Tuesday of Holy Week study

Tuesday

Tuesday sees Jesus again entering into the city. There are several parables and confrontations that the writers begin to address. Matthew and Mark talk about the cursed fig tree. This begins to set up the tensions between Jesus and the authorities that eventually lead to the cross on Friday. It is these conflicts that set the stage forcing the disciples and us to make a choice between the status quo and the new life. Luke, even though does not indicate which day’s events occurred, speaks to the same conflicts. It is only in John that we hear nothing until the day of preparation.

As we read this week’s assignments, take time to reflect on the power struggles that are occurring. Spend time reflecting on the areas in your life that continues to be a struggle between the world and what Jesus calls to us.

The major groups of people who are in conflict with Jesus are the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Herodians, and the Zealots. There was another major group of Jewish people called the Essenes who had withdrawn from the Temple a century before the birth of Jesus. The Essenes are the ones we associate with the Dead Sea Scrolls. See the article on the Jewish sects. The Herodians were supporters of King Herod and loyal to Rome. Scribes were part of the Sadducees.

Reading one: Matthew 21:18-23:36. Read also Jeremiah 8:13, 29:17; Hosea 2:12; 9:10

What do you now think about the cursing of the fig tree? Read the commentary on Matthew 21:18-22. What do you think about the fact that Matthew uses fruit as a metaphor for good works?

Reading the commentary on the issue of authority, note how the commentator speaks that this is not a series of lectures but are ways of trying to trap Jesus. What about the need to take a stand which the Jewish leaders were unwilling to do?

The parable of the wedding guests speaks to not presuming on grace. Do we as Christians need to do more than just show up?

Reading two: Matthew 23:37-25:46; Isaiah 26:17-18, 66:7-8

What do we know about the end times and should we be concerned?

Matthew uses birth pangs as a description of these times. Could this indicate that every period of human history has the opportunity for new life?

Read Daniel 7:13-14 about the Son of Man. Who are the elect?

Read the commentary on watchfulness. Note the connection between the Sermon on the Mount and being watchful.

Reading three: Mark 11:20-33

Read the commentary on Mark 11:20-25

What are your feelings about prayer?

Do you believe that there is a certain way of praying?

Do you have confidence in your prayer life and what would it take to have such confidence?

Jesus confronts leaders with authority and they react. As one of my seminary professors often said, the Empire strikes back at those who challenge them. Can one take a stand on what they believe and do so without violence, revolt, or condemnation?

Reading four: Mark 12:1-12:44

How is the explanation of the fig tree different in Mark?

Think about current leaders who may be more concerned about their own prestige and traditions than about the Word of God.

The debate about rendering to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s points to what viewpoint in your reflection?

How do we balance our citizenship to the nation with our discipleship with Jesus?

What are your beliefs about the resurrection? What do you find comforting or disconcerting about what Jesus says about the resurrection?

Reading about the Great Commandment what are your thoughts about this and how do you live it out?

What about the Widow’s offering? What do you see in what she has done?

Reading five: Mark 13:1-37; Isaiah 13:9-11, 14:12-15, 34:3-4; Ezekiel 32:5-8; Joel 2:10-11, 2:30-32, 3:14-15

How does reading the Old Testament prophets help inform you of what Mark is talking about in the explanation of the last days? Read the commentary on chapter 13 to understand some of the historical information.

If you have read or seen information on the last times, what are your concerns? One of the commentators states that the Christian response should be giving testimony to the gospel. Do you feel that we need to figure out some sort of code about when the second coming is going to happen?

How could one respond to those who are caught up in the end-time turmoil? Read the comments about remaining watchful regarding how we are with one another.

Reading six: Luke 20:1-21:37

Read the comments on 378-379 about the concerns of religious leaders and being faithful to what God is saying. Do you believe we are responsible to keep the distinctive teachings and practices of tradition? If so, what do we do when we may feel that God is saying something new?

Using the parable of the vineyard would remind the early readers about Isaiah 5. Take time to read that. Read the comments on 383-384.

Are there examples of the scribes of today devouring widow’s houses? Should we be concerned about quilting someone into giving? What are some ways that we can be more aware of the concerns about raising money for ministry?

How would you answer the question as to what should we give to God?

Read the comments on 405-406. We are stewards of God’s creation. How would you see the warnings of the end times as a call to repentance? How might this be a counter-cultural message for today’s society?

What are your ideas about the second coming? How important is that in your life?

Holy Week Bible study

For those who do not have Facebook, I will be putting the bible study on my blog.  The on-line version does not include many of the articles that the ftf studies have but includes the main information.

Palm Sunday

This week we will be studying when Jesus entered into Jerusalem. As we begin our study, it is important to keep some of the historical context in our reflections. This week starts on the first day of the week of Passover on of the most cultural and religious holidays of the Jewish calendar. It was a reminder of what God had done to release the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The text for the meaning of Passover is found in Exodus 12:1-28. Passover was one of the five main feasts that all Jews were, if possible, attend in the Temple. As a result, Jerusalem’s population would increase dramatically much like Lincoln Ne on a Cornhusker home football game.

This would also have been a time where many artisans and merchants would make money from which they could pay their taxes and support their families. Today’s equivalent would be Black Friday. Many of the people, who would pilgrimage there, would not have been able to bring their own sacrifices to offer at the Temple. They would have to pay for their sacrifices from merchants around and in the Temple area. They would also have to exchange their roman coins for coins that would be acceptable to the Temple.

Another factor as we reflect on this week is that all of Judea was under Roman rule. This holy day that they were preparing to celebrate regarding their freedom found them once again oppressed militarily and economically by Rome. In Jerusalem, there would be a Roman Legion of 1000 men. The Roman army was the most efficient and brutal army at that time. Even though Rome would allow a certain amount of tolerance for religious freedom, they still demanded loyalty of the priests to Rome. So for a priest to operate, they would have to have the blessing of Caesar.

We will be studying some of the various factions that would have been present at the time of Jesus’ entry. Whenever there is oppression, there will also be those who seek relief of that oppression. What many were looking for was a leader who would rally people to the cause of overthrowing the Roman tyranny. Prior to the entry of Jesus, many felt that he might be the one person who could organize an army that would defeat Rome. (The irony is that he did do that but not through military might and it took 300 years to accomplish.)

There were many competing Messiah beliefs. One was that the Messiah would be a king like David, a brilliant general and soldier. Another belief was that the Messiah would be a High Priest much like Elijah or even Moses. The tension that resulted from the actions prior to Holy Week caused a great deal of concern from the religious leader, merchants dependent on Rome, and even the Roman army or governors that were charged with keeping the peace at whatever cost. It is difficult to look at this entire week without this understanding of the political, economic, and religious atmosphere.

Day one: This first day, I would suggest recalling what Palm Sunday was like for you as a child. What were the favorite parts of the service that you recall? Were there some favorite hymns that you enjoyed listening to? Were there any times that the service focused on Passion Sunday rather than Palm Sunday? Write those out that you can share with someone.

Day two: Read Matthew 21:1-9; Zechariah 9:9-17; and Psalm 118. Note that the Matthew account of the story of the entry did not occur on Sunday. What are your impressions about what the people might have been expecting based on the gospel and Hebrew Scriptures?

Son of David was a common title applied to Jesus (Matt. 1:1; 20:30). How would that inform the reader about what the author what the author thought about Jesus?

Based on just these reading what are your expectation regarding Jesus?

Day three: Read Mark 11:1-11; reread Psalm 118 especially vv. 19-27

What are some of the differences that you notice in the accounts from Mark and Matthew? Most scholars believe that the first gospel written was Mark which was likely written anywhere from 65 CE to 75 CE.

Day four: Read Luke 19:28-48. Note in Luke there is no mention of the day that Jesus entered into Jerusalem. Luke includes more details about the gate Jesus came in being the Gate of the Mount of Olives. If you have a bible dictionary read about the Mount of Olives and its significance. Likely at the same time Jesus enters, King Herod would be entering from the opposite direction to come to the Temple. He would be riding a warhorse rather than a borrowed donkey. Which parade would you likely to attend?

Certainly, King Herod would represent the domination of Rome being accompanied by soldiers, not only his personal guard but likely members of the Roman Legion. Jesus is accompanied by his army of disciples and believers. Reflect on the differing status of these competing armies.

Day five: Read John 12:12-36

The Gospel of John contains very little information that is found in the synaptic gospels which indicated that the author had a separate source of information. Jesus often talks about that his hour has not come indicating the time of his vindication and glorification which occurs at the crucifixion. When he enters Jerusalem this third time, his hour has come. Jesus finds his own donkey. He is called the King of Israel. What are your impressions regarding this?

There are some Greeks (gentiles) who wish to see Jesus. Why do you think the author talks about the Greeks seeking Jesus?

Day six: Look up the meaning of palm branches and their use. Generally what do you believe about this entry to Jerusalem?

The Last Week As Seen Through The Gospel Writers

Monday

Monday sees Jesus entering into Jerusalem, according to Mark, for a second time. Matthew presents Jesus entering into Jerusalem on the donkey and colt and proceeding to the Temple. Luke does not have the time frame designated until the day of Preparation. The gospel of John also does not present the events in the same chronological order.

Mark tends to do a more day to day account. The writer of Mark uses what has been called Marken frames. These can be found throughout the gospel but the cursing of the fig tree is an example. When Jesus arrives, he curses the fig tree. It is not until the next day that he explains the cursing. The use of frames highlights what lies in the middle which tends to explain the framing story. So when you read about the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the Temple, you might want to reflect on what these two might have in common.

Another interesting comment on the cleansing of the Temple is that the gospel of John presents the episode early in the gospel when Jesus comes to Jerusalem for the first time. With the synoptic gospels, the cleansing of the Temple was one of the factors that led the priests to seek Jesus’ death. In John, it is the raising of Lazarus that led to the high priest wanting to seek Jesus’ death.

Readings

Day one: Read Matthew 21:12-17

Jesus drives out the money changers. The verb drive out is the same as when Jesus was driven out to the wilderness to face his temptations. Is there a connection?

The blind and the lame come to Jesus in the Temple to be healed and give him adoration. Can you imagine what the priests might feel about those who are unclean coming to the Temple to be healed and especially after the cleansing of the Temple?

Read the People’s New Testament commentary especially 21:14. Who is welcomed in the Temple? What about our church?

Day two: Read Jeremiah 7 and 26

Matthew was written after the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE. Jesus’ actions in the Temple may be a statement about God’s judgment. In reading Jeremiah, how would these chapters help inform you about what Jesus did?

Day three: Read Mark 11:12-19

Read the article about fig trees. Does knowing that Israel was often symbolized by a fig tree help with the understanding of the cursing of the fig tree?

How does the information about the cleansing of the Temple similar to Matthew and Luke and how is it different?

Mark may have been written close to the time of the fall of Jerusalem by Rome. Would the historical context help inform you?

Day four: Read Zechariah 14

Where do you see hope in what Jesus has done this day?

Day five: Read Luke 19:41-48

This begins a series of teachings that Jesus did from the Temple. As he enters the Temple, he weeps for Jerusalem. He says, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.” Today, how does the church recognize or not he things that make for peace?

Written after the fall of Jerusalem, Luke talks about the destruction and relating it to “you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.” Do you feel that today there has been any time that you have be aware of God visiting you?

Jesus continues to teach from the Temple confronting the Sadducees, scribes, priests and elders. The people are spellbound by his teachings. The leaders are fearful to arrest him because of the people’s reactions. What are your thoughts about how the religious leaders of the time might have felt? Today would religious leaders or people think any differently?

Day six: Read John 2:13-25

John places the cleansing of the Temple early in Jesus’ ministry. This follows the miracle at Cana. Read the commentary about this. The authors of the commentary feel that this is a prophetic inauguration of his ministry by showing God’s presence and the challenge it brings to the ways of the world. What do you feel about challenging the status quo of religious rituals? Should one challenge or question them?

The priests do not get the metaphor of the Temple. Does it take Jesus’ death and resurrection for us to understand much like the early disciples? What is your understanding of this metaphor in your life?

Throughout history, there have been those who feel compelled to look at the reformation of their religious practices and seek renewal and change. Are we as the church called to focus on where we need to renew ourselves and change the way we do things?

Jesus was not open to the people because he could tell what lay at their hearts. Reflect on your heart about what you hold important?

February 11

We are still digging out from the blizzard.  The last report that I heard was that we had about 12-15 inches of snow with winds gusting to 45 mph.  Church services were cancelled though I was able to phone into the radio station and do our worship service on the air at the regular time.

Friday and Saturday spent time with our Bishop Jones as he did a workshop on being bold, missional, and evangelical.  There was so much to what he had to say that struck a chord with me.  I hope that as we continue to grow in our willingness to be disciples, we can use what he presented as the stepping off point of whether or not we will be a social club or a missional outpost.  As he stated, "We need to make the main thing the main thing."

Also later this week I plan to post the information of the bible study at Ainsworth Bible Study on Facebook.  Stay tuned, keep warm, and most of all stay in love with God and neighbor.

February 7th

It is hard to believe that Ash Wednesday is 6 days away.  With that comes the season of Lent.  Each year as I approach this season I begin to reflect on what is different this year from last year.  Sometimes I find that there is little difference.  That is when I realize that I haven’t grown in some ways over the last year.  Sometimes it feels as if I am just putting one foot in front of the other.

I am not saying that I don’t still feel my call or that I don’t spend time with God or with those who are in need.  It just feels that at times the passion is less than what I would hope.  Maybe it is the middle of winter and I continue to fight some sort of bug that has been at me since the week before Christmas.

I do know that when I get to the darker place, God shines His light upon me and inspires me in ways that I never would have imagined.  An example for me, I planned to do a bible study of Adam Hamilton’s new book “The Way.”  I ordered it and found out that it was not going to be shipped until after the beginning of Lent thus defeating the purpose of the study.  As I was contemplating what I wanted to do, I came across a bible study I had done at Springfield on Holy Week.  This was mostly my research and some based on Borg and Crossan’s book “The Last Week” what the gospels say and don’t say about holy week.  Somehow I got fired up and decided to do this again with additional information from other sources.  Unfortunately what I had saved on my old computer was on the hard drive that was stolen in the break in at Springfield.  I did find hard copies of the materials and am resurrecting those.

As I was preparing these, I thought why don’t I offer this for those who are unable to come to church over Facebook.  So I created a group Ainsworthbiblestudy which people can search and take part.  What I will post will not be the entire study with all the references but will be a weekly study of each day of the Holy Week.  Each week will have daily readings with reflection questions.  I hope that those who participate would be willing to post some of their reflections.  First time that I have done this so hope that it will be a Lenten discipline for all who want to learn more about this last week of Jesus’ ministry prior to the resurrection.

Hope to see on there or at church.

Pastor Eldon