Section: "Jesus As A Child"
What did Jesus think of the temple? (Luke 2:41-50) The passage describes how Jesus, at age 12, stayed behind in the temple while his parents traveled on. When they found him, he was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
The passage doesn't explicitly state Jesus' thoughts about the temple.
Luke 2:49 provides a hint: "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" This suggests a strong connection and devotion to the temple as God's house.
Why did Jesus stay behind? (Luke 2:41-50) The passage says that Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents were unaware.
Luke 2:49: "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" Suggests that Jesus stayed behind to be in the temple, with God.
What was Jesus doing while He was in the temple? (Luke 2:41-50)
Luke 2:46: After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
When was when He first realized His mission?
Luke 2:49: This scripture hints that he knew He should be in his Father's house and knew of his relation to God.
Section: "Jesus Temptations"
What was/were the three temptations? (Matthew 4:1-11)
Matthew 4:3-4: Turning stones into bread to satisfy his hunger.
Matthew 4:5-7: Throwing himself down from the highest point of the temple, testing God's protection.
Matthew 4:8-10: Worshiping Satan in exchange for authority over all the kingdoms of the world.
What was Jesus response to each temptation?
Matthew 4:4: Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Matthew 4:7: Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:16, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Matthew 4:10: Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:13, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
Section: "Part 1: "The Triumphal Entry"
What day was Jesus on His way to?
Matthew 21:1: As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples.
What physical item did they see?
Matthew 21:2: Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.
What realization did the disciples see?
Matthew 21:6-7: The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.
Section: "Part 2: Cursing the Fig Tree & Clearing the Temple"
Why did Jesus react that way? (Mark 11:12-25)
Mark 11:13-14 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it.
What did Jesus say about the Temple?
Mark 11:17 And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
Describe Jesus' Approach?
Mark 11:15-17 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
Describe what Jesus had come to find within them?
Jesus came to find holiness, and devotion to God. But they had come to find them in the fruits of their knowledge of God.
They were meant to find a house of prayer and love for God and others.
What did the Jews forget?
The Jews forgot the ties when arriving at the temple.
Section: "Part 3: The Last Supper"
What was Jesus intention? (Matthew 2:12-17)
Matthew 26:26-28: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
Why does Jesus give clarity?
Jesus gives clarity to prepare them for His Crucifixion.
6. What was so significant about this Passover meal?
It brought an end to the Passover meal that the Israelites had observed since they were delivered from Egypt.
Jesus created a new ceremony (Communion) to be celebrated by His followers for all time.
It was to represent Him as the Lamb that rescued humans from sin.
d. Why did Jesus allow Judas to participate in the Last Supper when He knew what Judas was about to do?
Jesus gave Judas one more piece of evidence that He really was the Son of God.
It was also to teach the other disciples about God's mercy and patience towards the most terrible sinners.
e. Could Judas have changed his mind at this point in time?
Yes! But the moment he left the room, he was set on turning Jesus in.
f. What does participating in Communion mean to us today?
Communion was designed to keep the hope of Jesus' second coming alive in our minds.
It reminds us of God's love and that through Jesus' death on the cross, we have a permanent connection with God that can never be removed.
g. What was Jesus' final promise to His disciples?
Jesus promised to send a comforter to His people so that we would never again have to live on this earth without Jesus' representative.
The Holy Spirit was sent as this representative after Christ's resurrection.
h. What was the new command Jesus gave to His disciples?
Love one another as Jesus loved them.
Part 4 Gethsemane: Betrayed & Arrested
a. Gethsemane
i. What instructions did Jesus provide the disciples when arriving at Gethsemane? The text does not say, but the scriptures are Matthew 20: 36-46.
ii. What was Jesus' prayer? The text does not say, but the scriptures are Matthew 20: 36-46.
iii. When returning to His disciples, what did Jesus see? The text does not say, but the scriptures are Matthew 20: 36-46.
b. Betrayed & Arrested
a. Who approached Jesus? The text does not say, but the scriptures are Matthew 20 47.65.
Part 5 "The Trial"
b. Before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26: 57-68)
b. What signal was used to identify Jesus? The text does not say.
c. What was Jesus' response when see Judas approach to betray Him? The text does not say.
d. How did Peter react to the situation and how did Jesus react to Peter? The text does not say.
a. Before the Sanhedrin Matthew 26: 57-68
i. What disciple was in attendance for this initial hearing? (That we know of) The text does not say.
ii. What plot did the chief priests assemble for this hearing? The text does not say.
iii. What was the chief priest's reaction to Jesus' response? The text does not say.
b. There are 4 elements to a Roman Trial:
i. The Accusation (John 18:28-31) The text does not say.
ii. The Interrogation, or search of evidence (John 18:32-35) The text does not say.
iii. The Defense (John 18:36-37) The text does not say.
iv. The Verdict (John 18:38) The text does not say.
c. What do you think of Jesus' response, His defense? The text does not say.
d. What kind of man was Pilot? The text does not say.
Part 6 "The Crucifixion & Burial"
Matthew 27: 32-66
a. Who was forced to help Jesus carry the cross? The text does not say.
b. What is the translation of "Golgotha?" The text does not say.
c. What was hung above Jesus' head? The text does not say.
d. Who was being crucified as well? What did? The text does not say.
e. How long did darkness come over the land? The text does not say.
f. At what time did Jesus cry "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" The text does not say.
Burial & The Tomb
a. Who took Jesus' body after he died? The text does not say.
b. Why were the chief priests so insistent there be guards at the tomb and that it was secure? The text does not say.
Part 7 "The Resurrection"
Matthew 28:1-10
a. Explain the events in the resurrection The text does not say.
i. Include the people and dialogue The text does not say.
b. What was Jesus' response when meeting the woman as they left? The text does not say.
Luke
Who Was Luke?
Luke is traditionally believed to be the author of both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.
He was a physician (Colossians 4:14), a Gentile (non-Jewish), and a companion of the Apostle Paul.
He is the only New Testament writer who was not an eyewitness to the events of Jesus' life but likely gathered his information from those who were (Luke 1:1-4).
His works are the longest books in the New Testament in terms of words, and they form a large portion of the New Testament canon.
Historical Context:
Luke's Gospel is thought to have been written around AD 60-85, possibly in Rome or Greece, for a Gentile audience (People who are not Jewish).
Acts of the Apostles was likely written after the Gospel of Luke, around AD 70-90, to continue the story of the early Church.
1. Luke 1:1-4 - Introduction to the Gospel of Luke
"Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word."
Why do you think Luke emphasized that he was writing an orderly and accurate account of Jesus' life? How does this affect the credibility of his Gospel? (No answer in provided text)
2. Colossians 4:14 - Luke's Role as a Physician
"Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings."
3. Acts 16:10-17 - The "We" Passages in Acts
These verses mark a transition from third-person to first-person narration in the book of Acts. Luke joins Paul and others on their missionary journey.
The use of "we" in these passages indicates that Luke was present with Paul and the other missionaries during their journey, specifically during the trip to Philippi (Acts 16). This shift in narrative style shows that Luke not only documented events but was personally involved in the ministry and traveling with Paul.
3. Luke's Contribution to the Early Church
Luke's Role as a Historian and Theologian:
The Gospel of Luke: Luke's Gospel emphasizes the compassion of Jesus, especially toward the marginalized -- women, the poor, and sinners. It is known
MARK
Who was Mark?
Mark, also known as John Mark, was a close companion of both Peter and Paul. He is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of Mark, which is the second book in the New Testament.
Mark's full name was John Mark, and he is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles and several of Paul's letters. He was a cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10).
1. Mark's Early Relationship with the Apostles
Mark's Connection to Peter:
Mark's Gospel is believed to be based largely on the teachings and recollections of Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples. Peter referred to Mark as "my son" (1 Peter 5:13), suggesting a close relationship, perhaps a spiritual father-son dynamic.
Mark's Time with Paul and Barnabas:
Mark initially traveled with Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journeys, but he left them partway through (Acts 13:13), causing a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. Despite this, Mark later reconciled with Paul and continued to be useful in ministry (2 Timothy 4:11).
2. Mark's Gospel
The Significance of Mark's Gospel: (The text does not say what this signifies.)
The Gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four gospels and is believed to have been written for a Roman audience, emphasizing Jesus' actions, miracles, and authority.
Mark focuses on the servant nature of Jesus, showing Him as a figure of action who works tirelessly to heal, teach, and serve. Mark is also known for his fast-paced style, using phrases like "immediately" to keep the narrative moving quickly.
Key Themes in Mark's Gospel:
Jesus as the Son of God: Mark starts his Gospel by declaring that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.
Action and Authority: Mark highlights Jesus' power over nature, demons, and illness.
Suffering: The theme of Jesus' suffering and the ultimate sacrifice is central to Mark's narrative, especially leading to the crucifixion.
Mark's Strengths and Struggles
Mark's Struggles: Mark faced a moment of failure during his first missionary journey when he left Paul and Barnabas. However, this did not mark the end of his ministry. Later, he was restored and trusted by Paul for further ministry work.
Mark's Restoration: The story of Mark's reconciliation with Paul is a reminder that failure does not disqualify a person from future service to God. Mark's willingness to work alongside Paul again shows his growth and maturity.
Mark's Legacy
Mark's Gospel had a profound impact on the early church and has been one of the key texts for understanding the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
It laid the foundation for the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, which used Mark's account as a source.
Mark also became an important leader in the early church, serving in various ministry roles and helping to spread the gospel.