In God's Service

Two Lost Sons (Luke 15:11-32)

Intro

What would be our attitude towards someone who comes to us that everyone knew had been very hurtful to his family, been regularly with prostitutes and was dressed in rags covered in pig dung?

Purpose

Just such a story is ours today.

Plan

Let’s review the well-known parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 and what the father and two sons can teach us.

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

The Greedy Child (Luke 15:11-16)

A lazy and greedy second child wants to bleed his father dry, taking what he can of his inheritance before his father’s death. In our society as well as theirs that would be presumptuous. Verse 12 reveals that he divided the inheritance between them. Both children received their inheritance as a result. If most of the inheritance was land, it would have meant selling part of a farm for cash. The son squandered the money traveling to a distant country. Unlike the Jews, whose law required them giving to the poor, not many Greeks and Romans believed in giving alms. Verse 16 confirms that no one gave him anything. He was in a desperate situation on the edge of death.

The Turning Point (Luke 15:17-20)

We see the beginning of repentance in the prodigal son, coming to a better mind. Repentance is a change of mind, but as Jesus told the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to his baptism, bring forth fruits of repentance. And so the younger son made the difficult journey home in shame. Would his father turn his back and disown him, demand he wash the pig dirt off before touching him? Would the father demand the son enter a probation period instead of a party? Would he accuse the wasteful son of embarrassing him and the family name? How do we treat those who are taking cautious, awkward steps out of the stench of life's tragically bad decisions back to God?

A Father’s Love (Luke 15:20-24)

Like the prodigal son, we have all distanced ourselves from God at times. We have turned our back on him and put heaven to shame. Yet, all that is forgotten in an instant when we make any effort to return. Even while the son was a long way off, his return brought great joy to his father. Even if we are still a long way off, let us begin making just a few steps in return to God. This parable shows how God will run to greet us with great joy. Though probably well-rehearsed, the son’s confession was interrupted by his father’s jubilant plans for a homecoming party. As we begin to pray again, God forgives before we even finish.

A Son’s Anger (Luke 15:25-32)

The story of the prodigal son is about two lost sons. The older son who did not squander his inheritance on prostitutes but rather faithfully served his father was also lost. His anger revealed that he was lost because he did not understand mercy and grace. Instead, he only understood hard heartedness and unwillingness to forgive a brother. Are some of us in the Church, who have perhaps not strayed as far as others, in that same frame of mind? Do we carry a grudge against anyone who has left and is trying to find their way back home? Are our judgmental attitudes an obstacle between others and God? Let's rejoice because he was lost, but now he is found.

Outro

Next time we see someone trying to rekindle a relationship with us who has hurt us deeply and hurt the family and is trying to find a way back, let’s welcome them with open arms and throw a party. Next time we sin greatly, let’s know ahead of time that God will welcome us back with open arms the minute we repent.

References: Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.; Wilkins, Michael J. Matthew. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004.; Nolland, J. Vol. 35B: Word Biblical Commentary : Luke. 2002. Dallas: Word, Incorporated. 497.; R.T. France. NICNT. The Gospel of Matthew; William L. Lane. NICNT. The Gospel of Mark; Green, Joel B. NICNT. The Gospel of Luke; J. Ramsey Michaels. NICNT. The Gospel of John. Grand Rapids, Mich. W.B. Eerdmans. 2007; 1974; 1997; 2010.; Brian Stoffregen. Exegetical Notes. crossmarks.com/brian/

Are Disaster Victims Worse Sinners? (Luke 13:1-9)

Intro

Are people who die in natural disasters and political atrocities just getting what they deserve?

Purpose

Let’s discuss the difference between calamities and divine punishment.

Plan

Let’s look at the atrocity and disaster in Luke 13:1-9 and Jesus’ response.

Luke 13:1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” 6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ 8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

Are Victims of Atrocities Worse? (vs. 1-3)

Governments are sometimes guilty of mass murder. Does God use such things to punish evil people? Are innocent victims of war worse people than us? What about the bombing of London, Dresden, Hamburg, Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Were those men, women and children worse than us? What about the massacres of history? Were they God’s punishment? In Luke 13 Jesus described a massacre of Galileans by Pilate, who apparently killed them in the very act of worshiping God. Was their worship insincere? Was it tainted? Such judgmental questions annoy Jesus, because as he said, we will all perish unless we change our ways. Human governments claim to judge between the right and wrong but their opinions do not constitute divine judgment.

Are Victims of Tragic Accidents Worse? (vs. 4-5)

Were the victims in the Titanic punished by God? What about the victims of Chernobyl or those killed in Bhopal? What about the astronauts who perished in the Challenger disaster, the victims of the 1944 East Ohio Gas Explosion or those killed in the 1981 Kansas City Hyatt Regency walkway collapse? Are accidents God’s way of punishing us? Jesus answered such questions in the context of a construction accident. Were they worse sinners than we are? Just like those who died in the Tower of Siloam collapse, who were no worse or better than you and me, unless we all repent we too will perish. We love to judge the fate of others, but Jesus reminds us to judge ourselves.

How Lenient is God towards Us? (vs. 6-9)

The owner of a vineyard had a fig tree that had not borne fruit. His gardener pled to be allowed to dig and dung the tree one more year. This parable of the barren fig tree teaches us God’s willingness to give us another chance to get it right. Jesus sought the fruit of good works in Israel for the three years of his ministry. The evidence of true repentance is a change in behavior. As he was giving Israel space to repent, so too has God given all of us clemency. As in the parable, that leniency will not last forever. There is a certain urgency to repentance. Now is the time to repent, before it is too late.

Do We have a Wrong Idea of God?

Is God out to get us, like that old song, “God’s gonna get’cha for that?” The Bible says that God’s faithful love endures forever. When we point the hypocritical finger of divine punishment for atrocities and disasters, we forget that we have all sinned and ultimately face hell unless we repent. God has given us all time to repent. Let’s not waste it. Luke 13 teaches that not every calamity is God’s punishment. Disaster and punishment are not the same thing. As Ecclesiastes teaches, time and chance happen to us all. Not every loss is punishment and not every gain is a reward. Even when punishment is due, Jesus showed God’s preference to give us a second chance to repent.

Outro

Next time we hear of an atrocity committed by a government or a natural disaster, let’s look upon those people with pity instead of judgment. After all, we are just fellow sinners in need of mercy.

As a Hen Gathers Her Chicks

Intro

If people around the world including Christians knew the real Jesus, how differently would they act?

Purpose

Do we see Jesus and his message as a threat or do we allow him to embrace us?

Plan

We will look at Luke 13:31-35 and Jesus’ description of the threat from Herod and Jesus’ desires for Jerusalem.

Luke 13:31 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ 33 In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! 34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

Are we Tempted to Cut and Run?

When some Pharisees suggested to Jesus that Herod was out for his blood, what did Jesus do? Many of us would be tempted to disappear, but not Jesus. His answer was to outline his schedule and say that he was sticking to it. This reveals the deep commitment and courage of our Savior. While Herod described himself as a lion, Jesus put it in eternal perspective as a mere cowardly fox chasing baby chickens. Do we have the courage to endure even though we know that impending events will bring certain death? Which popular celebrity, political candidate or billionaire can you name who is willing to go to the cross for you and me? We only have one Savior, Jesus.

Why does the Media Bully Christians?

The powers that be do not like the Gospel of Jesus. Herod Antipas was a political bully who threatened the life of Jesus, like a fox threatens a hen. And like a hen gathers her chicks, Jesus longed to protect his people, but they were not willing. Harassment of Christ and the bullying of those who come in his name are normal. Jesus said that Jerusalem would not see him again until they say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Those who come in the name of Jesus Christ should expect a rude welcome from politicians and the media. How do we in the church treat those who come in the name of the Lord?

What did 3 blindfolded men see?

3 men were blindfolded and asked to touch an elephant. One touched its trunk and said it was a snake. One touched a leg and said it was a tree. One touched its tail and said it was a rope. Only when the blindfolds were removed did they see the whole elephant. Some people see Jesus as a threat to their religion. Some seem his message as a threat to political power. Others see him as a meal ticket and treat him and his church as prey. But those who see him as he really is, the healer of all humanity are willingly gathered together by Jesus Christ as a hen gathers her chicks. Do we see all of Jesus?

3 Wishes, a Fox & a Hen

Luke 13 has a tale of three wishes in the original Greek. The first was Herod’s, who wished to kill Jesus. The second was Jesus’, who wished to embrace Jerusalem like a hen gathers her chicks. The third was Jerusalem’s children, who wished not to be embraced by Jesus. Jesus said that Herod was a fox. Predatory leaders of industry and government may threaten us, but cannot do what God will not allow. A fox threatens us even today, but God is in control. A predator only see little ones as a meal. Jerusalem’s chicks did not wish for the hen’s protection. Do we think that a fox has our interests at heart or will we gather under Jesus’ wings?

Outro

Jesus does not see the weak and needy as outsiders, but as chicks to be gathered and protected. The predators of our world see Jesus and his methods as a threat, because they only care for themselves.

Big Pool Discipleship 101 Week 03

Week 3 Genesis 43-50; Exodus 1-12 Questions for Discussion

In Genesis 43 how did the brothers’ continued sin come back to haunt them? Did polygamy make the family weakness of favoritism even worse? In Genesis 44 why did Joseph set his brothers up? How did it play out? In Genesis 45 why was Joseph no longer able to contain himself? Did God have a purpose in all this family drama?

In Genesis 46 why did God encourage Jacob to go to Egypt? How many of the sons of Jacob can you name? How do they foreshadow the apostles? In Genesis 47 how did God take care of Joseph’s family? Was Joseph’s deal with the people righteous or extortion? Why? In Genesis 48 Manasseh and Ephraim are discussed, who later form two separate tribes. Which tribe later left its place to retain the number of 12 tribes of Israel? How does this relate to the apostles?

In Genesis 49 was Joseph blessing his sons mean spirited or right and just? Why? Which tribe did Judah become? In Genesis 50 why was Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers so important? Congratulations! You have finished Genesis.

In Exodus 1 how did the circumstances for the Israelites change after Joseph’s death? What caused the political situation to change? What atrocity did Pharaoh plan? In Exodus 2 how was Moses born? What crime did he commit that caused him to flee the country? How old was Moses when he fled? In Exodus 3 why was the experience with the burning bush so significant? How old was Moses when God appointed him to lead Israel? Is there a significance to his preparation by being a shepherd 40 years?

In Exodus 4 was Moses almost too humble? Why was God angry with him? In Exodus 5 what was the result of Moses and Aaron’s first effort in Egypt? Does this kind of thing happen a lot in doing God’s will? What did God say? In Exodus 6 how was Moses received by the Israelites? Why would God insist upon sending a man with faltering lips?

In Exodus 7 why would God perform a miracle that the magicians also performed? What is the significance of the plague of blood? In Exodus 8 what is the significance of the plagues of frogs, gnats and flies? In Exodus 9 what is the significance of the plagues of cattle sickness, boils and hail?

In Exodus 10 what is the significance of the plagues of locusts and darkness? In Exodus 11 what is the significance of the death of the firstborn? Is God fair? In Exodus 12 what is the name of the first Month? What happened on the 10th day? What happened on the 14th day? What is the significance of bitter herbs? What is the significance of unleavened bread for Christians? What is the significance of the lamb for Christians? What is the significance of being symbolically circumcised through baptism for Christians? How does coming out of Egypt picture coming out of the bondage of sin?

Temptations of Power

Intro

Are we tempted to partner with the devil in order to get something good done in the world?

Purpose

Let’s see how taking short cuts by compromising with the devil is not the way to go.

Plan

We will examine Luke 4:1-13 and how Jesus’ dealt with three temptations to partner with the devil.

Luke 4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” 5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” 9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” 12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

1. How did the Holy Spirit Help Jesus?

Luke 4:1 says that Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit and that fullness led him into the wilderness. Luke 4:14 tells us that after his fast, Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit. Are fullness and power associated? Then in Luke 4:18 Jesus says that Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled, that the Spirit of the Lord was on him, because He had anointed him to proclaim good news to the poor. Is there a connection between being Spirit-filled, power and the Holy Spirit’s anointing to preach to the poor? Anointing with oil was a ceremony inducting someone into office, like the priesthood of Aaron. The Holy Spirit’s loving presence was vital to Jesus’ ministry.

2. Why did Jesus Refuse to Make Bread?

The Lord helps those who help themselves is an old half-truth. It is similar to the devil’s temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. Rather than wait on God for his provision, which the angels would bring him, the devil wants Jesus to take matters into his own hands and make bread from stones. We are often tempted to do something now, rather than wait on the Lord. God wants us to work diligently and not be lazy, but waiting on God is always better than following the devil’s advice. Satan wants us to be impatient, take a short cut and listen him rather than wait on God and his angels to provide. Let’s pray for discernment to know the difference.

3. Who Do we Worship?

In Luke 4:5-7, the devil claims that authority over the whole world has been given him. Satan would give it to Jesus, if he worshipped the evil one. Many Christians are tempted by power. Some run for political office with sincere intentions. How much good could Jesus do now if he were in charge? Are good Christians tempted to worship the devil to get political power today? God will grant Jesus power over the nations but in His time not the devil’s (Psalm 2:8; Luke 1:32-33). The word devil means slanderer, a slanderer that would give us power to do good things, but with strings attached? Do we too choose to worship God and serve him only?

4. A Leap of Faith or Foolishness?

Do we tempt God? Do we make bad decisions and claim that God told us to? In Luke 4:9-12, the devil took Jesus to the top of the Temple and told him to jump, claiming God would guard him carefully. Throwing doubt into the equation, he says, “If you are the son of God…” How many times do people doubt faith using similar words? “If you are a Christian, do this or that.” Tempters even quote the Bible against us, and twist it to mean something it does not. In their ignorance, they do not understand how wrong their interpretation is. The Bible reveals a huge difference between tempting God with a foolish jump and a leap of faith.

Outro

Being impatient and partnering with the devil to get things done, even good things, is not the way to go. We must learn patience, that God’s timing is always best, and if we endure, he will use his angels to feed us, and share his power over the nations.

References:

Wilkins, Michael J. Matthew. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004.

Nolland, J. Vol. 35B: Word Biblical Commentary : Luke 9:21-18:34. 2002. Dallas: Word, Incorporated. 497.

R.T. France. NICNT. The Gospel of Matthew; William L. Lane. NICNT. The Gospel of Mark; Green, Joel B. NICNT. The Gospel of Luke; J. Ramsey Michaels. NICNT. The Gospel of John. Grand Rapids, Mich. W.B. Eerdmans. 2007; 1974; 1997; 2010.

Brian Stoffregen. Exegetical Notes. crossmarks.com/brian/