Gospel of Luke
Fall 2006 Bible Study

Luke 9,10

"St. Joan of Arc Bible Study is an open and growing group that meets for fellowship and to discuss the Bible and other faith-centered literature. Our informal study group draws from biblical scholarship, historical perspectives, current events and personal reflections. We welcome honor and respect the personal ideas and spiritual journeys of all who join us."

Greetings

It was a BIG crowd tonight. The early arrivers had pulled the chairs into a tight circle, and then we had to slide back several times (no, not that kind of backsliding!) to let new waves of bible study members to join in. Our facilitator had a carefully plotted out discussion guide, but this crowd was unruly and jumped back and forth through the chapters in spirited give and take. Curiously, there were no digressions into the political scene, despite this being Election Day. We are all exhausted by the campaigning.

Because of our unruliness, treat time was delayed by almost ten minutes, but deferred gratification is better than no gratification, so we hurried over to the table to sample the homemade lemon bars or the homemade brownies. Our treat-bearer had made enough that a few of us had a chance to sample both. Were they ever yummy. The brownies were so moist and soft and the lemon bars had just that hint of tartness that put them over the top. Thanks, Vi.

Being that it's photo time for the parish directory, Rita set up her equipment for a group photo. After some shuffling (nobody wanted to be up front - some claimed they didn't want the treat stains to show up in the photo), Rita got us all into the frame, set the self-timer, and zoomed into her reserved spot. Appropriate quips produced genuine smiles for several takes, and then we divided into three small groups for some reflection on tonight's readings and their application in our personal and common lives.

Here are Denise's notes...

Luke 9 and 10

The mission of the twelve
First they were disciples, and then they were apostles.

Disciple: 1. a believer in the thought and teaching of a leader; follower. That's us!

Apostle: 1. one of the twelve disciples chosen by Christ to go forth and preach the gospel to all the world. 2. any early Christian leader or missionary. (World Book dictionary)

Read Luke 6:12. Footnotes?

Herod's thoughts
Read 23:6-12.

Return of the twelve and the feeding of the five thousand
Pentecost connection? Can anyone speak to this?

Peter's confession and the cost of discipleship
"Who do you say I am?"
Peter said in reply, "The Messiah of God."
He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. Again?
There's a definite pattern here!

Conditions of discipleship: "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." I find that Buddhist connection here again. We are expected to let go of things and ego; no attachments. Can we do it? I believe that it is something we strive towards.

The transfiguration of Jesus
As someone who is very interested in our journey beyond death, I couldn't help but notice in verse 29, the reference to Jesus dazzling white clothing. Here is a quote from Raymond Moody's research on the afterlife experiences of many (p.12). I'll read it...........

An Exodus is also mentioned in verse 31. My NIV footnotes say, ........." Our author points out a difference in the "voice from heaven" spoken first in first person, and here in second person. Luke 3:21 states, "You are my son..." Luke 9:35 states, "this is my son........." Any thoughts?

Exorcism and lessons on the kingdom
In verse 41 Jesus is not the typical Lukan character of gentle compassion.
He is frustrated and critical of the disciples.

Departure for Jerusalem and Samaritan inhospitality
Verse 54 - a bit cocky?
Jesus going up?
Fore shadowing of missionary activity

Would-be followers of Jesus
His way of explaining the seriousness of the commitment
Use of hyperbole

Chapter 10
The mission of the seventy-two
This is only seen in Luke. The seventy-two seem to have the same commission as the 12, or at least they do the same things. They go in pairs. Does this remind you of any particular religious practice? I see this in the Mormons.

Return of the seventy-two
They return - high - from their ministry.

The prayer of Jesus and blessing of the disciples
It gives me the feel of a basketball coach, first rebuking and trying the get the team on track, then celebrating when they return from success at the tournaments. Jesus confirms and fructifies their mission.

The greatest commandment
Please read Deut. 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18.

The parable of the Good Samaritan
This radical parable gives the followers something to stretch for. It takes their beliefs and traditions and explodes them with possibility. As the author puts it," The lesson for the Lukan community is the same for today's reader. To be a neighbor forces a Christian to go beyond friend and family and extend welcome and mercy to the outcast and even to one's enemy."

The discipleship of Martha and Mary
The last paragraph sums up the lesson here.

Glossary - World Book Dictionary

• Aphorism 1. a short sentence expressing a general truth, piece of practical wisdom, or the like.
• Despots 1. a monarch having unlimited power; absolute ruler.
• Eschaton 1. doctrine of last or final things, especially death, judgment, heaven, and hell.
• Exegesis - 2. any explanation or interpretation of a word, sentence, or other passage; explanatory note.
• Fructify - v.t. to make fruitful or productive; cause to bear fruit.
• Hyperbole 1. an exaggerated statement used for effect and not meant to be taken literally.
• Rebuke 1. to express disapproval of; reprove.
• Synoptic 3.a. having an approximately parallel point of view. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they are much alike in content, order, and statement.

Rik Murray
(612) 872-8694