|
Bible Study for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost - August 14th |
Read Luke 12:49-56
Jesus continues his teachings to the disciples as he prepares them for the end of time. Many times, Jesus is cast as a gentle peacemaker, but in this passage he describes himself as one who brings fire to the earth. He yearns for the fire to be lit and kindled.
Some scholars associate the fire with the oncoming of the Holy Spirit, but others see it as a reference to the final judgment. Jesus feels the pressure and stress of the mounting tensions. He is preparing for his own death. His stress or distress is understandable. It is clear his reference to baptism is not of water placed on his head by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, but a deluge of strife. Yet, despite the conflict, Jesus remains on the path towards Jerusalem and completion.
Jesus knows he is inviting his followers to make some important decisions about their lives and their loyalties. Many of his audience were Jews who like their ancestors anticipated and prepared for the Messiah but may not be able to recognize Jesus as God’s anointed.
In the same family unit, others may have open eyes, hearts, and spirits to the good news proclaimed by Jesus Christ. People in the same family may come to different conclusions about Jesus. That is a harsh reality. Instead of peace and goodwill, Jesus brings friction and discord, particularly with those who reject Jesus.
Jesus asks, “Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!” (Luke 12:51 NRSV) Anyone who has attended a Christmas Eve worship service might be inclined to believe Jesus came to bring peace. When Jesus was born, the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!” (Luke 2:14 NRSV)
Jesus is depicted as a judge, ready to cast down fire. He is ready to hold people accountable. Just because a person becomes a disciple of Jesus, this does not mean a life without conflict or friction. Jesus confronts the religious powers of his day and invites them to a new relationship with God. Yet, not all could hear and respond as people individually choose to follow or not.
Prayer
Jesus, bring your fire and kindle faith. Give me clarity of purpose. Amen
Jesus continues his teachings to the disciples as he prepares them for the end of time. Many times, Jesus is cast as a gentle peacemaker, but in this passage he describes himself as one who brings fire to the earth. He yearns for the fire to be lit and kindled.
- What does it mean for Jesus to bring fire to the earth?
- Why would Jesus want that fire to be kindled?
Some scholars associate the fire with the oncoming of the Holy Spirit, but others see it as a reference to the final judgment. Jesus feels the pressure and stress of the mounting tensions. He is preparing for his own death. His stress or distress is understandable. It is clear his reference to baptism is not of water placed on his head by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, but a deluge of strife. Yet, despite the conflict, Jesus remains on the path towards Jerusalem and completion.
- What does it feel like to know Jesus faced stress?
- Since Jesus chose the path to the cross, does it make it easier? Why or why not?
Jesus knows he is inviting his followers to make some important decisions about their lives and their loyalties. Many of his audience were Jews who like their ancestors anticipated and prepared for the Messiah but may not be able to recognize Jesus as God’s anointed.
In the same family unit, others may have open eyes, hearts, and spirits to the good news proclaimed by Jesus Christ. People in the same family may come to different conclusions about Jesus. That is a harsh reality. Instead of peace and goodwill, Jesus brings friction and discord, particularly with those who reject Jesus.
Jesus asks, “Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!” (Luke 12:51 NRSV) Anyone who has attended a Christmas Eve worship service might be inclined to believe Jesus came to bring peace. When Jesus was born, the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!” (Luke 2:14 NRSV)
- Does this image of Jesus bringing division fit with your image of Jesus?
- Why is this division necessary?
Jesus is depicted as a judge, ready to cast down fire. He is ready to hold people accountable. Just because a person becomes a disciple of Jesus, this does not mean a life without conflict or friction. Jesus confronts the religious powers of his day and invites them to a new relationship with God. Yet, not all could hear and respond as people individually choose to follow or not.
- Does this image of Jesus as a judge fit your image of Jesus? Why or why not?
- Why is there a need for Jesus to judge?
- What about grace?
Prayer
Jesus, bring your fire and kindle faith. Give me clarity of purpose. 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.
-Pray for voting members, leaders, guests and staff of the churchwide organization participating in the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Columbus, Ohio. Ask the Spirit to guide and inspire their decision-making and spiritual discernment together on behalf of the entire church and to strengthen and unify them for doing God’s work in the world.
-There are over 476 million Indigenous people living in 90 countries around the world. They have unique languages, traditions, cultures, knowledge systems, worldviews and systems for governing themselves. Pray that we will value them as children of God; respect their rights, freedoms, dignity and lands; and ensure their right to participate fully in political and economic activities. With repentant hearts, ask God’s forgiveness for our harmful and unjust actions and policies throughout history, for taking what was not ours, and for forcing our own language, culture, religious beliefs, worldview and authority upon Indigenous peoples. Pray that we will work to rectify injustices and inequities, develop new relationships of trust and respect, and do the work necessary for reconciliation and healing.
-Ask the Spirit to bolster us in praying for worldwide peace and reconciliation and in supporting people, ministries and organizations committed to making peace, providing relief, bearing hope and defending the vulnerable.
-Pray that God will equip, inspire and sustain new synod bishops for serving in diverse contexts across the ELCA, and pray that they will find support, care and encouragement for their ministry and personal lives.
-Give thanks for the gifts, wisdom and perspectives of youth around the world, and remember in prayer young people who live in areas of war and conflict, suffer poverty and hunger, long for educational opportunities, provide care for their siblings and parents, and live in hope for a better future.
-Remember in prayer and give thanks for nurses, who use their gifts and skills in global mission, responding to disasters and serving their communities. Pray for the Evangelical Lutheran Parish Nurse Association and its work supporting and equipping parish nurses, helping congregations develop new health ministries and encouraging people to pursue nursing as a vocation.
-Followers of Christ can suffer criticism and opposition. Ask God for courage, boldness and patience to share the gospel and serve our neighbors in need; pray that, when people oppose or criticize us, the Spirit will give us the confidence to respond with respect, love and humility.
-Pray for voting members, leaders, guests and staff of the churchwide organization participating in the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Columbus, Ohio. Ask the Spirit to guide and inspire their decision-making and spiritual discernment together on behalf of the entire church and to strengthen and unify them for doing God’s work in the world.
-There are over 476 million Indigenous people living in 90 countries around the world. They have unique languages, traditions, cultures, knowledge systems, worldviews and systems for governing themselves. Pray that we will value them as children of God; respect their rights, freedoms, dignity and lands; and ensure their right to participate fully in political and economic activities. With repentant hearts, ask God’s forgiveness for our harmful and unjust actions and policies throughout history, for taking what was not ours, and for forcing our own language, culture, religious beliefs, worldview and authority upon Indigenous peoples. Pray that we will work to rectify injustices and inequities, develop new relationships of trust and respect, and do the work necessary for reconciliation and healing.
-Ask the Spirit to bolster us in praying for worldwide peace and reconciliation and in supporting people, ministries and organizations committed to making peace, providing relief, bearing hope and defending the vulnerable.
-Pray that God will equip, inspire and sustain new synod bishops for serving in diverse contexts across the ELCA, and pray that they will find support, care and encouragement for their ministry and personal lives.
-Give thanks for the gifts, wisdom and perspectives of youth around the world, and remember in prayer young people who live in areas of war and conflict, suffer poverty and hunger, long for educational opportunities, provide care for their siblings and parents, and live in hope for a better future.
-Remember in prayer and give thanks for nurses, who use their gifts and skills in global mission, responding to disasters and serving their communities. Pray for the Evangelical Lutheran Parish Nurse Association and its work supporting and equipping parish nurses, helping congregations develop new health ministries and encouraging people to pursue nursing as a vocation.
-Followers of Christ can suffer criticism and opposition. Ask God for courage, boldness and patience to share the gospel and serve our neighbors in need; pray that, when people oppose or criticize us, the Spirit will give us the confidence to respond with respect, love and humility.
Lent 2020 -
|
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 -
|
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 |
