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1. What about God's kingdom is impossible to comprehend without understanding these parables? There is need to understand that God’s kingdom may start small but can grow big. This is what has happened. The kingdom that started by Jesus Christ was small but has grown to the uttermost part of the world and still growing. 2. Why did the disciples in particular need to understand these parables? It was to ensure that they would not be discouraged and give up because of its small beginning then. 3. How has God expanded your vision of his Kingdom? The present grown stage of God’s kingdom is not the end. It will continue to grow and each one of us should continue evangelize and expand the kingdom. In what areas do you need an expanded vision? In the area of what God can do to halt or slow down the current massive and continuous populating of the kingdom of Satan in hell through the deaths of non-Christians through calamities such as natural disasters, wars, arson by evil people and currently Covid-19 etc. I sometimes wonder why God will allow this to happen. 4. In what area are you discouraged? (Be honest now....) How can you apply this parable to your discouragement? See my comment in the b-part of question 3.

1. Describe the woman Jesus sees in the synagogue, using the text as well as your imagination. What did she look like? How old do you think she was? The woman was miserable looking and needed deliverance How do you think she felt? She might have felt discouraged and bitter about her condition How did people in her community feel about her? They community might have thought of her as a sinful person suffering because her sin 2. What effect did Jesus' proclamation in verse 12 have on the woman's healing? Jesus declaration of her being loosed from Satan’s hold prompted her healing process as she was immediately set free to stand up straight Why do you think Jesus laid his hands upon her? His action of laying his hand on her completed the healing process. 3. What was the synagogue president's position? He was legalistic and concerned in keeping the Sabbath only instructed the people not to come for healing on the Sabbath day. How could he be so utterly blind to what was really going on? Is his blindness credible, or is he just a foil in the storytelling? What was happening was deliverance and healing of the woman. He however missed seeing this. He was only interested in keeping the law of the Sabbath. 4. Trace the logic of Jesus' justification of healing this woman on the Sabbath. Why did he use untying a donkey as his illustration? Jesus wanted to teach that the deliverance and healing of the woman, a human, was vital and ought to be done even on the Sabbath. 5. Extra Credit. Does Satan have any "rights" to afflict us with disease? Are there any just grounds for this? Or is he a complete usurper? He has no right to afflict us the children of God. We can however allow sin to create a foothold that veate an access to afflict us with sickness and diseases. 6. How is it significant that Jesus calls the lady "a daughter of Abraham"? God had chosen and called Abraham out as His chosen one and his descendants. The woman as a descendant of Abraham was thus dear to the heart of Jesus and needed to be delivered/ healed. Have you ever had God speak words of assurance to your heart? From the scripture, yes. But I desire to have him speak to me directly even through a vision.

Christmas Day. (John 1:1-14) According to John 1:1-2, when did Jesus first appear on the scene? He was there right from the beginning How divine is he? He is 100% Divine. He is God What is the theological term describing Jesus becoming a human being? (verse 14). The Word became flesh (became human) In what way does he bring us grace and favor from God? He is full of grace and favour. We are undeserving and do not merit the gift of salvation. He then graciously accepted us and granted us favour to become worthy of God’s gift of eternal life. In what way does he demand that we acknowledge his truth? See following text: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31b-32)

1. Why does the Gospel of Peace often bring divisions in our families? What can we do about that? Why does Jesus even mention it? (12:49-53) There are usually differences in the understanding, interpretation and response to the Gospel of peace by the family members. This is partly responsible to the division. We should endeavor to work towards unity in the family through prayer and asking for the leadership of the Holy Spirit. 2. What are the "signs" in our own day that point to the soon coming of the Son of Man and judgment? (12:54-56) Almost all prophesized signs such as wars, earthquakes, escalation of evil etc are all happening. Thus we should be prepared for the coming of the Lord. 3. What lessons does the Parable of the Guilty Defendant teach us disciples? (12:57-59) Reconcile before the case does to court. 4. What lessons does Jesus' commentary on tragic deaths teach us disciples? What are we supposed to get out of this? (13:1-5) People involved in any tragedy are not usually the most sinful. God allows certain things to happen for reasons best known to him. 5. What lessons does the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree teach us disciples? What does this parable mean to you personally? (13:6-8 God’s grace is usually available for a second chance. We should not take his grace for granted but prayerfully work hard to produce fruit of righteousness to avoid being cut into the burning fire of judgment.

Q28. (Philippians 2:5-11) Why did Jesus need to humble himself to become a human being? What do you think it meant to him to do this considering that he was divine? God could not die. Jesus had to humble himself to become human that he could carry our sin to be nailed on the cross for our salvation. When he "emptied himself," what all do you think that included? This is difficult for me, but I am sure he retained his agape love, some power: to turn water to wine, heal the sick and raised the dead etc. What can you learn from Christ's voluntary humbling himself? We need to humble ourselves in total obedience God too just as Jesus was.

Q27. (Matthew 1:21; Isaiah 53:4-6) In what sense has Jesus saved his people from their sins? He carried my sin upon himself and die for me and humanity so that we not die in hell fire. What does Isaiah 53:6 teach us about how Jesus saved us from our sins? We stray away from God due to our sine and doomed for the death penalty, but God’s love for us led to the transfer of our sin to Jesus to nail them on the cross. In what way is Jesus like a sacrifice for sins? Just as in animal sacrifice where animals died for the sin of people, Jesus bore our on himself and died on the cross for me and you to have life eternal.

Q26. (Luke 2:39-52) Why do you think Luke feels it is important to tell a story from Jesus' boyhood. To give us something to learn from his child hood experience. Though being God, he empty himself of his divinity. He had to learn obedience to his parents etc What do we learn about Jesus from this? We need wisdom, grace, favour from God so that we can grow and minister for the Lord and in obedience to our parents and authorityi. Why is taking time to grow and prepare so important? So that we can get it right. Why are we so tempted to short-circuit it by our impatience? We need quick result. But this does not actually leads us to satisfactory sustainable result.

Q25. (Daniel 7:13-14) What does the Ancient of Days grant to the Son of Man? He granted him authority, power, dominion to reign as the King of kings of all nations and creation. Why do you think Jesus used the title of "Son of Man" even though most didn't understand its importance? Though being the Son of God and God, chose to be called the son of man while on earth so as to maintain an ordinary status until his mission on earth has been accomplished. What does Jesus' authority mean to you and your life? It means my total submission and obedience to his authority through worship and faithful service for him. So help me Lord to so faithfully.

Q24. (Matthew 2:13-23) What can we learn from Joseph's action? He is ever obedient and act takes action without delays. What should we have to know about the outcome before we say yes to God? I do not think we need to know the outcome of any instruction from God before we take action because God know the end from the beginning. Furthermore, all his plans for us are plans for good and not for evil. How can a good God allow infants to be slaughtered in Bethlehem? I do ask similar questions sometimes especially in view of the evil and bloodshed caused by evil people in many parts in my country Nigeria and in many parts of the world. Do you believe God honors them as martyrs for the Messiah? I think so. http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/2099-q24-egypt/

1. Extra Credit. What is the answer to Peter's question in 12:41? Did Jesus intend these parables for the Twelve or for all his disciples? He intended the parables to all His disciples, all His followers inclusive, I think. 2. Head servants must be both faithful and wise "managers" (12:42-43). How do we learn to be faithful? By prayerfully through the help of the Holy Spirit do everything God asks to do through His word and managers (Church leaders) put over us. What is the process by which we can be restored in faithfulness if we have neglected it? How do we learn prudence and wisdom? Repentance and the start to as directed. We learn prudence and wisdom through studying of the word of God and meditation and prayer to God, our source. 3. In the parable, the master rewards his head servant with responsibility over all his possessions (12:44). What is the spiritual analogy of this part of the parable? Which of Jesus' promises for the future does it refer to? Faithfulness in serving God will always be rewarded. 4. Why are church leaders tempted to become petty masters rather than servants to their fellow servants? What is the sad analogy to this parable's beating, and luxury, and drunkenness. (Rule: In your answer, no denomination bashing. Don't look at others' failings. Look at the potential that exists in you and in your own congregation. There's plenty of blame to go around.) Egocentricity 5. Do you believe God has entrusted you with "little" or "much"? What can you be doing to maximize your potential as a productive servant in God's household? Because you have been given much, what "more" do you think God is now asking of you? God has entrusted me with much, with a family to bring up, with responsibility as an elder in the Church, assets and wealth to manage.

Q23. (Matthew 2:7-12) Does gift-giving on this occasion involve love or mere custom? Thinking seriously and honestly, our gift giving is mostly traditional. I pray that I will be motivated by love to give gifts at this season and beyond. How were the Magi's gifts fitting for the Christ Child? They were fitting for the Christ Child because they were gifts prompted by the Spirit of God to be given to King of the world and not just to an ordinary child. What gifts can you offer Jesus that mean something? What gifts demonstrate your love? For me, I pray I will give Him my whole heart full of sacrifice of worship, praise and thanksgiving for all He has done for me, particularly for coming to the world as a man to die for my sin that I may live with Him in eternity.

Q22. (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? We generally want to be free to decide what to do and where to go and thus do not want to be under anyone, even the Lord Jesus. As for me I pray that the Holy Spirit will help me to be totally submissive to the Kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ. Give me a willing and obedient spirit Lord.

Q21. (Luke 2:36-38) Why is it hard for us to value the time we spend in meditation and prayer. Many of us are too preoccupied with worldly activities that we do not create quality time for and with the Lord in prayer and study of the Word. Which of the times of our day do you think the Lord values most? The first early hours of the day before the rush-rush noise and “busy-busy” activities engulf us. How does listening to the Lord propel Anna's ministry?

Q20. (Luke 2:25-35) Why does God send Simeon to the temple on this day? To miraculously be the one that will perform he usual needed rites for baby Jesus and mother. But more significantly, to further pronounce through prophesy, what Jesus will do in confirmation to what the angels have announced. Another reason is to reward Simeon, the just and committed servant of God, the privilege to see Jesus and then die peacefully as he had been looking forward to. Why do you think this incident is recorded in Luke's Gospel? How was Simeon's prophecy over the Child fulfilled? One of several happenings that was fulfilled was the crucifixion and death of Jesus that “pierced” Mary’s heart

Q19. (Malachi 3:1-4). Why is the suddenness of Christ's coming so fearful? We can be found unprepared and may be found guilty of un repented sin and end up in hell. How were these verses fulfilled in Jesus' day. How will they be fulfilled at his coming? Jesus came to into the world and dwelled here, died and rose to heaven. He will suddenly return without notice. We need to be ever prepared so that we will be ready and not to be caught unprepared.

Q18. (Colossians 1:15-20) Which of Christ's qualities of preeminence and greatness is especially meaningful to you? All are meaningful but I think that Jesus being the image of the invisible God tells me that knowing and being to see Jesus attributes enables me to know and see the invisible God. What does it mean for Jesus to humble himself (Philippians 2:7-8). I think it is humility at its peak for Jesus, being God, agreed to become human and be born by a human so that he could die for me to be saved. Why is the incarnation such a miracle?

Q17. (Luke 2:15-20) How did the shepherds know to find the Holy Family? I think they were led by the spirit of God According to verses 17, 18, and 20, what was their response to finding Christ? They spread the word concerning what the Angels had told them. They returned home glorifying and praising God because they found everything as they were told. What was Mary's reaction? Mary noticed that everything reported by the shepherds concern the Angel’s message to them tally with what the Angels had told her and Joseph at different occasions.

Q16. (Luke 2:8-14) Why do you think the angels shocked the shepherds with their radiant glory? To impress upon them how important and powerful the baby is and how he will influence the world. Why not something more low-key? Because the baby that has been born will not be an ordinary man but one that will be great and will turn the whole world around. What does the good news consist of that the angels bring? Praise to the Lord God and peace to mankind What allows the shepherds to authenticate this news? They found exactly what the angels announced, a baby lying in a manger wrapped with cloths.

Q15. (Luke 2:1-7) Why is it important for us to know who governed the area at the time of Jesus' birth? It is to confirm that Jesus was actually born into history and is not just a “tale by the moonlight stories” told to small children by adults at night for relaxation. He was and is real connected to events, important figures at the time and the specific real time! What difficulties did Mary and Joseph face. The journey to Bethlehem was long, tedious, very trying and hard especially for Mary who was heavy with a baby. Worst of all, there was no place to lodge except in smelly cattle shade, in manger. What do you think God allowed such difficulties? I think God wanted to show the humble disposition of the Lamb of God that would lay down his life as a sacrifice for my sin and that of mankind. Why does he allow difficulties in our lives? To test and teach us humility.

Q14. (Galatians 4:4-5) Why do you think God sent Jesus into this world when he did? It was just the right time, religiously, culturally, commercially and politically What does it mean that he "redeemed" you? We were under satanic bondage in our sin so he paid and bought us back by his death and resurrection on cross to make us children of God. What does it mean that he "adopted" you? When he paid for our sin, he then took us away from the custody and control of satan unto the Kingdom of our Lord God Almighty. Hallelujah. What is your inheritance? Power to reign along with Jesus and to possess all the heavenly riches of the Father

Q13. (Isaiah 11:6-10) Where is love most at home -- in times of strife or in times of peace? Peace. What does our passage say about the emptiness of winning as our ultimate value? Just vanity How can you bring peace from Jesus in your world? Who will it bless? Know the Prince of Peace and be filled with his peace and joy and also pass the knowledge around by evangelism.

Q12. (Isaiah 11:3-5) Why do you think God has a special place in his heart for the poor and disadvantaged? He knows that the poor and the disadvantaged are mal- treated by the society and this grieves him. He thus put measures for society especially those in authority to protect and provide for such disadvantaged people. Who are the unloved, overlooked, and looked-down-upon in your city? In my country, they include widows, orphans and also those that come from certain geographically/religiously and politically disadvantaged areas. What are you doing to demonstrate Messiah's love and justice to them? As a Christian, I regret to say I have not done much on a large scale and need to hear the implied call for revival in these lessons and do more to demonstrate the love of the Messiah to the needy.

Q11. (Isaiah 11:1-3). Why do we resist letting the Messiah govern our own lives? Generally many people want freedom and thus do not want to be governed by anyone, even Jesus the Messiah. But for me, I desire so much to be led and directed always by the Holy Spirit that I often ask God not to allow me to decide what to do. I prefer to be governed by him without being given the option to choose what to. Why don't we seek his counsel more often? I do usually seek his counsel that is why I have a note book that I jot down ideas that come to my mind. Thereafter, I pray for about three days and ask God to lead and guide me to know if it is well for me to go ahead to execute the idea. Why is surrender to his wise leadership so difficult for us? What can we do about this hardness we find in ourselves? Just as I have said above, people generally want the freedom to do what they want. But it is wisdom to allow the Lord to lead, counsel and give us His wisdom to do things to his glory.

Q10. (Psalm 110) According to verse 1, what is Jesus doing at present? Seated at the right hand of God in heaven. What will he ultimately succeed in doing? He will reign over all nations of the earth. What is the primary role of a priest? Stands between man and God, to carry man’s petitions to God through animal /other sacrifices for forgiveness of sin and convey God’s messages, etc to man How does Jesus function as a priest who brings us to God? (verse 4). By His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus had our sins nailed on the cross and bridged the gap that was between us and God. We have free access to God now but he still intercedes for us when Satan accuses us before God.

Q9. (Psalm 2:1-12) Why does Jesus provoke such negative reactions from some people? Why do people tend to resist any kind of authority? What should we do when we detect resistance in our own hearts? What does it mean to "kiss the Son" (Psalm 2:12)? As regards the Jewish leaders in their day, it was jealousy and fear of loosing authority to him that led them to hate and confronted him and even crucify him. We also find that the human attitude is self- independence and desire to be free that make people to resist authority. As believers in Christ we should be submissive to constituted authority. We should pray for God to help us submit to authority especially when we detect resistance in our hearts to submit. To kiss the son means to show our submission by bowing to him as demonstrated by total obedience to the Son.