1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) Psalm 139 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 John 1:43-51
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) - Speak, Lord, your servant hears
Background Information
The familiar Old Testament story of God’s call to young Samuel helps us think about how young Jesus became aware of his divine calling and how his disciples were called. I Samuel 1 - 2 tell of Samuel’s special birth and dedication to God’s service at the shrine in Shiloh where Eli and his family were priests. The second half of chapter 2 describes the corruption of Eli’s sons which helps us understand the message which the Lord asked Samuel to convey and the eventual transfer of religious leadership to the prophet Samuel who later guided the transition from tribal rule to the Davidic monarchy.
Questions
1. What words and images in verses 1-3 suggest that the old religious leadership had become insensitive to God’s true purposes but that there would be new vision through Samuel?
2. Why was Samuel at first unaware that God was calling him, and what helpful advice did Eli give?
3. Have you ever felt that you heard the word or voice or calling of God? How can you identify the true voice of God in your reading, other human voices and your own inner psychological ideas?
4. What message did God give to Samuel (3:11-14)? What did Samuel do, how did Eli react (3:15-18), and what eventually happened to Eli’s family (4:1-22)? Do you dare to speak painful truths to others?
1 Corinthians 6:12-20 - Your bodies are members of Christ
Background Information
In verses 12, 13 and 18 Paul seems to be quoting popular Corinthian sayings which he then modifies to show the true Christian teachings about everyday ethical issues concerning food, sex and attitudes about the body. Although Paul often proclaims Christian freedom from the law here he here gives guidelines against using that liberty to do what will harm oneself or others in the body of Christ. In contrast to those who believe in a dichotomy between body and spirit, Paul says that what happens to the flesh is very important if Christ dwells in you. Paul affirms that the body is the temple of God.
Questions
1. How can verse 6:12 speak to the habits and possible addictions of your or your friends?
2. How were people in Paul’s time abusing their bodies and the bodies of others? In what ways to you think people in our modern, consumer, TV society abuse their bodies and the bodies of others?
3. What are the implications if you truly believe that “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?”
John 1:35-42 - John’s disciples follow Christ
Background Information
On the previous day, according to John 1:35-42, Andrew and Peter, both disciples of John the Baptist, became Jesus’ disciples. Now we read how Phillip (with a Greek name) and Nathanael (with a Jewish name) also became disciples. When Jesus recognizes Nathanael and speaks well of him, Nathanael affirms his belief by using messianic titles for Jesus (1:49). Jesus contrasts the simple fact that he could recognize Nathanael (47-48), and the story of Jacob’s vision of angels and a ladder leading to heaven (Genesis 28:12) with the full revelation of heaven which the risen, exalted Christ will give (1:51).
Questions
1.What words and actions in verses 43-49 led Philip and Nathanael to follow and believe in Jesus?
2. What lessons can we learn from this account to guide us as we try to bring others to know Jesus?
3. Nathanael was skeptical of Jesus because of common prejudices against people from Nazareth. How do our prejudices lower our expectations of people we meet and inhibit their full potential? Have you ever met such prejudices? How can we overcome such limiting prejudices in ourselves and others?