (Stephen L. Harris, “The New Testament,” page 136)  See Mark 1:18 & 20. 
• “That Jesus came into Galilee preaching the gospel of God (1:14-15) serves as transition from the prologue to the body of the narrative.  His coming also announces the central theme of the Galilean ministry and of the entire Gospel:  ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe the Good News.’”  (Lamar Williamson, Jr., “Mark,” page 2)

Day 1

Mark 1:14-20

“14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 

15and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’

 16As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen.

 17And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.

’18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 

19As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 

20Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.”

Read through the entire gospel lesson:  Mark 1:14-20.

Reflection questions:

3Ep1: Jot down any words or phrases that stand out for you.

3Ep2: What do you think God might be saying in this story?

Day 2

Mark 1:14-15

“14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 

15and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’” 

Background:

• The theme of the first half of Mark’s Gospel is Jesus proclaiming the Gospel.
• The good news or “Gospel” is “something that is proclaimed (1:14; 13:10; 14:9; 16:15).  That suggests that it is not a doctrine or even a teaching to be studied.  It’s a declaration—a shout! …it is something to be believed (1:15).  …it is something that motivates our lives—acting ‘for the sake of the gospel’ … when one believes something, that belief makes a difference in their lives.” (Brian Stoffregen)
• “The phrase, ‘The time has been (or is) fulfilled” is only in Mark.  The word for time [here] is kairos. [God’s time]’ (Ibid.), not kronos which is chronological time.
• “The coming of Jesus fulfills God’s plan for the grand sweep of history…God stepped into human history in a unique and decisive way.  The time is fulfilled, and ours is an invaded planet.”   (Lamar Williamson, Jr., “Mark,” p. 41)

• “Jesus’ words are proclaiming that God’s time is not only near but is here.  God’s kingly reign and rule is breaking in presently in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth (1:14).  (Paul S. Berger, WorkingPreacher.com)
• “Repent”:  “Jesus calls his hearers to turn around, to shift the direction of their lives, to look, listen, and give their full attention to the Kingdom which is arriving.”  (Lamar Williamson, Jr., “Mark,” page 42)
• “Repentance properly understood is an ‘I can’t’ experience…When we come before God confessing, ‘I can’t do better,’ then we are dying to self.  We are giving up control of our lives.  We are throwing our sinful lives on the mercy of God.  We are inviting God to do what we can’t do ourselves—namely to raise the dead—to change and recreate us … However, the flip side of the ‘I can’t’ is ‘believing the gospel’—‘God can’...the Greek word for ‘believe’ carries an element of trust in it…”  (Brian Stoffregen)

Reflection Questions:

3Ep3: What do you think is the significance of Jesus coming to Galilee after John is arrested?

3Ep4: Brian Stoffregen says:  “It isn’t enough to ask, ‘What do you believe?’ but ‘What difference does it make that you believe?’”  Does what you believe make a difference in your life?  Explain.

3Ep5: What implications do Jesus’ proclamations have for/in your life?

Day 3

Mark 1:16-18

“16As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 

17And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.

’18And immediately they left their nets and followed him.” 

Background:

• The Sea of Galilee is a harp-shaped lake 12 miles long and 8 miles at its widest point. 
• Note that “Jesus does not encounter these fishermen in the religious sphere, but in the midst of their everyday life where they really live.”  (Brian Stoffregen)
• “Literally, Jesus does not ask them ‘to follow’ him; but ‘Come behind me.’ The command, ‘Come behind me,’ may be a way of saying, ‘Make Jesus the most important thing in your life.’  Even one’s own self comes in second behind Jesus.”  (Brian Stoffregen)

Reflection Questions:

3Ep6: What do the words that Jesus speaks, “Follow me…” mean to you?  How do you do this in your life?

3Ep7: What do you think Jesus meant by:  “…I will make you fish for people?”  How do you/Faith Lutheran Church do that today?

3Ep8: How do you experience Jesus calling you today?  How do you respond?

2Ep9: How difficult do you think it would be to drop your nets and follow Jesus immediately?  Could you do that?

Day 4

Mark 1:19-20

“19As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets.

 20Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.”

Background:

• This story of the calling of the four disciples is “also about us now.  For us, as for them, the heart of discipleship and the actualization of the Kingdom of God in our lives lies in following Jesus.

     This does not mean that failure in our attempts to follow Jesus bars us from the kingdom nor that salvation is the result of our obedience…What saves us is Jesus Christ’s obedience (14:36) and his death as a ransom for many (10:45).  But if the cross is the basis for our salvation, following Jesus constitutes our life in the Kingdom of God.”  (Lamar Williamson, Jr., “Mark,” page 48)

Reflection Questions:

3Ep10: What does it take to be a good fisherman?  (some hints:  dedication, experience, know the habits of fish, patience…)

3Ep11: Brian Stoffregen writes:  “Andrew and Peter leave their occupations; James and John leave their father.  Family and jobs are usually quite high on our priority lists.  How can we make them ‘come behind’ Jesus in importance?’”  How would you answer this question?

Day 5

Reread the entire Scripture:  Mark 1:14-20

3Ep12: Does anything significant or new stand out for you with this reading?

Reread the entire Scripture again.

3EP13: What prayer might rise up in you (what would you like to say to God) after reflecting (listening to what God had to say to you) on this Scripture?

Read the entire Scripture again.   

Reflection Questions:

Put yourself into the Scripture in one of the following ways:

3Ep14: As one of the characters in the story:  Who are you?  What is your character seeing?  What does he hear?  What is he feeling?  How does he respond?

3Ep15: As yourself:  You are seeing Jesus, hearing his proclamation, hearing him call you to follow him.  He is speaking to you.  What are you feeling?  How do you respond to him in the story? 

3EP16: Write about your experience.

A comment by Brian Stoffregen sums up his commentary on this Scripture:  “…we have very little control over our own lives, but as fish caught in the net of God’s love, we can trust that we are under God’s control.  We have to believe that being captured by God’s love, that responding to the command to repent and die to self, that being raised to a new life by God, is not only right for us, but a message we need to share with the entire world.”

3Ep17: What is your response to this comment?

Mark 1:14-20

“14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 

15and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’

 16As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen.

 17And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.

’18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 

19As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 

20Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.”

This Gospel Bible Study is

written by members of

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
667 East First Avenue
Chico, CA  95926
530-895-3754

TO THE GLORY OF GOD

  

MARK
1.ADVENT
                              1st Week (27 Nov-3 Dec)
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                              2nd Week (4-10 Dec)
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		2.CHRISTMAS
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		   4.LENT  
                              1st Week (20-26 Feb)
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		5.HOLY WEEK 2 Apr 2012  
		6.EASTER 7 Apr 2012  
		7.PENTECOST 31 May-25 Nov 2012  
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