Psalm Prayer: 120
Prayer Point. The psalmist models for us a simple way to handle fear: “I call on the LORD in my distress and he answers me.” Act on that promise today. Lift up your concerns to God and wait for him to answer.
Gospel: Mark 11:27-12:12 Old Testament: 2 Samuel 18:9-18 New Testament: Acts 23:12-24
Mark 11:27-12:12
Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what you are reading.
Read. Read the passage slowly either alone or in a group and answer the following questions:
Listen. What is the passage saying? What are the main points? Using the following background as a guide.
Background. Here we see the leaders of the temple coming to Jesus in the temple. They ask him by what authority does he do these things. This question refers to the cleansing of the temple, but also to his healing and teaching in the temple.
Why would the scribes, chief priests, and elders question Jesus? How does Jesus’ ministry threaten their way of life?
Considering the fact that in the Bible the vineyard was used as a symbol for Israel, who is the vineyard owner? Who are the tenants? Who are the servants in this parable? Who is the beloved son? What does this passage say about how the religious leaders have led Israel? What does this passage say about Jesus and his kingdom?
Obey. What is God asking me to do?
Repent. How have I failed to obey what God is asking me to do? Confess those failures to God and ask for his forgiveness.
Believe. Which of God’s promises would I need to believe in order to obey and share what I have read?
Share. What can I share and with whom can I share it?
Final Prayer. Pray for the faith to believe the promises of God so that you might obey and share what you have learned.
Acts 23:12-24
Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what you are reading.
Read. Read the passage slowly either alone or in a group and answer the following questions:
Listen. What is the passage saying? What are the main points? You can use the following background to help you understand the main points of this passage.
Background. Here is God’s final mission for Paul from yesterday’s reading:
Acts 23:11 “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
Who attempts to derail this mission? How does God thwart their plans? Who does God ironically use to protect Paul’s life and preserve the mission?
Obey. What is God asking me to do?
Repent. How have I failed to obey what God is asking me to do? Confess those failures to God and ask for his forgiveness.
Believe. Which of God’s promises would I need to believe in order to obey and share what I have read?
Share. What can I share and with whom can I share it?
Final Prayer. Pray for the faith to believe the promises of God so that you might obey and share what you have learned.
2 Samuel 18:9-18
Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what you are reading.
Read. Read the passage slowly either alone or in a group and answer the following questions:
Listen. What is the passage saying? What are the main points? You can use the following background to help you understand the main points of this passage.
Background.
Deuteronomy 21:23 “… anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse.”
There is a promise that David and all those who were in the line of the Messiah carried with them. God promised to bless those who blessed him and curse those who cursed them. Absalom takes up arms against his father David. In what ways do you see God’s curse fall on Absalom?
Joab’s reasoning for killing Absalom may be that he had seen Absalom lose the king’s favor and then saw Absalom restored. His apprehension may be that Absalom would mount yet another coup against David. Traitors need to be punished severely.
Obey. What is God asking me to do?
Share. What can I share and with whom can I share it?
Repent. How have I failed to obey and share what God is asking me to do? Confess those failures to God and ask for his forgiveness.
Believe. Which of God’s promises would I need to believe in order to obey and share what I have read?
Final Prayer. Pray for the faith to believe the promises of God so that you might obey and share what you have learned.
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