kreilly

What is at the root of the elder brother's anger towards his father? Have you ever experienced that kind of anger toward God? How do you get rid of that kind of nasty hidden anger? I think the real root of the anger is jealousy. He was angry because he is jealous of the fact that his brother could go out and live such a sinful lifestyle which he felt should have angered his father and gained him greater favor. Instead, his father is joyful that his lost son returned home. The elder brother does not appear to be staying home out of love for his father but more of a sense of duty. Therefore, his work feels more like drudgery to the point of calling it slavery. He has built up much resentment over the years by comparing himself to his brother rather than cultivating his relationship with his father. He ends up being disappointed because he thought he would come out on top in the comparison game and was shocked to realize his father loves his younger brother despite his sins. The parable ends with the father urging the elder son to come into the celebration. As you read the characters, how do you think the story turned out? Did the elder son soften and come inside, or did he stiffen and remain outside? I would like to think the elder brother turned from his pride and envy and joined in the celebration. However, since he is representative of the scribes and the Pharisees and history bears out that the majority of them did not repent, it doesn't seem likely. How should we celebrate the repentance of sinners in ways that we are not already doing? That's a good question. When you think about it, the day a person repents and turns to God is THE most important day of their life. However, we hold big celebrations for other less important days--holidays, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries. We should probably be having big celebrations on the day a person turns their life over to God. I guess it's difficult because it is an unplanned event. We never know when our hearts will be pricked, so we can't plan ahead and say, on this day in the future, I will repent, let's have a big celebration. However, we know heaven is rejoicing beyond anything that can happen hear on earth and those of us who are made aware of the repentance are celebrating and rejoicing with the new believer.

Why does the father restore the son so quickly to full sonship? What do we learn about God in this parable? What difference should this knowledge make in our life and ministry? The father is eagerly awaiting the son's return so he can forgive and restore him. When we stray, God is longing for us to return to Him and wants to forgive us as soon as we repent. He is not looking to make us pay or earn back our sonship. He doesn't hold us at arm's length until we've proved we have truly repented. He can't wait to forgive us. We should long to bring unbelievers into relationship with Him and tell them how easy it is to repent and be forgiven. We should not put up hoops they have to jump through or try to make them prove they have changed before inviting them into the body of Christ. When we have estranged relationships, we should be eagerly looking forward to reconciliation. We should be repent quickly if we have hurt someone and forgive quickly if we have been wronged, not setting up conditions for forgiveness or asking someone to prove themselves before we can forgive them. It is hard to do after being hurt, but God will help us to do so.

What do "large crowds" (14:25) have to do with Jesus' teaching in this passage? It seems like at times, Jesus is trying to thin the crowds down by saying unpopular things, so that those who are not true followers will go home. He is separating the wheat from the chaff. What does "carrying your cross" having to do with "hating your own life"? (14:26b-27) We must die to ourselves and surrender our life in order to follow Jesus, therefore, we hate, or despise our own life. What is the point of the Parable of Building the Tower? (14:28-30) If you think about it in light of carrying our cross, we have to realize that again, we must give up everything to follow Christ. We can't know in advance what we will actually sacrifice in order to follow Him. We give it up spiritually, in advance, on the day we give our life to Him, and also many times after that as our hearts latch back on to the things of this world. Sometimes these things are removed physically and sometimes they remain. It is a reminder that following Christ is not easy and will not result in an easy, comfortable life in this world. Our Lord and Savior was persecuted and we can expect nothing except the same. What does saltiness represent in 14:34? Should people be able to tell that you are a Christian? How? How can we walk the fine line between being a witness and coming across "holier than thou"? I hope that people would be able to tell that I am a Christian. That seems to be the reputation that precedes me. I don't think I am a very good witness as sometimes I fall into gossiping at work or idle talk. But I do notice that people seem to be predisposed to talk to me about religious matters and I think that must be because they see something in me that I don't see in myself. I try to represent Christ well but I fail all the time. I think the important thing about not coming across holier than thou is to examine our own spiritual pride and ask God to keep us humble. Jesus is the judge, not us.

How credible are the invited guests' excuses for not coming? (14:18-20) Who do the invited guests in the parable represent? I was convicted by these excuses because they sound like the exact ones I use when the Lord invites me to spend time with Him and I don't take Him up on it. Instead I say I have to clean my house, go to work, or have a family commitment. Lord, forgive me for making these types of excuses. I thank You for dying on the cross so that my sins are covered because I am no better than these Pharisees.

Why does the "narrowness" of the door have to do with the point Jesus is communicating in this parable? I agree with the point "Godswriter" made, the door is narrow because Jesus is the only way. No other belief or faith will allow one to enter heaven. Extra Credit. Jesus' command to struggle to enter the narrow door is a very strong one -- agōnizomai, "strive, struggle, fight." How do you justify this kind of command with the Bible doctrine of predestination and election? Is it man's effort or God's that is required? (Note: Please be kind to one another as you discuss this. You may disagree on some points and maybe never understand completely. Be loving.) Once we decide to follow Christ, Satan will try to knock us off that path. We have to struggle against our natural, sinful impulses and against his attacks to stay on the road to enter the narrow door. We are in a spiritual battle. Jesus completed the work on the cross, but we have to demonstrate our faith in His Work of salvation. God already knows who will enter, we make the decision ourselves whether or not we will follow. In verse 30, who are the "last" who become first, and who are the "first" who become last? I think those who have been blessed on this earth and strove to live comfortable lives rather than pursue God are the first who become last, those who were persecuted or suffered for their faith and did not let any earthly thing deter them are the last who become first.

In what area are you discouraged? (Be honest now....) How can you apply this parable to your discouragement? Ever since my husband passed, I am feeling discouraged as I go through this season of grief. It is hard for me to have a vision or hope for my future on earth at this present time. I just feel sad. I suppose that at some point, my joy will return and God will grant me a renewed sense of purpose and vision, but right now I just feel discouraged.

Describe the woman Jesus sees in the synagogue, using the text as well as your imagination. What did she look like? How old do you think she was? How do you think she felt? How did people in her community feel about her? I picture her as elderly because everyone I have ever seen with severe spinal curvature has been elderly. I'm sure she was miserable not being able to stand up straight, having to be in such an awkward position all of the time, especially suffering this as a result of an attack from the devil. It seems to me that people in her community supported her by allowing her into the synagogue and being so thrilled and excited when she was healed (except for the synagogue president), unlike other examples in the Bible where people were clearly outcasts from their community or bickering broke out as to whose sin caused the affliction. What effect did Jesus' proclamation in verse 12 have on the woman's healing? Why do you think Jesus laid his hands upon her? If she was completely healed by His proclamation, maybe He laid hands on her to let her know she was loved and accepted by Him. Extra Credit. Does Satan have any "rights" to afflict us with disease? Are there any just grounds for this? Or is he a complete usurper? That is a good question. I don't know that he really has "rights" but God does seem to allow him to afflict us. Additionally, ever since the fall, he has been wreaking havoc on earth. I think disease is one method he uses to attack us. I think all bad things that happen come from one of two sources (or often a combination of the two)--attacks from Satan and his demons or our own sin that comes from our fleshly desires and giving in to temptation. God often turns these bad things around and redeems them for His Glory. He turns the bad to good, brings beauty out of ashes. The world He originally created contained nothing bad or evil and it will be the same in the New Heaven and New Earth. Satuan is a usurper because he is in rebellion against God and the world is not right because of his attacks and temptations and our sin. We invited him in and now we are paying the price for it.

Why does the Gospel of Peace often bring divisions in our families? What can we do about that? Why does Jesus even mention it? (12:49-53) When one is saved and the other is not, it brings distress to the one who is saved, worrying about the lost one's salvation, wondering why they won't come to Jesus. The one who is not saved will likely feel judged (as I did before I gave my life to Christ). This causes a rift in the relationship and prevents it from becoming as deep as a relationship between to believers who share the bond brotherhood in Christ. Jesus knew this division would occur and warned us about it so we would be prepared for it and not let it interfere with our relationship with Him. Not even family can stand in the way of our relationship with Jesus. What are the "signs" in our own day that point to the soon coming of the Son of Man and judgment? (12:54-56) I agree with the answers given above. I don't think there is anything more to add. What lessons does the Parable of the Guilty Defendant teach us disciples? (12:57-59) To fall on Christ's mercy while it is available to us, while we are yet living. What lessons does Jesus' commentary on tragic deaths teach us disciples? What are we supposed to get out of this? (13:1-5) Like the man who was born blind, Jesus emphasizes there is not a cause/effect relationship between sin and tragedy. We live in a fallen world where bad things happen to "good" people. Don't judge people for the tragedies that befall them. However, this does not excuse us for engaging in sinful behavior that brings natural, negative consequences. What lessons does the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree teach us disciples? What does this parable mean to you personally? (13:6-8) I'm so thankful that Jesus is patient with me and desired for me to come to Him for salvation and bear fruit. He is not only patient with us but strives to help us bear fruit for His glory, just as the gardener worked to assist the fig tree with bearing fruit. He doesn't expect us to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and bear fruit on our own. We only need ask Him and He will help us.

Why are church leaders tempted to become petty masters rather than servants to their fellow servants? What is the sad analogy to this parable's beating, and luxury, and drunkenness. (Rule: In your answer, no denomination bashing. Don't look at others' failings. Look at the potential that exists in you and in your own congregation. There's plenty of blame to go around.) I think maybe sometimes church leaders who completely turn away from their Master have lost their faith. Deep down, they just don't believe in Him anymore or that He is coming back. Do you believe God has entrusted you with "little" or "much"? What can you be doing to maximize your potential as a productive servant in God's household? Because you have been given much, what "more" do you think God is now asking of you? God has entrusted me with much. I was raised in a household where I was taken to church at an early age. I had a good education where I was taught to read. I have always had access to the Bible. I have always had my physical needs met without strenuous physical labor. I have had amazing Bible teachers. I have the ability to share my faith without being physically attacked or thrown into prison. I'm glad this question was asked. It makes me realize I need to seek the Spirit more to find out how to maximize my potential as a productive servant. I don't feel very productive these days, ever since my husband passed away. I need to seek to find out what more He is asking of me.

What kind of energy and investment does it require of the servants to be ready during the nighttime hours? I think Irmela hit it on the head when she said the servants are looking forward to the master's return. I was thinking the same thing. This is what enables them to be ready for his return at all hours of the day or night. Their devotion to the master is apparent by their actions. They are excited and eagerly awaiting his return, not just working out of a sense of duty or fear. They love their master. The master in Jesus' parable is pretty strange (12:37). When he arrives home and is pleased with his servants, he fixes them dinner! What is the point of this part of the parable? Obviously, this is not a typical master/servant relationship. The servants love their master and the master loves his servants as well, so much so that he is willing to serve them. It is a love relationship, not a work relationship Let's get personal. What helps you keep your spiritual edge? What kinds of things cause you to lose your spiritual alertness? Don't speak hypothetically, but personally. Some of the things that help me stay sharp are reading my Bible, journaling, participating in Bible study, praying, watching sermons, worship, acts of service, and talking about Jesus with others. The three main things that dull my alertness are getting busy with work, watching mind numbing TV, and eating/finding joy in food.

Why should you sell possessions and give to the poor (12:32). What sense does that make? Interesting that Jesus restates this here as a general principle to everyone, as well as telling it to the rich young ruler. I think we can so often ignore this teaching in the context of the rich, young ruler because we can be like--that was his problem, it's not my problem, I don't need to do that, plus I'm not all that rich. However, in this case, Jesus is just stating this as a general rule for life. It is a way to demonstrate that you are not owned by your possessions. Having too much really just impedes your ability to serve God, because you are busy "taking care" of all of the stuff that you own-cleaning, maintaining, repairing, replacing. That said, it is a struggle for me every day. I definitely have too much stuff. Much of it is sentimental. The other is decorative because I like things to be beautiful. I spend far too much time taking care of my "stuff" may God forgive me. In the end, I think that is why as we age, we end up living in a room with just a few clothes (maybe just a hospital gown) and only our basic needs being met. God has to force us to realize we don't need stuff, we need Him. Where is your treasure? Where is your heart? (12:34) How can you know? As I mentioned above, I am still a work in progress. I pray every day that he will mold my heart and shape me into the person He wants me to be, enlarging my heart to love Him more. I am critical of myself. I focus on my shortcomings and am aware of all the wanderings of my heart. I pray that He will purify and cleanse me and help me follow Him better.

Count the number of times you find the personal pronouns "I," "me," "my" in verses 13-21. What is the significance of this? The significance for me is the conviction about how often I do this as I go through my day. When I get up--what do I want to eat? When I get to work--what am I going to work on first? When I get home--what do I want to do now? Most of my day is so focused on myself and thinking about what I want rather than asking the Holy Spirit what He has planned for me. I really need to change my mindset. How would you define greed? What other areas of life besides material wealth can greed affect? I think most people already gave a good definition about unhealthy or excessive desire for things. I think Irmela brought up a good point about how people will begin to go against what is right (even to the point of breaking the law) as greed becomes more and more of a stronghold in their life. First, people may compromise their principles/integrity, then this can erode further as they become more caught up in their desires. Greed and addiction are tied together. People can be addicted to almost anything. This goes back to a point Hanks made that greed can become idolatry if we give in to it. Whatever we are greedy for and seek after or pursue with all of our heart--that becomes our idol/god. Does concern for justice in financial matters always involve greed? (12:13) How can you tell if it does or not? No, if we have been financially wronged and are truly seeking justice then no greed is involved. Is it more likely for a poor man or a rich man to be greedy? Why did you choose the answer you did? I can only speak from an American perspective, so I don't really know anyone who is poor to the degree that occurs in other countries. In America, I don't find much difference. Greed is a condition of the heart. I know poor people who spend the little bit they get on cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol rather than feeding their children. That's greedy. I do think, however, that it is extremely difficult to be rich without having a skewed view of what seems "normal" for the amount of possessions a person should have. It is difficult for a person to be rich and realize how little he/she can live on and use the rest to bless others and glorify God. Being rich is a great temptation to spend money on oneself. The rich man seems like a wise agribusinessman. Where does Jesus fault him? What was the man's error? I think his greatest error is not tithing. As I mentioned before, greed brings with it the temptation to compromise and do the wrong thing. How does one become rich towards God? (12:21) Matthew 25:35-40 reminds us that when we bless the "least of these" we are blessing Jesus HImself.

In the light of speaking and thinking positively, how should we evaluate Jesus' use of fear to motivate his disciples? How should this influence our own motivational methods? I guess if it's a good enough method for Jesus to use, it's good enough for us! However, I agree that it needs to be balanced with messages of God's love, just as Jesus does here when He talks about how God loves His children much more than the sparrows and even knows the numbers of hairs on their heads. How do you know that it is God, rather than Satan, spoken of in 12:5-6, who can both kill men and throw them into hell? Jesus tells us to fear the One who can cast us into hell. Throughout all of scripture, the message is to fear God, no one else. Jesus would not be telling us to fear anyone other than God. We are never told to fear Satan, only to beware of him and his ploys. Extra Credit: Christians in countries under Muslim and Hindu and Communist law have sometimes been executed for their faith. Is there a time to be a "secret" Christian, and what are the "rules" in those situations? We Westerners don't have to face this first hand, so we'll try not to speculate. Rather, in our e-mail discussion groups, let us hear from Christians who live in areas of active persecution. Please tell us what you have learned. We need your wisdom. I do not live in a persecuted area. However, I do support organizations that aid martyrs. I can only state what is reported in their newsletters that these martyrs have shared. I will share what I know as I am sure they would not be able to participate in an online study like this without endangering themselves. They often do have to live their faith and gather and worship in secret. They are the underground church. They have to rely on the Holy Spirit to know when and how to share the Gospel as they cannot do it openly. The goal is to share the Gospel, not get themselves killed. However, they all seem to have the understanding that if they get caught and are asked to recant their faith in order to save their life, that is not an option. If God will forgive those who deny Christ, isn't it ultimately safer for believers to deny Christ now and then repent later? To do so would be to dishonor Christ and belittle His sacrifice for us. That statement would only be true if one considers safety only in terms of preserving this life. As Jesus points out, we should not consider preserving this life when we think of safety, rather we should consider the safety of our eternal soul. Why would we want to risk our soul by denying Christ and repenting later? There is no safety in that!

What kinds of hypocrisy have you personally had to struggle with the most? I struggle with people pleasing. I am a coward about telling people hard truths. I just want to get along with everyone. However, Jesus modeled for us to tell people the truth whether they would accept it or not. If I have surrendered my life to Jesus and worship Him, I should take courage and do as He did, regardless of what people's reactions will be. I am a hypocrite because I say I love and follow Jesus, but I often don't stand up for what He stands for. How can we both live humbly in our churches and still foster high standards of behavior for ourselves and one another? The Bible tells that when we see another brother caught up in sin, we should gently correct him. If he will not pay attention, then we should confront him with witnesses, then take it to the elders for them to decide. If we were humble enough to accept this correction, and humble enough to correct one another gently with the true intention of restoring the brother out of love, then we could live humbly together while still expecting the high standards taught in the Bible. When we correct one another or receive correction, it is not really from us, but the Holy Spirit leading us by what is written in the scriptures.

Why do you think Jesus and his disciples didn't follow the Pharisees' practice of ritual washing before meals? (11:38; see also Mark 7:14-23) I wonder about that. Did he never do it? Or did he skip it on this occasion so that he could teach this lesson? We know he washed feet. Maybe because He is God in the flesh and was already clean, but that wouldn't explain why his disciples didn't wash. What modern-day examples can you think of that illustrate cleansing the outside of the vessel but leaving the inside unwashed? (11:39-40) I think anytime we lose sight of the big picture--Jesus and building His Kingdom--and focus on the minutiae--men's traditions, small details. I once went to a church where there was a rift about the songs being sung. The young people had gone to camp and wanted to sing the more upbeat songs from the camp. The elderly people didn't want to sing the new songs because they didn't know them. Instead of loving one another, they bickered and passive aggressively complained about the other group. As a new Christian, it was so obvious to me this was wrong and easily solved with a little communication and putting others first, but they couldn't see it in themselves because they had lost sight of the church's mission. What is wrong with seeking to be seen and approved of by others? (11:43) What in us might tempt us to seek acclaim? Whether seeking to be seen and approved of because of selfishness and pride or a desire for people pleasing, anytime we take our focus off pleasing the Lord, first and foremost, it is wrong. The age old inner desire to be worshiped and take the place of God tempts us to seek acclaim. In what ways do you see Pharisaical attitudes in yourself? What are you doing to counter them? I find myself taking a Pharisaical attitude when I hear about someone who has committed some great sin and I somehow imagine myself to be better than them. I think that if I had lived through those circumstances, I would have made better decisions, done things differently, etc. But the older I get the more I realize I can't know that I would have done anything better because I haven't walked in their shoes...There but for the grace of God go I. We are all equally dependent on His grace for forgiveness, and all equally lost without trusting Him for salvation--no matter how "good" a life we lived

In what way does our spiritual enlightenment depend upon the health of our spiritual eyes? What sharpens our spiritual discernment? What dulls it? I loved Pastor Ralph's analogy of the eyes being lenses that can let light in. That really helped me understand this passage, which had often confused me in the past. If we let the light of Jesus in because we are looking for good, not searching for evil, as he referred to filtering what we let our minds focus on, then we will be enlightened because we are dwelling on the things of Jesus. Things that sharpen our spiritual discernment are reading and studying the word, praying, and asking the Holy Spirit for guidance. Things that dull our spiritual discernment are seeking after pleasure or satisfaction through the pursuit of idols. How do we recover our spiritual discernment from years spent in sin or a cult or a rigid, legalistic church? In Christ, nothing is ever wasted. We can repent and turn back to him at any time. Pursuing a close relationship with Him will enable us to regain spiritual discernment anew. It is never too late to seek after Him. He can turn our life around regardless of how many years we may have wasted pursuing the wrong things.

What are the dangers of seeing Christianity mainly in terms of family pride and responsibility, like the woman in the crowd? I think the old saying is God only has children, not grandchildren. Your faith has to be your own and Jesus has to be the reason for it, not just following a family tradition or not wanting to disappoint your family. Having a relationship with Him is what our faith is based on. Family can become an idol if it is more important to us than Jesus

2. Does the parable teach that God won't help us unless we insist? What's the essential lesson of this parable? I think the parable is teaching about persistence, perseverance, and not giving up. Sometimes that is the lesson God wants us to learn. Sometimes He wants to grow us up into maturity and has answered our prayer--not necessarily by providing what we asked for but by filling us with His Holy Spirit instead. We don't always see it when our prayers are answered with the better gift (Holy Spirit) rather than the lesser gift (whatever we were asking for).

It is so true that this occurs in so many families. Thankfully, the damage to a child's personality can be healed through developing a relationship with The Father. A person might not know their earthly father, or their father might not be willing to work to heal the relationship, or may have passed away. However, when we develop a relationship with our Heavenly Father, He will not hurt us in those ways and will heal us from those past hurts if we let Him. He can show us how a father really should be. There is nothing He can't redeem!

Why do we seek to be independent of asking anyone for help? Why do we seek to be independent of God? Why should we ask God to "give" us daily bread so long as we can earn a living for ourselves? Confession time--I was shocked by my immediate thought to Pastor Ralph's question "Should we thank God for our food if we have earned the money for it by our own labor?" The first thought that came into my mind was no instead of yes. I had a fleeting thought of I earned it why should I be thankful, despite the fact that I know in my head that of course, I should be thankful to God for everything I have. It all belongs to Him. But my heart is rebellious and is tempted to believe the insidious cultural brainwashing that occurs every time you turn on the radio, tv, or just talk to someone--you deserve it, you are strong and powerful, put yourself first, you're worth it. These messages can slip into our minds unconsciously and come out when we don't expect them. I have realized that I have been spending too much time in front of the tv instead of studying His word. Hence my starting back up with this Bible Study. Why should we bring God into the fact of our tempting circumstances? Can't we expect God to deliver us from sins automatically? There is something so freeing about confession. Just naming a sin or temptation can begin the release of its power over you. Trying to cover up and keep secrets will never help you acknowledge that you have a problem. If you don't acknowledge you have a problem, you will never address it. Instead, you will live in denial. God knows this is true. It is the reason He commands us to confess, not to shame us, but to release us from sin's hold over us. Asking is the first step in receiving the power of the Spirit to overcome our temptation.

Martha was a spiritual woman. How was she seeking to honor Jesus? Mary was a spiritual woman. How was she seeking to honor Jesus? This is an interesting question to me. Obviously, Martha is seeking to honor Jesus by inviting Him into her home and providing a large meal for Him and His guests. I'm not sure that Mary was seeking to honor Jesus, but she did honor Jesus. She honored Him because she sat at His feet and listened in what I can only imagine was rapt adoration. I believe she was worshiping Him. Maybe she wasn't bowing down, but when our hearts are completely open and hanging on the words of our Savior, that is worship. It reminds me of the verse "Obedience is better than sacrifice." Martha was making a sacrifice to open her home and work hard to produce a large meal (albeit with resentment festering in her heart), but Mary sat obediently listening at Jesus' feet. Mary would later know the lessons Jesus taught and be able to live by them and teach them to others.

I think this is a great answer to question 4.

Why do you think God takes delight in revealing himself to spiritual novices instead of sophisticated scholars? Spiritual novices are humble and seeking for Him to reveal Himself. Sophisticated scholars think they already know everything so they aren't seeking revelation. God delights in those who humble themselves and seek Him first. We ourselves delight in spending time with people who listen to us rather than those who think they know everything and tell us how we should think, act, feel.

If the demons were subject to the Seventy's command in Jesus' name, should they be subject to our command today? Why or why not? What did the Seventy have that we don't? What do we have that the Seventy didn't? I think they should be, however, I personally don't feel like I have much control over demons/demonic influences. I agree with others that demons definitely have no authority over a Christian, so in that way we have authority. I've never thought much about the average Christian casting out demons. I always thought that was a job for a priest or something. To be honest, I didn't really believe too much in demon possession. However, after talking to fellow Christians and reading Pastor Ralph's article on demonic influence and possession (sorry, I can't remember the exact name of the article), I have come to a clearer understanding of how prevalent and common demonic influences are in the world. Now I understand that when some people talk and act in certain ways they may actually be under the control of demonic influences. I have never actually attempted to command a demon to do anything. I guess I have never had the courage because the person I am facing doesn't even realize they are under the influence of a demon. Maybe if I just tried...things would be different. I have prayed for God to rescue people from demons, but maybe I haven't really done my part. The Seventy had face to face contact and direct discipleship from Jesus Himself. We have the New Testament Scriptures. Why did the disciples' report of their power of demons prompt Jesus to recall the Fall of Satan from Heaven? I think Irmela made a good point when she said their casting out of demons reminded Jesus of the original casting out of Satan from Heaven. What does Jesus' declaration, "Nothing shall by any means hurt you," include? What does it mean here? Is it to be interpreted physically or spiritually, literally or figuratively? I initially thought in this case it was literal, until I realized Jesus said this after they returned from their mission trip. When He sent them out, I do think He covered them with special protection and that is why He told them not to take money or supplies with them. But it appears that this is referring to the future, so I think it must be that nothing can hurt them spiritually/figuratively, as we know many of them were eventually martyred. Why should we rejoice that our names are written in heaven? What does that mean? Why are we often tempted to rejoice over much lesser things? We should rejoice that our names are written in heaven, because that means we are saved from eternal damnation. It is human nature to rejoice over lesser things, such as casting out spirits, or other things we count as our successes because we are naturally self-centered. We have to work to deny ourselves and live for His glory only.

Why are the disciples sent to both the receptive and the unreceptive? Why are they to say to each, "The kingdom of God is near you"? They are sent to the receptive and unreceptive because they can't tell the difference until after they share their message as to how it will be received. Therefore, they must share it with everyone. I assume they say "The kingdom of God is near you" because Jesus was ushering in the kingdom at that time. Are people already under God's judgment, or only become so if they reject Jesus' message? We are all under God's judgment until we receive Jesus' perfect gift of salvation through His atoning sacrifice that covers our sins.