Get to know god and his heart through the scriptures
Our Discipleship/Bible Study Leader, John Hall, has created the following Bible Study to lead you into the Parables of Jesus. John and another leader, Nancy Rautzhan, lead our Sunday Morning Classes at 10AM for those interested in Studying the Bible and its guidance to the believer in the walk of faith.
The Parables of Jesus ChristWeek 3: Matthew 20: Parables of Labor and RewardFocus: The Parables of the Laborers in the Vineyard and the Two Sons• Read: Matthew 20:1-16, 20-28• Key Theme: God's sovereignty and human responseThese parables challenge our expectations of fairness and reward.Questions for Reflection• What does the parable of the laborers in the vineyard teach us about God's grace?• How does the parable of the two sons illustrate obedience and hypocrisy?• What does it mean to be "least" in the Kingdom of God?Deeper Dive• Historical Context: Understand the daily life of laborers in first-century Palestine to grasp the imagery of the vineyard.• Theological Implications: Explore the concept of God's unconditional love and human responsibility.• Personal Application: How do these parables challenge your perspective on work, reward, and service
Week 4: Matthew 21: Parables of Judgment and the KingdomFocus: The Parables of the Fig Tree, the Two Sons, and the Wicked Tenants• Read: Matthew 21:18-46• Key Theme: Judgment, the Kingdom of God, and God's chosen peopleThese parables foreshadow the coming judgment and the rejection of Israel as God's chosen people.Questions for Reflection• What does the withered fig tree symbolize?• How do the responses of the two sons contrast?• What is the significance of the vineyard and the tenants in the parable?Deeper Dive• Historical Context: Understand the relationship between Israel and Rome during this time.• Prophetic Significance: Explore how these parables connect to Old Testament prophecies.• Theological Implications: Consider the concept of God's patience and judgment. Week 5: Mark 4: Parables of the KingdomFocus: The Parables of the Sower, the Growing Seed, the Mustard Seed, and the Lamp Under a Basket• Read: Mark 4:1-20• Key Theme: The Kingdom of God and its growthWhile similar to Matthew's parables, Mark offers unique insights into the Kingdom's nature.Questions for Reflection• How do Mark's versions of these parables differ from Matthew's?• What is the significance of the growing seed without human intervention?• How does the parable of the lamp relate to the proclamation of the Kingdom?Deeper Dive• Comparative Study: Compare and contrast Mark's parables with Matthew's to identify unique elements.• Literary Analysis: Explore the literary style of Mark and how it affects the presentation of the parables.• Theological Implications: Consider the implications of these parables for understanding the Kingdom's growth and impact.
Week 6: Mark 10: The Parable of the Rich Young RulerFocus: The Parable of the Rich Young Ruler• Read: Mark 10:17-31• Key Theme: Discipleship and WealthThis encounter between Jesus and a wealthy young man is a pivotal moment in the Gospels.Questions for Reflection• What does the young man's question reveal about his understanding of eternal life?• How does Jesus' response challenge the young man's priorities?• What does it mean to "sell all" and follow Jesus?Deeper Dive• Cultural Context: Understand the value of wealth in first-century Jewish society.• Theological Implications: Explore the tension between material possessions and spiritual riches.• Personal Application: How does this parable challenge your own relationship with possessions? Week 7: Mark 12: Parables of Judgment and the KingdomFocus: The Parables of the Wicked Tenants, the Two Sons, and the Good Samaritan• Read: Mark 12:1-44• Key Theme: Judgment, the Kingdom of God, and mercyWhile similar to Matthew's parables, Mark offers a unique perspective on these stories.Questions for Reflection• How do Mark's versions of these parables differ from Matthew's?• What is the significance of the Good Samaritan as a contrast to the behavior of the religious leaders?• How does the parable of the two sons relate to the theme of obedience? Deeper Dive• Comparative Study: Compare and contrast Mark's parables with Matthew's to identify unique elements.• Literary Analysis: Explore the literary style of Mark and how it affects the presentation of the parables.• Theological Implications: Consider the implications of these parables for understanding God's judgment and mercy. Week 8: Mark 13: The Parable of the Fig TreeFocus: The Parable of the Fig Tree• Read: Mark 13:28-31• Key Theme: The End TimesWhile brief, this parable carries significant weight in understanding the end times.Questions for Reflection• What does the fig tree symbolize in this context?• How does this parable relate to the overall message of Mark's Gospel?• What does it mean to be "ready" for the coming of the Son of Man?Deeper Dive• Historical Context: Understand the significance of the fig tree in Jewish culture.• Prophetic Significance: Explore how this parable connects to Old Testament prophecies.• Theological Implications: Consider the implications of this parable for Christian hope and expectations. Week 9: Luke 10: Parables of Mercy and FaithFocus: The Parables of the Good Samaritan, the Two Debtors, and the Friend at Midnight• Read: Luke 10:25-37, 11:5-13• Key Theme: Mercy, faith, and persistenceThese parables offer profound insights into the heart of God and the nature of true faith.Questions for Reflection• What does the parable of the Good Samaritan teach us about the nature of love and compassion?• How does the parable of the two debtors illustrate God's forgiveness?• What does the parable of the friend at midnight reveal about persistent prayer?Deeper Dive• Cultural Context: Understand the relationship between Jews and Samaritans to appreciate the significance of the Good Samaritan parable.• Theological Implications: Explore the concepts of mercy, forgiveness, and faith as presented in these stories.• Personal Application: How do these parables challenge your understanding of love, forgiveness, and prayer?
Week 10: Luke 14: Parables of the Kingdom and InvitationFocus: The Parables of the Great Banquet, the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son• Read: Luke 14:15-24, 15:1-32• Key Theme: The Kingdom of God, invitation, and restorationThese parables offer a rich tapestry of God's love and grace.Questions for Reflection• What does the parable of the Great Banquet reveal about God's invitation to the Kingdom?• How do the parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son complement each other?• What is the significance of the elder son's attitude?Deeper Dive• Cultural Context: Understand the significance of banquets in Jewish culture.• Theological Implications: Explore the concepts of God's sovereignty, human response, and divine grace.• Personal Application: How do these parables challenge your understanding of God's invitation and your own response? Week 11: Luke 15: Parables of Lostness and RestorationFocus: The Parables of the Lost Son (Prodigal Son), the Lost Sheep, and the Lost Coin• Read: Luke 15:1-32• Key Theme: God's love, mercy, and desire for restorationThese parables offer a powerful and moving portrait of God's heart for the lost.Questions for Reflection• How does the Prodigal Son's journey reflect the human experience of sin and repentance?• What does the joy of the shepherd and the woman searching for the lost coin reveal about God's heart?• How do these parables relate to the concept of grace?Deeper Dive• Cultural Context: Understand the value of sheep and coins in ancient Israel to appreciate the parables' depth.• Theological Implications: Explore the concepts of grace, forgiveness, and restoration.• Personal Application: How do these parables challenge your understanding of God's love and your own relationship with Him? Week 12: Luke 16: The Parable of the Unjust StewardFocus: The Parable of the Unjust Steward• Read: Luke 16:1-13• Key Theme: Wisdom, discernment, and the Kingdom of GodThis parable is unique in its focus on worldly wisdom applied to spiritual matters.Questions for Reflection• What does the unjust steward's actions reveal about his character?• How does Jesus commend the steward's "wisdom"?• What does this parable teach us about the nature of the Kingdom of God?Deeper Dive• Cultural Context: Understand the role of stewards in ancient Israel.• Theological Implications: Explore the tension between worldly wisdom and spiritual discernment.• Personal Application: How can we apply the concept of "being wise as serpents and innocent as doves" to our lives? Week 13: John 4: The Parable of the Living WaterFocus: The Parable of the Living Water• Read: John 4:1-42• Key Theme: Jesus as the source of eternal lifeWhile not explicitly a parable, the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman contains elements of parabolic teaching.Questions for Reflection• How does Jesus reveal Himself as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman?• What does the "living water" symbolize?• How does this encounter relate to the theme of eternal life?Deeper Dive• Cultural Context: Understand the relationship between Jews and Samaritans.• Theological Implications: Explore the concept of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises.• Personal Application: How does this encounter deepen your understanding of Jesus as the source of living water?
Week 14: John 10: The Parable of the Good ShepherdFocus: The Parable of the Good Shepherd• Read: John 10:1-18• Key Theme: Jesus as the Good ShepherdThis passage offers a powerful image of Jesus' relationship with His followers.Questions for Reflection• How does Jesus describe Himself as the Good Shepherd?• What is the significance of the "other sheep" that Jesus mentions?• How does this parable relate to the concept of eternal life?Deeper Dive• Cultural Context: Understand the role of shepherds in ancient Israel.• Theological Implications: Explore the concepts of Jesus as the Messiah and the nature of His relationship with believers.• Personal Application: How does this parable deepen your understanding of your relationship with Jesus?
Week 15: John 15: The Parable of the Vine and the BranchesFocus: The Parable of the Vine and the Branches• Read: John 15:1-17• Key Theme: Abiding in ChristThis passage offers a powerful image of the believer's relationship with Christ.Questions for Reflection• How does Jesus describe Himself in relation to the vine?• What is the significance of the branches abiding in the vine?• What does it mean to bear fruit?Deeper Dive• Cultural Context: Understand the importance of vineyards in Jewish culture.• Theological Implications: Explore the concepts of union with Christ and the Holy Spirit.• Personal Application: How does this parable challenge your understanding of your relationship with Christ? Week 16: Review and ReflectionCongratulations on completing this journey through the parables of Jesus!This final week is dedicated to reflection and integration.Review Key Themes• The Kingdom of God: Its nature, growth, and implications for our lives.• God's Character: His love, mercy, justice, and sovereignty as revealed in the parables.• Human Response: Our role in the Kingdom, including faith, repentance, and obedience.Connect the Dots• Identify common threads and overarching messages found in the parables.• Explore how the parables build upon each other to form a cohesive picture of Jesus' teaching. Personal Application• Reflect on how the parables have impacted your understanding of God and His Word.• Identify specific ways you can apply the lessons learned to your daily life.• Consider sharing your insights with others to encourage spiritual growth.Additional Activities• Create a personal parable based on your life experiences.• Develop a teaching plan for sharing one or more parables with others.• Explore additional resources on parables for further study.
Week 15: John 15: The Parable of the Vine and the BranchesFocus: The Parable of the Vine and the Branches• Read: John 15:1-17• Key Theme: Abiding in ChristThis passage offers a powerful image of the believer's relationship with Christ.Questions for Reflection• How does Jesus describe Himself in relation to the vine?• What is the significance of the branches abiding in the vine?• What does it mean to bear fruit?Deeper Dive• Cultural Context: Understand the importance of vineyards in Jewish culture.• Theological Implications: Explore the concepts of union with Christ and the Holy Spirit.• Personal Application: How does this parable challenge your understanding of your relationship with Christ? Week 16: Review and ReflectionCongratulations on completing this journey through the parables of Jesus!This final week is dedicated to reflection and integration.Review Key Themes• The Kingdom of God: Its nature, growth, and implications for our lives.• God's Character: His love, mercy, justice, and sovereignty as revealed in the parables.• Human Response: Our role in the Kingdom, including faith, repentance, and obedience.Connect the Dots• Identify common threads and overarching messages found in the parables.• Explore how the parables build upon each other to form a cohesive picture of Jesus' teaching. Personal Application• Reflect on how the parables have impacted your understanding of God and His Word.• Identify specific ways you can apply the lessons learned to your daily life.• Consider sharing your insights with others to encourage spiritual growth.Additional Activities• Create a personal parable based on your life experiences.• Develop a teaching plan for sharing one or more parables with others.• Explore additional resources on parables for further study.