Light from the Lectionary A Lent Bible Study (Year A) Based on the readings from the Revised Common Lectionary

Transcription

1 Light from the Lectionary A Lent Bible Study (Year A) Based on the readings from the Revised Common Lectionary Student Book Created by Bass Mitchell Pastor.bass@gmail.com 1

2 llight FROM THE LECTIONARY First Sunday in Lent Year A Student Pages Revised Common Lectionary Readings: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Psalm 32 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11 Lent? Here s a little test to see what you already know about Lent. Did you pass? What Is Lent? Here s a good article that gives the facts on the meaning and purpose of Lent. Please read it. For more in-depth information on Lent and creative, meaningful ways to observe it, check this out from The Upper Room: The Revised Common Lectionary More and more churches, including United Methodists, are using the Revised Common Lectionary throughout the year. But what is it? What s its purpose? How did it come about? To get answers to these and more information on the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), check out these online resources: Background, etc., on RCL: For the actual RCL online: The Importance of Reading the Bible Passages The place to begin Bible study, though it may seem unnecessary to say it, is with the Bible itself! Yes, actually reading the Bible. The temptation sometimes, perhaps often, is to just read a devotion based on a Bible passage or verse, or go straight to the experts, some commentary or other book or resource that seeks to explain scripture. Resist that temptation. Yield not to it! o Read the scriptures themselves. o Make them primary. o Read the passages several times. o Use different translations. o Underline words. o Read slowly, meditation on each word or phrase. o Stop and ask the scripture questions. o Pause and let some word or phrase or image take you wherever it will in your memory, your present, your past, your future. o Put yourself into the story. 2

3 o How does it make you feel? o What do you see? o What do you hear? o Put what you hear in it into your own words. o Let it challenge you, inspire you, correct you, lift you up. o Let it do whatever it seeks to do in you. o Ask yourself, If I took this seriously, what would it mean for me today and all days? Here s another good discipline to develop when especially reading the Revised Common Lectionary passages. The Bible passages for the lectionary were not randomly chosen for each Sunday. No one cut up the passages, placed them in a hat, and then drew them out to put together. They were carefully selected. What this means is that the passages often relate to one another, that is, have common themes. Very often you will see the Psalm reading mirroring in some way the Old Testament reading. Quite often the epistle reading as well as the Gospel all relate in one or more ways. In other words, there is usually at least one thread that runs through two or even all four passages. As you read, look for that thread or threads, that is, the common themes they have. Each passage will have its own light to shed on that theme. For example, in today s readings Paul is clearly referring to the Genesis story in his writings to the Romans. The common theme there is sin. Notice how the Psalm reading also addresses sin, the importance of acknowledging that we are sinners and the assurance that God forgives. Paul in the Romans passages goes into more detail about how God brings about this forgiveness through the New Adam, through Jesus. Another example is that in Genesis we see how the first man and woman are tempted and yield to that temptation. In the Gospel reading we see Jesus also being tempted but not yielding. There is much food for thought in these passages about how we can face and overcome our own temptations, for we, too, are Adam and Eve, always being confronted which that which would lead us to disobey God and act in ways not in our own best interest. Now, stop reading this. Read the passages. Then come back and list here any other themes or topics you see addressed in one or more of the passages. You can find those passages available online to you here: Another good recourse online for reading the Bible is Bible Gateway here where you can look up any passage and also have access to many different Bible translations. It s always helpful to read passages in more than one translation, as this often will give you fresh insights into what you are reading. 3

4 List or describe below the themes, topics, questions, subjects, etc., that you see addressed in the lectionary readings for the First Sunday in Lent (Year A) The passage (or verse) that puzzled or confused me most in the readings was Why? What would you like to understand better about it? The passage that really spoke to me from these readings was Why? How did it speak to you? How did it challenge, inspire, gave insight, etc., to you? Read Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 again. Then answer the following questions Do you have a garden? Where is your favorite garden? 4

5 Why does God put the man and woman in the garden? Why do you think God tells them not to eat of this tree? If the earth is a garden, how well are we tending it today? What do you make of the serpent here? Describe it. Why do you think he chooses to tempt the woman rather than the man or is there any significance in that? What do you think of the notion that "it was a woman who brought sin into the world"? 5

6 What is sin, anyway? How would you define it based on this story? Read Psalm 32 again. This time read it out loud. Reflect on the following Are you more like a horse or mule? Why? What do you most identify with in this psalm? What's the source of blessedness or happiness in this psalm? What does penitence mean to you? 6

7 Why do you think the Psalmist refused to confess his sin for so long? How does it feel to not confess? To confess? To be forgiven? Where and how do you most need forgiveness now? Read Romans 5:12-19 again. Read it in one or more translations. Reflect on the following Put the words of Paul here in your own words. Sum up what he is saying. When has some action of yours impacted someone else? 7

8 When has the action of someone else impacted you? What do you think of the idea, "In Adam's fall we sinned all"? What is "original sin"? How would you define it? How does what Paul says here relate to it? If you wish to read more about what United Methodist believe about original sin, here s a good source: Share below any notes or insights you get from reading it. 8

9 Read Matthew 4:1-11. You might also like to read it in the other Gospels and compare them. How does Mark s version (Mark 1:12-13) compare to that of Matthew? How does Luke s account compare to Matthew s? (See Luke 4:1-13) What do Hebrews 2:18 and 4:15-16 tells us about what the temptation or testing: of Jesus means for us? When have you found yourself at the Jordan, filling empowered by the Spirit and affirmed as God's child? When have you sensed God calling you to take some path, or take on some ministry? Were you tested after it? How? 9

10 What in essence is Jesus being tempted to do or be here? What is temptation? How is it, if it is, different from being tested? What s the purpose of a test? You, too, have a calling. You, too, have power, have great gifts. How will you use them? To just enrich yourself or for the kingdom of God? What do you learn from how Jesus deals with temptation that will help you in facing it? The thing that most stood out to me in the readings today that will help prepare me for Easter is because 10

11 LIGHT FROM THE LECTIONARY Second Sunday in Lent Year A Student Pages Revised Common Lectionary Readings: Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm 121 Romans 4:1-5, John 3:1-17 As always, the biblical texts are primary. Read them several times. You can find the readings online here: To read the passages in different translations online go here: You will need to type in the passage reference, for example, Genesis 12:1-4, and also select the translation you wish to use. You can use any or all of them. List or describe below the themes, topics, questions, subjects, etc., that you see addressed in the lectionary readings for the Second Sunday in Lent (Year A). The passage (or verse) that puzzled or confused me most in the readings was 11

12 Why? What would you like to understand better about it? The passage that really spoke to me from these readings was Why? How did it speak to you? How did it challenge, inspire, give insight, etc., to you? Read Genesis 12:1-4a. Answer the following questions As you look back over your life, what new beginnings has God given them? Who has been an Abraham and Sarah for you, that is, examples of faith and a source of blessing? Who in your life right now most needs you to be these for them? 12

13 Is there a new beginning you have felt God calling you to make? How have you responded? Laughter? Fear? Excitement? All the above? Thinking about your church, where is some new land, new direction, new ministry to which you have felt God calling you? What's keeping you from hitting the road? Read Psalm 121. Reflect on the following Which verse or phrase comforts you? Puzzles you? When you are on a trip or journey, what music do you like to listen to or sing? What would be the title of this pilgrim song? 13

14 If you had to sum up the message of this psalm, what would it be? Read Romans 4:1-5, Reflect on the following When you look back over the Old Testament, who is your hero there and why? Abraham seems to be a hero for Paul and he would have him be for us. Why? How would you define "faith"? How does Paul? 14

15 How would you define "works"? How does Paul? Why was it so important to Paul to stress that it is faith based on the grace of God that makes us right with God? Read John 3:1-17. You might also like to read it in the other Gospels and compare them. What do you know about Nicodemus? What s your impression of him? How are you like or unlike him? Why do you think he came to Jesus at night? 15

16 What does it mean to you to be "born again"? John Wesley wrote a great deal about the theme of the new birth. Here s one his sermons on it. Read it and summarize his main points below: What does Jesus mean by saying that he will be lifted up? You were asked above to summarize the faith for you. How might John 3:16 be that? 16

17 What does it mean to believe in Jesus so that we can have eternal life? The thing that most stood out to me in the readings today that will help prepare me for Easter is because 17

18 LIGHT FROM THE LECTIONARY Third Sunday in Lent Year A Student Pages Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42 Revised Common Lectionary Readings: Exodus 17:1-7 Psalm 95 As always, the biblical texts are primary. Read them several times. You can find the readings online here: To read the passages in different translations online go here: You will need to type in the passage reference, for example, John 4:5-42, and also select the translation you wish to use. You can use any or all of the translations they list. List or describe below the themes, topics, questions, subjects, etc., that you see addressed in the lectionary readings for the Third Sunday in Lent (Year A). The passage (or verse) that puzzled or confused me most in the readings was 18

19 Why? What would you like to understand better about it? The passage that really spoke to me from these readings was Why? How did it speak to you? How did it challenge, inspire, give insight, etc., to you? Read Exodus 17:1-7. Use the following questions to explore this text Who in your family complains the most when on a long trip? (Hint: if you don t know, then there s a good chance it s you!) Moses got the brunt of their frustration, fear, and lack of faith. Who or what gets the brunt of your frustration? Is there any grumbling in your church? What should be done about it? 19

20 The people wanted proof of God s presence and care. They wanted God to act in the way they wanted and when. Do we do the same? If so, how and when? What light does this story shed on that? How have you most recently experienced the providential care of God? When has God provided water in the rocky wilderness for you? When has your church or your own spiritual life been in danger of becoming dehydrated? What word of hope does this story provide? Read Psalm 95. Reflect on the following What song of praise right now do you feel most like singing? Why? Why does the Psalmist say God is to be praised? What reasons are given? 20

21 What in your life right now gives you the greatest reason to praise God? What need do you most have right now for God to meet? What is the message this psalm gives to you in regard to it? Complete this: To me God is like a. The Psalmist compares God often to a "rock." How is God like a rock for you? According to this psalm, what belongs to God? How should this give us comfort in the face of our needs? Read Romans 5:1-11. Reflect on the following Some important words in this passage. Spend some time reflecting on them. Jot down some things that come to mind when as you reflect on them: Justified - 21

22 Faith - Peace - Grace - Paul names a number of things of which he or Christians should rightly boast. What are they? Paul says that suffering can produce endurance, that is, can actually make us stronger. It sounds a lot like that old saying, What doesn t kill you, makes you stronger. Has that been true in your life? If so, how? How does it make you feel to hear Paul say that Christ died for you (and for us all) though we did not deserve it? Read John 4:5-42. You might also like to read it in the other Gospels and compare them. Did you ever have to go to a spring or well to get water as a child? 22

23 Where is the best water you have ever had in your life? Do you think it was a coincidence that Jesus happened to be at this well at the very time this woman came there? Why? Where and when have you run into Jesus unexpectedly? Or, when was the first time you really met Jesus (or he met you)? What, according to Jesus, was this woman's real thirst? How would you define "living water"? Write down your impressions of this woman 23

24 Your impressions of Jesus Your impressions of the disciples Your impressions of the villagers The thing that most stood out to me in the readings today that will help prepare me for Easter is because 24

25 LIGHT FROM THE LECTIONARY Fourth Sunday in Lent Year A Student Pages Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 Revised Common Lectionary Readings: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Psalm 23 As always, the biblical texts are primary. Read them several times. You can find the readings online here: To read the passages in different translations online go here: You will need to type in the passage reference, for example, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, and also select the translation you wish to use. You can use any or all of the translations they list. List or describe below the themes, topics, questions, subjects, etc., that you see addressed in the lectionary readings for the Fourth Sunday in Lent (Year A). The passage (or verse) that puzzled or confused me most in the readings was 25

26 Why? What would you like to understand better about it? The passage that really spoke to me from these readings was Why? How did it speak to you? How did it challenge, inspire, give insight, etc., to you? Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13. Use the following questions to explore this text What have you ever judged or brought just on first impressions, later to be greatly disappointed? Why do we put so much stock in appearance, or do we? On what do we tend to base our judgment of other people? Why is Samuel mourning? 26

27 Why is he also afraid? What mistakes had Samuel made in the past in choosing a king? How is Samuel about to make the same mistakes? How does God guide and correct him? If you had been on of Jesse's sons, how would you have felt being passed over for the youngest one? But how have you been anointed yourself? For what task have you felt God anointing you or your church? 27

28 Read Psalm 23. Reflect on the following Read this most well-known of psalms out loud. Which parts speaks most to your heart or life right now, and why? Why has it been such a comfort to persons over the centuries? Is it a psalm just for funerals? How have they most recently experienced the shepherding care of God? When, where and how did God last lead you to green pastures and still waters? 28

29 Read Ephesians 5:8-14. Reflect on the following Were you afraid of the dark as a child? How about now? What does Paul mean by "darkness"? What does he mean by "light"? Where do you see darkness in the world today? In your community? Even within you? Where do you see light now in the world? In your community? In yourself? What does it mean to expose the "works of darkness"? How do we do that? Do we do it? 29

30 Paul says to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. What is the one thing in your life right now that you feel is pleasing to the Lord? What is the one thing that you feel you could yet do? Read John 9:1-41. You might also like to read it in the other Gospels and compare them. What one word or phrase would you use to describe the characters in this story: The disciples - Jesus - The blind man - His parents - The neighbors - The religious leaders - When you were a kid, what did you make with mud? Why do you think the disciples thought the blindness was caused by sin? 30

31 Does sin cause suffering? All suffering? Do we sometimes tend to think when we hear of the suffering or misfortune of someone else that they are just getting what they deserve? How would you summarize the answer Jesus gives? How might the words of Jesus and what he does here put your own suffering in a new light? Why do you think the others have such a difficult time "seeing" or accepting the truth here in what happens to this man? What truth about Jesus, about ourselves have we been refusing to see and accept? 31

32 Who in your own experience has been a person you found it most difficult to share your faith with so that they would see, understand, and accept it? When it comes to your own spiritual sight, are you 20-20? If you had an eye exam by the Great Physician, what would it reveal? Any blind spots? What would it take to correct your vision? The thing that most stood out to me in the readings today that will help prepare me for Easter is because 32

33 LIGHT FROM THE LECTIONARY Fifth Sunday in Lent Year A Student Pages Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45 Revised Common Lectionary Readings: Ezekiel 37:1-14 Psalm 130 As always, the biblical texts are primary. Read them several times. You can find the readings online here: To read the passages in different translations online go here: You will need to type in the passage reference, for example, Ezekiel 37:1-14, and also select the translation you wish to use. You can use any or all of the translations they list. List or describe below the themes, topics, questions, subjects, etc., that you see addressed in the lectionary readings for the Fourth Sunday in Lent (Year A). The passage (or verse) that puzzled or confused me most in the readings was 33

34 Why? What would you like to understand better about it? The passage that really spoke to me from these readings was Why? How did it speak to you? How did it challenge, inspire, give insight, etc., to you? Read Ezekiel 37:1-14. Use the following questions to explore this text What do the bones represent here for Ezekiel? When have you found yourself thinking about some situation, "Can these bones live?" 34

35 What seemingly hopeless situation have you personally been through or seen that turned out not to be hopeless at all? Where, in other words, has new life sprung forth from something you thought it never could? How might this give you hope and encouragement about some present or future situation like it? Read Psalm 130. Reflect on the following When you are really in over your head, what do you find yourself saying and doing? Where are "the depths" for you? 35

36 Why do you think this psalm is used so often in funerals? How close do you feel to God right now? Have you ever felt estranged from God? How were you restored? How does it feel to "wait"? For what have you been waiting for from God? 36

37 If God kept a record of your sins, would you stand a chance? Read Romans 8:6-11. Reflect on the following Who in your family when their mind is made up cannot be changed? Upon what does Paul say we should set our mind? What do you think he means? What does it mean to "be in the Spirit"? How do you know the Spirit dwells in you? 37

38 Read John 11:1-45. Read this familiar story at least a couple of times, once out loud. What really speaks to you and why? What do you hear in it that you haven't before? What's the saddest funeral you have ever attended? Why do you think Jesus waits so long before coming to the aid of Lazarus? When have you been impatient with God? How does this story relate to the one in Ezekiel today? 38

39 If you had to summarize the message in Ezekiel and John, what would it be? The thing that most stood out to me in the readings today that will help prepare me for Easter is because 39

40 For the online readings for Palm Sunday, go here: For the online readings for Passion Sunday, go here: LIGHT FROM THE LECTIONARY Sixth Sunday in Lent Year A Student Pages Revised Common Lectionary Readings: For Psalm Sunday Psalm 118:1-2,19-29 Matthew 21:1-11 For Passion Sunday Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 26:14-27:66 or 27:11-54 To read the passages in different translations online go here: Note: The Sixth Sunday in Lent is one that often one or two central themes are covered the story of the events on what we call Palm Sunday, when Jesus rides into Jerusalem (a Sunday) and then jumping to the end of the week, what we call Good Friday, to the Passion or story arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. Churches that may have a Good Friday service might save those passages to use on Friday, and focus this Sunday on the Palm readings. But the reality is that Good Friday services are generally poorly attended. So if persons just read and the events on Palm Sunday, they might only come back on Easter, missing Good Friday altogether! One cannot truly understand or experience the full meaning of Easter without first going through Good Friday! So it is often that those two events are actually covered on Lent 6. 40

41 List or describe below the themes, topics, questions, subjects, etc., that you see addressed in the lectionary readings for the Fourth Sunday in Lent (Year A). The passage (or verse) that puzzled or confused me most in the readings was Why? What would you like to understand better about it? The passage that really spoke to me from these readings was Why? How did it speak to you? How did it challenge, inspire, give insight, etc., to you? 41

42 Read Psalm 118:1-2, Use the following questions to explore this text How have you experienced recently the steadfast love of God? How was Jesus like the stone the builders rejected? Have you ever felt like that stone? Why do you think Martin Luther called this his favorite psalm? Which part of it really speaks to you and why? 42

43 Read Matthew 21:1-11. Reflect on the following What was the last parade you participated in or watched? Who is the most famous person you have ever seen in a parade or been close to? What do you think Jesus was trying to say that day he entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey? What impression did Jesus first make on you? How did he first ride into your life? Read Isaiah 50:4-9a. Reflect on the following What s the first thing you listen for or hear in the morning? 43

44 Have you heard God speaking to you in the morning? Why is morning such a good time to listen? Who was the best teacher you ever had? Why? Who do you know who has suffered for you or whose suffering or sacrifice brought healing or something good into your life? When you are really going through a tough time, how difficult is it to have faith in God? 44

45 Read Psalm 31:9-16. Use the following questions to reflect on this passage. This Psalm says to me... Have they ever been in a situation in which the only thing they could do was trust in God? Let them share their stories. Share your own story. My times are in your hands. What does this mean to you? It has been said of Christians over the centuries that they die well. What does that mean? is it true? If so, why? 45

46 Read Philippians 2:5-11. Reflect on the following What s your favorite hymn about Christ and why? What difference would it make if vss 3-8 were lived out in your work life? church life? family life? Read Matthew 26:14-27:66 or 27: Reflect on the following Has anyone ever been out to get you? What s the most expensive gift you have ever given or received? 46

47 What do you feel led to give to Christ which might be a real sacrifice for you to give? What beautiful thing might you render to Jesus? Why do you think the woman did this for Jesus? Why did this upset some of the disciples there with him? How would you have felt that day as you watched her do this for Jesus? What might you have said? Where s your favorite place to eat and why? 47

48 What s a question you have always had about the Lord s Upper? Why do you think Jesus told them that one of the would betray him? When you partake of Holy Communion, how do you feel? What are some of your thoughts? How do you feel about Peter in this story? Where do you go when you are facing a difficult decision or situation? If you knew you had only a short time to live, what would you do? How would you spend that time? How do you think Jesus felt in Gethsemane? Does this surprise you? 48

49 Why do you think it was apparently necessary for Jesus to die? Why couldn t there be another way? What do you think of Judas? How do you feel about him? How about the religious leaders who put Jesus on trial? Why do you think they were so anxious to get rid of him? Why do you think Peter followed Jesus at a distance throughout this? 49

50 How do you feel about Pilate? Wonder what was going through the mind of Barabbas during this? Why do you think Jesus was treated so horribly? Which part of the crucifixion story really gets to you and why? The thing that most stood out to me in the readings today that will help prepare me for Easter is because 50

51 LIGHT FROM THE LECTIONARY Easter Year A Student Pages Colossians 3:1-4 John 20:1-18 Revised Common Lectionary Readings: Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1-2, As always, the biblical texts are primary. Read them several times. You can find the readings online here: To read the passages in different translations online go here: You can use any or all of the translations they list. Because we examined Psalm 118 last Sunday, we will not do so today. List or describe below the themes, topics, questions, subjects, etc., that you see addressed in the lectionary readings for the Fourth Sunday in Lent (Year A). The passage (or verse) that puzzled or confused me most in the readings was 51

52 Why? What would you like to understand better about it? The passage that really spoke to me from these readings was Why? How did it speak to you? How did it challenge, inspire, give insight, etc., to you? Read Acts 10: Use the following questions to explore this text Do a brief sketch of the main characters in this story. Peter's heart and mind had to be opened to the new thing God was doing. He needed further conversion. What new thing is God doing in your life? How are you personally being stretched by God? How do you still need to be converted"? 52

53 How is your church being stretched in its understanding of ministry right now? Outline the main points of the Gospel as Peter shares them. If someone asked them to sum up the Gospel, what would you say? Read Colossians 3:1-4 Reflect on the following If you had to name one thing that sets a Christian apart from other people, what would be it? Is this true in your life? 53

54 When you became a Christian, how did that change your priorities, what was important to you? How have we been "raised with Christ"? What does this mean then according to Paul for our daily lives? What does it mean to "set your minds on things that are above"? 54

55 Read John 20:1-18. Reflect on the following Do any of them ever visit a grave or tomb? Why or why not? What do you imagine Mary was thinking and feeling as she made her way to the tomb that morning? What in this story most strikes you? Confuses you? Comforts you? Challenges you? Why? Mary came to the tomb still in a Good Friday world - grieving, depressed, discouraged. But she discovered that Easter had come! In the midst of your Good Friday days, how has Easter come to you? Where have you been surprised by the joy, the hope of Easter and the presence of a Risen Lord? When did Easter become real to you, or has it? 55

56 Summary: The reading from Acts shows us the power that the Risen Lord and message of Easter has to change lives. In Colossians we see that same power helping Christians live out this new life we are given through the Risen Lord. The psalm calls us to give thanks for this wondrous work of God. And the Gospel reading tells us the Christ is alive and well, ready to encounter us, and when he does, like Mary, we are to go and tell others, We have seen the Lord. Reflect on which character you most identify this Easter. Cornelius, hungering for contact with the Risen Christ? Peter, called to grow and share the Good News? Mary before Easter dawned, or like her once it had come? The thing that most stood out to me in all the Lent and now Easter readings that will most help me in daily life is because 56