Irmela

2. Luke 22:25) Why are we eager for titles? Reverend, Doctor, Chairperson, President, Director, Minister. What do titles do for us? What do titles do to us? Maybe it still shows when there is a title that the person is a cut above the rest. It might show that the person can be seen as a type of benefactor. Titles elevate a person and ensure a type of respect, not necessary always deserved. The person with a title is put in a different 'class' as one without a title.

1. Luke 22:24) Why does pride so easily dominate the life of leaders? Why do proud men and women seek out leadership roles? Why are we tempted to "lord it over" others -- at work? in our families? in our churches? Leaders are many times better and quicker at doing things or grasping something, understanding something. This leads to pride. I guess it is fallen-human nature that fights againat the fallen state it is in and tries to show it is standing. Calling out, "There is nothing wrong." By doing that it comes across as proud and when coping better than others it becomes proud. That is possibly where or why leaders come across as proud. When a person is able to do somethng or grasp something in a situation quicker than someone else, then they are quick to "lord it over" others, be it at work, in family situations or at church. The true leader remains humble.

4. In what way does bread convey to us the idea of Jesus' body? Think of a flat loaf of unleavened bread, kind of like Jewish Matzos. At the Passover, the unleavened bread was used. Unleavened bread was originally used because of the time factor. (Leaven was taken to be symbolic for sin.) The lamb used as sacrifice had to be unblemished not sickly or hurt in any way. Jesus gave His body, which was sinless. Before being nailed to the cross that pure, sinless body, was beaten and broken for me/us. So that is how that bread broken conveys to us the idea of Jesus' body. 5. What does it mean when Jesus' says "This is my body given for you"? Given how? Given why? Given for what purpose? Jesus gave His body to be beaten and then crucified on the cross, literally, it was broken for us. Instead of ours or in the place of ours, Jesus gave His body. It was given as a ransom, His body in exchange for mine. 6. What does it mean "Do this in remembrance of me"? What are we to do? It refers to always doing it like that. A repeated or continued action. Doing it so that we will remember Him. We are to partake of the broken bread and wine (the Lord's Supper) so that we will remember the significance of His death, the ultimate Sacrifice for our sins. 7. What are the elements of the New Covenant compared to elements of the Old Covenant? With the Old Covenant, they offered animals as sacrifices. The blood of the animal was then sprinkled on them, like sealing the covenant. But they did not keep their part of the Covenant. With the New Covenant, God promised to put His Law in their minds and write it on their hearts, their wickedness will be forgiven and their sins will be remembered no more. Christ's blood was poured out. His body was given. 8. What does it mean "my blood, which is poured out for you"? Why was it poured out? Why "for you"? Why was the shedding of blood necessary at all? It means the blood of Jesus was shed to confirm the Covenant. The Covenant is between God and us. I will FORGIVE their wickedness and REMEMBER their sins NO MORE. We need to accept this by a personal FAITH in Him.

1. Why was Jesus so secretive about the location of his Passover meal with his disciples? (Luke 22:7-13) Seemingly the location where the meal would be had was not to be known by all. A secret location so that they could be private. Maybe it was not mentioned where it was so Judas would not know. Jesus could have directed them exactly to the house. Giving the correct address, but no, He gives them a 'sign' to look out for. Follow a man carrying a pitcher. It was common to see women carrying pitchers. Seeing a man doing that was uncommon but would not fail to make them realize it was the right person they were following. 2. Why do you think Jesus desired with such great intensity to eat this Passover meal with his disciples? (Luke 22:15) What did Jesus hope to find in this sacred meal for himself? What did he hope to impart? This would be the last meal with the Twelve. Also the Passover meal was special. This meal also points ahead to the great meal when we celebeate together as is spoken about in Revelation 19:9, the Marriage Feast (Supper) of the Lamb, at the end times. I guess He was hoping when they look back on these happenings they would recognize Jesus as being God's Passover Lamb that takes away the sins of the world. 3. Luke has a different pattern than we're used to: cup - bread - cup. What message does Jesus convey to his disciples with the first cup mentioned in 22:17? What is the message that comes with the second cup mentioned in 22:20? The msg was that Jesus would not again drink of the 'fruit of the vine' until the Kingdom of God comes. The second cup mentioned was the one after supper and He said it was the "new covenant ratified/affirmed in His blood". So Jesus was saying that a New Covenant was made. (Man had not been able to keep the first one). When a covenant was made, there was shedding of blood and often a meal.

5. In what ways do our sins give Satan inroads into us so he can control us? When satan has a foothold in our life he makes us act in ways contrary to when God's in control. He might start out small just with a thought, which we then ponder on. Soon it comes to dissatisfaction. Then bitterness. Then greed or ****. Soon we are overpowered by all sorts of negativity and satan is in control. The peace of God no longer penetrates us as we are overcome with depression or dissatisfaction or be it what it may be. Definately no longer an attribute of God. So best is when something negative is detected. Confess it immediately. Turn away from it and cling to Jeshuah and keep your eyes focused on HIM

1. What kind of schedule does Jesus keep the last week of his life? (Luke 21:37-38) The day is spent in the temple, teaching and at night he retires to a hill called the Mount of Olives. 2. In what way do the crowds of people protect Jesus from his enemies? Why do they want to kill him? (Luke 22:2) The Jerusalem leaders want Him killed. The crowds hang on to His Words. They are very attentive listeners. Not just in small groups, but by their hundreds. If anyone went against Jesus it would have caused a riot. The chief-priests had a hand in the money exchangers at the temple and Jesus had challenged this practice. The teachers of the Law or the scribes oppose Jesus because he caims to speak and act for God and challenges their authority and interpretations. (The Pharisees for their hypocrisy and the Sadducees for falsely interpreting Scripture.) 3. How does Judas enable Jesus' enemies to capture him cleanly? (Luke 22:6) Judas provides information as to Jesus' whereabouts at night when the crowds are not present. 4. How can greed so overwhelm a person that he'll betray his Friend and Savior for money (or drugs or ....)? Greed is not of God. So when greed has a hold of someone, he is allowing the devil a foothold in his life. When he does he plants all kinds if thoughts in your mind and eventually you act and do things contrary to the norm.

Q28. (Philippians 2:5-11) Why did Jesus need to humble Himself to become a human being? To change from Divine to human is not exactly a "step up" in status. It is a humbling of Himself. The task that He had agreed to take on Himself, viz., to save mankind meant that a perfect sacrifice was needed. Only a "perfect, unblemished" substitute could save us from eternal death. For this, He had to become a man. He had to live, feel, think, work etc., like a man. This He did and accomplished it without sinning. What do you think it meant to Him to do this considering that He was divine? It meant letting go of what He was and meant being obedient to become who He agreed to become. When he "emptied himself," what all do you think that included? He had to put aside, take off, empty Himsrlf of, all that was and meant "divine". The nature, the attributes, the favor that went with it, the ability, the being. All/everything. What can you learn from Christ's voluntary humbling himself? That it is possible to become humble and it is better so, to live humbly and in obedience and let God do the rest. If we are to have a changed status, let it be God that brings it about. Let it be God that exalts us.

(John 1:1-14) According to John 1:1-2, when did Jesus first appear on the scene? He was on the scene, as it were, always. He has never not been there. In the beginning He was there. How divine is He? Completely. He is God. (The Word was with God and the Word was God.) What is the theological term describing Jesus becoming a human being? Incarnation. (verse 14). In what way does he bring us grace and favor from God? He is the only Son of the Father and comes to us. (shows us favour). He puts aside His glory, He shows us grace. We wld not have been able to be near Him because of our sins. He was prepared to put it aside so we cld come to Him, so we could be cleansed by Him. Now He indwells us and we can forever be with Him In what way does he demand that we acknowledge his truth? If we walk in Jesus light the truth is in us.

Q27. (Matthew 1:21; Isaiah 53:4-6) In what sense has Jesus saved his people from their sins? He did this by bearing our sins on Himself on the cross. What does Isaiah 53:6 teach us about how Jesus saved us from our sins? He took our punishment on Himself In what way is Jesus like a sacrifice for sins? In the Mosaic law a spotless lamb was sacrificed for the sins of the people. It had to be done over and over again. Jesus, as the sinless, spotless Lamb of God offered Himself for me /us as a sacrifice, once and for all.

Q26. (Luke 2:39-52) Why do you think Luke feels it is important to tell a story from Jesus' boyhood. I think it is important so that we can see he was truly human. He also had to learn and become older and more able, gradually. It wasn't just at a blink of an eye that He was strong and mature and able to do things or decide things as a mature man does and be responsible. He had to grow into that role gradually. What do we learn about Jesus from this? From this we learn that He too had to submit to those in authority over Him (at this time, it was His earthly parents). He was keen to be with those in the temple. Just as a human loses track of time and does what fills him with interest, so we too find Jesus there where His main interest lies. Those who teach about God. When Joseph and Mary came, Jesus went back with them, under their authority still. He was obedient and not stubborn. He submitted to them. We learn from Him that He needed to grow in wisdom (spiritual insight), in stature (in physical size), in favour with God and man. Why is taking time to grow and prepare so important? We too need to learn what it is like to submit to another before we can expect another to submit to us. Before we do something we too need to learn about that. Why are we so tempted to short-circuit it by our impatience? We get impatient because we want to get involved with what and where we feel we need to be working.

5. What are Jesus' direct commands to his disciples in light of his teaching on the end-times? (21:36) What will these commands do for us? What will they do for Jesus' cause? Be on the watch (keep awake) and pray. Be fully alert at all time. Pray that we do not fall into temptation. Also pray that we are counted worthy to be able to stand in His presence when He comes. That we have prevailed. Strive to remain faithful to Christ. 6. What does it mean, to "stand before the Son of Man"? What does that refer to? That we have remained steadfast in our goal to please Him. 7. What is the balance between resting in the assurance of the grace of God, on the one hand, and striving to escape the temptations all around us, on the other? We know that nothing we do can earn salvation. Christ has paid the price. It is by grace and grace alone that we are saved. We can rest in this and know that no working hard or self-righteousness from our side will earn us salvation. Yet we are to watch and pray that we enter not into temptation to do evil. Stay away out of satan's clutches.

1. What is Jesus' reference to the fig tree supposed to teach his disciples? (21:29-30) As they can see signs on the fig tree of the change of seasons, so the disciples ought to be able to discern that the coming of Christ is at hand. Certain things will be taking place. 2.In verse 31, what does the term "these things" refer to. Refer to the context? It refers to times changing. Just as the fig tree changes appearance as the seasons change. So will the times change before Christs coming. The rumors of war and actual wars, the catastrophies in nature, the signs in the heavens, the persecutions. All these things will come and we need to be ready for the Kingdom of God is at hand. (could be the end for us individually or globally) BE READY 3. If we assume that "this generation" doesn't refer to merely the people who were contemporaries of Jesus, then what DOES "this generation" mean in the context? (12:32) This generation would mean that "type of people", i.e. the ones stubbornly turning their backs on God's purpose. 4. Why does Jesus warn us of spiritually-dulling lifestyles? (21:34) How can "the anxieties of life" be just as dulling as drunkenness? Drunkenness makes the person unaware or unobservant of what goes on around him. Our senses are dulled and so is our watchfullness. When we worry or are anxious, this also happens. We just concentrate on the thing we are worried about and do not keep a watch on what goes on around us.

Q25. (Daniel 7:13-14) What does the Ancient of Days grant to the Son of Man? Why do you think Jesus used the title of "Son of Man" even though most didn't understand its importance? What does Jesus' authority mean to you and your life? Dominion, glory and sovereignty were given to Him. All peoples, nations and languages should serve Him. His dominion is everlasting and will not pass away. His Kingdom will never be destroyed. "Son of Man", shows clearly that He had stepped aside of or put aside His "godly form" /He emptied Himself of it and put on humanity. The title confirmed to all once their eyes and ears were opened, Who He really was. Jesus is my All in All. My desire is that He takes full control of my life. I want to live for Him and Him alone.

Q24. (Matthew 2:13-23) What can we learn from Joseph's action? Instant obedience is best. Do not question God. Know that He knows best. What should we have to know about the outcome before we say yes to God? We don't need to know the outcome. What to us makes no sense at the time, remember God sees the end from the beginning. In Is 55:8&9 we are told that God's thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are His ways our ways. His are so much higher than ours. If we would always know the outcome, where would faith come in. How can a good God allow infants to be slaughtered in Bethlehem? It was not Him that slaughtered them. (Just as throughout the ages bad things happen.) It is only in eternity that we will see the good that came from the bad things that have taken place. Do you believe God honors them as martyrs for the Messiah? Yes, He is a just God.

Q23. (Matthew 2:7-12) Does gift-giving on this occasion involve love or mere custom? How were the Magi's gifts fitting for the Christ Child? What gifts can you offer Jesus that mean something? What gifts demonstrate your love? Much has been said by all that have answered these questions. For these men to have come to the decision to make and actually to make the arduous journey , which seems to have taken place after seeing the star, surely their must be some kind of feeling more than just custom. These gifts were fitting as the Christ-Child was indeed King yea, much more than just king, He was the King of all kings, the Lord of all lords. the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. He too would die as a man dies only His was a cruel death on the cross and His was a sacrificial death in place of all mankind, thereby conquering death. He alone is the One to be worshipped. Yea, so "strange" as they might have seemed GOLD FRANKINSENSE and MYRHH were the right things to bring. I can only bring myself. Just as i am. Whatever I do, say think if that is all for Him to do with as He sees fit. Surrender all to Him. That is what i desire to give and lay down before Him. I yield my mind, will, emotions to Him

Matthew 2:1-6) In what ways is the kingship of Jesus a threat to our self-determination? What are our choices in light of his Kingdom? When we accept Jesus as ruler in our lives we supposedly give Him authority over everything. Self is no longer in charge. If it is it has usurped a place. Lay down self is the only way into His Kingdom. There cannot be two rulers. We need to choose Christ or self. Best choice of course is CHRIST.

Luke 2:25-35) Why does God send Simeon to the temple on this day? Simeon, who was devout and righteous, had been promised that he would see the Messiah before he died. That particular day Mary and Joseph, with the Christ-Child came to the temple, to offer a sacrifice. Because Simeon was obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, Simeon too came to the temple that day, so the promise he was given would be fulfilled. And he recognized it as such. Why do you think this incident is recorded in Luke's Gospel? To show that the parents chosen were not slap dash about following the Law as set out for them. Luke's Gospel was written by a Greek (not a Jew). Yet he was the one who recorded that they fulfilled the rituals as set out by the law. Jesus came first of all to the Jews (and then also to the Gentiles) How was Simeon's prophecy over the Child fulfilled? Simeon prophesied about the Child. (destined for the fall of many) Indeed the religeous leaders of the day, the ones who should have welcomed His coming, rejected Him. His coming meant disclosure of their money-making and their life-styles. These would indeed be shaken and changed. (destined for the rise of many) Yes, many who were hidden and not known about. Completely out of the picture. Would never have been remembered, so to say 'rose'. The disciples who followed Jesus got to be known and used greatly in His days on earth and also afterwards. Previously insignificant people, have since 'risen'. Their stories have been recorded and they have been a blessing and example to many. (a sign that is spoken against) Here he also refers to the 'stone' upon which some will stumble. Even though so many things showed Him to be the Messiah YET the people who should have welcomed Him did not. They stumbled about His very 'being there'. (a sword will pierce through your own soul) Here Simeon speaks about the agony that Mary will endure by witnessing the rejection of Christ and finally also His crucifixion. (the secret thoughts and purposes of many hearts will be disclosed) The religious leaders will not be able to hide what is in their hearts and will finally succumb to crucifying the very One Who came to save them. They together with the ones who were just 'crowd followers'. (Yeah, even what was in Judas' heart was revealed. Before and after the betrayal.)

Malachi 3:1-4). Why is the suddenness of Christ's coming so fearful? The question that probes ones mind is will I be ready. What about my loved ones. Will they be ready? I know i cannot make a decision for them. That is what is so frightening will they choose Christ's way. How were these verses fulfilled in Jesus' day. John the Baptist came preparing the way. He preached repentance. Christ came and He too preached repentance. There cannot be refining without repentance. In fact the repentance is as if going through the fire and also to be scrubbed and be cleansed as if with fullers soap. All of it is a repenting, cleansing process. Through grace and His mercy we can be cleansed How will they be fulfilled at his coming? His second coming too will be sudden and unexpected. Because of His purness, we will not be able to stand. We will kneel before Him for He truly is Lord. This time He comes to judge. O Lord may I take the oppotunity You still give me and allow You to refine me, may i not shy away from the scrubbing but bow and submit. Make me pure within, Lord.

Q18. (Colossians 1:15-20) Which of Christ's qualities of preeminence and greatness is especially meaningful to you? What does it mean for Jesus to humble himself (Philippians 2:7-8). Why is the incarnation such a miracle? It is all so meaningful. When reading this passage again I was just struck again by "all things were created and exist through Him (by His service, intervention) and in and for Him". Then it is just mentioned again in verse 17 and He Himself existed before all things and in Him all things consist - cohere, are held together. That means i am held together through Him and for Him. There is a reason for my existence. It is for Him. (Louis Gigleo's msg on the human molecule being held together by laminin and its picture just always amazes me afresh.) For Jesus to humble Himself was to strip Himself of all His glory, to leave all that He was behind, put it oneside and come as a "seed" to grow one cell at a time inside the body of a virgin and then be born as a man-child and experience all that humans do ... hunger, pain, joy, satisfaction, desertion , acceptance, love, laughter, exhaustion, tiredness after a days hard labour, mocking, betrayal, etc. The Creator Himself became and lived as the created. And because of that (He remained sinless) He sacrificed Himself as the Sinless, Spotless Lamb so I (we) can forever be with Him.

1. According to Jesus' teaching here, how is the destruction of Jerusalem related to the time of his return? (21:20-24a) It is not at the same time. Two separate "times/dates" are described. The siege of Jerusalem happened gradually. (The encircling, that Jesus spoke about) The people could still escape. Jesus warned them ahead of time, to do so. For those who remained in Jerusalem, it was horrific. 2.What are the Times of the Gentiles (21:24b). What significance does it have for the return of Christ? The times of the Gentiles is the time period that Jerusalem will be possessed by the "Gentiles/non-Jews". The temple mount is still under (Islamic rule) Muslim control. When it has all been taken back and is again under Jewish rule, then, Christ's return will be imminent. 3. What words are used in verses 25 and 26 to describe what will take place at the very end? What effects will these have upon people? There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. Roaring and tossing of the sea. The people will be fearful and in great anguish and distress. They will not know what to do. 4. What will be the direct sign of Jesus' return? (21:27) What Old Testament Scripture passage is Jesus referring to when he describes his coming? He will come in a cloud with power and great glory. He is referring to the passage in Daniel 7:13-14. 5. If fear will characterize unbelievers at these terrible signs, what emotion should characterize believers? (21:28) Believers should stand up and lift up their heads, because our redemption will be near. We should be filled wirh joy.

Luke 2:15-20) How did the shepherds know to find the Holy Family? According to verses 17, 18, and 20, what was their response to finding Christ? What was Mary's reaction? They searched and found them. They had been told the Babe would be lying in a manger. They knew where the "stables" /"caves" were, where there would be mangers. (possibly for the sacrificial lambs) They made known what they had been told about Him. Whoever heard them were amazed. The shepherds returned to their flocks, praising God. Mary kept these things in her heart. Weighing them and pondering about them.

Q16. (Luke 2:8-14) Why do you think the angels shocked the shepherds with their radiant glory? First an angel appeared. He got their attention. There was no excuse at all. Never would they forget this appearance. All of them saw him. Then there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven. No darkness all bright light. The shepherds keeping watch were not expecting anyone to come and then on top of it all it was a radiant light. It certainly woke everyone up even those who were sleeping getting prepared for their turn to keep watch. Why not something more low-key? For such an important news it would not do for something low-key. In this way there was no excuse for them not to recognize what had happened. This was one of the many "hints" God sent His people that indeed Scripture was being fulfilled. The Messiah /the Saviour promised so long ago had come. What does the good news consist of that the angels bring? A Saviour has been born He is Christ the Lord What allows the shepherds to authenticate this news? The baby is wrapped in cloths He is lying in a manger The unblemished sacrificial lambs would be wrapped in cloths and be laid in a manger, so they would be out of danger. This Baby was the UNBLEMISHED LAMB OF GOD who would give His life as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind. The shepherds would understand this sign if no one else did.

1. What does Jesus say will happen to Herod's Temple? (21:5-6) The temple will be destroyed. "Not one stone will be left upon another, they will all be thrown down", meaning that it will be demolished. When did this take place? This took place in AD70. The temple as known to them was destroyed. What is left is what is commonly known as the "Wailing Wall". 2. What kinds of signs will be seen that do NOT portend the immediate return of Jesus? (21:7-19) False christs will appear. Persons claiming to be the messiah. Even performing "miracles". Wars and disturbances, disorder and confusion will occur. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. (Great turbulances within nations) Natural disasters, like earthquakes etc will occur. There will be famines and pestilences. Plagues, malignant and contageous or infectious epidemic diseases (deadly and devastating) will break out. Great signs from heaven. Why are people tempted to see them as signs of the end? Many people are wiped out in these disasters. With the Bubonic Plague that time they also believed the end had come. Taking it to be the fourth seal being opened and "death" come to wipe out a quarter of the world's inhabitants. (Rev 6:7&8) As now again with the 'corona virus' it is taken to lead into the time of the end. 3. What good results from a disciple's persecution and death, according to verse 13? They will be a witness or testimony to them. In persecution the 'masks' normally worn, fall off and the real person emerges. Then our faith in Jesus will be displayed. If it is a sham that will be revealed and if it is real, even in distress a powerful witness will be revealed. We read about many of the martyrs, how they stood for Christ. The saying "if a seed dies and is put in the ground, it grows again and bears much fruit" is so true. Because by the witnesses of these persecuted Christians, many turned to Christ. 4. Why will people hate Christians? (21:17) Because of Christ. They will be hated for what they stand for. They will be hated for standing for the Truth. 5. If Christians will be condemned and executed, what does it mean, "Not a hair of your head will perish"? What does Jesus mean by this? He is no longer talking about the physical realm but is referring to the spiritual. We die physically but spiritually we are alive. It might be a martyrs death but we will "forever be with our Lord". 6. What does the phrase mean, "By standing firm you will gain life." (21:19) Is this "faith by works" or something else? If we remain standing and do not give in to the whims of the enemy we will gain eternal life. It takes faith to remain standing. So it is faith in action. So we see it is "By grace through faith" that we are saved.

Q15. (Luke 2:1-7) Why is it important for us to know who governed the area at the time of Jesus' birth? By mention being made of people and events written about (other than in the Holy Scriptures) to have taken place we are assured that it is no myth or legend, but a real happening in history. This also gives us an idea of what it was like in the time Jesus lived as man in this world. What difficulties did Mary and Joseph face. Mary was pregnant and not yet married. This was a big scandal. So there was probably rejection by the community. At the end of her pregnancy, they had to travel to Bethlehem to register. This was an ardeous, 4-day journey. What do you think God allowed such difficulties? For Jesus to be able to reach all in society He had to have experienced their suffering and want as well. He came to reach out to the poor also and so He became poor for our sakes. He laid aside everything (He emptied Himself) Why does he allow difficulties in our lives? So that we learn to depend on Him and not on our own strength

6. What are the characteristics of well-to-do people who try to control churches by their giving? I can only imagine that if the giving is done to get favour from the pastors that they are then always with or are even part of the leadership. They then have a say in everything that is done. Almost as if they have the reins in their hands. I think the best way of giving is to then trust that whatever was given will be used properly. If you do not trust that the gift will be used "properly", it is then harder to give. As with the beggars ... the thought comes ... "Am i giving to help them properly or does it just make a situation worse". Give and ask and trust God to bless the gift.