OCTOBER BIBLE NOTES for October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 in 2005 These notes are for anyone who wants to read and think about the lessons we hear in the Sunday church services. Feel free to take a copy for home study. These notes also help guide the Bible discussion group which meets on Sundays from 9:15 - 10:15 in “The Upper Room” at St James’s Episcopal Church in Cambridge. All are welcome! An overview of the Sunday readings at St James’s Here at St James’s we choose Bible lessons based on the ecumenical Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) which is widely used in many Anglican (Episcopal), Protestant and Roman Catholic churches in America and around the world. This lectionary differs slightly from the older Episcopal lectionary which is printed in the back of our Book of Common Prayer. For more details about the RCL see the following websites: www.commontexts.org/ and http://divinity.library.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/. The first lesson is usually taken from the Old Testament. During October we will read from the prophets Isaiah and Micah and from Leviticus. The psalm is chosen as a response to themes in the first lesson. At 8 am we usually read the psalm and at 10:30 we usually sing it using a printed insert with text and music. The second lesson usually comes from the New Testament epistles (letters). This September we will read from Paul’s letters to the Philippians and 1 Thessalonians. The Sunday Gospels follow a three-year cycle. We usually read from Matthew (in year A), Mark (in year B) and Luke (in year C). We are now in Year A so we read from The Gospel of Matthew. “Sunday scriptures in Context” - A Bible discussion group - 9:15 to 10:15 This group is for people who want to grow with others in understanding the Holy Scriptures and trying to follow Jesus in the light of the Word of God. Our discussions are based on the Lectionary readings for each Sunday of the church year. We meet in “The Upper Room” up the stairs above the Parish Hall for an hour before the main service. We share our questions, knowledge and personal thoughts about the lessons for that Sunday. Visitors, newcomers, occasional and regular participants are always welcome. As we consider the lessons for the day we are guided by questions about: – what each passage may have meant in the original historical and Biblical contexts, and - what we hear the spirit saying to us in our present social and personal contexts. This list of the lessons, brief introductory notes and questions is provided each month to encourage people to read and reflect on the lessons ahead of time and to bring their own questions and insights. Because of time and group interests the Sunday discussion group usually concentrates on just a few of these questions. For more information contact The Rev Judy Gay at 617-547-0838 or judyjohngay@comcast.net October 2, 2005 - 20th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22) Isaiah 5:1-7 - The song of the unfruitful vineyard Background Information Isaiah lived in Jerusalem in the late eighth century B.C. as the powerful Assyrians conquered Israel to the north and were threatening Judah in the south. After condemning the sins of his Jewish people and warning of destruction (chapters 1-4) Isaiah introduces this parable in the form of a song or ballad about God’s vineyard. It starts on a happy note about God’s loving care (vs 1-2), then describes the failure to produce good fruit (v 4) and ends with warnings of judgment and punishment (v 5-7). Questions 1. List the actions the owner took to produce good grapes in the vineyard, and think of what Isaiah implies as ways that God has blessed and taken care of his people in Israel and Judah. 2. Think about things in your life which have prepared you to produce good fruit. 3. What kind of good fruit did the owner (God) expect of his people, and what does God expect of you? 4. If you were asked to judge between God and his people (vs 3) who would you blame? Why? 5. Do you think disasters come as God’s punishment or as consequences of our actions? Philippians 3:4b-14 - To know Christ and . . . become like him Background Information In 3:1-4a Paul warns the church against Jewish Christians who insist that Christians must follow all the Jewish laws and customs like circumcision and works-based piety. Paul says he could boast about his Jewish heritage as much as anybody (vs 4-6) but considers all of that worthless in comparison to knowing and following Christ. He uses economic imagery to describe the value of knowing Christ (vs 7-8) and athletic foot-races imagery to describe the Christian life and its goals (vs 12-14). Questions 1. In Acts 9 and Galatians 1-2 you can read more about Paul’s Jewish background and his conversion. Did he eventually abandon his Jewishness or did he build on it in his Christian life and preaching? 2. When people become Christians what things in their previous life styles, culture, customs and rituals do you think they should give up, and what should they keep? Consider America, China, Africa etc. 3. Paul resisted divisions and pride based upon Jewish law. What issues of class, education, culture and status lead to pride and divisions in our churches, schools and communities? How can we avoid this? 4. What are your goals, and God’s goals for your life? What helps you strive to reach these goals? Matthew 21:33-46 - The parable of the tenants in the vineyard Background Information In chapters 21-25 Matthew tells how the conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities in Jerusalem gradually intensified. Today’s parable is an allegory about rejection of God’s prophets and of Jesus himself, based on Isaiah’s song of the vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). In verses 33-40 Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard and how tenant farmers treat the owner’s agents and the son of the landowner. In verse 41 Jesus lets his listeners conclude what punishment the tenants deserve and then he applies the words of Psalm 118:22-23 to himself as the cornerstone which they rejected. Probably the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, the end of Jewish temple worship and the growth of the church were on the mind of Matthew as he wrote the end of this parable (vs 43-44). Questions 1. Who are the players in this parable? With whom do you equate them in Jesus time, and in our times? 2. According to the parables in both Isaiah and Matthew, the vineyard owner expects his labors of love to produce good, abundant fruit. What kind of good fruit did Isaiah and Jesus hope for? 3. What fruit do you think God expects from us as individuals and as the church? Do we produce it? 4. What would it mean if you really made Jesus the cornerstone of your life? Do you? If not, why not? October 9, 2005 - 21st Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23) Isaiah 25:1-9 - Praise for God’s deliverance and promise of salvation for all people Background Information Verses 1-5 are Isaiah’s song of praise to God who delivered his people from the enemy and destroyed their city – perhaps Nineveh or Babylon. God is praised for being a refuge and shelter to the poor and needy. Verses 6-9 say God will host a banquet on Mount Zion for all people, and will destroy all gloom, fear, tears, disgrace and even death. In these verses Isaiah introduced two new and revolutionary ideas in Hebrew thought: universal salvation, and victory over death itself. Questions 1. Isaiah spoke of victory over the enemy and an end to conflict in his world (vs 1-2). What modern enemies and conflicts bring despair in our world and what hope is there for an end to these conflicts? 2. How has God’s love and care been shown in recent events in America and other parts of the world? 3. What things cause fear, despair, tears in your life or the lives of your loved ones? Is God there? 4. The promise of God’s messianic feast is for all nations, not just the Jewish people. What actions and institutions are working to bring this experience to all people? What can we do to help? Philippians 4:1-9 - Stand firm and rejoice in the Lord always Background Information In this section of Paul’s letter to the Philippian Christians, he gives them final advice and instructions about Christian living. But first he expresses concern about a conflict between two church leaders (vs 2-3). He urges then to be of one mind in Christ, and asks another unnamed companion in leadership to help them. Note that gender itself is not an issue. In fact the church in Philippi was founded by Lydia and other women who met Paul at the riverside (Acts 15:13-14). The rest of the passage continues with powerful advice about Christian life, relationships, mental health and prayer. Questions 1. How does Paul advise and help Euodia and Syntyche? What ideas apply to our own conflicts? 2. When Paul says “The Lord is near” (vs 5) his focus is not on a distant “end of the world” but on how to live more closely with God in the present. What advice does he give, and what is useful to you? 3. Anxiety is such a part of our modern lives, yet Paul says “Do not worry about anything.” What does Paul suggest, and what do you think we can do, to avoid or cope with worry and anxiety? 4. The TV and newspapers fill our eyes with the bad things happening in our world, yet in verse 8 Paul advises the power of positive thinking. What eight things does he suggest we should think about? Give modern examples. Do you think this would help our mental health? Matthew 22:1-14 - The wedding feast Background Information Just as Isaiah spoke of a messianic feast, Jesus’ parable says that God’s kingdom is like a wedding banquet. He implies that the religious leaders of Israel were invited but refused to accept God’s invitation, attacked his messengers, and so missed out on the feast and would be punished. Matthew probably understood the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD as this punishment. God’s invitation to the banquet is then given to everyone. All are equal in God’s kingdom, but they all must clothe themselves with Christ and with his righteousness, symbolized by the wedding garment. Questions 1. What role have meals like feasts, banquets, pot-luck suppers and bread and wine of communion and other meals played in your religious life? What role does eating play at St James? 2. Is God inviting you, calling you, today? To what? How can you know it is reallly God calling? 3. Have you ever made light of God’s calling or just gone away without responding? (Vs 5) Explain. 4. How can you pass on God’s invitation to other people? 5. How can you clothe yourself more fully in Christ and in the virtues of the Kingdom? October 16, 2005 - 22nd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24) Isaiah 45:1-7 - God used Cyrus to make his name known in all the world Background Information Isaiah chapters 40-55, often called Second Isaiah, were probably written during the Jewish exile in Babylon. Second Isaiah astounded his readers by saying in verse 44:28 that Cyrus, king of Persia and Babylon from 539 to 530 BC, would be the shepherd of God to carry out God’s purposes including the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Although Cyrus was not Jewish, verses 45:1-7 call Cyrus God’s anointed one or messiah through whom God would work so that all the world would recognize God (Yahweh) as the only God and as creator and ruler of all things. Questions 1. Why do you think that God (according to Second Isaiah) named someone who was not even Jewish as his anointed one (Messiah) at that time of the Jewish exile in Babylon? 2. Isaiah says God would work through Cyrus even though he didn’t know God. Can you think of other non-Jewish, non-Christian people through whom God has worked in history and in modern times? 3. The Jewish exiles were surprised that Cyrus did God’s will and let them return and rebuild Jerusalem. How has God surprised you in your life? How has God lifted you up when things seemed hopeless? Philippians 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 - Faith, love and hope in our Lord Background Information This is probably the earliest of Paul’s letters, written about 50 or 51 AD to encourage believers in the church he had founded in Thessalonica, capital of the Roman province of Macedonia in Greece. He uses the typical letter style of his culture, stating in verse 1 who sends the letter, to whom it is being sent, and a greeting. Then he gives thanks for the special qualities of the people to whom he is writing and assures them of his prayers (vs 2-10). Questions 1. List all the good qualities and actions of these Christians for which Paul is giving thanks. 2. Paul says they were an example and witness to others. Who has been an example of strong faith for you in your life? Remember to give thanks for such people. Tell God, and tell them. 3. How is faith, hope and love shown by some of the people you know at St James or elsewhere? 4. In verse 2, Paul says he constantly prays for the Thessalonians. Who do you pray for constantly? Matthew 22:15-22 - Give to the emperor what is his, and to God what is God’s Background Information In today’s gospel Jesus continues his discussion with Jewish officials who questioned his authority (vs 21:23) and who became increasingly opposed to him. Both the religious Pharisees and the accommodating Herodians who supported the Roman puppet King Herod, came together to trap Jesus. They pretended to respect him, then asked him a trick question hoping that he would either alienate the common people if he supported the tax, or commit treason if he opposed the tax. Roman coins used for taxes normally had “Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus” and “high priest” written on them. Questions 1. How did the answer Jesus gave in verses 19-21 avoid the trap and challenge people to think? 2. What do you think Jesus meant by his words about giving things to the emperor and to God? 3. In your opinion, what things belong to God? Is it possible to separate some things which are God’s and some things which are not God’s? 4. Jesus and his disciples did pay Roman taxes. Can you think of times in modern history when Christians have felt it necessary to disobey unjust laws and resist unjust governments? October 23, 2005 - 23nd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 25) Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-19 - God’s laws of holiness, justice and love Background Information Leviticus contains regulations for religious ceremonies and ethical instructions to govern Israel’s life as a holy people. The Holiness Code (chapters 17-26) was probably compiled about 600 BC. The basic premise of the Holiness Code is that God’s people should be holy because God is holy (19:2). The verses omitted in today’s reading (19:3-14) summarize the Ten Commandments and other laws about social justice and concern for the poor and aliens. Verses 19:15-18 give guidelines to insure justice, and to avoid exploitation and hatred – guidelines based on the principle of love of neighbor. Questions 1. List in parallel columns the good things these verses (including 3-14) tell the people they should do, and the bad things that are prohibited. What else does love of one’s neighbor as one’s self imply? 2. How can Jewish ritual and ethical instructions be made applicable to our modern life? 3. Which of the ethical teachings in today’s reading do you find most difficult to put into practice? 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 - Paul shares himself and the gospel because of his love Background Information In verse 2:2 Paul recalls his experiences in Philippi, where he founded the first Greek church. He and Silas were attacked by mobs, beaten, imprisoned and finally driven out of town (Acts 16:19-24). Yet, he says, they had the courage to go on to the next city, Thessalonica, where again they met opposition and had to leave after a few weeks (Acts 17:1-9). But he affirms that their visit was not in vain because now the Thessalonian church is strong and growing. He refutes various criticisms of his motives and ministry (2:3-6) and affirms the depth of his love and care for the Thessalonians (2:7-8). Questions 1. List the criticisms against which Paul is defending himself and Silas in verses 3-6. 2. What do you think of modern pastors or TV evangelists against whom similar criticisms are often made? Are they effectively spreading Christianity to some people, or not? 3. How does Paul use the image of a nursing mother (vs 7-8) to explain his relationship to the young Christians in Thessalonica? 4. Think of times in your life when you have felt that what you were doing was in vain, a failure. How did you manage to pick yourself up, to have the courage to keep going, and perhaps even to succeed? Matthew 22:34-46 - The two great commandments Background Information Today’s reading includes two final discussions between Jesus and his opponents (chapters 21-22). The lawyer’s question in verse 36 was intended to trick Jesus into choosing between laws about ritual and worship and principles of social justice. Jesus’ answer in verse 39, based on both Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, has become one of the most often quoted parts of the Bible. Jesus then asked a question designed to challenge their concepts of the Messiah. Was he simply be a political messiah descended from King David, or was he also “the Lord” soon to be understood as the Son of God? At the time of Jesus it was assumed that King David had written the Psalms and hence that in Psalm 110:1 David refers to the Messiah as his Lord, rather than his son. Questions 1. What is your understanding of the verse “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets?” Did Jesus support all the Old Testament laws, or change them or go beyond them? 2. How can you make both the love of God and love of your neighbor more central in your life? 3. In the early church Christians were trying to understand who Jesus Christ was (Christology). The gospel writers often used terms like Son of David, Son of Man and Son of God to speak of Jesus. What terms and concepts help you to understand and explain who Jesus was and what he means to you? October 30, 2005 - 24th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 26) Micah 3:5-12 - Micah denounces Israel’s false prophets and unjust leaders Background Information Micah was a younger contemporary of Isaiah who prophesied in Jerusalem near the end of the eighth century BC as the Assyrian Empire was threatening. He was convinced that because of its sins, the southern kingdom of Judah faced the same kind of national disaster which destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel in 722/1 BC. In today’s reading he denounced false prophets and unjust rulers. In his final chapters Micah said God would bring deliverance, restoration and peace. Questions 1. Are there false prophets (or preachers, politicians or civil servants) in our times who just say what is politically or financially expedient, rather than speaking the truth? Give examples. 2. Do you think that our national and international problems are caused by sinful (or wrong) policies? 3. What gave Micah courage to speak out against injustice? What happens to people who do so now? 4. Do you sometimes see sins (or wrong behaviors) among your friends or family members about which you feel you should speak out, but are afraid to do so? What is the right thing to do? I Thessalonians 2:9-13 - Paul recalls his work among the Thessalonians and gives thanks Background Information In today’s reading Paul continues defending the techniques he and his companions used when they founded the church in Thessalonica. They supported themselves by working at Paul’s trade as tent-makers. He describes their hard work, blameless conduct, and efforts to help the new Christians to walk in God’s ways. Just as he had previously written of nourishing them as a mother (2:7), now he speaks of instructing and encouraging them as a father (2:11-12), and gives thanks that his words were really not human words but the word of God, which continues to work in them. Questions 1.Although we have professional clergy, much of Christian work and witness around the world is done by unpaid volunteers who “work night and day” for God. Can you name such people you have known? 2. In your experience, how do mothers and fathers try to urge and encourage their children to live a life worthy of God? Why do they sometimes succeed and sometimes fail? What could they do differently? 3. How does God’s word come to us now, and how does it continue to work in us? Matthew 23:1-12 - Contrasting leadership styles; true greatness is in service Background Information Jesus has just silenced his critics who ask him no more questions (22:46). Now he speaks to the crowds and his disciples warning them against styles of leadership which do not reflect his underlying ethic of love, service, humility and self-giving. This is not so much an attack on Jewish leadership as it is warnings and teachings for leadership in the early Jewish-Christian churches. Moses’ seat (vs 2) may refer to the rabbi’s stone seat in a synagogue from which he controlled and interpreted the Jewish scripture. Phylacteries are small leather boxes containing scripture texts still worn by devout Jewish men, while fringes on the corner of garments were reminders of keeping the Jewish law (vs 5). Questions 1. What advice did Jesus give in verse 3 about following the Jewish laws? Did he follow Jewish law? 2. What examples are given in verses 4-7 of the scribes’ and Pharisees’ aspirations and actions which Jesus considered to be objectionable, oppressive or ostentatious? 3. What do you think of the advice he gave about the use of titles of respect for religious leaders? Is it applicable today? What does it suggest about other external symbols of religious status or belief such as vestments, clergy collars, wearing of a cross, or religious bumper stickers or fish symbols? 4. How can we balance the need for strong leadership with Jesus’ call for humble servant ministry?