March 05, 2023     The Second Sunday in Lent

also known by the traditional name “Reminiscere (Remember) Sunday”

 

 

The Kind of Faith That’s Exemplary

                 

In the old 1940 version of The Mark of Zorro (sometime you might want to watch it for free on YouTube), there’s an interesting  “chase” scene in which Zorro is fleeing in the dead of night from a band of Spanish army officers.   Racing at breakneck speed through woods, over creeks, along narrow paths, Zorro is finally cornered on a bridge that was suspended about twenty feet over a river.   In one of the most remarkable stunts I’ve ever seen in a movie, Zorro (actually, an actor’s double) turns his horse toward the bridge’s railing, which is about four feet high, and puts the spurs to him.  The horse jumps over the railing, into the river below, with the rider still on him.   That horse then swims downstream in a hail of bullets from the bridge, yet once again Zorro makes a stunning escape.  You might wonder, “How in the world did that stunt rider get that horse to jump over that railing into the darkness below?”  At least I wondered that as I watched the horse jump.  After some checking, I learned that it was the result of the horse’s trainer never asking it to do anything that might hurt it.   First he got the horse to do little stunts that seemed slightly dangerous, but in which the horse didn’t get hurt. Eventually the trainer progressed to harder, and then to rather dangerous stunts.  Finally, after extensive training, the horse learned to trust the rider in any and every situation, because nothing traumatic had ever happened to him in the past.   Consequently, he was willing to do almost anything his trainer and rider asked of him, because he completely trusted the man on top with his very life.

            This morning you and I have an opportunity, as we meditate on God’s Word, to consider how extensive our confidence and trust in “The Man on Top” (the Lord) is to preserve and protect us, to provide us with all we need, and to keep all His promises to us.   If you’re like me, there’s definitely room for improvement when it comes to our confidence and trust in the Lord.  And so, for the very reason that our faith might be strengthened today, as we meditate on the Word of God this morning, let’s pray that God the Holy Spirit will fortify the faith of you, me, and all our fellow worshipers so that – regardless of what circumstances we face in life – we will remain confident that our Lord’s intentions for us will always be carried out in the ways that are best for both our earthly and eternal interests.

The Season of Lent and our Worship in 2023

            Down through the centuries the Christian Church has used the 40 day period of Lent as a time during which its members are to contemplate, in an even more serious than usual fashion, the spiritual significance of our Savior’s sufferings and death for our redemption.  We are continuing that time-honored practice of Lenten reflection during our both our 2023 Wednesday evening and Sunday morning Lenten services. 

            Through our midweek evening meditations this year we’ve been listening to the stories of various Personalities in Christ’s Passion.   Ash Wednesday we considered the story of Caiaphas, and this past Wednesday evening we pondered the story of Jesus’ Secret Disciple – Nicodemus.    This coming Wednesday, we’ll take in a little of the story of Judas Iscariot, the disciple who sold Jesus out.

            These “solemn” 40 days of Lent (which began with Ash Wednesday and will continue through “Holy Saturday”) technically don’t include the six Sundays in Lent.   The worship services on those days – as is the case for us this morning – are used as minor respites from the heavy penitential emphasis of the season.   While there remains a “penitential” character associated with the Sundays in Lent, we especially want to joyfully focus on select portions of Scripture that encourage us through the victories of sin, death, and Satan, that our Savior has secured for us and shares with us even now. 

            Incidentally, the Sundays in Lent have been identified for many centuries by Latin names which were taken from the first words (from the Latin language…..which for centuries was the “language” used in worship services throughout the Western Church) of the Psalms traditionally appointed to be read in worship on these Sundays.  This Second Sunday in Lent, then, is known as “Reminiscere Sunday,” taken from verse 6 of Psalm 25 (“Reminiscere” means “Remember” — it’s underlined in today’s responsive reading). 

            The general emphasis for today’s service, from the Scripture readings to the hymns and prayers , focuses on what makes a persons’ faith exemplary.   Like the illustration about a stunt horse’s faith in it’s trainer that’s found on the front page of this worship flyer, the following story also speaks about faith.

            Many years ago the following letter was found in a baking-power can, wired to the handle of an old pump that offered the only hope of drinking water on a very long and seldom-used trail across Nevada’s Amargosa Desert:     “This pump is all right as of June 1932. I put a new pump washer into it that ought to last five years. But the washer periodically dries out and the pump has to be primed.   Under the white rock I buried a bottle of water, out of the sun, cork end up. There’s enough water in it to prime the pump, but not if you drink any of it first.   Use about one-fourth to wet and soften the washer.  Take your time doing it.  Then pour the rest fast into the pump, and pump like crazy.   You’ll get water.   The well has never run dry.    Have faith.    When you get all the water you want, don’t forget to refill the bottle and put it back like you found it for the next person. (signed) Desert Pete.    P.S. Remember……Don’t go drinking the water in the bottle first.   Use it to prime the pump, and then you’ll get all the water you can hold.”

            This morning’s Epistle Lesson is the Bible’s “Great Chapter of Faith:”   Hebrews 11.   As you listen to it being read this morning, please ponder – and resolve to develop, with God’s help, in your life –  the depth of dedication to God which allowed these believing men and women to offer outstanding service and make great sacrifices to the God of their salvation….and of our salvation.

            Faith is also at the center of our Children’s Lesson for today, where we’ll be looking at the first verse from our Epistle lesson (see above).   What we’ll be talking about is the difference between living life “by fact/sight” and “by faith/trust.”   We’ll attempt to do that through the illustration of the “blind faith” that a blind person has in a seeing eye dog’s ability to reliably lead and protect him/her.  

            Our Gospel Lesson for today is the account of Jesus’ miraculously healing – from a distance – the servant of the Roman Centurion of Capernaum.     While this miracle displays Christ’s divine power (and so is hardly an “afterthought”), our attention this morning will be drawn particularly to the amazing faith of that Centurion and the various characteristics of his faith in Jesus.  We’ll see a man who cared about others, who knew by faith the true God, and who humbly, yet with determination, approached Jesus with his prayer request – confident both in the Savior’s ability and willingness to hear his prayer and restore his dying servant to good health. 

            Finally, in our Sermon for today, we’ll look at the equally exemplary faith of young David, who faced the giant, Goliath, without fear.  Why?  Because David believed firmly that – as He had provided from him throughout his young life – so the LORD would protect him in this contest with the Philistine giant and would deliver Goliath into his hands….and David’s faith was not disappointed.   Our theme for today’s message will be “David and the Dwarf” – since, no matter what kind of obstacles, doubts and fears confront us in life, they’re all “dwarfed” by God’s power and grace……just as the LORD showed that the “giant” Goliath was actually a “dwarf” in power compared to His all-surpassing power – in which David confidently trusted.   And his faith was not disappointed.

Pre-Service Prayer – Dear Father in heaven, let me rejoice with my fellow Christians gathered here this morning as we worship You in Your house.   Reassure me of Your love and forgiveness for me as I confess my sins to You today.   Receive my praises and prayers, humble and imperfect though they be.  Renew my faith and improve my Christian living through Your Word.   And then, return me to my appointed calling in this world, invigorated, equipped, and eager to serve You with all that I am and have, until the day when You call me to that heavenly home which You have promised and prepared for me and all believers, through Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.  In His name I pray.  Amen.

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                                                                                                                Pre-worship music

 

Let Us Praise The Lord

 

The Introduction and Invitation to worship

 

The Invocation          

We make our beginning

In the name of the Father

Who created and preserves this world and every one of us, and Who gave  His Son into death for us and raised Him in glory on the third day;

And of the Son,

 Who became fully human in order to be our Savior-Substitute,

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

Who rules over all things from  heaven for the good of His Church, and Who will return in glory on the Last Day to deliver that Church;

And of the Holy Spirit

through Whom Christ was made alive,

Who has worked and sustains 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 25, selected verses

 

P:         Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and Your mercy, for they are from eternity.

C:         Do not Remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways.   +   According to Your mercy remember me,              +   because of Your goodness, O LORD.

P:         To You, O LORD, I will lift up my soul;   in You I have trusted O my God.

C:         All who hope in You will ever be put to shame.

P:         Make known to me Your ways, O LORD.   Teach me Your paths.

C:         Make me walk in Your truth and teach me,   +   because You are the God Who saves me.   +   In You I hope all day long.

P:         Good and upright is the Lord.   Therefore He instructs sinners in the right way.

C:         He directs the humble to what is just +   and He teaches the humble His way.

P:         For the sake of Your name, O LORD, You forgive my guilt, although it is great.

C:         Turn toward me and be gracious to me,   +   because I am lonely and afflicted.

P:         The distress of my heart increases.   Bring me out of my anguish.

C:         See my affliction and my trouble,   +   and take away all my sins.

P:         Guard my life and rescue me.  Do not let me be put to shame, for I have taken refuge in You.

C:         May integrity and uprightness protect me;   +   because I wait for You.

After which the Congregation may be seated for

The Opening Hymn                                                                                  Hymn 256   “How Great Thou Art”

 

1 O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder

Consider all the works thy hand hath made,

I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,

Thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed.

 

Refrain:

Then sings my soul, my Savior-God, to thee,

“How great thou art! How great thou art!”

Then sings my soul, my Savior-God to thee,

“How great thou art! How great thou art!”

 

2 When through the woods and forest glades I wander,

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur

And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze, [Refrain]

 

3 And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,

Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,

That on the cross my burden gladly bearing

He bled and died to take away my sin. [Refrain]

 

4 When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!

Then I shall bow in humble adoration

And there proclaim: “My God, how great thou art!” [Refrain]

 

 

We Make Confession of Our Sins To God

Pastor                           Now, let us join in confessing our sins to God our Father.

Congregation Almighty Lord God, we have come together to stand in Your presence,   +   to hear Your Word, and to worship You.

 

Pastor                          But who may appear in Your presence, Heavenly Father, and who may call on You for help?

Congregation He who has clean hands and a pure heart;   +   He shall receive blessings from the Lord.

Pastor                          O holy and righteous God, You alone can make us clean.  We have rebelled against You and become worthless.  But Your mercies never end;  they are new every day.  At Your command and promise, therefore, we come to You and confess our sins.

Congregation Miserable person that I am,   +   I confess and lament to You, O most holy God,  +   that I  am a weak and sinful creature,  +  guilty of every sin, of unbelief, and of blasphemy. +   I also confess that Your

Word has not brought forth good fruit in me.   +   I hear it, but do not receive it earnestly.   +   I do not show works of love toward my neighbor.  +  I am full of anger, hate, and envy.   +   I am impatient, greedy, and bent on every evil.   +   Therefore my heart and conscience are heavy.   +   Lord, I ask You, free me from my sins,   +   strengthen my faith,   +   and comfort my weak conscience by Your divine Word,  +   that I may obtain Your promised grace

 

Pastor                          Having faithfully confessed your sins, now hear Your heavenly Father’s promise of forgiveness to you.  Jesus       explained God’s will and promise as clearly as possible in John 6:40 when He said, 

“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise Him up at the last day.”  And now, carrying out my office as a called servant of the Living Word, I proclaim the grace and mercy of God to all of you, and according to the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, and in His place, I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Peace be with you.  Amen.

Our Response                                                                                      “Our Heav’nly Father, Gracious Lord”

                                                                                    To the tune of “Almighty Father, Strong to Save;”    by cwh

Our Heav’nly Father, gracious Lord,  Who by the power of Your Word

Created and sustains each thing, and all that live.    Your praise we sing….

Our Father, Who in mercy still, Guides everything by Your sure will.

 

We praise You, Christ, God’s only Son,    by Whom salvation has been won.

For us You lived, and for us died, that we might all be justified,  

Raised from the dead, on high to reign.    We know that You will come again.

 

We worship, You, O Spirit sent,   active in Word and Sacrament.

You bind the Church, below, above, in faith in Christ’s redeeming love.

Sustain this faith, our whole lives through,   and day by day our hearts renew!    Amen.

The Prayer for this 2nd Sunday in Lent

O Lord God, + You know that we have no strength + to withstand the assaults against our souls + that come from Satan, this wicked world, and our own sinful flesh.   + Therefore we pray that You would graciously use Your mighty power + to safeguard us outwardly   + from every adversity that could physically harm us   +   and to protect us inwardly from all doubt  +   as well as from every obstacle,   +   and everyone that could harm our faith   + and jeopardize our eternal inheritance in heaven. +     Please build up our souls this morning and every day   +  as we meditate upon Your Holy Word    + that we might be enabled to resist temptation, +   and to persevere through every trial,  +   in order to serve You faithfully + and to bring honor and glory to Your Holy Name.   +   All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ,  +  Your Son, our Lord,  +  Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,  +  as the one, true God, now and forever.  +   Amen.

 

After which the Congregation may be seated

 

Feed Us, Lord

The Epistle Lesson                                                                                                                         Hebrews 11

 

Faith is being sure about what we hope for, being convinced about things we do not see. 2 For by this faith the ancients were commended in Scripture.   3 By faith we know that the universe was created by God’s word, so that what is seen did not come from visible things.

4 By faith Abel offered a better sacrifice to God than Cain did. By faith he was commended in Scripture as righteous; God testified favorably about his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.

5 By faith Enoch was taken up, so that he would not experience death, and he was not found because God took him away.  In fact, before he was taken away, he was commended in Scripture as one who “pleased God.” 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God. Indeed, it is necessary for the one who approaches God to believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.    7 By faith Noah, when he was warned about things that had not been seen before, built an ark, in reverent fear, in order to save his family. By it he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that is by faith.

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go to a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance, and he left without knowing where he was going.   9 By faith he lived as a stranger in the Promised Land, as if it did not belong to him, dwelling in tents along with Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.   11 By faith Abraham also received the ability to conceive children, even though Sarah herself was barren and he was past the normal age, because he considered him faithful who made the promise.[d] 12 And so from one man, and he as good as dead, descendants were born as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand along the seashore.

13 One by one, all of these died in faith, without having received the things that were promised, but they saw and welcomed them from a distance. They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 Indeed, people who say things like that make it clear that they are looking for a land of their own. 15 And if they were remembering the land they had come from, they would have had an opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better land—a heavenly one. For that reason, God is not ashamed to be called their God, because he prepared a city for them.

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered Isaac. This man, who received the promises, was ready to offer his only son, 18 about whom it was said, “Through Isaac your offspring will be traced.”   19 He reasoned that God also had the ability to raise him from the dead, and in a figurative sense, Abraham did receive him back from the dead.   20 By faith Isaac also blessed Jacob and Esau about things that were going to happen.    21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshipped as he leaned on the top of his staff.  22 By faith Joseph, as he neared the end of his life, mentioned the Exodus of the sons of Israel and gave instructions about his bones.

23 By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after he was born, because they saw he was a special child, and they were not afraid of the king’s order.   24 By faith Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter when he grew up. 25 He chose to be mistreated with God’s people rather than enjoy sin for a little while. 26 He considered disgrace for the sake of Christ as greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.   27 By faith he left Egypt without fearing the king’s wrath, because he persevered as one who sees him who is invisible.   28 By faith he celebrated the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not strike them down.  29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea, as if going through on dry ground. When the Egyptians tried it, they were drowned.

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell after the people marched around them for seven days.  31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with the unbelievers, because she welcomed the spies in peace. 

32 And what more should I say? There would not be enough time for me to continue to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. 33 By faith they conquered kingdoms, carried out justice, obtained things that were promised, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edges of the sword, were made powerful after being weak, became mighty in battle, and caused foreign armies to flee. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. And others who were tortured did not accept their release, so that they may take part in a better resurrection. 36 Still others experienced mocking and lashes, in addition to chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were tempted;[g] they were killed with the sword; they went around in sheepskins and goatskins, needy, afflicted, and mistreated. 38 The world was not worthy of them as they wandered in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.

39 All of these were commended in Scripture by faith, yet they did not receive what was promised, 40 because God had planned something better for us, namely, that they would not reach the goal apart from us.

after this, out of respect for the words of our Savior, the Congregation will rise

The Gospel Lesson                                                                                                                         Luke 7:1-10

After Jesus had finished saying all these things to the people who were listening, he went into Capernaum. 2 A centurion’s servant, who was valuable to him, was sick and about to die. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they begged him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy of having you do this for him, 5 because he loves our nation, and he built our synagogue for us.”

6 Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell Jesus, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, because I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I am also a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another one, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”   9 When Jesus heard these things, he was amazed at him. He turned to the crowd that was following him and said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel.” 10 And when the men who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

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                                                                                                                Hebrews 11:1

Faith is being sure about what we hope for, being convinced about things we do not see.

 

A “Seeing-Eye” Faith

The Hymn of the Day                                                                                                                        Hymn 405

                                                                                                           ”Oh, For A Faith That Will Not Shrink”

after which the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for

The Greeting

Grace and peace be yours in abundance, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer!   Amen.

The Sermon Text                                                                                                                  I Samuel 17:45-50

 

45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of Armies, the God of the ranks of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 Today the Lord will hand you over to me. I will strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth. Then all the earth will know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and all those gathered here will know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear, for the battle belongs to the Lord, and he will deliver you into our hand.”   48 Then, when the Philistine started advancing to attack David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 David put his hand into his bag, took a stone from it, shot it from his sling, and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown to the ground.   50 So David defeated the Philistine with a sling and a stone. He struck the Philistine and killed him, even though David did not have a sword in his hand.

David and the Dwarf

 

The Post-Sermon Blessing

May the God of peace, Who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, now equip you with everything good for doing His will!   Amen.

We Present our Offerings and Prayers to the 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, please) to our church address

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

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

 

Our Offerings of Love to our Lord

 

As the offerings are brought to the altar, the Congregation will rise for

 

Our Prayers for this Day

 

Included in our prayers this morning are:

A Prayer of Thanksgiving for Barbara and Larry Center, who will celebrate their wedding anniversary this Friday.

 

The Lord’s Prayer      Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name;   Thy kingdom come;  Thy will be done  on earth as it is in heaven;    Give us this day our daily bread;    And forgive us our  trespasses,

  as we forgive those who trespass against us;     And lead us not into temptation;     But deliver us from evil;  For Thine is the kingdom,  and the power,  and the glory,   forever and ever.  Amen.

We Celebrate the Lord’s Supper

Consecration of the Elements

The Exhortation Regarding the Lord’s Supper

 

The Distribution Hymn                                                                                          “I Stand Here Before You”

                                                                                                  Sung to the melody of “How Firm A Foundation”

 

I stand here before You, O mightiest One

In need of forgiveness for wrongs I have done.

Oh, grant me Your pardon, my spirit now pleads

Forgive my transgressions in thoughts, words, and deeds.

 

The Tempter keeps taunting me day after day,

I often succumb and submit to his way.

From birth I’ve been evil — my mortal flesh weak,

I do not abide by the words that You speak.

 

I humbly confess with the deepest of shame

The times I abused Your magnificent Name.

In spite of Your right to demand faithfulness,

My life’s often guided by my selfishness.

 

I covet, I slander, I look with lust, too.

I fail to give honor where honor is due.

I steal and I gossip…..so far do I fall –

Your perfect commandments:   I’ve broken them all.

 

Right here at Your table forgiveness is found

In Christ’s holy blood that flowed down to the ground,

His body and blood in the bread and the wine

A marvel of love that is truly divine!

 

That blood of Your Chosen was shed to erase

The sins of the world.   How I cherish that grace!

Dear God I am thankful to be such a one,

Washed clean by the blood of my Savior, Your Son.

 

Second Distribution Hymn                                                                                                              Hymn 315

                                                                                                        “Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to Face”

 

1 Here, O my Lord, I see you face to face;   Here would I touch and handle things unseen,

Here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace,    And all my weariness upon you lean.

2 This is the hour of banquet and of song;   Here is the heav’nly table spread anew.

Here let me feast and, feasting, still prolong    The brief bright hour of fellowship with you.

 

3 I have no help but yours nor do I need    Another arm but yours to lean upon.

It is enough, O Lord, enough indeed;   My strength is in your might, your might alone.

 

4 Mine is the sin but yours the righteousness;  Mine is the guilt but yours the cleansing blood.   

Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace:     Your blood, your righteousness, O Lord, my God.

 

5 Too soon we rise; the vessels disappear.    The feast, though not the love, is past and gone.

The bread and wine remove, but you are here,    Nearer than ever, still my shield and sun.

 

6 Feast after feast thus comes and passes by,    Yet, passing, points to that glad feast above,

Giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy,    The Lamb’s great marriage feast of bliss and love.

At the close of the distribution of communion, the Congregation will rise

 

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                                                                              “May the Grace of Christ the Savior”

                                                                                           sung to the melody of “Jesus, Thou Art Mine Forever”

May the grace of Christ our Savior    So may we abide in union

And the Father’s boundless love    With each other and the Lord

 

With the Holy Spirit’s favor    Gathered here in blest Communion

Rest upon us from above.    By the power of His Word.

 

Now with all the saints in heaven    Thanks and praise to You we sing,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,    Three in One, our Triune King!   Amen.

silent prayer, announcements, post-service music

Announcements

 

Recently At Grace Lutheran       Last Sunday’s Worship: 68   Online: 16         Bible Class/SS Attendance: 23 and 5     Budgetary Offerings:  $6268     Online Budgetary Offerings:   $763.23     Tuesday Bible Class: 14   

Wednesday Lenten Attendance: 36          Wednesday Online views:  5     Budgetary Offerings:    $390

Serving Us Next Sunday (Mar 12)

Fellowship: Debbie and Pastor Huebner      Elders:   Terry Bruns, Tim Pfortmiller  

Ushers:   James Boatright, Jim Taylor, Jim Winnat     

Altar Guild:   Christine Quinlan, Linda Winnat

Birthday and Anniversary this week                       Mar 10  – Larry & Barbara Center            Mar 10 – Karen Swogger

Looking Ahead At Grace Lutheran Church

 

Today                  Second Sunday in Lent, with Communion,   9:30 a.m.  Fellowship time, 10:45 p.m.  

                             Bible Class/Sunday School period, 11:05 a.m.

Mar 06 (Mon)      Church Secretary in office, 10 a.m. to early afternoon

Mar 07 (Tues)      Morning Bible Class, 10:30 a.m.

Mar 08 (Wed)      Baked Potato Fellowship Meal, 6 p.m.

                             The Third Midweek Lenten Service, 7:00 p.m.

Mar 11 (Sat)         Church Grounds Work Day, starting at 8 a.m.

                             Women’s Group Dinner, Pasafino’s, 11a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mar 12 (Sun)       The 3nd Sunday in Lent, Worship, 9:30 a.m.   Fellowship Period, 10:40 a.m.  

                             Bible Class/Sunday School time, 11:05 a.m.

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

WOMEN’S GROUP DINNER – Our Ladies of Grace Women’s Group has a luncheon set  for this coming Saturday, March 11th, between 11 a.m. and 1p.m. at Pasafino’s restaurant in Cave Springs.   Pasafino’s is found on the south side of Hwy 264 just as you’re beginning to enter Cave Springs.    There’s a sign up sheet on the church entryway table.  And whether or not you’ve routinely been a part of our women’s group, or if this occasion might be your first time to participate, please join us this Saturday for some good fellowship and excellent food.

Special Holy Week Worship Services Reminder  – In slightly more than one month we’ll have two special opportunities to gather together here for worship during the week we know as Holy Week..  We urge all of you to make your preparations and plans now so that you will be able to join us for our Maundy Thursday (April 6th)  worship service with the Lord’s Supper at 7:00 p.m., and our April 7th  Good Friday worship service, which will also begin at 7:00 p.m.

Midweek Lenten Worship Encouragement….looking ahead to this coming Wednesday evening (March 15th), we will be conducting another special Lenten worship service.  The goal of these midweek services is to help us better reflect upon our sins that necessitated Christ’s passion and repent of them, as well as to remind ourselves of God’s redeeming grace to us in Christ.   Wednesday evening’s service will begin at 7:00 p.m.    The focus of our sermons and services this year is the Personalities of Christ’s Passion.   This week, we’ll be considering the story of Judas Iscariot.   Please join us! …..And remember, if you are able, to bring a friend.

Baked Potato Fellowship Meal…..We hope that many of you will be able to join us not only for Wednesday evening’s worship service, but also for the fellowship meal that will precede it, starting at 6 p.m.   This week we’ll be having baked potatoes with various trimmings available, plus salad and some soup.   Besides the good fellowship we can have during this time, we hope that these meals might make it a little less hectic for some of you to eat supper before attending the evening worship services.   In addition to bringing yourself, if you’re able your bringing a food item or two would be appreciated.   A sign up sheet is on a clipboard in the church entryway, and we will also pass it around during Bible Class today.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR A FEW MORE VOICES…. … (perhaps yours???)  to be a part of our church choir….particularly as we prepare for our upcoming Lenten and Easter services.   Whether you’d be willing to try singing with the choir for a just a rehearsal to see if you’d like it (we normally rehearse on the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of each month, from 8:40 a.m. to 9:10 a.m.), or for the upcoming Lent and Easter season, or even longer, you can speak to Debbie Huebner (Debbie can even give you an at-home practice recording), or you can come to our next rehearsal (Sunday, March 12th).   If you think God might have given you the singing ability, and/or if you have the interest, we’d be honored to have you as a part of our church choir.

Don’t Forget:  TIME CHANGE WEEKEND WILL BE THIS COMING WEEKEND (March 11/12) ….. Please be sure to turn your clocks AHEAD one hour next Saturday night/Sunday morning, so that you can be here with us in church on time for worship.

Church Grounds Work Day THIS SATURDAY, March 11th…….Please set a few hours this coming Saturday to help us work on our church and school grounds and buildings.  We’re going to start at 8 a.m.    We’ve got a lot of work to do as we get our grounds ready for Easter.   Tools you can bring might include: rakes (leaf), weed trimmers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, work gloves, knee pads, and painting equipment.   If you can’t make it this coming Saturday, but could help another time, a “task list” will be put on next Sunday on a  clipboard in the front entry.  You can select (and sign up) for any job you’d like to do.

Whom will you bring to worship this Easter Sunday?   ….besides yourself  (and your spouse) of course.  But how about inviting and bringing your son or daughter……your Grandchildren….your parents….an unchurched neighbor…..someone with whom you work….or how about a stranger that you’ve yet to meet?    You could even invite a member of Grace who hasn’t been in church with us for a long time.   A lot of the people that you and I know haven’t been inside of a church to worship our Lord in a very long time.  Some of that is still due to the related effects that the Covid shut-down had, insofar as many people stopped attending Sunday church services.   Some of that is also the result of a growing apathy in our society toward religion and church, and about God specifically.   

     I believe that’s part of why God has put each of us in the lives of various people.   He wants us to be examples of faith in Christ to them and sources of Spiritual encouragement to them.   And so He’s also called us all to verbally witness to them about how essential faith in the crucified and risen Christ is for us…and for them.   After all, all of us are Christ’s “ambassadors” whose privilege it is to present the Gospel to people so the Holy Spirit can either establish, or strengthen, saving faith in their hearts.     There’s no better opportunity to do that than this Lenten season, as we head toward the commemoration of Jesus’ death for us on Good Friday, and the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection for us on Easter Sunday.  So, please be a witness for Jesus, and invite (and bring) someone you know who’s non-churched to worship our risen Savior with us on Easter morning…or any other worship service here.

A Special Thank You ….. to Lesa Roe, Marilyn Outlaw, and Steve Davis, who worked long and hard this past Wednesday to install the 1000 memorial crosses (each cross representing 3 children) to memorialize the 3000 babies that are aborted each year in Arkansas.  The crosses will be on display until just before Easter.

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?
  3. Luke 7:41-50

 

 

  • Matthew 12:29
  • Luke 10:25-37

 

  1. 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?

 

 

 

  1. Parables are not to be used to establish doctrine. Parables support other clear doctrinal passages.
  2. 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?