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 There was another major group of Jewish people called the Essenes who had withdrawn from the Temple a century before the birth of Jesus.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?
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