Reading Assignment Week 5

The reading assignment for Week 5 is as follows:
January 27 - Luke 15-17
January 28 - Luke 18-19
January 29 - Luke 20-22
January 30 - Luke 23-24
January 31 - John 1-3
February 1 - John 4-5
February 2 - John 6-7

Reading Assignment -Luke 1-14

The Gospel According to Luke was written in 85 (give or take ten years) by Luke, a Greek physician and travelling companion of Paul. Luke was not an eyewitness of Jesus' minitry. Luke emphasizes the beauty of Jesus' humanity and His acceptance of all people - gentiles, women, children, poor.

Luke begins his gospel with the annunciations of conceptions of John the baptists and Jesus. This gospel reflects Jesus in the Temple as a 12 year old youth. The parables are similar to Matthew and Mark.

List one story or parable from Luke that is not found in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark.

Week 4 Reading Assignments

January 21 - Luke 1-3
January 22 - Luke 4-5
January 23 - Luke 6-7
January 24 - Luke 8-9
January 25 - Luke 10-11
January 26 - Luke 12-14

The Gospel According to Mark

When reading the Gospel of Mark, we must remember that Mark was not an eyewitness of Jesus' ministry. Mark was a follower of Peter, and would translate the happenings of the times through the eyes of others. Some scholars do note that a few geographical errors are made in statements throughout the Gospel of Mark.

In comparing the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, we recall from our study last week that Matthew's accountings leaned towards the life and ministry and a more human side of Jesus. Matthew also related his writings towards the fulfillment of the Old Testament.

Mark's Gospel gives a more complete, overall picture of the life of Christ, but keeps the stories more concise, which makes The Gospel of Mark the shortest Gospel.
Mark would relate stories that emphasized a "larger than life" nature of Jesus.

For the most part, the two Gospels (Matthew and Mark) are comparative, but there a differences. Can you recall any differences in the Gospel stories?

Week 3 Reading Assignment

Mark 1 through Mark 16

Matthew 26-28

Matthew 26-28 walks us through the last days of Jesus' life. The plot against Jesus begins with the high priests, two days before Passover. Judas Iscariot will then approach the chief priests and be paid thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus.
The Passover meal is prepared in the Upper Room, where Jesus will outline the upcoming events and announce he will be betrayed.

Jesus in prayer reminds us of the human side of the Human One as Jesus prayed "My Father, if it's possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. However - not what I want but what you want." (Matthew 26:39) Jesus is then arrested, brought before the council, and given the death sentence - Crucifixtion. Jesus suffered at death so that our sins may be forgiven.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to oby everything that I've commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.~~Matthew 28:19-20
Considering all that Jesus gave up for me, I believe the least I can do is obey this command.

Matthew 24-25

Matthew 24 - Beginning of troubles
Jesus tells the disciples that nobody is sure when the end will come, all must live their lives as if each day is judgement day. Our lives should be dedicated to good deeds so we are always prepared to meet our Father.
But you understand that if the head of the house knew at what time the thief would come, he would keep alert and wouldn't allow the thief to break into his house. Therefore you also should be prepared because the Human One will come at a time you don't know.~~Matthew 24:43-44

Matthew 21-23

In Matthew 6, we were introduced to the concept of "showy religion" and "showy prayer". Matthew 6:2 warns us to "don't blow your trumpet" when helping others. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.

In Matthew 23:5, Jesus addresses the crowds about "Everything they do, they do to be noticed by others." Be mindful to do righteous deeds, but do them because they are right and good, not so others will acknowledge your deeds.

Matthew 19-20

Matthew 19 teaches us about giving up (material) things and devoting our lives to the teachings of Jesus. Jesus reminds us that this may be a difficult task for humans,

But all things are possible for God.~~Matthew 19:26

Matthew 20 reminds us to humble ourselves and not look for rewards in all our deeds.

just as the Human One didn't come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.~~Matthew 20:28

Matthew 17-18

How great is your faith - you can measure it in relation to the mustard seed.

He told another parable to them: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and planted in his field. It's the smallest of all seeds. But when it's grown, it's the largest of all vegetable platns. It becomes a tree so that the birds in the sky come and nest in its branches.~~Matthew 13:31-3

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and said, "Why couldn't we throw the demon out?" "Because you have little faith," he said. "I assure you that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Go from here to there,' and it will go. There will be nothing that you can't do.~~Matthew 17:19-21

Matthew 14-16

Jesus feeds thousands.

They replied, "We have nothing here except five loaves of bread and two fish." He said, "Bring them here to me." He ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves of bread and the two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed them and broke the loaves apart and gave them to his disciples. Then the disciples gave them to the crowds. Everyone ate until they were full, and they filled twelve baskets with the leftovers. About 5,000 men plus women and children had eaten.~~Matthew 14:17-21

Jesus again feeds the crowd.
He told the crowd to sit on the ground. He took the seven loaves of bread and the fish. After he gave thnaks, he broke them into pieces and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. Everyone ate until they were full. The disciples collected seven baskets full of leftovers. 4,000 men ate, plust women and children.~~Matthew 15:35-38

Matthew 12-13

Where will you plant your seed? Are your actions planted in the good soil or in the thorny rocks?

He said many things to them in parables: "A farmer went out to scatter seed. As he was scattering seed, some fell on the path and birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on rocky ground where the soil was shallow. They sprouted immediately because the soil wasn't deep. But when the sun came up, it scorched the plants, and they dried up because they had no roots. Other seed fell among thorny plants. The thorny plants grew and choked them. Other seed fell on good soil and bore fruit, in one case a yield of a hundred to one, in another case a yield of sixty to one, and in another case a yield of thirty to one. Everyone who has ears should pay attention."~~Matthew 13:3-9

Reading Assignment for Week 2

The reading plan for this week is as follows:
January 6 - Matthew 12-13
January 7 - Matthew 14-16
January 8 - Matthew 17-18
January 9 - Matthew 19-20
January 10 - Matthew 21-23
January 11 - Matthew 24-25
January 12 - Matthew 26-28

Mathew 10-11

Mission of the Twelve.
Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, who is called Peter; and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee; and John his brother; Philip; and Bartholomew; Thomas; and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean; and Judas, who betrayed Jesus.~~Matthew 10:2-4

The Twelve were commissioned to As you go, make this announcement: The kingdom of heaven has come near.`~Matthew 10:7

Jesus prepared the apostles to go where welcomed and bless those eager to hear the good news. Jesus did make warning on those to watch, but reminded that God the Father will always be protective of the faithful.

Matthew 8-9

Healing of many people.
Several "healing stories" are relayed in these two chapters. Which story reflects the greatest display of faith (to you)?

Matthew 5-7

Jesus Teaches His Disciples: The Beatitudes and More.

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up a mountain. He sat down and his disciples came to him. He taught them, saying:~~~Matthew 5:1-2

Jesus' preaches Old Testament values with New Testament clarity.

Therefore, whoever ignores one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same will be called the lowest in the kingdom of heaven.~~Matthew 5:19

Matthew 3-4

As the chapters begin, John is well favored by the local authorities, but is eventually arrested. Jesus begins to warn of the need of changed hearts.

John wore clothes made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.~~Matthew 3:4
The people lined up to be baptized by John in the Jordan River. Even the Pharisees and Sadduccees came to be baptized.

John is arrested.
From that time Jesus began to announce, "Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!"~~Matthew 4:17

The first disciples are called.
Did Jesus choose the Pharisees and Sadduccees to walk with him in his journey to spread the news of his Father? No local, common fishermen were chosen: brothers, Simon (Peter) and Andrew and then the sons of Zebedee: James and John.

Matthew 1-2

The Word of the prophet has come true:

Look, A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son,
And they will call him, Emmanuel. ~~Matthew 1:23 (New Testament)

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.~~Isaiah 7:14 (Old Testament)

Escape to Egypt. Can you even imagine the trip this young couple would take with a new born child. Bethlehem to Egypt - 200 miles on foot or camel.