Bible Study for the Third Sunday after Pentecost-
June 30th
Read Luke 9:51-62
Ginger was old enough to ride her bike to the neighborhood store. She had always ridden with an adult; but she had gone so many times, she was confident of the way. On the first day of summer vacation, she begged her grandmother to let her go all by herself. Her grandmother consented but stood at the end of the driveway until she was out of sight.
It was difficult for the grandmother to realize her granddaughter was old enough to venture out on her own, but it was time. Within a short time, Ginger came bounding into the house with a big grin on her face. All went well.
Jesus works long and hard with his disciples, molding them into disciples. He lives, eats, walks, and interacts with them, teaching them through his life as well as through parables and direct verbal instruction. When he feels they are ready, he sends them off to teach others.
All along, Jesus is preparing the disciples for the difficult task of being apostles, ones sent in his name to continue his mission. Jesus keeps his expectations of his followers clear. Jesus invests all in his proclamation of the kingdom of God. Thus, Jesus has no house or deep connections which distract him from his mission.
Jesus expects his followers to be faith-filled and single-minded in their devotion. This is especially illustrated in his remarks to the man who wants to bury his father (Luke 9:59-60)
The next disciple wants to say farewell to his loved ones before following Jesus. Yet, Jesus appears to discourage any allegiance that would distract from following him.
Again, Jesus is preparing would-be followers for the difficult, challenging life of being an apostle, one sent to proclaim God’s kingdom. Certainly, there are rewards to proclaim the good news of Jesus, but that path may include rejection and persecution. Without a doubt, the story of a disciple is one of commitment.
Prayer
O Jesus, you call us to follow you with full commitment. Fill us with courage and strength to follow you wherever you might send us. Amen
Ginger was old enough to ride her bike to the neighborhood store. She had always ridden with an adult; but she had gone so many times, she was confident of the way. On the first day of summer vacation, she begged her grandmother to let her go all by herself. Her grandmother consented but stood at the end of the driveway until she was out of sight.
It was difficult for the grandmother to realize her granddaughter was old enough to venture out on her own, but it was time. Within a short time, Ginger came bounding into the house with a big grin on her face. All went well.
- Give an example of training someone to take over a responsibility.
- How does it feel to let go and let that person take over?
Jesus works long and hard with his disciples, molding them into disciples. He lives, eats, walks, and interacts with them, teaching them through his life as well as through parables and direct verbal instruction. When he feels they are ready, he sends them off to teach others.
All along, Jesus is preparing the disciples for the difficult task of being apostles, ones sent in his name to continue his mission. Jesus keeps his expectations of his followers clear. Jesus invests all in his proclamation of the kingdom of God. Thus, Jesus has no house or deep connections which distract him from his mission.
Jesus expects his followers to be faith-filled and single-minded in their devotion. This is especially illustrated in his remarks to the man who wants to bury his father (Luke 9:59-60)
- Is it reasonable for the grieving to want to bury their dead? How so?
- What does it mean to “let the dead bury the dead”?
- What is the point of Jesus?
The next disciple wants to say farewell to his loved ones before following Jesus. Yet, Jesus appears to discourage any allegiance that would distract from following him.
- Is Jesus being reasonable in his expectations?
- Do these standards apply for us today?
- How are these expectations to be lived out on a daily basis?
Again, Jesus is preparing would-be followers for the difficult, challenging life of being an apostle, one sent to proclaim God’s kingdom. Certainly, there are rewards to proclaim the good news of Jesus, but that path may include rejection and persecution. Without a doubt, the story of a disciple is one of commitment.
Prayer
O Jesus, you call us to follow you with full commitment. Fill us with courage and strength to follow you wherever you might send us. 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 comfort and healing for all members and friends of Immanuel especially Gail, Barb, Bill, Pat, Marie, Becky, Helen, Nina, and the grieving family and friends of Nancy and Barb.
-Remember our outdoor ministries and camps during this very busy time of the year and pray for God to sustain and energize staff members and volunteers so they can greet every new camper with a freshness of spirit and faith that is infectious and inspiring.
-Remember victims and survivors of gun violence across our nation. Ask God to nurture in us the strength, wisdom and compassion we need to provide steady care and support for those who ache for healing and relief from their pain, grief, suffering, anger and fear.
-As people of God gathered in communities of faith, give thanks for how God comes to our aid, sustains and comforts us, is present and patient with us, cares for the poor and suffering, guides us in ways of justice and peace, and invites and equips us to share in this hope-filled, life-giving work in the world.
-The ELCA “Three Sides” podcast shares unique stories, perspectives and diverse voices of our members, congregations and global companions. Give thanks for its ministry of expanding our awareness and our understanding of how God calls and uses us in every expression of the church.
-Pray that ELCA congregations, synods, colleges and universities, seminaries, outdoor ministries and other related organizations involved in special appeals and fundraising be successful in their efforts to start, grow or sustain ministries and programs for the sake of accomplishing God’s work in the world.
-Pray for teachers, professors and school staff who have time off during the summer, that they will be renewed, strengthened and prepared for serving their students, parents and communities when the new school year begins.
-Pray that we will grow in understanding the freedom we have in Christ, which moves us beyond our self-interest to attend to our neighbor. Pray that our lives be guided by the Spirit to exemplify love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
-Pray for comfort and healing for all members and friends of Immanuel especially Gail, Barb, Bill, Pat, Marie, Becky, Helen, Nina, and the grieving family and friends of Nancy and Barb.
-Remember our outdoor ministries and camps during this very busy time of the year and pray for God to sustain and energize staff members and volunteers so they can greet every new camper with a freshness of spirit and faith that is infectious and inspiring.
-Remember victims and survivors of gun violence across our nation. Ask God to nurture in us the strength, wisdom and compassion we need to provide steady care and support for those who ache for healing and relief from their pain, grief, suffering, anger and fear.
-As people of God gathered in communities of faith, give thanks for how God comes to our aid, sustains and comforts us, is present and patient with us, cares for the poor and suffering, guides us in ways of justice and peace, and invites and equips us to share in this hope-filled, life-giving work in the world.
-The ELCA “Three Sides” podcast shares unique stories, perspectives and diverse voices of our members, congregations and global companions. Give thanks for its ministry of expanding our awareness and our understanding of how God calls and uses us in every expression of the church.
-Pray that ELCA congregations, synods, colleges and universities, seminaries, outdoor ministries and other related organizations involved in special appeals and fundraising be successful in their efforts to start, grow or sustain ministries and programs for the sake of accomplishing God’s work in the world.
-Pray for teachers, professors and school staff who have time off during the summer, that they will be renewed, strengthened and prepared for serving their students, parents and communities when the new school year begins.
-Pray that we will grow in understanding the freedom we have in Christ, which moves us beyond our self-interest to attend to our neighbor. Pray that our lives be guided by the Spirit to exemplify love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Reflections on the Resurrection Stories in John's Gospel |
|
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 |
