Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
v.8-9 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
This parable comes right after Jesus has said, "But unless you repent, you too will perish." There comes a time when repentance is no longer possible but God gives everyone every opportunity to repent.
v.8-9 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
This parable comes right after Jesus has said, "But unless you repent, you too will perish." There comes a time when repentance is no longer possible but God gives everyone every opportunity to repent.
This chapter starts with Jesus giving two examples of tragedies. One caused by people (Pilate) and one caused by an accident (tower falling). Interesting that Jesus respond is the same in both incidents. Doesn't matter how tragedy comes to us, it's how we respond that's important.
This chapter starts with Jesus giving two examples of tragedies. One caused by people (Pilate) and one caused by an accident (tower falling). Interesting that Jesus respond is the same in both incidents. Doesn't matter how tragedy comes to us, it's how we respond that's important.
v.17 When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.
The rift between the people and the leaders grows wider. The people know the leaders do not really care about them but only about keeping their rules. But Jesus was different he genuinely cares for people.
v.17 When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.
The rift between the people and the leaders grows wider. The people know the leaders do not really care about them but only about keeping their rules. But Jesus was different he genuinely cares for people.
v.29-30 People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”
You expected the people coming from the east, west, north and south would be Gentiles and not Jews. Furthermore the Jews would expect to be first and the Gentiles last (or not at all).
We cannot trust our Jewish or Christian heritage to get us into the kingdom.
v.29-30 People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”
You expected the people coming from the east, west, north and south would be Gentiles and not Jews. Furthermore the Jews would expect to be first and the Gentiles last (or not at all).
We cannot trust our Jewish or Christian heritage to get us into the kingdom.
v.31 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”
Did Herod really want to kill Jesus? In 23:8 he very much wanted to see Jesus. It seems this was just another trick of the Pharisees to keep Jesus out of Jerusalem and from being popular with the crowds.
Interesting that the Pharisees will use intimidation, bullying, threats, anything to thwart Jesus’ mission.
v.31 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”
Did Herod really want to kill Jesus? In 23:8 he very much wanted to see Jesus. It seems this was just another trick of the Pharisees to keep Jesus out of Jerusalem and from being popular with the crowds.
Interesting that the Pharisees will use intimidation, bullying, threats, anything to thwart Jesus’ mission.