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Bible Study for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost - July 5th
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Read Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Sometimes it feels like no matter what you do – you cannot win. That’s a frustrating place to be. Jesus knows that. He describes his generation as children in the marketplace who are surrounded by important activities, but are not seriously engaged in purchasing food, making a living, or visiting with others.
Jesus is frustrated at his generation who do not have joy to play the flute at a wedding or compassion to cry at a funeral. They criticize John for eating too little and Jesus for eating too much. No matter what the situation, the people criticize and reject.
There is an important lesson to be learned in the way Jesus handles his frustration. Despite it all, Jesus finds a way to praise God. Despite it all! (See Matthew 11:25-26)
It seems to help Jesus to acknowledge God has not fully revealed all things to the people. That takes a certain amount of responsibility off the shoulders of the people, but they are not without some blame. God chooses to be revealed through Jesus, yet some reject him.
It actually sounds quite confusing. It is enough to make a person’s head and heart spin in confusion and exhaustion. No wonder Jesus offers to take the burdens from those who weary. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NRSV)
Animals who are expected to pull heavy weight are sometimes yoked together to increase their capacity to carry a load. Jesus invites his followers to be yoked with himself. That is quite a partner to assist in carrying weight. No wonder he predicts the burden will lighten. He promises rest for our souls – a deep rest for our weariness. Thanks be to God.
Prayer
Mighty one, take my burdens and free me from my weariness. Let me walk beside you as we are yoked in partnership. Thank you for providing rest for my soul – undeserving as I might be. Amen
Sometimes it feels like no matter what you do – you cannot win. That’s a frustrating place to be. Jesus knows that. He describes his generation as children in the marketplace who are surrounded by important activities, but are not seriously engaged in purchasing food, making a living, or visiting with others.
Jesus is frustrated at his generation who do not have joy to play the flute at a wedding or compassion to cry at a funeral. They criticize John for eating too little and Jesus for eating too much. No matter what the situation, the people criticize and reject.
- What do people want?
- Would it be a compliment or a criticism to be described as “children in the marketplace”?
There is an important lesson to be learned in the way Jesus handles his frustration. Despite it all, Jesus finds a way to praise God. Despite it all! (See Matthew 11:25-26)
- When are we to praise God?
- How can people praise God when they are discouraged?
It seems to help Jesus to acknowledge God has not fully revealed all things to the people. That takes a certain amount of responsibility off the shoulders of the people, but they are not without some blame. God chooses to be revealed through Jesus, yet some reject him.
- If people have not been given full understanding about God, then how can people be responsible to come to faith?
- Is it fair to hold people accountable when God has not been fully revealed? Explain.
It actually sounds quite confusing. It is enough to make a person’s head and heart spin in confusion and exhaustion. No wonder Jesus offers to take the burdens from those who weary. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NRSV)
- What kind of burdens is Jesus able to carry for us?
- How might dealing with people make a person weary?
Animals who are expected to pull heavy weight are sometimes yoked together to increase their capacity to carry a load. Jesus invites his followers to be yoked with himself. That is quite a partner to assist in carrying weight. No wonder he predicts the burden will lighten. He promises rest for our souls – a deep rest for our weariness. Thanks be to God.
- What does it mean to be yoked with Jesus?
- How might that connection help us through difficulty?
Prayer
Mighty one, take my burdens and free me from my weariness. Let me walk beside you as we are yoked in partnership. Thank you for providing rest for my soul – undeserving as I might be. 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 Marian, Ginny, Earl, and Wilma.
-Give thanks for doctors, researchers and scientists throughout the world who have committed their lives to treating, preventing and eliminating diseases and to sharing their discoveries with the world for the health and well-being of all people.
-There may be times when we feel God has forgotten us or is ignoring us. Pray that God will forgive us when we are weak or doubtful, and ask the Spirit to restore our trust in God’s steadfast love and concern.
-As this time of stress and uncertainty continues, pray that we will be persistent in our generous support for the mission of the church: comforting and caring for our neighbors, responding to the global impact of the pandemic, providing food and basic necessities for people in need, reaching out to the isolated and lonely, and aiding organizations that work for the health, well-being and restoration of our communities.
-Give thanks for God’s ever-present love and care, and for the message of the psalmist who proclaims, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
-Ask the Spirit to help us express our gratitude and concern for first responders, nurses, doctors and hospital employees, and to show us how to serve as God’s hands and voice in caring for their spiritual, physical and emotional needs.
-Ask God to help us cherish and not abuse the blessings of freedom and liberty, work to change our society where there is injustice and oppression, and accompany our global neighbors and companion churches striving for freedom, justice and voice.
-Give thanks that God’s love and truth are revealed to us through faith in Jesus Christ and that the Spirit is at work inspiring and equipping us to share the good news, spread truth and invite others to believe.
-Pray for comfort and healing for Marian, Ginny, Earl, and Wilma.
-Give thanks for doctors, researchers and scientists throughout the world who have committed their lives to treating, preventing and eliminating diseases and to sharing their discoveries with the world for the health and well-being of all people.
-There may be times when we feel God has forgotten us or is ignoring us. Pray that God will forgive us when we are weak or doubtful, and ask the Spirit to restore our trust in God’s steadfast love and concern.
-As this time of stress and uncertainty continues, pray that we will be persistent in our generous support for the mission of the church: comforting and caring for our neighbors, responding to the global impact of the pandemic, providing food and basic necessities for people in need, reaching out to the isolated and lonely, and aiding organizations that work for the health, well-being and restoration of our communities.
-Give thanks for God’s ever-present love and care, and for the message of the psalmist who proclaims, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
-Ask the Spirit to help us express our gratitude and concern for first responders, nurses, doctors and hospital employees, and to show us how to serve as God’s hands and voice in caring for their spiritual, physical and emotional needs.
-Ask God to help us cherish and not abuse the blessings of freedom and liberty, work to change our society where there is injustice and oppression, and accompany our global neighbors and companion churches striving for freedom, justice and voice.
-Give thanks that God’s love and truth are revealed to us through faith in Jesus Christ and that the Spirit is at work inspiring and equipping us to share the good news, spread truth and invite others to believe.
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 |
