Deuteronomy 18:15-20              Psalm 111               1 Corinthians 8:1-13               Mark 1:21-28

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 - The promised prophet of God

Background Information
Deuteronomy was officially “discovered” in 621 BC during the reforms of King Josiah (2 Kings 22-23). It is written as three long speeches by Moses who actually lived more than 500 years earlier. It reaffirms the importance of the Hebrew Law and the temple priesthood. Today’s passage also validates the work of the prophets of God who also stand in the tradition of Moses. God promises to raise up a prophet (or a line of prophets) like Moses, who will be mediators, speaking God’s true word to God’s people. Later interpreters applied this passage to Jesus, as a new prophet who would also be a liberator, lawgiver and leader like Moses.

Questions
1. In what ways were the OT prophets like Moses?  In what ways was Jesus was like Moses?
2. What do you think is the work of a prophet? According to this passage, how can we tell of someone is a true prophet? What do verses 21-22 add? Do you agree? Was Jonah a true prophet?

1 Corinthians 8:1-13  - Knowledge and love, liberty and concern for others  

Background Information
In 8:1-13 Paul continues to give his advice on matters about which Corinthian Christians had written (7:1). In Greco-Roman cities most of the meat sold in markets had come from animals sacrificed in pagan temples and social clubs held banquets at temples. Some Christians whom Paul calls the “weak” had scruples about eating such meat and attending such meals. Others disagreed because they said there is only one God,  idols represent nothing and Christ frees them from Jewish purity laws. In light of their “knowledge” they felt superior to the “weak”. Paul affirms the importance of acting in accordance with love which builds up the entire community.

Questions
1. What is the meaning of verse 4-5, about pagan idols, and verse 6, which is like an early Christian creed? How do these verses advance Paul’s argument about Christian liberty, and up-building love?
2. What things do you feel free to do, or places you go, which might trouble the conscience of others?
3. What principles must you stand up for as a Christian even if they offend other Christians?
4. Consider some recent church conflicts in light of this passage. What is the balance having the “right answer” in terms of logic, theology, Bible, and having compassion for the feelings of others.

Mark 1:21-28 - Jesus’ amazing new teaching with authority

Background Information
In Mark’s account of the first episode of Jesus’ ministry, people recognize and are amazed by his authority in both word and deed. The structure of the story is like a sandwich, a familiar pattern in Mark. It begins and ends with comments about Jesus ‘ authority as a teacher (!:21-22 and 1:27-28). In between is an exorcism (1:23-26). Here Jesus heals and liberates a man from some kind of mental illness, which Mark describes as having an unclean spirit – called “unclean” because it would have disqualified him from normal Jewish worship.

Questions
1. The learned Jewish scribes typically taught by quoting and interpreting Hebrew scripture. Recall the style and content of Jesus’s teaching throughout the gospels. Give some examples of the ways Jesus’ teaching was different? Why did common people respond so well to Jesus’ teachings?
2. In what ways can people today be oppressed by evil or unclean spirits?  Give examples.
3. What do we call such problems now? What people or institutions heal and help such people?