Meeting Jesus - Lent 2008

During Lent (10th February to 23rd March) our morning service themes will be based on the theme of ‘Meeting Jesus’. We would like to encourage the House Groups to follow this series in their studies as well.

Many people think that they know Jesus. If you ask friends, neighbours, family, or people in the street you will probably get a variety of answers. Perhaps they will consider him a ‘good man’, a great moral teacher, an obscure middle-Eastern wandering preacher, or the founder of Christianity. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons and Muslims will each have their own different interpretation. As the Gospel message unfolds, it is like following a journey down a winding road; at every turn a new scene is revealed to us.

Each week’s study is based on a short passage, which gives us another piece of the jigsaw as we discover more about Jesus. There is also a second passage which you may like to study if you wish to take things a little further.

Maybe you are not a member of a House Group – in which case, you could consider joining one for the duration of the series, or perhaps use the Study Guide at home (it is equally suitable for personal study).

10th February (Lent 1)

The Surprising Jesus

Reading: Mark 2:1-12 (additionally 13-17)

This passage occurs early in the gospel, and is also recounted by Matthew (9:2-8) and Luke (5:18-26) The Jesus we meet in this story is one that surprises the ‘establishment’, members of which have come to join the crowd who have gathered to hear him speak. Established thinking was that sickness was caused by sin (remember Job’s friends? Read Job 4:7) and that the forgiveness of sin was by God alone.

Try to imagine the scene as the paralysed man is lowered through the roof. What do you think each of the main characters (the sick man, the friends, the onlookers, the Pharisees and teachers of the law) feel?
How does Jesus surprise everyone in dealing with the sick man (v.5)?
What does this tell us about Jesus and how he sees our needs?
The teachers criticise Jesus for promising forgiveness, since only God has that authority (v.7). What significance do you find in Jesus’ words in verses 9-11?
Another surprising encounter takes place in the following passage (v.13-17). Why is it surprising that Jesus calls Levi? Why is it even more surprising that Levi follows?
When Levi throws a party for his friends, the religious authorities criticise Jesus for eating with ‘sinners’ (v.16). How does Jesus’ picture of himself as a ‘doctor’ challenge their view of God?
What lessons for today’s church can be drawn from Jesus’ concern for ‘outsiders’, and the Pharisees’ resistance to it?

Jesus surprises us by calling us to himself, even though none of us deserve it. We need to ask him to forgive and heal each one of us so we can live the life he wants from us.

17th February (Lent 2)

“Who is this?”

Reading: Mark 4:35-41 (additionally 5:1-20)

Another passage that is recorded in Matthew (8:23-27) and Luke (8:22-25). (It is often interesting to read the different accounts and see the differences in the details that the gospel writers include and emphasise). The disciples had already witnessed Jesus’ power over sickness and sin, but here they see his power over the elements of nature.

The Lake of Galilee, surrounded as it is by hills and ravines, is subject to sudden and violent storms. This one must have been unusually powerful for experienced fishermen like the disciples to be in fear of their lives. Next to love, fear is our most common emotion. In stilling the storm, Jesus not only saves disciples’ from drowning, but perhaps more importantly, ministers to their fear.

In your group, describe an experience you may have had of being immobilised by fear (be honest!)
Do you find you are able to connect or empathise with other peoples’ fears?
In the Old Testament the sea was a metaphor for chaos and uncontrollable power, and it was God, and God alone, who had control. (Read Job 38:8-11; Psalm 29:10; Isaiah 17:12-14). What then does this say about the power that Jesus exercises?
A second ‘storm’ is stilled in the next passage, 5:1-20. In what ways had the evil spirit spoiled this man’s life?
The demons knew who Jesus was (5:7). Compare their recognition with the disciples’ question (4:41).
In both these ‘stormy’ situations, in ministering to fears, Jesus asks a question (4:40, 5:9). Why do you think he does this?

24th February (Lent 3)

The Recognised King

Reading: Matthew 16:13-20 (additionally 21-28)

(Compare Mark 8:27-29, Luke 9:18-20). We are now about halfway through the Gospel narrative, and Jesus is taking some time to be alone with his disciples. He has been building the team which was to continue his work, and by teaching and example he has been revealing more and more of himself to them.

Jesus refers to himself as the ‘Son of Man’. This may simply be a roundabout way of saying ‘me’, but has overtones of the ‘Son of Man’ in Daniel’s vision in Dan.7:13-14. Subsequent references in Acts 7:56 and Revelation 1.

The passage begins with a straight question about the opinion of others (v.13). Why might people have thought Jesus was John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets?
What were people of the day expecting from the Messiah? Were they accurate? What illusions did Jesus have to shatter?
So their answers were varied – people had seen something ‘special’ about Jesus, but not recognised who he truly was. What misunderstandings do people have about the person of Jesus today, and why?
What do you think had brought Simon Peter to give his answer to Jesus’ second question (v.15)?
How do you interpret the statement ‘On this rock I will build my church’? (Read Ephesians 2:19-22)
You may wish to read on from v. 21 to the end of the chapter to see how Peter, the foundational rock, became a stumbling stone. Why do you think Jesus rebukes Peter so harshly?

This is a very short and concentrated passage, but of great importance; it is the hinge on which the Gospel turns. From here on, the narrative moves steadily towards Jerusalem, betrayal, and death. Read Isaiah 53.

2nd March (Lent 4: Mothering Sunday)

The Revealed King

Reading: Luke 9:28-36 (additionally 37-45)

The account of the transfiguration can also be found in Mark 9:2-13 and Matthew 17:1-14. Significantly, it takes place just a few days later after Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi of who Jesus is. It is as if God is now providing divine, supernatural confirmation of what the disciples have finally come to recognise humanly. Some of the most dramatic events took place on mountain tops – the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16-22, 20:18-21) and Elijah’s exploits on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:16-46) The event reminds us in some ways of Jesus’ baptism, with the heavens opening, the Spirit descending and the approving voice of the Father from above. It obviously made a deep impression on Peter, who referred to it years later (2 Peter 1:17-18)

If you were Peter, James or John, how would you have described the events on the mountain?
Why do you think only these three disciples were chosen to witness this event?
What part do you think Moses and Elijah played?
How do you think the experience affected Jesus?
The building of shelters – perhaps the disciples wanted to stay, rather than return. Have you ever had to leave a pleasurable or deeply spiritual experience in order to return to a situation you would prefer not to face?
Read the following section, 37-45. What situation did Jesus have to confront?

Moses came down from his mountain to face spiritual conflict - Israel had turned away and was worshipping an idol of a golden calf. (Exodus 32). Elijah was sent back to face a nation that had turned to Baal worship (1 Kings 19). As Jesus and his companions descend the mountain they are also faced with a spiritual conflict.

9th March (Lent 5: Passion Sunday)

The Compassionate King

Reading: Matthew 20:29-34 (additionally 20:20-28)

Jesus’ ministry is approaching its climax. He is on the way from Jericho to Jerusalem, knowing that the last dramatic week is before him; the triumphant entry into the city, the conflict with the authorities, betrayal, trial, torture, agonising death…yet he pauses in this, the climax of the last few days of his ministry. The large crowd following him, he performs one of the last episodes of healing in his earthly ministry. Significantly, Matthew does not record any of the events in Jericho which have caused the crowds to gather; Jesus stops for a couple of blind beggars.

Put yourself in the place of one of the crowd. How would you respond to what Jesus does?
Jesus would often refer to himself as the ‘Son of Man’. Peter recognised him as ‘Son of God’ (week 3). What do the blind men call him? What does this tell us about Jesus?
Again a question by Jesus (v. 32). Surely he knew what they wanted! Why do you think he asked the question?
How did the blind beggars respond following their healing?
Turn back to the preceding section (20-28). Was the request of the mother of James and John really so outrageous?
What do you think it means to sit at Jesus’ right and left hands? How might someone express a similar attitude today?

In the Kingdom, greatness is measured by service. No matter how busy we are,

Always be ready to act

Always be ready to listen

Always be ready to stop

Always be ready to pray

16th March (Lent 6: Palm Sunday)

The Coming King

Reading: Matthew 21:1-11 (additionally 12-17)

The message is clear - behold your king! After three years of ministry and team building, often avoiding publicity, Jesus now goes public. The Zechariah prophecy contrasts a) the righteousness and salvation of the coming king - yet he comes in peace, riding a donkey, not a war horse, and b) he takes away the instruments of war and proclaims peace. Jesus’ own ministry was marked by contrasts (powerful miracles and signs, yet gentle tenderness; anger at the scenes in the temple, but willing to bear suffering). Nobody - the crowds, the religious authorities, the Roman occupation forces, could mistake the meaning.

What is the significance of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey? (Read Zechariah 9:9)
Jesus is called ‘Son of David’, his kingly title. What kind of king do the symbols in verses 7-11 represent?
Anther Old Testament connection - Psalm 118:25-27 ‘Hosanna’ (‘Save us Lord!’); ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’ was a festival chorus marked by the waving of palm branches. What kind of a king and kingdom were the crowds expecting?
Had the crowds got the full picture? (v. 11)
Bearing in mind the coming Passover, an important religious festival, what do you suppose the reaction to Jesus’ entry would be by a) the crowds, b) the Jewish religious authorities, c) the Roman occupation forces?
Read v.12-17. Jesus’ first actions were not to raise a popular rebellion against the occupying pagan Romans, but forceful action against his own religious headquarters.
How do you think Jesus would behave if he came to our church?

20th March (Maundy Thursday)

The Servant King

Reading: John 13:1-17

In this passage, which is recorded only in John’s Gospel, Jesus shows us the spirit he expects in those who follow him. When James and John sought to sit at Jesus’ side, he said that greatness in the kingdom depended on service (Matthew 20:26-28). Greatness does not come from having many servants but from being the servant of many. These were not empty words; John records this action, which was little short of shocking.

Have you ever been asked to do a demeaning, lowly job? What thoughts went through your mind at the time?
According to John, what did Jesus know about himself (v.1-3)?
In the light of that knowledge, what is remarkable about what Jesus does next (v.4-5)?
Footwashing was normally done by slaves. Why do you think Jesus washes his disciples’ feet, instead of giving a sermon on love?
What tasks at home, at work or in church would be equivalent to footwashing?
How do you think Jesus feels as he washes Judas’s feet? How do you think Judas feels?
Was Peter simply being humble when he refuses to allow Jesus to serve him, or does he not understand?
Jesus claims the two titles of ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’. Is there a conflict in recognising him as such?

‘We climb to glory on the DOWN escalator’

23rd March (Easter Day)

The Appearing King

Reading: John 20:1-31

As in the other Gospels, John begins his account with the discovery of the empty tomb. Also in common with them Mary Magdalene features prominently. The Sabbath imposed limitations on travel and Jesus’ followers would have spent the day in mourning. Jewish custom dictated a responsibility to mourn at the tomb for three days.

The visit would have been made very early indeed; ‘before dawn’ would set it between 3 and 6a.m. The passage is in three sections: 1-9 records the discovery of the empty tomb by Mary, Peter and ‘the disciple Jesus loved’, 10-18 Jesus’ appearance to Mary, 19-23 to the other disciples (except Thomas), and 24-29 to Thomas.

Read 1-9 – ‘Early in the morning’

John identifies three witnesses to the empty tomb: Mary Magdalene, Peter and ‘the other disciple’ (John himself). What important details do we learn from each one (v.1-9)?
Why are the grave clothes so important to John (v.5)?
Why do you think Mary Magdalene doesn’t immediately recognise Jesus (v.10-15)?
Why does Jesus tell Mary not to hold on to him (v.17)?
Read 10-18 - ‘Later that same evening’
When Jesus appears to his disciples, what specific gifts and promises does he give them? What do you think is the significance of each gift or promise?
read 24-31 – ‘A week later’
Put yourself in Thomas’ place. Would you have believed without seeing for yourself?
How does Thomas’ exclamation ‘My Lord and my God’ provide a fitting climax to John’s Gospel?
What can we learn from Jesus’ encounter with Thomas about helping people who have doubts about the Christian message?
Is believing that Jesus rose from the dead as important as believing that he died on the cross for our sins? Explain why or why not.

Mary Magdalene wanted to hold onto Jesus, but Jesus sent her on a mission to tell others that he was alive. Is there someone you can tell about Jesus and his resurrection? Ask God to give you an opportunity to share the message.

30th March (Easter 2)

The King who meets us

Reading: Luke 24:13-35

Of the four evangelists, only Luke has recorded this story of the walk to Emmaus. With his typically human touch, his unfailing concern about the human condition, he includes this story – the longest resurrection encounter preserved for us – about two ordinary people and their needs, and how their needs are met by the message of salvation in Jesus. This episode has many little touches which have all the hallmarks of an eye-witness account.

A seven mile walk which ended at Emmaus ‘toward evening’ would have occupied the last two hours of Easter afternoon. A seven mile walk back to Jerusalem in the dark would have ended quite late at night.

What kind of people do the two disciples appear to be?
What were their hopes of Jesus (v.21?)
What strikes you about the Jesus’ dialogue with them?
We can sympathise with the disciples’ struggle between despair and hope. In his rebuke Jesus identifies the cause of their despair – reluctance to believe the scriptures about the Messiah (v.25) Can you share an experience when a scripture has given you new hope?
What was the disciples’ action when they had realised the good news (v.33)? What implications can you draw from this?

Whaddon Way Church