A United Methodist Pastor's Theological Reflections

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory (nikos) through our Lord Jesus Christ." - I Corinthians 15:57


Thursday, March 31, 2011

Bible Study Summary - Sunday's Upcoming Scriptures


Here at Lancaster First UMC, I am privileged to be part of two weekly bible study groups that study the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday worship services.

Numbers 13:1-3, 17-26
- The Lord wants Israel to send spies to Canaan to see what the Promised Land is like.
- The spies included Caleb & Joshua. They returned to camp after 40 days and showed them the fruit of the land (the grapes.) But they also pointed out that it will be very difficult to take the land from the people who occupy it.
- Caleb had faith that they would be able to take the land but the others recommended to not take the land.
- The people of Israel complained to Moses and desired to go back to Egypt.
- This story invites us to think about what it means to have faith to move forward and trust God.

Matthew 26:17-29
- This was a Passover meal held annually to help the people of Israel to celebrate the great exodus event, freedom from slavery in Egypt.
- Jesus transformed the meaning of this meal to point to what he was about to do on the cross for the world.
- Reactions of the disciples: Peter is furious. Thomas doesn’t understand. John is astonished with fear. Judas wonders how much Jesus knows about his plan to betray him. What’s your reaction?
- Exodus points to a future hope. Jesus will lead the new exodus!
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