Sunday School Lesson June 23

This week’s passages are from Psalm 42:1-7 and Luke 8:26-39.

Psalm 42

Psalm 42 is a lament which was written at a time when the psalmist was feeling spiritually empty. It has been used by many people over the centuries to express moments of depression and despair, loneliness and vulnerability. It depicts the plight of humanity feeling separated from God.

Psalms 42, 43, and 73 express similar thoughts and prayers. The writer is spiritually weary and almost burnt out, which is a common complaint among many Christians today. Church membership can be highly demanding of our time, commitment, and resources. Burnout generally occurs when we focus on what we want to do, rather than seeking God’s will. The secret to a joyful faith and a healthy spiritual relationship is not to overextend our obligations, but instead specialize in what we can do effectively and efficiently for what God calls us to accomplish.

Questions for study and reflection

How does the psalmist express his spiritual emptiness? What reduces him to tears each day?

What things does he remember about worshiping God? Why were those joyful occasions?

What do you think is causing him to be downcast and disturbed about his faith? Have you ever had a similar experience?

How should praising God lift our spirits? Is this what worship is all about, or is it just a side effect?

Luke 8:26-39

            

It has been said that the quality of any society or civilization can be seen in how it treats those who are mentally ill. In today’s passage, we read about Christ’s encounter with a very disturbed person. The community has tried to shackle the ‘demon-possessed’ man, in order to keep him under control. He lives in a cemetery where only the dead provide him with company.

            

The story is a remarkable and puzzling episode in Christ’s ministry. The high point is the curing of the disturbed man, but at a high cost to the economy of the local community and livestock. Despite the miracle’s success, Jesus is asked to leave the region, for the people fear Him.

Questions for study and reflection

Why do you think Jesus was immediately confronted by the disturbed man when He went ashore? What was Christ’s response?

Why did Jesus ask the man His name? Who was He actually talking to?

Why did the demons beg to be allowed to possess the herd of pigs? Why were they so afraid of Christ?

The local community were astounded that the ‘demoniac’ had been cured, but what upset them about this miracle?

Why did the cured man ask to go with Jesus? What was Christ’s reply? Why?

How do we treat mentally disturbed people in our own community? Is this Christ-like?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 16:1-8 & Luke 9:51-62

Summer Sunday School: June 02

Summer Sunday School

 

All of our Sunday School classes are over for the first part of the year. They will return in August, when students of all ages can participate in special Bible lessons.

Throughout the summer, you can do your own Sunday School study at home, in a coffee house, or even in a church classroom. The pastor will write a short note about the Sunday readings for the sermon, as well as some questions for further study and personal reflection.

This week’s passages are from Psalm 96:1-6 and Luke 7:1-10. Click on the passage underlined title to read the verses online

Psalm 96:1-6

Psalm 96 reminds us that all of the original psalms were set to music and meant to be sung rather than just read. Singing has been a part of our faith since its inception. Even Jesus sang on several occasions in the Gospels - when telling one of His stories about children singing in the streets, He sang their song; after the Last Supper, He and the disciples sung a hymn; and even when He was dying on the Cross, He sang the first couple of words from Psalm 22: “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” When we gather for worship on Sundays, singing is still a significant part of how we praise God and express our faith.

Questions for study and reflection

What songs do you like to sing in church? What makes them meaningful to you?

Why do you think the Bible is full of songs? What does this tell us about what God expects of our faith?

What is your favorite Psalm? Do you know a musical version of it?

Why does the psalmist encourage the whole Earth to sing a new song to God? Which new worship songs do you enjoy?

Luke 7:1-10

            The story of Christ’s encounter with the Roman centurion is remarkable because it reveals Christ’s compassion for those beyond His own people. It is also fascinating to read about a powerful foreign soldier seeking Christ’s grace.

            Luke wrote this story for the first readers of his Gospel. It gave a symbolic hope to them, for the centurion represents the Roman Empire submitting to the presence of the Kingdom of God through Christ. In many ways, the story became prophetic, taking on a greater significance as the influence of Christianity increased and the Roman Empire declined.

Questions for study and reflection

What did the centurion require of Jesus? What stories must he have heard about Him?

Why do the Jewish elders come to Jesus and advocate on the centurion’s behalf? What does this tell us about the centurion?

Why did the centurion send a message to Jesus not to come to his house? What made him feel unworthy?

Why is Jesus amazed at the centurion’s message? What is so great about the centurion’s faith?

 

Any other thoughts or questions?

 

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 146:1-6 & Luke 7:11-17

 

Summer Sunday School: Sunday May 26

Summer Sunday School

All of our Sunday School classes are over for the first part of the year. They will return in August, when students of all ages can participate in special Bible lessons.

Throughout the summer, you can do your own Sunday School study at home, in a coffee house, or even in a church classroom. The pastor will write a short note about the Sunday readings for the sermon, as well as some questions for further study and personal reflection.

This week’s passages are from Psalm 8:1-9 and John 16:12-15.

Psalm 8

Psalm 8 is a beautiful ancient poem about God’s creative powers. Some scholars believe that it was even written before the Genesis creation narratives. Whatever its origins, the psalm is an expression of wonder and joy. Even today, with all of our amazing technology to look at the stars at the furthest part of the universe, this psalm invokes a wonderful thought of people being lovingly and specially created by God. As we look at the night sky and think about the wonders of creation, what is it, the psalmist asks, that makes us so special in God’s eyes?

Questions for study and reflection

How does the world around us display God’s majesty and power?

When you look at the stars, what do you think about?

Why do you think God made people?

Why do you think God made you?

 

John 16:12-15

            The Gospel of John was written at a time when the Young Christian Church was in jeopardy. The apostle John was among the last known surviving followers of Jesus, so his Gospel is written at a time when second and third generation Christians were wondering if the stories about Jesus were actually true.

            In this short passage, John emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit to bring the Church guidance and truth. These gifts were essential for the ministry and mission of the Gospel to continue. They are also sacred gifts that every generation of Christ’s followers require, even down to this present day.

Questions for study and reflection

How can we know if what is written in the Gospels about Jesus is actually true? Where does that truth come from?

Why does the Church still need to be guided by the Holy Spirit? What important issues are we currently struggling with and experiencing?

Where do we see the Holy Spirit at work within the Church?

How does the Holy Spirit help us to become better disciples of Christ? Does He do it for us or Jesus?

 

Any other thoughts or questions?

 

 

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 96:1-6 & Luke 7:1-10