January 15, 2023

The Second Sunday of the Epiphany Season

Being About His/Our/My Father’s Business

 

            This morning we’ll be giving our attention to a portion of Scripture often read during the Epiphany Season.  It has to do with  one of the first incidents in Jesus’ life that the Gospels record, namely His appearance in the Temple at the age of 12.   In fact, this is the first time in Scripture that spoken words of Jesus are recorded for us.   

            Remembering from from last week’s bulletin/service introduction  that the word “Epiphany” means “revelation” or “manifestation,” we want to keep in mind the traditional emphasis of this “season” of the Church Year.   What we do is to concentrate our attention on parts of God’s Word that, in various ways, show (or reveal/manifest to…) us the deity of Jesus Christ, affirming that He is the Promised Savior.   

            That is certainly the case with today’s Sermon Text.   We see the first recorded “glimpse” of the Savior’s deity through the astonishing Biblical knowledge He displayed as a twelve year old boy (which really shouldn’t be a surprise to us, since Jesus is the living Word of God).   Consistent with our worship theme for this morning, we’ll also want to consider His thorough understanding of His mission, namely that (literally, in the Greek) “He must be about the matters of His Father”  (an example of Jesus’ dedication to His Father’s service that we will want to follow).  Finally, let’s not miss the total obedience He renders His parents (an example of His perfectly keeping the 4th commandment for us).  

            In our Gospel Lesson, we’ll take a close look at another very significant portion of God’s Word.   Here Jesus affirms more than once His intimate union with His Father.  In this reading from John’s Gospel Jesus speaks both about the common purpose and the work which He and His Father share as the First and Second Persons of the Trinity (primarily, the salvation of fallen mankind).  Also, please note Jesus’ rebuke of His adversaries in this reading….and do take to heart its implied warning.   The Jews who opposed Jesus diligently “studied” the Old Testament Scriptures, but merely for academic rather than soul-enriching purposes.  As a result, they“missed” the fact that the promises about the Messiah were being fulfilled right “under their noses” in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.  Let’s not miss that fact as we search the Scriptures today.

            In addition, through today’s Children’s Lesson we’ll talk about how many people today only want to “mind their own business” (that is, do what they feel satisfies them and they think is best for them), while they ignore people around them.   They don’t realize that the “business” the Lord wants them and all of us to “mind” is His business – of serving Him and saving lost souls.

            Finally this morning’s First Testament Lesson is the account of our Savior “finding” Saul the spiritually “lost” persecutor of the early Church.   In a miraculous manner, Jesus brought Saul (who later became the Apostle Paul) out of the darkness of his unbelief, into the light of saving faith.  He did that so Paul might become His “chosen vessel” (or servant) through which the Gospel would be proclaimed especially to the non-Jewish/Gentile peoples.   .   We also can see that the Lord not only had work for Paul to do for His Kingdom….but also that Paul was fully committed throughout his life to doing that work for the God Who saved him…..Let’s be as eager and committed as Paul was!

 

 

 

The portions of God’s Word used in this worship flyer have been taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version    Copyright 2019, The Wartburg Project, Inc.   All rights reserved.   Used with permission Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net  #A712831

 

 

 

Pre-Service Prayer

Lord, open now, my heart to hear  

And through Your Word to me, draw near;

Let me Your Word e’er pure retain, 

 Let me Your child and heir remain.

Your Word does deeply move my heart,

 Your Word does perfect health impart,

Your Word my soul with joy does bless, 

 Your Word brings peace and happiness.  Amen.

 

 

 

Pre-service prayer

Pre-worship music                                                                                                                                            

 

 

Let Us Praise The Lord

 

The Introduction and Invitation to Worship

 

after which, the Pastor will invite the Congregation will rise for

 

The Invocation

We make our beginning

 

In the name…. of the Father,

 

Who gave His Son into death for us

and raised Him in glory on the third day;

 

And of the Son,

 

Who laid down His life only to take it up again on the third day;

 

And of the Holy Spirit

 

 through Whom Christ was made alive,  Who has worked saving faith in our hearts,  Who lives in us now through the Word,   and Who will one day give life to our mortal bodies. 

 

 Amen.

The Psalm for Today                                                                                              Psalm 119, selected verses

 

Pastor                          Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.   Blessed are they who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart.

 

Congregation                          You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.   +   I will praise You with an upright heart   +   as I learn Your righteous decrees;

 

P:                                 I seek You with all my heart;   do not let me stray from Your

                        commands.

 

 

• I have hidden Your word in my heart   +   that I might not sin

                        against You.   +  Praise be to You, O Lord;   +   teach me Your

                        decrees.

 

P:                                 With my lips I recount all that laws that come from Your mouth.

 

C:                                 I rejoice in following Your statues   +   as one rejoices in great riches.   +   I delight in Your decrees;   +   I do not neglect Your Word.

 

P:                                 Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight;   Preserve my life according to Your Word. 

 

C:                                 Fulfill Your promise to Your servant,   +   so that You may be feared.   +   Preserve my life in Your righteousness.

 

 

after which the Congregation will be seated for

 

• The Opening Hymn Hymn 340
• “O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing”

 

Verse One – Entire Congregation

 

Verse Two – Pulpit Side

 

Verse Three – Lectern Side

 

Verse Four – Women and Girls

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Verse Five – Men and Boys

 

(The Congregation will rise for the singing of the final verse)

 

Verse Six – Entire Congregation

 

1 Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing  My great Redeemer’s praise,

The glories of my God and King,   The triumphs of his grace!

 

2 My gracious Master and my God,   Assist me to proclaim,

To spread through all the earth abroad,   The honors of your name.

 

3 The name of Jesus calms our fears   And bids our sorrows cease.

‘Tis music in the sinners ears;   ‘Tis life and health and peace.

4 He breaks the pow’r of canceled sin;    He sets the pris’ner free.

His blood can make the foulest clean;    His blood avails for me.

 

5 See all your sins on Jesus laid;    The Lamb of God was slain.

His life was once an off’ring made   That you might live again.

 

6 Glory to God and praise and love   Be ever, ever giv’n

By saints below and saints above,   The Church in earth and heav’n.

 

We Confess Our Sins To God

 

Pastor                          God, our Heavenly Father, invites us to come into His presence and to worship Him with humble and penitent hearts.  Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness for all our sins.

 

Congregation  Holy and merciful Father,   I confess that I am by nature sinful   and that I have disobeyed You in my thoughts, words, and actions;    I  have done what is evil in Your sight   and have failed to do what is good.    For this I know that I deserve Your punishment, both now and for eternity.     But I am truly sorry for all my sins    and trusting in the perfect life     and innocent death of my Savior, Jesus Christ,     I plead:    God have mercy on me, a sinner.

 

(Sung)     Lord have mercy on us

Christ have mercy on us               Lord have mercy on us.

 

Pastor                          Our gracious Lord and Master has shown us His mercy:   He has given His one and only Son to save us from all our sins.     And now, having humbly and sincerely confessed your sins before Almighty

 God, be strengthened in your faith, mindful that our Lord is not willing that anyone should perish eternally, but that everyone should come to repentance, turning from their evil ways and receiving from Him everlasting life.    God has commanded His ministers to declare His forgiveness of sins to all who are penitent.   Therefore, addressing you as a called servant of Christ,  and according to His command and under His authority,   I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.  May the peace of God rest upon all of you.    Amen.

 

(Sung)

Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace good will toward men.

We praise You, we bless You, we worship You.

We glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.

O Lord God, heav’nly King.   God the Father Almighty.

O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ;  

O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,

You take away the sin of the world;   have mercy on us.

You take away the sin of the world;   receive our prayer.

You sit at the right hand of God the Father;   have mercy on us.

For you only are holy.   You only are the Lord.

You only, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit.

Are most high, in the glory of God the Father.   Amen.

 

The Prayer for This Morning

 

O Lord God,   +   mercifully hear our prayers,   +   as we, Your people,    +    humbly come before Your throne of grace.   + Help us to know what Your will for us is   +   and give us the strength to carry it out for Your glory,   +   for the eternal welfare of our fellow man,  +   and to our joy and edification.   +   This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ,  +  Your Son, our Lord,  +  Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit,  +  One God, forever and ever.   Amen.

after which the Congregation may be seated

 

Feed Us, Lord, with Your Word

 

• The First Lesson Acts 9:1-19

 

1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he might bring them to Jerusalem as prisoners.   3 As he went on his way and was approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”   5 He asked, “Who are you, Lord?”   He replied, “I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. 6 But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you need to do.”   

 

7 The men traveling with him stood there speechless. They heard the voice but did not see anyone.    8 They raised Saul up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he could not see anything. They took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9 For three days he could not see, and he did not eat or drink.

 

10 There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!”   He answered, “Here I am, Lord.”   11 The Lord told him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. In fact, at this very moment he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he can regain his sight.”    13 Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many people about this man and how much harm he did to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.”    15 The Lord said to him, “Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel. 16 Indeed, I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”

 

17 Ananias left and entered the house. Laying his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, Whom you saw on your way here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”    18 Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. 19 And after taking some food, he regained his strength.

 

after which the Congregation will rise to hear the words of our Savior

 

• The Gospel Lesson John 5:16-47

 

16 So the Jews began to persecute Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working right up to the present time, and I am working too.”   18 This is why the Jews tried all the more to kill Him, because He was not merely breaking the Sabbath, but was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.

 

19 Jesus answered them directly, “Amen, Amen, I tell you: The Son can do nothing on His own, but only what He sees the Father doing. Indeed, the Son does exactly what the Father does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows Him everything He is doing. And He will show Him even greater works than these so that you will be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to those He wishes.   22 In fact, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 so that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father Who sent Him. 24 Amen, Amen, I tell you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him Who sent Me has eternal life. He is not going to come into judgment but has crossed over from death to life.   25 Amen, Amen, I tell you: A time is coming and is here now when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who listen will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in Himself, so also He has granted the Son to have life in Himself. 27 And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.   28 Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice 29 and will come out. Those who have done good will rise to live, but those who have practiced evil will rise to be condemned. 30 I can do nothing at all on My own. I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just, for I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him Who sent Me. 

 

31 If I were to testify about Myself, My testimony would not be valid. 32 There is another who testifies about Me, and I know that His testimony about Me is valid. 33 You sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. 34 The testimony I receive is not from man, but I am saying these things so that you may be saved. 35 John was a lamp that was shining brightly, and for a while you wanted to enjoy his light. 36 But I have testimony greater than John’s. For the works that the Father gave Me to carry out, the very works that I am doing, these testify about Me that the Father has sent Me. 37 The Father Who sent Me—He is the one Who has testified about Me. You have never heard His voice or seen His form. 38 And you do not have His word remaining in you, because you do not believe the One He sent. 39 You search the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them. They testify about Me! 40 And yet you do not want to come to Me in order to have life.  41 I do not accept honor from people. 42 But I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God within you. 43 I have come in My Father’s name, yet you do not accept Me. If someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe while you continue to accept glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?    45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. The one who accuses you is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe what I say?”

 

The Public Confession of our Christian Faith

according to the words of the Nicene Creed

 

 

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,  and of all things visible and invisible.  And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God,  Light of Light.  Very God of Very God.  Begotten, not made.  Being of one substance with the Father, By whom all things were made;  Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven   And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary   And was made man;  And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.  He suffered and was buried;  And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures;  And ascended into heaven,  And sitteth on the right hand of the Father;   And he shall come again with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead;  Whose Kingdom shall have no end.   And I believe in the Holy Ghost,  The Lord and Giver of Life,  Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son,  Who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified,  Who spake by the Prophets.  And I believe one holy Christian and Apostolic Church.  I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins,  And I look for the resurrection of the dead,  And the life of the world to come.  Amen.

 

After which the Congregation will be seated for

 

• The Children’s Lesson I Corinthians 15:58

 

Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

 

Mind Your Own Business ! ?????

 

• The Hymn of the Day “Within the Father’s House” (TLH 133)

 

1 Within the Father’s house   The Son has found his home,

And to his temple suddenly   The Lord of life has come.

 

2 The doctors of the Law   Gaze on the wondrous child

And marvel at his gracious words   Of wisdom undefiled.

 

3 Yet not to them is giv’n   The mighty truth to know,

To lift the earthly veil which hides   Incarnate God below.

 

4 The secret of the Lord   Escapes each human eye,

And faithful, pond’ring hearts await   The full epiphany.

 

5 Lord, bless our humble souls   And teach us by your grace

Each dim revealing of yourself   With loving awe to trace,

 

6 Till we behold your face   And know, as we are known,

You, Holy Spirit, Father, Son,   Co-equal Three in One.

 

after which the Congregation will rise for

 

The Greeting

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge

of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

 

• Sermon Text Luke 2:41-52

 

41 Every year His parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. 42 When He was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the Festival. 43 When the days had ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it. 44 Since they thought He was in their group, they went a day’s journey. Then they began to look for Him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for Him.   46 After three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48 When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? See, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.”   49 He said to them, “Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I must be taking care of My Father’s business?” 50 They did not understand what He was telling them.   51 He went down with them and came to Nazareth. He was always obedient to them. And His mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 52 Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.

 

Being About His/Our/My Father’s Business

 

following the Sermon, the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for

 

Pastor    To Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior, be glory, majesty, power, and authority now and forever.  Amen.

 

 

We Offer Our Gifts to the Lord

 

Our Offerings of Love to our Lord

 

Offerings will be received this morning through offering plates passed among those who have gathered here for worship.

   However, for those viewing this service online,  we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:     

1) You can mail a check (no cash) to the church address

 (415 N. 6^th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)

2) You can also donate on our website:  www.gracelutherannwa.com

 

the Congregation will please rise as the offerings are brought to the altar

We Bring Our Prayers to the Lord

Today’s Special Prayers

Included in our prayers today are:

A Prayer of Thanksgiving for Barbara Strackbein (Peter’s mother)

whom our Lord took to heaven this past Friday afternoon;   and

A Prayer of Thanksgiving for Rob and Wilma Jean Carr,

who are celebrating their wedding anniversary today.

 

The Lord’s Prayer and Response  

 

Congregation  Our Father, Who art in heaven,  Hallowed be Thy name;

 

Pastor  Grant Father, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ may be proclaimed freely among us and throughout the world, and that we may live holy, Godly lives to the glory of Your name.

 

C:    Thy Kingdom come;

 

P:    Grant, Father, that the proclamation of the Gospel may bear much fruit, so that large numbers of men, women, and children from every nation and tribe may come to know and believe in Your Son, Jesus Christ.

 

C:    Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven;

 

P:    Grant , Father, that we may never forget that it is Your will that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.   Grant that we may remember that we are to carry out Your will by being witnesses of Christ to the world.   Father,  may Your will be done through us!

 

C:    Give us this day our daily bread;

 

P:    Grant, Father, that we may always remember that every good gift is from above and that the earth and all that is in it are Yours.  May we also trust in Your for our daily bread.  Then we will confidently share our blessings with others and return to You a large, generous portion of the gifts You have entrusted to us.

 

C:    And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;

 

P:    Forgive us, Father, for all the times we have given offense and kept others from coming to You.  Forgive us for being so indifferent and cold to Christ’s command to preach the Gospel to every nation.  Forgive us for so frequently forgetting that Christ died for us and that we should no longer live for ourselves, as a result, but for Him who died and rose again for us.  Grant that we may also forgive those who sin against us, love our enemies,  pray for those who persecute us, and do good to those who hate us, that we might, by all means possible, lead some to Christ.

 

C:    And lead us not into temptation;

 

P:    Grant, Father, that Satan, the world, and our own sinful flesh may not tempt us to neglect the supreme task of the Church.  Grant that we never squander away our time while the world rushes toward Judgement Day;  that we never waster our financial resources on the pleasures and luxuries of this life, and in so doing deny others the Bread of Life.  Heavenly Father, keep us from these and all other temptations.

 

C:    But deliver us from evil;

 

P:    Protect us, Father, from all harm and danger, but grant that we will always boldly confess our faith in Jesus no matter what the circumstances, no matter what the result may be.

C:    For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.   Amen.

 

After which the Congregation will be seated

 

 

The Rite of Confirmation for Marisol Huebner

 

Pastor: Do you this day, in the presence of God and of this Christian congregation, confirm the solemn covenant which at your Baptism you made with the Triune God?  Then answer “I do.”

 

       Confirmand:        I do.

 

Pastor: Do you, then, renounce the devil, and all his works, and all his ways?  Then answer, “I do.”

 

       Confirmand:        I do.

 

Pastor: Do you believe in God the Father?

 

       Confirmand:        Yes, I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

 

Pastor: Do you believe in God the Son?

 

       Confirmand:        Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord;   Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost;  Born of the Virgin Mary;  Suffered under Pontius Pilate;   Was crucified, dead and buried;   He descended into hell;   The third day He rose again from the dead;  He ascended into heaven And sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;   From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 

 

Pastor: Do you believe in God the Holy Ghost?

 

       Confirmand: Yes, I believe in the Holy Ghost;   The Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints;  The forgiveness of sins;   The resurrection of the body;    And the life everlasting. 

 

Pastor: Do you desire to become a communicant member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and of this congregation?  Then answer, “I do.”

 

       Confirmand:        I do.

 

Pastor: Do you hold all the canonical books of the Bible to be the verbally inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God, and the doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, drawn from the Bible, as you have learned to know it from Luther’s Small Catechism, to be the true and correct one?  Then answer, “I do.”

 

       Confirmand:        I do.

 

Pastor: Do you also, as a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, intend to continue steadfast in the confession of this Church, and suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it?   Then answer, “I do so intend, with the help of God.”

 

       Confirmand:        I do so intend, with the help of God.

 

Pastor: And finally, do you intend faithfully to conform all your life to the rule of the divine Word, to be diligent in the use of the Means of Grace, to walk according to the Gospel of Christ, and in faith, word, and deed to remain true to the Triune God, even unto death?   Then answer, “I do so intend, by the grace of God.”  

 

       Confirmand:                I do so intend, by the grace of God.

 

 

• The Blessing Marisol’s Confirmation verse:   Isaiah 6:8

 

The Acceptance into Communicant Membership

 

 

 

We Celebrate the Lord’s Supper

 

Pastor –         The Lord be with you.

 

Congregation    (Sung)   And also with you

 

 

Pastor –         Lift up your hearts.

 

Congregation    (Sung)   We lift them up to the Lord.

 

 

Pastor –         Let us give thanks unto the Lord, our God.

 

Congregation   (Sung) It is good and right so to do.

 

 

Pastor – It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lived among us as a human being and revealed His glory as Your only Son, full of grace and truth.   Therefore with angels and archangel, and all the company of heaven, we praise Your holy name and join their glorious song:

 

Congregation

 

(Sung)    Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of heav’nly hosts.

Heaven and earth are full of Your glory.

Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is He, blessed is He, blessed is He

Who comes in the name of the Lord

Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.

 

• Consecration of the Communion Elements (Pastor)

 

Pastor –         The peace of the Lord be with you always.

 

Congregation –     (Sung)   Amen.

 

O Christ, Lamb of God You take away the sin of the world;

Have mercy on us.

O Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world;

Have mercy on us.

O Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world;

Grant us Your peace.    Amen.

• The Exhortation Regarding the Lord’s Supper (Pastor)

 

 

 

 

• (Please read the following if you have not spoken with
•                                                        our Pastor about taking communion.  Thank you.)

 

To our Guests this morning,  we appreciate your presence among us.  It is an honor to have you join with us as we worship our Lord and listen to His Word.   We truly consider it a privilege to spend this time with you!   It is our hope that you will both return in the future to worship with us again, and – perhaps – that You will even choose to become part of our congregation’s membership and our Synodical (WELS) fellowship, so that you might become even more involved in worship, study of God’s Word, and in Christian ministry and fellowship with us.

       In connection with our worship as Christians, we regularly celebrate the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion.   But, as a key part of our church’s Biblically-based communion practice, before we can ask anyone to commune with us, we are compelled to first sit down with that individual and establish (upon a comprehensive study of the teachings of Scripture) that we are united in full doctrinal/ teaching fellowship…….which Scripture requires of any and all Christians before they can commune together.  

       Accordingly, we can offer the Lord’s Supper this morning only to those individuals who have completed that course of study, and who have chosen to become confirmed, communicant members of Grace Lutheran congregation or from one of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) or Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) congregations.

       For some guests, this Biblical practice of “Close Communion“ is both unfamiliar and (quite possibly)  uncomfortable.   We realize that, unfortunately, few churches today continue to follow this approach to communion…..though, in the past (when many churches were more concerned about following all of God’s Word than is the case today)  nearly all did.    We understand that it is not necessarily easy to watch others receiving the Lord’s Supper, while being asked – respectfully — to refrain from receiving it.   Many of us who are communing today once also watched others receive the Lord’s Supper, as you are asked to do this morning, while waiting for the privilege of  one day  being an active partner in this “Close Communion.”   We want to assure you that we are not judging your faith in Christ today.   Nor it is our desire to offend you.     But it also is not our desire to offend or disobey our Lord’s expectations for the proper use of His Supper.    Indeed, we must all obey Him above all others, and we want to obey Him.   Consequently, if you have any questions or concerns about our use/practice of the Lord’s Supper (and we invite you to ask or express them — if you do),  please feel free to speak with our Pastor after the service, or at your convenience.  He considers it a privilege to share with you and others the Biblical reasons for our approach to receiving and offering the Lord’s Supper.     In addition,  you can also find a brochure in our tract/brochure rack in the entryway;  it is entitled “Our Communion Practice.”  This brochure also provides our guests and friends with the  Scripture-based explanation for our understanding of and use of the Lord’s Supper.           

       Finally, please know that we truly are grateful for your participation – as a fellow Christian – in this morning’s worship service.   We also thank you for your patience and understanding, and for respecting this Biblical approach we must take as we endeavor to faithful make us of our Lord’s Supper.  We hope and pray that you will come back to worship with us again — often.  And that one day you might become a part of this Christian fellowship, not only as we worship and hear God’s Word from these pews, but as we receive the Lord’s Supper together.   May God bless and keep you always!

 

 

 

 

• Distribution Hymn Hymn 312   “Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared”

 

1 Lord Jesus Christ, you have prepared   This feast for our salvation;

It is your body and your blood,   And at your invitation

As weary souls, with sin oppressed,   We come to you for needed rest,

For comfort, and for pardon.

 

2 Although you did to heav’n ascend,   Where angel hosts are dwelling,

And in your presence they behold   Your glory, all excelling,

And though your people shall not see   Your glory and your majesty

Till dawns the judgment morning, 

 

3 Yet, Savior, you are not confined   To any habitation,

But you are present ev’rywhere   And with your congregation.

Firm as a rock this truth shall stand,   Unmoved by any daring hand

Or subtle craft and cunning.

 

4 We eat this bread and drink this cup,   Your precious Word believing

That your true body and your blood   Our lips are here receiving.

This Word remains forever true,   And there is naught you cannot do,

For you, Lord, are almighty.

 

5 Though reason cannot understand,   Yet faith this truth embraces:

Your body, Lord, is ev’rywhere   At once in many places.

I leave to you how this can be;   Your Word alone suffices me;

I trust its truth unfailing.

 

6 Lord, I believe what you have said;   Help me when doubts assail me.

Remember that I am but dust,   And let my faith not fail me.

Your supper in this vale of tears   Refreshes me and stills my fears

And is my priceless treasure.

 

7 Grant that we worthily receive   Your supper, Lord, our Savior,

And, truly grieving for our sins,   May prove by our behavior

That we are thankful for your grace   And day by day may run our race,

In holiness increasing.

 

8 For your consoling supper, Lord,   Be praised throughout all ages!

Preserve it, for in ev’ry place   The world against it rages.

Grant that this sacrament may be   A blessed comfort unto me

When living and when dying.

 

We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing

 

• The Closing Prayer

 

The Benediction  

 

The LORD bless you and keep you.

The LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

The LORD look with favor upon you, and give you His peace.  Amen.

 

• The Closing Hymn Hymn 323   “Almighty Father, Bless the Word”

 

1 Almighty Father, bless the word   Which through your grace we now have heard.

Oh, may the precious seed take root,   Spring up, and bear abundant fruit.

 

2 We praise you for the means of grace   As homeward now our steps we trace.

Grant, Lord, that we who worshiped here   May all at last in heav’n appear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Announcements

 

• Last Week At Grace Lutheran: Sunday Worship Attendance: 54

Bible Class Attendance: 26     Sunday School Attendance: 3

 Tuesday Bible Class: 13          Wednesday Classes:   4 men; 4 women   

Budgetary Offerings:   $3525

 

Birthdays & Anniversary This Week:      Jan 15 Rob & Wilma Jean Carr   

Jan 16  Kris Arthur;        Jan 16  Cynthia Pansegrau;       Jan 17  Megan Arthur;    

Jan 17  Everette Hoins;    Jan 20 Andrea Taylor;

 

• Serving Us Next Sunday Elders:   Tim Pfortmiller, John Johnson  

Altar Guild:   Mary Karloski, Vicki Walker      Ushers: Taylor Ashley, John Wambold

Fellowship: Janice & Steve David

 

This Coming Week at Grace Lutheran Church

Today     Morning Worship at 9:30 a.m, including the Lord’s Supper    

                      Sunday School and Bible Class, 11:05 a.m.

                      Youth Confirmation Class, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.

Monday        Church Secretary in the Office, 10 a.m. to mid-afternoon

Tuesday Morning Bible Class, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Wednesday  Evening Bible Classes, 6-7 p.m.  

Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m.       Fellowship, 10:40 a.m.         

                      Bible Class / Sunday School – 11:05 a.m.   Confirmation Class, 12:15 to 1:30

 

Sunday School Teaching Volunteers Needed!!!   Have you ever taught Sunday School?  Have you ever wanted to learn how, or to help out….even if only on a part-time basis?   We would like to have four “full-time teachers” (where two persons would “team teach” a class, serving on an alternating basis that works best for them) and also two substitute teachers who could fill in as requested.  So, if you have the ability, experience, or interest to teach, PLEASE prayerfully consider serving our Lord as part of our Sunday School program.   For more information, please speak with Pastor.

 

Thank You from Harriet Johnson     “To the Congregation of Grace, It has been my pleasure to serve as church secretary for the past 21 years.  Thank you for giving me that privilege and trusting me with that responsibility.  Also thank you for the wonderful send-off surprise last Sunday.  The gifts, cards and well wishes are greatly appreciated.  As I look forward to continued service in other capacities – as God allows – I leave you in good hands with Marilyn Outlaw taking over.   Thank you all again.   Sincerely, Harriet Johnson”

The Parables of our Lord

Divine Truths From Real Life Stories

The Role And Interpretation Of Parables

What is a parable?

Definition of a parable

It is…….
– not a fable
– not a myth
– not a proverb
– A parable, by common definition, is an aid for teaching.

 

Many of us also have learned this definition:   “A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.”

Look up the following Scripture references. In what way were parables effective in the given situations?

 

            *           Luke 20:1-19

            *           2 Samuel 12:1-8

            *           Luke 14:25-33

 

 

How Jesus Used Parables

Look up Matthew 13:31,32.   There’s no explanation of what this short parable means.   Why did Jesus often speak in parables rather than simply stating the facts?

 

 

• Jesus used parables not to mask the truth, but to cause His hearers to search for it.

 

 

• Parables are more interesting than “abstract” theological discussions. They are also easier for people to relate to, and to remember.

 

 

 

• Jesus used parables in discourse with His enemies so that they would have no clear statements from Him to use against Him. Look up Mark 4:10-12.  

 

• For those who were hardened in their refusal to acknowledge the truth of Jesus’ message and identity, parables served to hide the truth from them and act as a judgment against them.   Look up Matthew 21:43-46. Who is Jesus addressing here? (see v.23)     What is He clearly saying to them?    Why did He use a parable to make this point?

 

The Gospel of John has no parables. Mark has only one that is unique to his book.  The majority of our parables, then, come from Luke’s and Matthew’s Gospels.   A few are also found in the Old Testament.

 

 

The  Interpretation Of Parables

The following principles should guide us as we seek to interpret the parables of Jesus:

1. The parables are not merely charming little stories about the “way things always are.” They explain ways in which God operates, or ways in which He expects His followers to live for Him. Matthew 13:11 tells us that parables explain certain aspects of the Kingdom of God to us; namely, God’s just and gracious dealings with sinful man.  Also, keep in mind the main thought or leading idea of the parable as given by Christ himself, or the context.
2. Always pay careful attention to the immediate context of the parable.Parables typically answer a question or address a particular situation that its hearers are facing.   What prompted Jesus to speak the parables offered in the following references?

• Luke 7:41-50

 

 

• Matthew 12:29
• Luke 10:25-37

 

3. All the features of the parable are subordinate to the leading idea. The interpretation of details must fit the main thrust of the story. Consequently, not every part of a parable needs to be interpreted. Some parts simply supplement the story.    The parable itself should be studied along with the context to determine what is the one main point at issue (this is often called the “tertium”).   For example in Luke 18:1-8, what might you conclude about God if you focused primarily on the description of the judge?   What, however, is clearly the main point of this parable?

 

 

 

4. Parables are not to be used to establish doctrine. Parables support other clear doctrinal passages.
5. Finally, the interpreter should be familiar with the history, geography, culture and customs of Bible times to properly interpret the parables. Familiarity with Jewish marriage customs, the practice of wine making, the art of farming in ancient Israel, etc. will help us to better understand the parables.

Parables:    Divine Truths From Real Life Stories

            Section One: The Work And Worth Of The Gospel

(The sower & the seed;   the weeds;

the mustard seed and yeast;   the hidden treasure/pearl)

            Section Two: God’s Great Expectations

(The two debtors;   the lost sheep;   the unmerciful servant;

the good Samaritan;     the tower builder & warring king;

the shrewd manager;   the unworthy servants;   the 10 minas)

            Section Three: By Grace Alone; By Faith Alone
            (The searching shepherd/woman/father;   the persistent friend;

the pharisee and the publican;   the laborers in the vineyard)

Section Four: Preparation For Judgment
            (The rich fool;   the narrow door;    the seats at a wedding feast;

the great banquet;    the wedding banquet;   the net;

foolish & wise virgins;   the tenants)

 

Section Five:   Miscellaneous and Lesser-Known  Parables

(The Parable of The Patched Garment And The Wineskins;   Children In The Marketplace;

Parables Proving The Person Of Christ;   The Empty House;   The Owner of the House;   Clean and Unclean;   Lost Sheep and Dogs;   The Yeast of the Pharisees;    The Rock and the Keys;    The Lamp of the Body;   

The Fruitless Fig Tree;   The Wise and Foolish Builders)

 

 

 

Section One:    The Work and Worth of the Gospel

The Sower, The Seed, And The Soils

(Matthew 13:3-23; Mark 4:2-20; Luke 8:4-15)

To understand this parable, note that farmers in Jesus’ day simply broadcast the seed on untilled ground and then scratched the seed into
the soil with a crude plow.   A footpath of soil hardened by foot traffic, often ran around the perimeter of the field.

This parable and others seek to explain the nature of and operation of the “Kingdom of God” or “The Kingdom of Heaven”. What do these passages tell us about God’s kingdom?

 

 

 

• Luke 17:20,21
• John 18:36,37
• Romans 14:17

We define “God’s Kingdom” as his gracious rule in our hearts through his Word.

What four results followed the farmer’s sowing of his field? (Mark 4:2-8)

Read Mark 4:10-12.  For Jesus’ enemies, what purpose did these parables serve?    What “secret” did the disciples know that enables them to understand the parables?

In verses 13-20, Jesus explains this parable to his disciples.     In the first case, Satan takes away the word before it has a chance to sink in.     Give examples of how the devil can take the Word away.

In the second case, why would someone “receive it [the Word] with joy, but have no root”?    What are some of the issues/things in life that, spiritually-speaking, cause a shallow root system that, in turn, leads to the rather rapid death of a faith that initially seems to thrive?    

 

Agree or Disagree……..A person like this person never had genuine faith in the first place.

 

In the third case, explain how worries and mixed-up priorities can choke out God’s Word in human hearts.

In the last case, what does Jesus mean when he says that the Word produces different amounts of fruit in people’s lives?   Why is it dangerous to assume that all believers should produce the same amount of fruit in their lives?

This parable not only speaks to four types of hearers, but describes each of us individually as well. In what way is that true?

Our mission purpose, as a Christian Church, is to make and maintain disciples of Christ.   How does a proper interpretation of this parable help us understand what we are to do?

The Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29)

On the basis of the previous parable, should we assume that some people are to receive credit for their salvation because they were “good soil” and accepted the Word whereas others rejected it?   This parable shows us that the life that comes from a seed of grain, and spiritual life that comes from the seed of God’s Word, are both mysteries.

What warning can we take from this parable when we are tempted to tamper with or dress up God’s Word to make it more appealing to human hearts?
What comfort can we take from this parable as we seek to sow God’s Word in human hearts with sometimes fumbling efforts or little outward “success”?

The Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43)

Jesus uses another familiar illustration from the agricultural world. How did Jesus explain this parable? (vv.36-43)

Why is it dangerous to say, “We’re going to get rid of all those people in our congregation who act like unbelievers”?

How does this parable help us to understand and deal with the disturbing fact that there are hypocrites even in Christian congregations?

 

Often we wonder “why” things in this world are so evil.   Verse 28 gives a succinct answer……

The Mustard Seed and the Yeast (Matthew 13:31-35)

The mustard plant here pictured is not the 18 inch plant that grows in our garden. The oriental mustard plant can reach the height of a tree one year from planting (J. Dwight Pentecost, in his book The Parables Of Jesus, claims that he has a picture of a one-year-old mustard tree, 32 feet high!)

Knowing Satan’s opposition to God’s kingdom, an understandable question is “What will become of God’s kingdom if Satan so vigorously seeks to destroy it?”     How does this parable answer that question?

The Bible speaks of the Gospel as something considered by many to be “foolishness”, “weak”, and “lowly” (1 Corinthians 1:27,28).    For example, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are regarded by many as mere rituals or symbols.    When we speak about these Sacraments as “Means of Grace” through which God powerfully works, we are often met with skepticism and even ridicule.   What evidence do we have, however, that these things are not as weak as they seem?

The parable of the Yeast in the dough focuses in on the way in which the Gospel works, which is similar to the working of yeast amid dough.   Yeast works internally, and yet its work is all-pervasive and is readily observable.

How does this parable speak to the person who assumes (or presumes), “I can love however I want, as long as I believe”?

                                   
The Hidden Treasure And The Pearl of Great Price

(Matthew 13:44,45)

It was not uncommon for people in Bible times to bury part of their wealth as a means of keeping it secure in times of war or political unrest.    People in ancient times placed an unusually high value on pearls, similar to how we might value gold, diamonds, or other precious gems today.

Does this parable teach that God’s kingdom is something that we obtain by giving up other things?   (See Isaiah 55:1,2)

Does this parable teach us to hoarde the Gospel once we find it? (Mark 16:15)

This parable DOES teach us something about our attitude toward the Gospel. Namely, what?

 

 

 

Section Two:    God’s Great Expectations

The Two Debtors (Luke 7:36-50)

The basis for this parable is an incident that occurs during a dinner Jesus attends at the home of a Pharisee named Simon.

What makes you wonder about the sincerity of this man’s invitation to Jesus? And if he did not invite Jesus out of true respect, why did he invite him?

The woman who enters Simon’s home is called “a woman who had lived a sinful life.” She was probably a prostitute. Pharisaic law made being touched by such a woman an act of defilement.

In addition, what kind of rabbi would accept an expensive perfume gift when it was undoubtedly purchased with sin-tainted money!? Why did Jesus allow this sorry, sobbing scandalous human being to even get near him?

What spiritual point does the parable make? What should it particularly have meant to Simon?

It was common hospitality in Eastern cultures to provide water for guest to wash their feet, to greet guests with a polite kiss, and to anoint the guest’s head with oil (considered by most to be an act symbolizing joy and festivity). Not only did Simon neglect to do this, but this sinful woman – in contrast — went beyond what was customary.

Do we ever consider ourselves less in need of forgiveness than others?   When?   Why?

In what ways do we view certain sinners with disgust?   How should we be viewing them?

How would you have reacted to that woman?   Would you have been embarrassed?   Would you have thought she went overboard?    When does showing love for Jesus become excessive?    What is easier- To fall short of showing love for Jesus or to go too far?

 

The Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:10-14)

What was on the disciples’ minds that leads us into chapter 18? (See verse 1) What does this question tell us about their attitude and character?

Verses 10-14 contrast the disciple’s attitude and goals with God’s. The angels who “always see the face of my Father in heaven” rejoice whenever a sinner repents.  What is Jesus’ point in this verse?

Contrast the attitude of the heavenly Father in this parable with that of the disciples in verse 1.

How does this parable influence how we look at others? How we look at ourselves? How we approach our ministry as a church and as individuals?

The Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)

Jesus had just finished discussing how to deal with someone who has sinned against us. Peter has a question that seems quite natural, given the preceding conversation. “How many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?”

 

We need to give Peter credit for the right motives, but the wrong mechanics.   Pharisaic law demanded that one forgive two times, or three times if you wanted to exceed the standard.   Peter also knew the law of love should prompt a Christian to be more forgiving than that. Even more than twice as forgiving. It seems he was anticipating Jesus to give him an answer somewhere between 3 and 7.    

 

Note that Jesus’ use of the number “seventy times seven” was a Jewish idiom and was understood to mean an innumerable amount.  

10,000 talents = millions of dollars
A few hundred denarii = A few dollars

 

What are some excuses we use to justify being unforgiving?  

The parable gives us the reason why we are expected to forgive innumerable times.    What is the number one motivating factor that makes the victim of a sin able to forgive the sinner. see Matthew 6:12; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13

“he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold . . .” The selling of a debtor who was not able to pay was not unusual in ancient times.     “I will pay back everything.” A flat-out lie. Don’t many people think the same thing when it comes to salvation? Good works cannot pay God back for sins in our life.

The Roman Catholic church uses v. 34 as a proof passage for purgatory. Why is that not a legitimate interpretation?

What’s wrong (and dangerous) with this statement? “I just can’t forgive him/her for what he/she has done!”

                                                           

The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)

To understand why Jesus spoke this parable, read verses 25-29. Why did this expert in the law ask the question, “And who is my neighbor?”      What’s wrong with the lawyer’s question?

 

Look at Deuteronomy  6:5 and  Leviticus 19:18.     What is emphasized in both passages?    Why the emphatic repetition of “all?”   What will prompt such love?  (See I John 4:1)

 

In verse 28, the Greek word for “do this” means “keep on doing, never fail, never give up, never slip, never let go.”   What is Jesus’ point in telling the lawyer, “Do this and you will live?”   (Also, see Galatians 3:21)

Jesus’ parable is His answer to the man’s question. To understand this parable better, we want to note the following:

 

 

 

• A priest was the highest and most repsected religious leader in Israel.
• The Levites were temple workers; both the priest and the Levite therefore could well be considered as model, God-fearing Jews.
• The Samaritans and Jews hated each other; the Jews considered the Samaritans as half-breed low-lifes because they were of mixed blood (Jewish and native Canaanite); Samaritans considered the Jews to be arrogant and overbearing. A Jew would have nothing to do with a Samaritan, and vice versa.

 

What reasons might that Priest and Levite have for not stopping to help that wounded man?     Could their “reasons” be viable, spiritually speaking?  

 

The main point of the parable is stated in verse 36.   What is it?

Many misinterpret this parable. They assume that Jesus was teaching us to be kind to people. Acutally, this parable holds no comfort for us at all. Because it convicts us, just as it convicted that expert in the law…………of what?
This account points out sinful man’s wrong assumption that God is satisfied with our keeping common standards of basic, decent behavior.   What ARE God’s standards?    Can we “Go and do likewise?”     If not, how can we have any hope of pleasing God?

In what ways are we, at times, like the Levite and priest?    In what ways would you like to be more like the Good Samaritan?    How is Jesus the true Good Samaritan?

 

 

The Tower Builder And The Warring King (Luke 14:25-35)

This parable leads the crowd following Jesus to consider whether they are willing to pay the price of living in this kingdom as a disciple of Christ.

In what sense does the call to follow Jesus include a call to “hate” even those close to us? How is it a call to “hate” even our own life?

Today, we hear the phrase “a cross to bear” and we think of something difficult we have to live with. However, in Jesus’ day, carrying a cross meant much more. It meant . . . what?

Why is it important to “count the cost” of discipleship?

According to this section of Scripture, who IS qualified to be a disciple?    Are you qualified?    Justify your response.

The Parable Of The Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-13)

After focusing on God’s desire to save sinners, Jesus teaches his disciples how to live in such a way as to show that rescuing souls is their main objective as well.

 

In Eastern business practice, as long as a manager collected what his owner demanded, he was free to take any added percentage for himself. Therefore, it is possible that even with the discounts the manager offered, he still returned the amount that his owner originally demanded. Regardless, the manager lost out on money that could have been his. About what was the manager most concerned?

Why did the owner “commend” the manager?

There’s no question that dishonesty was involved in this man’s plan.  However, that is not the point of Jesus’ parable. Jesus wants to bring attention to the shrewdness of the manager, and for his disciples to take note.

In verse 8, who are the “people of this world?” (see Psalm 17:14)   Who are the “people of light?” (see Ephesians 5:8)   Why would people of the light want to be shrewd in dealing with people of the world?

You have a neighbor that moves in and you find out he and his family are atheists. What are some ways you can be “shrewd” in dealing with him? What factors will determine how “shrewd” you become?

Agree or Disagree:      The manner in which I use my wealth on this earth determines to what degree God will bless me with more. (see 2 Corinthians 9:6)

What is the main point of this parable?
NOTE: Heaven is a gift. It has nothing to do with how we use our money. However, our use of wealth in a God-pleasing way may RESULT in many people being in heaven to welcome us one day.

 

Unworthy Servants (Luke 17:7-10)

In verses 1-6 of chapter 17, Jesus has just given some examples of the stringent demands of obedience that those who follow Him must follow.   When they expressed their intimidation at such high standards, Jesus comforted them by telling them that, though their faith was small, yet because their faith was in him, it was powerful enough to enable them to  great things for God!

This short parable, however, speaks to a different concern: the human tendency to judge our faithfulness to God on the basis of how we stack up compared to others. There’s always someone less faithful than we are.   Often we are able to find that person in our lives.   What does this parable say to us when we start to compare ourselves to others?

What are the evil consequences for me, for others, and for God when I conclude, “you know, compared to most people, I’m a pretty faithful Christian”?

The Ten Minas (Luke 19:11-27)

If someone gave you $l000.00 extra dollars, what would you do with it?
            1. Invest it aggressively.
2. Put it in an insured bank account.
3. Stuff it in a mattress because you don’t trust banks.

The setting of this parable is that Jesus and his disciples are nearing Jerusalem on his last journey. Many believed Jesus would now establish His kingdom in Jerusalem.   The story of Zacchaeus, just previous to this parable, points out the commitment to Jesus that accompanies a life of faith.   Zacchaeus gave half of his possessions to the poor and paid back those he had cheated four-fold.   The parable is all about faithfulness.   Perhaps Jesus spoke this parable in Zacchaeus’ home.

Who’s the man who went into a far country and promised to return again?  Who are the servants?   Who are the people who say, “We don’t want you to rule over us?”   What’s the distant country?    What’s meant by the interval between when the nobleman left and would return?

(Verse 13)  a mina was about three months wages.   What does the mina that each servant received before the nobleman left in the parable represent?  (see John 20:22).   It could also be the means of grace God’s servants are to use faithfully until the end of the age. I Tim. 6:20.   What are we to do with the mina until Jesus returns again?

In Biblical numerology the number ten, incidentally, consistently represents perfection or completeness.

The faithful servants in the parable showed their faithfulness by investing the money given to them by their master wisely and profitably.    How can we show our faithfulness as God’s servants?

Should we expect tangible or visible rewards already now on earth?

 

What does Jesus mean in verse 26?

Should we be afraid of the Last Day when the Lord calls us to give an account?

Section Three:    By Grace Alone…By Faith Alone

 

The Searching Shepherd, The Searching Woman, The Searching Father (Luke 15:1-32)

What precipitated these three parables? (v. 2)

These parables sharply contrast the attitude of the Pharisees toward sinners with God’s attitude toward sinners. How did a stereotypical Pharisee regard a “sinner”? What do these parable teach us about how GOD regards a sinner?

NOTE: Verse 7 reminds us that God is NOT in the business of rubber-stamping with his seal of approval the self-righteousness of people like the Pharisees. What really pleases him is rescuing repentant sinners. How do these parables challenge how we view ourselves?

List some details from these three parables that indicate the depth of God’s love for us.

 

Did you ever run away from home? Where did you go? What happened? (Or, Did you ever think of running away from home? Where would you have gone? Why did you change your mind?)    Which child were you in your family, the “obedient” one or the “wild” one?

Why do you think the prodigal son decided to leave home?  

 

In those times if a younger son left the family home for one reason or another, the older son was expected to stay at home and take care of the estate.  However, the younger son had no right to demand his share of the inheritance when he did.   According to Jewish law, the children could not divide the inheritance until after the father’s death. Then the firstborn (oldest) received a “double share” of the estate, and the other children shared the remainder of it (Deuteronomy 21:15-17).   The younger son in the parable could have received a considerable amount of money.

What’s meant by the “distant country?” When are we off in a “distant country?” Why didn’t the father stop his son? Why doesn’t God stop us?    What kind of pleasures can the world give?

 

Does God ever abandon someone to their foolishness? Romans 1:24,28.

Do you think that the father was wise to give his son his inheritance when he knew his son would probably blow it?
If the father had a pretty good idea where his son had gone, do you think he should have gone after him?

 

(Verses 17-19)  What does the lost son realize he doesn’t deserve? What’s his only hope when he goes back home? What must we also realize we don’t deserve from God? What’s our only hope also?

Of what can we be sure when we return to our heavenly father?   What’s the spiritual counterpart to the “best robe” (verse 22)?    See Galatians 3:27; Isaiah.61:10. The ring signified son ship. Sons also wore sandals. Slaves went barefoot.

 

In the third parable, what flaws do you find in the protest of the older brother to his father’s goodness toward his younger brother? (vv. 28-30)

 

By temperament and experience, which of the three main characters do you best identify with in this story of the prodigal son/unforgiving brother/waiting father?

Agree or Disagree:      Some “lost sons” can appear to be very nice, decent, family loving and church going people?

What’s the only food that nourishes and feeds the soul?   What is some “pigs food” the world offers?

 

The Blind Guides (Matthew 7:3-5; Luke 6:39-42)

This parable is connected to Jesus famous “Sermon On The Mount.” In this sermon Jesus teaches almost the diametric opposite of what the Pharisees taught; namely, that an attitude of humility and mercy are more important than an outward show of righteousness; that sin is not only what one does but what one thinks; that God expects more than reasonably good behavior, that he expects perfection.

Read the parable in verses 39-40 of Luke 6. In what sense were the Pharisees “blind” leaders?

What does Jesus indicate as the consequences of such blind leadership?

Read verses 41,42. Then read Luke 6:1-10. How did the Pharisees prove themselves guilty of the sin this parable reveals? What was the plank in the Pharisees’ eye?    Let’s apply this parable to ourselves. Should we ever point out sin in the life of a fellow Christian? (See 6:37) If so, what should be our attitude in doing so and our goal?

 

The Persistent Friend (Luke 11:1-10)

This entire section has to do with prayer. What would prompt the disciples to request “Lord, teach us to pray”? What’s so difficult about praying?

Verses 2-4 describe the nature of God-pleasing prayer. God-pleasing prayer will reflect that our greatest concern is God’s glory and his kingdom (gracious ruling) in the hearts of people, that spiritual matters are most important, that we are dependant on God for everything from basic physical needs to forgiveness to help in any trouble.

Verses 5-8 is a parable which makes what point about HOW we are to pray?

(This parable should remind us not to go too far in interpreting every detail of parables. For instance, we shouldn’t assume that God is like the man in the parable, answering our prayers merely because we keep bothering him.

Verse 9,10 should be an encouragement to us; however, what do you make of the claim that some make based on these words, that, if you really believe, God will answer all of your prayers?

Verses 11-13 are an argument from a lesser point to a greater. What is the point?

What is the greatest gift we can ask for?

The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8)

The purpose of this parable is in Luke 18:1. What is the purpose? Why do we need this parable?

There is an argument from the lesser to the greater from this parable. If even an unjust judge grants justice after much pleading, then certainly . . . what?

Is Jesus’ last statement in v. 8 a warning for the disciples or about the world they live in? Be prepared to defend your answer. What does verse 8 say to us?

 

The Pharisee And The Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)

When you were in high school, what did it take to be with the “in” crowd?    What was a guaranteed way to be out?
What is the purpose of this parable? (verse 9)

(Verse 11)  Was the Pharisee really thanking God?

God prescribed only 1 day of fasting a year, the Day of Atonement. Lev. l6:29,31 Later the Jews observed four official days of fasting. The Pharisees fasted each Monday and Thursday, the days tradition says Moses ascended and descended Mt. Sinai.   The Jews also weren’t commanded to give a tenth of everything. Small herbs, for example, were exempted.
                                   
Comment on the body language of the tax collector.

 

(Verse 14)   justified = not condemned, innocent, fully forgiven, free and rid of all guilt and punishment, accepted and beloved to God. On what basis does God pronounce this verdict? Why was the Pharisee not justified?

What’s meant by “universal justification?” When did it take place? What’s meant by “personal justification?” When did it take place? Why is universal justification of such comfort to the penitent sinner?

Agree or Disagree:      Even today the Pharisee and the tax collector go to the temple to pray.

How can religious feelings be deceiving?    To what must we compare ourselves to get a true picture of ourselves?

How is this parable a comfort? How is it a warning?

The Laborers In The Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)

The basis for this parable is Peter’s question in 19:27. Peter was curious about the reward he could expect as someone who had left everything to follow Jesus. What does this parable say to those who serve God because they want to get a bigger reward than everybody else?

This parable forces us to ask, “Why do I serve God?” It also forces us to ask whether we feel a “new” Christian has the same rights as we do in the congregation? How does this parable respond to both of those concerns?

 

 

Section Four:    Preparation for Judgment

The Parable Of The Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21)

 

According to Jewish law, the eldest son received a double inheritance, with the provision he subsequently must support his mother and (any) unmarried sisters.

The man in our text seems to make a rather simple request of Jesus. Describe Jesus’ response and what flaw he points out in the man’s question…and heart.

 

What does Jesus mean in verse 15 by the term “a man’s life?”

There are hints regarding the attitude problem this man had. How did he get his crop? (pay careful attention to the wording in verse 16)

 

Does this parable say that it is wrong to plan ahead for the future?   (See James 4:13-15)    Is it right to put money away in a life insurance policy or a retirement account or even to have a savings account?
Pay careful attention to the wording he uses when he talks about material possessions. What do you notice that indicates just what was the problem with this rich man’s view of life?     (See also Psalm 39:6; Psalm 49:10; Eccl. 2:18,21)

Why did God call him a “fool” in verse 20? 

 

Agree or Disagree:      To possess wealth gives a person a false sense of security

Aside from material wealth, what other earthly matters might give one a false sense of security?

What does it mean to be “rich toward God”?   And how does one do that?

Where are your riches?     What are three chief priorities for your life right now?    How would you like to be remembered?
Where would you like to leave your riches?

The Net (Matthew 13:47-50)

The normal way to fish on the Sea of Galilee was to simply drag a net through the water. The net, of course, would collect both edible and inedible fish. Take note that Jesus is speaking this parable from a location near the Sea of Galilee, where the people may been able to see fisherman out on the water and plying their trade.

It is impossible to determine how many “keepers” there are in a net bulging with fish, simply by looking at the net. What lesson do we learn from this parable about the nature of the kingdom of heaven?

How does this parable serve as a warning to us?

Define the “wicked” and the “righteous” (See Romans 3:20-23)

Many today do not believe in the traditional understanding of hell as a place of fiery punishment. Verse 50 makes the nature of hell very clear.

The “gnashing of teeth” is symbolic of anger and frustration. Why are the inhabitants of hell frustrated and angry?

 

The Narrow Door (Luke 13:22-30)

In what respect is the door to heaven a narrow door?

The people outside the house claim to be acquainted with Jesus. Why does God deny knowing them?

If it is “evildoers” (v.27) who will be shut out of heaven, how can you or I stand a chance?
In verse 28, the “weeping” refers to sorrow and the “gnashing of teeth” refers to anger. Why will people shut outside of heaven grieve and be angry?

In verse 30, what was the message for the Jews of Jesus’ day? What is the message for us today?
The Seats At The Wedding Feast (Luke 14:7-11)

The feast Jesus was attending was also attended by Pharisees and teachers of the law. In what way was their behavior at this feast (grabbing the best seats) indicative of their spiritual attitudes?

What did Jesus’ specifically mean in his statement in verse 11? Think of some situations when we need to remember these words.The Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24)

One of the guests at this banquet expresses his feelings about the blessedness of sharing in that future feast in the kingdom of God. The parable Jesus speaks directs that man’s attention AWAY from how wonderful heaven will be to whether he is willing, RIGHT NOW, to accept the invitation.

Who embodies God’s invitation to his heavenly feast? And how does one therefore reject God’s invitation to his kingdom?

The people in the parable had seemingly legitimate obligations in other matters. Why, then, are these people excluded from the feast and their “reasons” for not accepting the invitation called “excuses” (v. 18)?

This parable is all about priorities . . . in what sense?

What are some excuses humans use today for rejecting God’s invitation to his kingdom?

The Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)

This parable was spoken right in the temple courtyard before the chief priests and elders during the week of Jesus’ death. His words are blunt.

How were the tax collectors and prostitutes like the first son? How were the Pharisees and teachers of the law like the second son?

There is a difference between claiming obedience and actually obeying. What command from the Father were the religious leaders simply unwilling to obey (though they calimed to be truely obedient to God)?

Comment on this statement: “Oh, I’m sure she went to heaven. She was very religious.”

 

The Parable Of The Tenants (Matthew 21:33-44)

Note that the situation is the same as that surrounding the parable above.

Who or what is . . .1) The landowner 2) The tenants 3) The servants 4) The son 5) The vineyard 6) The expected fruit 7) The other tenants 8) Harvest time?

Note how the parables are very direct and obvious in meaning to confront the religious leaders with their obstinate refusal to accept the truth of Jesus Christ.

What does verse 44 mean?

Ready And Waiting Servants (Luke 12:35-48)

In verses 35-40, Jesus speaks of being prepared for his second coming. In the first illustraation of servants waiting for their master to return home, what highly unusual thing does the master do for his faithful servants? What does this tell us about the nature of our Savior?

The second illustration pictures Jesus’ coming like a thief breaking into a house. Why?

The parable in verses 42-46 reminds us that there is a temptation all of us face until Jesus returns. What is that temptation? In what ways do we emulate that unfaithful servant?
The final verses, 47-48, remind us that the privilege we have been given to know the Savior and his word so well comes an important responsibility; namely, what?

NOTE: Scripture does teach clearly that there will be different degrees of punishment in hell.

The Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14)

According to Jewish custom, when a couple was betrothed, an announcement was sent out regarding the impending marriage, which usually took place around one year later. This parable speaks about the subsequent personal invitations given shortly before the wedding.

The wedding clothes were special garments that guests were expected to wear to show their joy at the event being celebrated. Not wearing those garments was an insult.

Apply this parable to God’s dealings with Israel, focusing in on these details in the parable:

1. The repeated invitations

2. The apathetic and even hostile response

3. The subsequent invitation to anyone on the street

4. The importance of wedding clothing

What tendancies do we have that make this parable an apt warning for us?

In what way does this parable glorify God’s grace?

How does this parable help us to answer the charge: “I can’t believe a loving God would actually send people to hell.”

 

The Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)

Bridegrooms would walk in a festive procession from the home of the bride to the groom’s home. Guests could join the procession as it went along or greet the groom at his home. It was necessary, however, that the guests have lighted lamps. Each lamp would serve to further illuminate the home or banquet hall, and provide a bright and joyful atmosphere for the celebration.

Why did 5 of the 10 virgins fail to meet the groom? Whose fault was it? Why?

Verse 13 states the point of this parable. What is it?

What can lead us to not be prepared to meet Jesus when he returns?

 

Section Five:   Miscellaneous Parables

 

The Parable of The Patched Garment And The Wineskins

(Matthew 9:16,17; Mark 2:21,22; Luke 5:36-39)
Jesus has been baptized by John, thereby authenticating the ministry of John as well as giving public witness of his identity as God’s Son and chosen Messiah. He has returned from the wilderness to Galilee and chosen his disciples. He has worked his first miracle (turning water into wine) in Cana of Galilee. He has returned to Jerusalem for the Passover. He has made his way back to Galilee, where he has set up headquarters at Capernaum. He has gone throughout the region proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God and healing many sick and demon-possessed people.

He has been ministering publicly long enough for the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law to become familiar with him and his message and to form some opinions about him. What do the following references tell you about the doctrine and practice of these religious leaders?

 

 

 

• Matthew 6:5
• Matthew 6:16-18
• Luke 11:37-54
• Luke 16:14

Is Jesus a friend or foe to them? Why?

 

 

• John 1:13-22
• Luke 5:17-26
• Luke 5:27-32

Read Luke 5:33-39 in light of the last two references from Luke 5 we just studied. This was obviously not an honest question. It was meant to discredit Jesus. What did the question imply about Jesus and his disciples?

The Pharisees assumed that fasting won brownie points with God. Jesus answer implies that fasting isn’t a deed that impresses God. It is a sign of sorrow. When Jesus said his disciples shouldn’t fast in sorrow, because the bridegroom was with them, what was he claiming about himself?

The parable Jesus then speaks about the garment is designed to lead the Pharisees to conclude that their teaching doesn’t match Jesus’ teaching. Explain the difference and how the parable illustrates the incompatibility of the two.

The parable of the wineskins indicates that it is impossible to package Jesus’ message in the structure of Old Testament Law. Explain how the parable illustrates that and why the point of the parable is true.

This parable has to do with mixing up the Law and the Gospel. How do the following examples illustrate an improper use of Law and Gospel?

All you have to do to get to heaven is believe in Jesus and live a good life.

We really feel good about our church! We’re growing by leaps and bounds, we always have something going for every age group, and people say that we’re the friendliest group around!

No Christian who appreciates what Jesus did for them would EVER have done what you did! Does Jesus’ death for you mean ANYTHING to you at all?

The Ten Commandments are a real comfort to me because they keep me on track in my walk with God.

Children In The Marketplace  (Matthew 11:16-19; Luke 7:29-35)

This parable is directed to the Pharisees and experts in the law. How did these people regard John’s ministry? (See Luke 7:29,30) What did they think of Jesus? (See notes on the parable of the Wineskins)
Jesus compares the religious leaders of his day to children at play. In verse 32, what are we told about the way that children act when it comes to choosing what to play.

How did the religious leaders also act this way? (See vv. 33,34). In verses 33 and 34, what are we told about the different nature of John’s
and Jesus’ ministry?

Our sinful nature also resists both the Law and the Gospel. List some examples.

 

 

Parables Proving The Person Of Christ  (Matthew 12:22-30; Mark 3:22-27)

What precipitated the parable-based teaching of this section? (See vv 22-24)

List the arguments Jesus uses to show how ridiculous and simple-minded the accusation that Jesus is driving demons out by the power of the devil is. (v26-29)

What conclusion, arising from Jesus’ obviously real and God-given miracle-working power, did the Pharisees not want to accept? Why not?

Many today want to find some reason to dismiss anything about Jesus that points to his divine nature. Why is it simple-minded for someone to think he can separate Jesus from his miracles and end up with “Jesus, the great humanitarian-teacher”?

The Empty House (Matthew 12:43-45)

What leads to Jesus’ words in this section? Read 12:38. The current religious leaders again show their absolute ridiculousness when they ask    Jesus for a sign that will prove he is the Messiah sent from God. Why in  the world would they need a sign, given all the miracles Jesus had  already performed!? Their request merely betrays their refusal to accept  the truth that had already been made clear.

Read the parable. It speaks about a demon-possessed man who enjoyed  freedom from demon possession for a while, but in the end was possessed  by seven demons rather than merely one.

Many Israelites who had rejected God repented when John the Baptist  brought his message to Israel and pointed them to the Messiah, Jesus.  But many of those baptized by John later rejected Jesus and so their fate  was worse at the end.

What warning can we take from this parable?

How does this parable move us to reach out more energetically to our  fallen-away friends and relatives?

The Owner Of The House (Matthew 13:51,52)

In order for the teachers of the law to give their listeners the full  revelation of God, they first had to be instructed in the kingdom of heaven themselves. What did they need to learn about the kingdom of  heaven? (Matthew 3:1-3)

What are the old treasures? What are the new treasures?
Christian teaching is more than just a matter of imparting knowledge or facts; it’s sharing treasures! List some of the treasures that Christian teachers (such as parents, Sunday School teachers, and every Christian witness) are privileged to share.

Clean And Unclean (Matthew 15:1-20)

Since the time of the return from the Baylonian Capitivity, the teachers of the law had added additional regulations and laws to the Mosaic Law. Two of those “traditions of the elders”, as they were called, are mentioned in the opening verses. One is the practice of ceremonial washing before meals, and the other is the practice of dedicating something as a special gift to God.

In their effort to keep the man-made traditions of the Elders, the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law ended up breaking God’s clear commands. How does Jesus illustrate that? How do the Isaiah passages support Jesus’ accusation?

Read 15:10,11 and then 15:15-20 for the explanation of this parable.

Our sin and our need for a savior is more serious if we view sin as a matter of the heart and rather than as a matter of one’s life. Why is
that?

NOTE: This was a theme Jesus hit again and again in his discussions with the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law. Without a true understanding of sin, there isn’t much need for a Savior.

 

Read 15:12-14 Jesus here tells his disciples why they shouldn’t be surprised if the Pharisees were offended by Jesus’ words, nor should they let the Pharisees intimidate them as men who seem to be in control.

Lost Sheep And Dogs (Matthew 15:21-28)

Jesus’ ministry was conducted primarily for the benefit of God’s people, the Jews. Jesus’ mission was conducted for all people. Jesus’ is referring only to his ministry in verse 24.

In Jesus’ statement in verse26, who are the children? What is the bread? Who are the dogs?

In the woman’s reply, what was she saying to Jesus? How would you describe this woman’s faith?

Jesus didn’t help her right away; in fact he seemed to ignore her and then cut her down. Why did he deal with her in this manner?

The Yeast Of The Pharisees And Sadducees (Matthew 16:5-12)

The point of this parable is obvious and extremely important. The false teaching of the religious leaders was like yeast- it influenced a person’s entire thinking and life.

Note what had happened leading up to this parable. The religious leaders had asked Jesus for a sign to prove he was the Messiah. That doesn’t seem so bad, does it? How did this request, however, give evidence of their false beliefs and teaching?

One of Satan’s biggest lies is that a little false teaching is no big deal. A little false teaching can lead to toleration or acceptance of more false teaching and ultimately destroy one’s faith and eternal future.

The Rock And The Keys (Matthew 16:13-19)

The Roman Catholic Church states that this reference is Scriptural evidence that Christ chose Peter to be the first pope, and that all
successors of Peter have the headship of the church that Christ entrusted to Peter.

However, while Jesus DID change Simon’s name to Peter, which means “rock” because of his rock-solid confession of who Jesus was, Jesus was NOT referring to Peter when he said, “On this rock I will build my church.” The Greek word for “rock” in that phrase is of the feminine gender, and therefore cannot refer to Peter (masculine gender); it must refer to Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Christ and Son of God.

What are the keys Jesus speaks of? (See John 20:23)

The Lamp Of The Body (Luke 11:33-36)

Earlier in this chapter Jesus drove a demon out of a man and some concluded this miracle was accomplished through the power of Satan.
Others demanded that Jesus prove he was really God by a “sign” from heaven.

This parable shows that the problem for those who would not accept Jesus is NOT that there isn’t enough evidence. How does verse 33 point that out (if the lamp is Jesus)?

In verse 34, the eyes are “faith”, what is Jesus saying to those who refused to accept him as God and Savior?

In verses 35 and 36, what is Jesus saying about the person who truly believes in him?

This parable should be a good reminder to us that some people simply don’t WANT to believe, though they may claim that the evidence for Christianity isn’t compelling enough.

How does this understanding actually help us when we witness our faith to others?

NOTE: One year away from his death, Jesus begins now to use much clearer language. Consider what he says in the rest of this chapter.

The Fruitless Fig Tree (Luke 13:1-9)

This parable was spoken by Jesus in response to a question that has always plagued mankind. Why does tragedy strike some and not others? Jesus doesn’t answer that question. Rather, he addresses the attitude of those who asked it.

Rather than being concerned about whether somebody else was under God’s judgment, what should they be concerned about?

In verses 6-9, who is the vineyard owner, the vineyard tender, and the fig tree.

What is the point of the parable . . . about God? about stubborn Israel?

 

The Wise And Foolish Builders    (Matthew 7:24-29; Luke 6:46-49)

Multitudes had been attracted to Jesus and his teaching. Many were amazed that he spoke with authority that even the Teachers of the Law did not have. But fascination with Jesus is not the same as faith in Jesus.

How does the parable in Luke 6:43-49 make that point? In what sense are we all builders? What is the rock foundation? What are the consequences of building or not building on the rock?

In what ways do we call Jesus “Lord” but live as if we are the lords of our lives?