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Bible Study for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost - July 6th
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Read Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Jesus is on a mission. Time is getting short and there is so much to do. In Luke 9, Jesus predicts
his own death and challenges would-be followers about the difficulties ahead. In Luke 10, Jesus
appoints seventy disciples and sends them off by twos. These teams of two are to go to the
villages and make preparations for Jesus to visit. Thirty-five teams is an impressive number of
ambassadors to be dispersed for Jesus.
The seventy are no longer to be in the background, listening to Jesus. Like John the Baptist, the
seventy are being asked to prepare the way for Jesus. Each person might be asked to speak
clearly about the Messiah. Jesus is in the process of training his disciples and passing on the
mission. It is an exciting transition, but these disciples are not to rely on their own abilities. “The
harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out
laborers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2 NRSV)
Jesus then gives traveling instructions to his followers. The seventy are being sent “like lambs
into the midst of wolves.” (Luke 10:3) These harvesters are not to take a purse, bag, or sandals,
but rely on the hospitality of others. Instead of tangible items for their travels, the seventy take
the gift of peace for their hosts.
As guests, this is not the time to be selective about food and drink. Simply, eat and drink what is
offered. Jesus understands his mission is bigger than dietary laws and prepares his followers to
interact with the Gentiles. The seventy are to proclaim the nearness of God’s kingdom.
But Jesus warns his followers. Not all will receive them well or desire to hear the good news of
Jesus. If they are rejected, the followers are to simply move on and let God handle those who
reject them. In this way, their mission parallels the rejection of the prophets.
Despite the warnings of rejection, it appears the seventy are received warmly and much good is
done on behalf of Jesus. But Jesus sternly warns them about becoming too boastful about their
success. Any success is because God’s Spirit has been at work, not because of their own skill
level. These followers are to rejoice in God’s love for them.
Prayer
Creator of all, help us to be ready to bloom where we are planted and to be ready to harvest what
you have nurtured. Use us as your workers to expand your reign on this earth. Amen.
Jesus is on a mission. Time is getting short and there is so much to do. In Luke 9, Jesus predicts
his own death and challenges would-be followers about the difficulties ahead. In Luke 10, Jesus
appoints seventy disciples and sends them off by twos. These teams of two are to go to the
villages and make preparations for Jesus to visit. Thirty-five teams is an impressive number of
ambassadors to be dispersed for Jesus.
- What would it have been like to be on one of those teams?
- Why send so many teams?
The seventy are no longer to be in the background, listening to Jesus. Like John the Baptist, the
seventy are being asked to prepare the way for Jesus. Each person might be asked to speak
clearly about the Messiah. Jesus is in the process of training his disciples and passing on the
mission. It is an exciting transition, but these disciples are not to rely on their own abilities. “The
harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out
laborers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2 NRSV)
- What does it mean for the harvest to be plentiful?
- What happens to the harvest if laborers do not respond?
- Why involve the Lord in harvesting?
Jesus then gives traveling instructions to his followers. The seventy are being sent “like lambs
into the midst of wolves.” (Luke 10:3) These harvesters are not to take a purse, bag, or sandals,
but rely on the hospitality of others. Instead of tangible items for their travels, the seventy take
the gift of peace for their hosts.
- What is the advantage of traveling so light?
- How is trust an issue in their mission?
As guests, this is not the time to be selective about food and drink. Simply, eat and drink what is
offered. Jesus understands his mission is bigger than dietary laws and prepares his followers to
interact with the Gentiles. The seventy are to proclaim the nearness of God’s kingdom.
But Jesus warns his followers. Not all will receive them well or desire to hear the good news of
Jesus. If they are rejected, the followers are to simply move on and let God handle those who
reject them. In this way, their mission parallels the rejection of the prophets.
- Do you believe it was helpful for the seventy to hear about the possible rejection? How so?
- Why would people reject the seventy?
Despite the warnings of rejection, it appears the seventy are received warmly and much good is
done on behalf of Jesus. But Jesus sternly warns them about becoming too boastful about their
success. Any success is because God’s Spirit has been at work, not because of their own skill
level. These followers are to rejoice in God’s love for them.
Prayer
Creator of all, help us to be ready to bloom where we are planted and to be ready to harvest what
you have nurtured. Use us as your workers to expand your reign on this earth. Amen.
Prayer Petitions for this week
These petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church.
-Remember in prayer congregations, synods and outdoor ministries that have applied for an ELCA Disability Ministry grant. These grants support projects and programs that identify and prepare people with disabilities for leadership positions and equip members of congregations to welcome them to full participation in the life of the church.
-Nothing is impossible for God. Our sins, fears, demons and eccentricities are no match for God’s power to forgive, heal and renew us. Give thanks to God for surrounding us with siblings in Christ who extend to us their mercy and love.
-Our church has missionaries in 35 countries, and its Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program covers six countries/territories. Pray that God will bless these missionaries as they serve alongside companion churches in education, evangelism, administration, parish ministry, leadership development, justice and health.
-Give thanks for the freedom we enjoy in our country. Promise to be responsible with that freedom and attentive to those marginalized by poverty, prejudice, persecution, unjust laws or malevolent ideologies.
-“Insofar as a Christian is free, no works are necessary. Insofar as a Christian is a servant, all kinds of works are done” (Martin Luther, The Freedom of a Christian). Praise God for freeing us from sin through the redeeming love of Jesus Christ. Ask the Spirit to inspire our service, our acts of kindness and mercy, and our praise for God, the true source of absolute freedom.
-God sends us into the world equipped to share the gospel, care for neighbors in need, inspire hope and strive for justice and healing. Give thanks for the strength and encouragement we receive from our church, our faith communities and our siblings in Christ.
-Remember in prayer congregations, synods and outdoor ministries that have applied for an ELCA Disability Ministry grant. These grants support projects and programs that identify and prepare people with disabilities for leadership positions and equip members of congregations to welcome them to full participation in the life of the church.
-Nothing is impossible for God. Our sins, fears, demons and eccentricities are no match for God’s power to forgive, heal and renew us. Give thanks to God for surrounding us with siblings in Christ who extend to us their mercy and love.
-Our church has missionaries in 35 countries, and its Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program covers six countries/territories. Pray that God will bless these missionaries as they serve alongside companion churches in education, evangelism, administration, parish ministry, leadership development, justice and health.
-Give thanks for the freedom we enjoy in our country. Promise to be responsible with that freedom and attentive to those marginalized by poverty, prejudice, persecution, unjust laws or malevolent ideologies.
-“Insofar as a Christian is free, no works are necessary. Insofar as a Christian is a servant, all kinds of works are done” (Martin Luther, The Freedom of a Christian). Praise God for freeing us from sin through the redeeming love of Jesus Christ. Ask the Spirit to inspire our service, our acts of kindness and mercy, and our praise for God, the true source of absolute freedom.
-God sends us into the world equipped to share the gospel, care for neighbors in need, inspire hope and strive for justice and healing. Give thanks for the strength and encouragement we receive from our church, our faith communities and our siblings in Christ.
Lent 2020 -
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In Jesus’ day, women were generally silent, and rarely if ever seen, and are generally nameless. We hear about the Canaanite woman, or the Samaritan woman, or they are identified by their relationship to a man such as Jairus’s daughter or Simon’s mother-in-law. So the very inclusion of women in the gospel texts is remarkable. Yet these women are a part of our history and a part of Jesus’ story. This Lenten season, we will explore a different woman’s story each week.
Introduction to Lent 2020 and Women's Encounters with Jesus Week 1 - The Canaanite Woman: Matthew 15:21-28 Week 2 - Martha and Mary: Luke 10:38-42 Week 3 - A Bent Woman, Daughter of Abraham: Luke 13:10-17 Week 4 - A Woman Accused of Adultery: John 7:53-8:11 Week 5 - A Woman anoints Jesus for Burial - Matthew 26:6-13 |
Lent 2019 -
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Jesus often taught the crowds through powerful stories that feel just as contemporary today as they did 2000 years ago. These wonderful stories allow us to see the world of the first century through the eyes of first century followers of Jesus. Join us on this journey through 5 parables from the Gospel of Luke as we peel back the layers to discover how these parables simultaneously comfort and challenge us. Dig into the culture of the original hearers of these stories that challenge our assumptions about God, the world, our neighbors, and ourselves.
Once Upon a Time: The Beauty and Challenge of Story Week 1 - Are All Samaritans Good? Week 2 - Lost Things Week 3 - A Lost Son Week 4 - A Lost Brother Week 5 - A Feast for the Ones the World Forgot Reflections on Holy Week |
Lent 2018 |
The gospel of John tells the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection in a poignant, dramatic, and unique voice. In this Lenten Bible study, you are invited to enter into John’s world and encounter those who were a part of Jesus’ final days.
Introduction to the Gospel of John Week 1 – Nicodemus: Journey from Darkness to Light Week 2 – Judas: Journey to the Dark Side Week 3 – Peter: Journey to Understanding Week 4 – Mary Magdalene: Journey to Life Week 5 – The Beloved Disciple: Our Journey to Faithfulness |
Advent 2017 |
Pastor Joanne made a series of videos with a message for each week of the Advent season. Please follow this link to see those messages
Advent videos 2017 |
