[83. Zacchaeus]

1. What do we learn about Zacchaeus in verses 1-4? He saught to overcome his stature to see the real Jesus. Limiting yourself to these verses, what do you know about Zacchaeus? Goal setting overcomer of his physical limits. About his life, his hopes, his desires? He was into the real, not the imaginary. He wanted to see the ohysical Jesus.
2. Why do the townspeople despise Zacchaeus so much? He was are of the occupying governments enforcement of taxation,
3. How do you think Jesus knew Zacchaeus' name? Yes.  By divine knowledge? Yes. From the bystanders? No,e he called him before the reaction of the crowd who had no readon to notice Zacchaeus before this.
4. Why do you think Jesus said that he MUST stay at Zacchaeus' house that very day? He only did what he saw his father doing. What risk did Jesus take in doing this? Truly is there really a risk if we obey a curaately what the ho,y spirit is telling us to do? What were the implications of this action to the bystanders? The become aware there is much more depth to ‘no rspector of persons’.  To Zacchaeus? Astonishment, then amazement at the pronouncement of saving grace.
5. Which aspects of Jesus' ministry to Zacchaeus seem to motivate him the most? (1) Jesus' love and acceptance? (2) Jesus' reputation? (3) Zacchaeus' consciousness of his sinfulness? Others?
6. How does our cynicism about people keep us from presenting Christ to them? I would say we fail to plow the ground and go freelancing instead of working a prepared ground forvour crop. Can we be open and loving without being vulnerable and overly trusting? Strange balance easy to go beyond appropriate. Never should we move the focus to ourself as source not God through the word and Jesus intercession. What's the balance? Keep praying you hear the spirit for go and stop. How do we achieve this? Prayer.
7. Which shepherd role does Jesus comment on in this passage? Shepherd. (19:10) In what ways can his disciples be involved in this role? It is our nob these days. Find the lost sheep, bring them to the fold.

[82. Bartimaeus]

1. What motivates Blind Bartimaeus to call out to Jesus? His revelation that IS 35:5-6 was walking toward him. What motivates the bystanders to try to stop him? They are bystanders, not spiritually aware of the gift. They are about the show.
2. What can we learn about Bartimaeus' faith by the evidence of his actions and his words? He is acting upon his spiritual revelation.
3. What were the political and spiritual implications of the phrase "Son of David"?It is declairation that the messiah is there.
4. Why did Jesus ask the blind man, "What do you want me to do for you?" To understand the basis of his faith.  What was Jesus' purpose in asking the question? Receive a prophet as a prophet you may receive the prophets reward. He is saying I recognize what the prophecy says I may expect.
5. In what ways is the question, "What do you want Jesus to do for you?" a good question for disciples today to ask? We build upon firm foundations. For the gift delivered in answer to prayer to take hold and last… the recipient must truly value the answer. An answer from the heavenly relm, not a piece of candy from God’s vending.
6. In what sense did the blind man's own faith heal him? He reported his foundation.  If he had faith, why hadn't he been healed before? The messiah was not present. He believed in a certain promise. Look that the crippled man stayed at the pool and never is reported as going to the temple for a miracle.
7. What was the blind man's response after being healed? He began to praise. In what ways is this a good model for us? We overcome by the gospel and the word of OUR testemony.. so many of us do not truly value what has been done for us as a powerful tool for the Lord.

[81. Leaving All]

1. Why is impossible for rich people to enter the Kingdom of God? Their value system is worldly. Is it really impossible? Until ones value system is in the blood shed for them they remain dead in the spirit. Is Jesus speaking in hyperbole in order to make a point? Making a point. Why or why not? (18:24-27) Because our focus must become what Christ paid with his life for. The harvest of lost souls. There is no other priority. Each must take their proper place in that work.
2. How is Peter's question in 18:28 similar to Jesus' direction in 18:22? He was asking of what to compare. In what sense must disciple give up everything to follow Jesus? Everything which is blocking your path into your calling needs removed.  How literally should we take this? Very, realizing that each of us is different and what is blocking our advancement into God’s purpose is different.
3. Are the rewards Jesus promises in 18:29-30 literal or figurative? Once the spiritual relm becomes important to one, spiritual blessings are far more valuable than worldly trophies. Acts 4:31 applies.
4. How do Jesus' sacrifices to follow the Father's will parallel our own sacrifices to follow Jesus. The Lord assumed the required role.  What are the points of comparison? Ones life including power, position, expectations. What are the points of contrast? What have you given up that the Lord asked if you would take the next step. Position, trophies, so far for me. (18:31-34)

[80. Rich Young Ruler]

1. What does the Scripture tell us about this man? Rich and young. What do we know about him from his words, his manner, and his actions? (Feel free to include parallels from Matthew and Mark in your profile of the man.) He uses the word inherit, as in take posession of in hebrew thought. That is not receive the giftvof or harvest as a crop by effort. How to have ownership of/in eternal life.
2. What do we learn about Jesus from this encounter? He is exacting on his requirements. What does this account tell us about him? He requires obediance of what we are told to do to receive of the kingdom.
3. Why does Jesus challenge the man's seemingly innocent form of address: "Good teacher"? What is Jesus' point? Why does Jesus interrupt answering the man's question to make a big thing about something so small? He is not impressed with flattery. He does not allow recognition of persons status.
4. Why does Jesus tell him to sell all his possessions? He wants to inherit, take poessuon of heavenly here after. Is this something Jesus requires of everyone? If you want ownership on an ownership basis then you must eely only on the source of the inheritance. If not, why single out this man? This applies to everyone that wants ownership not grace.
5. How are we to generalize about "selling all our possessions"? We are not if we want inhertance, instead of gift or grace.  What application does this have to us? If we want ownership there is requirement to fully join the family. Not live worldly and think we belong to inherit as a legal right.
6. Why did Jesus designate the poor to be the recipients of the man's wealth, do you think? Who needs the blessing of posessions, those without them.
7. Could the man have followed Jesus without divesting himself of what he held dear? Yes but he asked for inheritance not grace. Can you? I would not attempt to. Can anyone? I have serious doubts that shiuld be attempted.

[79. Little Children]

1. What is the point of the parable that precedes the incident of Jesus and the Little Children? That our righteousness, what we think or do carry in annointing and trophies of our christain work are if no account. It is our need if Christ not our have that is right relationship. Why is that important to the interpretation of this passage? Because the children know they are welcome as they are not for what they can bring. They know in the culture they are considered unimportant. (18:9-14)
2. Why would parents want to bring their babies and little children to Jesus? (18:15a) The tradition of bringing children to the temple or synagog on the 8th day or other for blessing. 
3. Why did the disciples rebuke the parents? The did not understand Jesus value system well. What was the disciples' view of the children's importance? Not appropriate concern for the lords time. How did they see their actions as serving Jesus' interests? It was a teaching point for the disciples, a demonstration to the people that the kingdom of God cared for all, not a select few. (18:15b)
4. Why did Jesus interrupt his teaching to call all the children in the crowd to him at this point? I see the fishnet filled to breaking. The harvest will be all that can be drawn. In what sense is this a "teachable moment"? It causes inspection of ones values of those who are not yet mature and can do little for the kingdom now, yet are important for their future service.(18:16)
5. What point is Jesus making by inviting the children to come freely? He is demonstrating the open welcome will draw all not just narrow selections. It is the welcome to outcasts that brings many in. How does Jesus follow up on his action? He makes sure the disciples hear that it is the acceptance of the children as having value though they seem to have little to bring that creates a joyous gather.
6. Children have lots of endearing (and not so endearing) characteristics. Which characteristics of children is Jesus pointing to in this context that he wants would-be disciples to emulate? To come openly and joyously.
7. In what way does Jesus' teaching here offer hope to us who read it today? Oh so many are burdened, downtrodden, ensnared in passed things. The Lord asked me why I was looking for the best fruit on the vine. Did I not trust Him to repair the weak, poor, damaged fruit. It is the damaged ones that give the greatest testamony and show the Lords loving kindness to the great cloud of wittnesses.

[78. Pharisee, Publican]

1. What makes us confident in our own righteousness? I am confident in the grace Christ paid for me. Only that.. (18:9) Have you ever known anyone like this? Many. Been this way yourself? It is always a temptation to move self to importance not up on your personal cross.  What causes it? Failure to be guided by the holy spirit and moving forward on our own understanding.  What are the symptoms? Not hearing the still small voice.
2. In what ways do twenty-first century Christians look down on others? As in all centuries before those who adopt the label of christian without developing the content. Who are the people we look down on? I tend to look down on self righteous christians and shepherds fleecing their flocks. Eze 34 applies. I need to be praying for them.  How does this grieve Jesus' heart? He paid the price for all the friut on the vine, not just the best looking.   How does it injure the cause of Jesus' church? The poor will always be with you. Not the rich. Best pay heed to their need of salvation.
3. What did the Pharisee's prayer consist of? Me Me Me I I I What does that tell us about him?He was about self not others.  (18:11-12) What did the tax collector's prayer consist of? Forgive me for I so need it from you. What do his prayer and his body language tell us about him? (18:13).He was humble before the Lord.
4. Extra Credit. In what way can the forgiveness of gross sin feel like a threat to the righteous person? They fail to understand the great sin of the zealous Saul of Tarsis.  How can the righteous person avoid feeling threatened? Understand where that righteousness price was paid for, and by who. Should Christians consider themselves righteous persons? If we see plainly Jesus paid for and provides it. Not we by any self actions.  Is this consistent with humility? Yes.
5. In what way (if any) does looking down on a sinner constitute a sin? I elevates everyones worst sin. Self. Does forgiveness from this sin require humbling? It requires honesty with God. You may require humbling if you are not yet humble. What kind of humbling is appropriate? What ever causes one to learn their lesson of the constant danger of self. If Jesus were in the confessional speaking to you about this, what penance should he prescribe for your sin? Verse three of old rugged cross. Lay down your trophies to your self.

[77. Unjust Judge]

1. Describe the judge in this parable. What do we know about his motivations? (18:2, 4-5) For what ever reason he was not giving consideration to the widows just request. He became motivated by the persistence of the widow. Like a boxer constantly being hit with a jab to the face. The judge was not being over powered. He was being belittled by the widows persistant attack.
2. Describe the widow. What makes her tick? Why do you think she is so persistent? (18:3) She was much like my 4 ft 10 1/2 inch mother. Buckle down, face the problem and just keep coming until you win. Persistance is always a weapon of choice. It takes less effort to jab than body punch. And once you have beaten the face until swelling about the eyes causes vision problems to the opponent. Victory is assured. They nolonger see the attack to defend themselves. A standard Greek Olympic boxing tactic.
3. What is the stated purpose why Jesus told this parable? (18:1) Be persistant if your cause is just.
4. What kinds of things can happen that cause us to lose hope, and lose any heart to pray consistent and believing prayers? Our own impatience or lack of true resolve. How can we get out of these "pits"? If we are attacking a wall or fortification, then persistance is adjacent to breakthrough. And victory follows. Keep on wth the attack. Do not turn away. Realize the wall of resistance is a sure sign you are near victory
5. How can we believe in swift justice from God when he hasn't brought it yet? Because he is assembling the ‘great cloud of witnesses’. Trials are tests. We pass and grow in trust in God when we continue as directed until we win.  Not by looking for an alt route.
6. Do YOU think Jesus will find faith on the earth when he returns? Of the faithful, yes. Why or why not? Because we have matured to understand we are in God’s game and not our own. We are to perform as directed, not run about gathering trophies for ourselves.
7. What is this parable saying to you personally? Continue in assigned mission.  What disciple-lesson are you taking away from this? God sent me to a specific church to pray them through the change time as they grow from small family church to 150 plus or more. Two years in, quite concerned with apparent lack of progress the message arrived.. ‘I didn’t tell you it would be easy’. And understanding came. The greatest resistance and slowest rate of advance is the seige at the wall of your victory. Do not stop the attack. Constant pressure and persistence wins.

[76. Taken, Left]

1. What two things do the "days of Noah" have in common with the "days of Lot"? What point is Jesus making by comparing his coming to those events? (17:26-30).The end has been declaired, those who are righteous in their desires to walk in God’s ways eill have salvation.  The skepticle worldly will remain in the destruction.
2. At his coming is Jesus going to bring peace or punishment? Peace to ‘His’ people faithful to follow him, seek the lost for him. Punishment will come to the disobediant.
3. Jesus warns those on the roof or in the field not to go back to get their possessions. Why? What does this have to do with Lot's wife? (17:31-32) when heaven is calling head for our new home. Their is absolutly nothing of earth worth brining to the eternal life.
4. What does "trying to keep one's life" have to do with turning to get one's possessions? Having  self’s desires rather than God’s plan. What is the paradox here that trying to save one's life results in losing it? Explain. (17:31-33) You can preserve your self choices orcyou have already learned to allow Christ to live hisclife through you ministering the good news of the gospel rather than kiving for self.
5. Jesus tells of people in close physical proximity to each other, and warns that one will be taken and the other left. What does this teach us about the nature of Jesus' coming? Where will they be taken? What happens to those who are left? (17:34-35) It is our inner spiritual dedication to be one with God’s plan for us on earth rescuing his lost, stollen, deceived sheep that will select us to go on in the spirit of life. Life being with God. I believe they will experience total evil as only those who chose worldy ways are lect behind.
6. What does Jesus' parable of the gathering vultures teach us about his location when he comes? (17:37) The signs of his coming will be in the sky. They will have some period of warning as did the men of Sodom as Abraham saught them to turn from their intent. The vultures perhaps are the enemies spiritual parties who will begin to gather when God removes any restraint of righteousness.

[75. Kingdom]

1. How could the Kingdom be in or in the midst of the Pharisees? (17:20-21) Jesus was the manifested presence of kigndom authority. Luk 11:20  But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. Jesus was walking out the prophetic proclamations of the Messah’s ministry. So ‘in the midst’ of them their very culture and society.
2. How do we know for certain that the real messiah won't be the subject of messiah-sightings in the next decade or two? (17:22-23) He will be seen by all arriving as with a lightning strikes suddenss.
3. According to 17:24, will Jesus' coming be secret or public? Very open for all to see.
4. Why was it so difficult for the disciples to comprehend that Jesus had to suffer? It was not clear to them that the teacher they knew was also the Lamb of God. The perfect one sacrifice for all.
5. There's been a lot of speculation in our own day about the coming of Christ. Witness the huge mainstream popularity of Tim LeHay's "Left Behind" series. What are the problems this creates for disciples? What are the strengths this offers disciples? It generates supositions of the end which are not exact to God’s actual plan. The opening of the subject of the end of the age to the public creates interest and generates conversations giving opportunity to bring the good news.

[74. Thankful Leper]

1. What do you think the lepers expected when they called out to Jesus for mercy? (17:13) Food, shelter, clothing, or actual healing? Oriental giving of alms was a standard social practice. Receiving something was expected. The healing, restoring them to social acceptance was beyond any expectation.
2. What is the significance of the lepers showing themselves to the priests? (17:14a) Conforming to the requisite social health clearance in the culture for that time. Allowed to return into society.
3. Why does Luke make the point that the lepers weren't healed until they started to obey Jesus' command? (17:14b) There is a price to pay to receive from God. There must be faith, either their own or as the man lowered on the pallet, those who helped him. There must be more than want. Obedience is a form of worship. Honoring the word.
4. What about the thankful leper's actions showed his thankfulness? (17:15-16) His offer to serve. A simple and for him perhaps the only thing he had to give as a gift of thanks. His time in public, which he may have not had for years.
5. What was Jesus' attitude toward the thankful leper? Toward the other nine lepers? (17:17-18) Here is a hint of a serious biblical truth, we must begin to gain a heart to serve others rather than hording to our self.
6. In the phrase "Your faith has saved you" (17:19b) is Jesus speaking of the leper's physical healing, or his spiritual salvation, or both? Were the nine lepers saved or healed spiritually? Why or why not? Pre reserection salvation was still remote I believe. The healing should take place. Holding onto received godly gifted things requires thanksgiving, and some tangible repentance action, change of way honoring God for his gift to you.
7. Why is it so easy to forget to thank God for his blessings?  Terribly often we find our attitude as expectation of collecting on a promise, failing to honoring the cost of the gift received.

[73. Dutiful Servants]

1. In Jesus' parable, should a slave expect his master to prepare dinner for him, or should the slave expect to prepare dinner for his master after doing his other chores? The only expectation a slave has is hope for a meal and a safe bed at the end of his or her day.
2. In the parable, the slave should not expect thanks for fixing the family dinner. Why? Slave is there to perform as requested and expected only. If not so the slave would nolonger be present, housed, or kept.
3. What does this parable say to the Pharisees, who expected God's special favor towards them because of their strict observance of the law? Nothing as they were seriously failing to perform their duties to the less fortunate. They were operating in curse territory.
4. In what ways do we citizens of the twenty-first century take God for granted, expect him to do our bidding, and become petulant when he doesn't grant our wishes? Too many think God is a vending machine responding to a few prayer coins when we desire.
5. Why is "duty" such a bad word in our culture? Rebellion in our hearts. Refusal to take up our duty. The long time military tradition is that the wishes of a superior officer are to be interpreted as an order. If you are a lax and poor performing soldier will the commander risk others lives to rescue you? Are you worth the loss, injury deaths of one or several useful soldiers commited to doing their duty? Our culture seems to expect others to carry our desire for a comfortable life though we refuse to be usefull to society.

[72. Forgiveness]

1. 1. 1. 1. Why do you think Jesus warns his disciples so strongly about not being a cause of temptation to others? Causing and/or contributing to anothers sin makes us a part and portion of their failing.   Why does Jesus use a millstone to make his point? Emphasis upon the severity of being a cause of failure as opposed to leading along the narrow path of righteousness.  Are we not to be spirit lead, saying what Jesus would say and doing what jesus would do? (17:1-2)

2. Who are the "little ones" that Jesus seeks to protect from sin? (17:2b) Jesus picked the ‘nobdy as his diciples, not the learned. Those of low or no account including especially those who would become apostles.
3. Why are we tempted to keep silent in the face of the sins of our Christian brothers and sisters against us? Mostly we will not wait upon the Holy Spirit to guide us what to say and not say. Why do we disrupt God's redemptive process when we fail to rebuke them when they sin against us? I see a take great care point here. My self should be upon the cross each day, anything done to orctoward mecis done to the one who sent me. I must act in an emmisaries role. The point being, we are trying to correct a trait, habit, or sign of a deep problem. Pray for them deeply, forgive the act, minister as guided. Once you have discerned the real issue to be healed within. “Fix this….” Is an impossibility until the proper understanding of the heart damage can be viewed. Then dealt with. We are to  befriend.
4. Extra Credit. Why is it important for every Christian to be regular part of a congregation? How else will we have the abrasive encounters which as fine sand paper begin fitting us all into ‘rightly fit in our role in the  body’ If churches are filled with such sinners, why bother? As Billy Graham’s wife wrote, “every person sitting in a pew has a battle you know nothing of.”  We best not be surface christians as disciples. We best pray until we have been given a key to their heart damage to help heal them.
5. What kind of repentance is necessary for us to forgive our brother or sister? They are free immediately with me, their sin is to the one who sent me. Their sin immediatly starts blocking their prayers. They are in dire straights. We best be exactly lead.  What are the things we're looking for in their repentance? Repentance is change direction 180 degrees. It is more fruitvof time, councel and effort than onecorrection.nWhy is it so difficult for us to confess to our brother or sister that we have sinned against them? Ego.
6. What does it mean to forgive a Christian brother or sister who has repented of a sin against you? We are to hold no anemosity toward them. As in act onward as though it never happened. Is it possible to maintain a meaningful relationship with a person who is unwilling to repent of sin? How long is seventy times seven? . Why or why not? Are we always not in the return the wayward sheep work. Is this not the of one hundred that is missing from the fold?
7. Isn't there a danger in forgiving a person who isn't "truly" repentant? Retibution belongs to God alone.  How repentant is repentant enough for us? How many times does the soft answer take to thay the hardened sinner.  Enough for God? Be kind, and let the glowing coals of truly in love left with them do itsxperfect work.
8. Why does Jesus add the "7 times" and the "7 times 70" part of his teaching? Nevercrun out of patence with the 1 constantly lost or willful sheep. The great cloud of wittnesses is learning from his/her lessons done in love. What is his intent? That our dealing with the problem person not drive away others who need ministry through their maturing time as well.
9. Why do the disciples balk at this by asking for more faith? They have yet to receive the teaching to put self on the cross daily. Theyvhavent had the Acts 2 and Acts 2:31 events in theirvlife. What does Jesus' answer about the mustard seed and the mulberry tree mean? Itvtakes timecto have resilient mature vrowth. What is his point? Give your efforts with them time. It is a small seed you plant, water it it prayer, do not uproot it.

[71. Dives-Lazarus]

1. Jesus has been teaching about money in chapter 16. What has been the essence of his teaching up to this point in the chapter? There is responsibility to use money properly.
2. What word brush strokes tell us that the rich man was rich? Fared sumptuously every day. Which tell us of Lazarus' poverty? Lying at his gate full of sores and And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table
3. In this parable, why was the rich man punished? Failure to consider a need even as close as his doorway well within even a casual interest and ability on his part.
4. What does the Old Testament teach about helping the poor that the rich man was responsible for knowing and obeying? (See Exodus 22:25-27; Exodus 23:11; Leviticus 19:9-10; Leviticus 23:22; Leviticus 25:25-28; Leviticus 25:35-37; Leviticus 25:39-43; Deut. 14:28-29; Deut. 15:2-14; Deut. 24:12-21; Deut. 26:12-13; Neh. 8:10; Psalm 37:21; Psalm 37:26; Psalm 41:1-3; Psalm 112:4-5; Psalm 112:9; Proverbs 28:27; Proverbs 29:7; Proverbs 31:9; Proverbs 31:20; Isaiah 1:17; Isaiah 16:3-4; Isaiah 58:7; Isaiah 58:10; Ezekiel 18:1-32; Daniel 4:27; Zech. 7:10) There us no time we should not be considerate and provide for some provision obtainable with dignity. Leaving gleaning in the fields at harvest registers with me.
5. Is Jesus teaching justification by works in this parable? If not, what IS he teaching? No, he is requiring consideration for others situation. For us who are saved, are we praying for those still lost? Are we seeking to actually help, or salve our conscious ? 
6. Why do some people have struggles being around poor people? We are in fear of the unknown. What are the difficulties we face in giving to the poor? Few of us are willing to consult the holy spirit for what God wants us to do. And wait for an answer! Then the enemy starts playing the guilt card.
7. What ministries and agencies in your community could you give to that directly aid the poor? We are involved with Truckers for the Homeless, a local feeding and  a national emergency drop bag effort.  My interaction with area homeless has made it clear that the nearst actual shelters with more than a ‘call us during business hours’ or occasional scheduled food give away which are not designed for actual homeless. For shelter it is two hours either East or West to find shelter, bed, meals, and christian help and counsel, work and training for one on the street. I have put many miles under my wheels late at night helping them to those ministries.

[70. Pressing Forcibly]

1. Extra Credit: How did John the Baptist's message (3:3, 16) differ from the prophets who came before him? Baptism, washed clean rather than offering scarifice.
2. Just what is the "good news of the Kingdom of God"? Put in your own words what this good news is. Essentially that the sacrifice once for all is completed. You must accept it for your self.
3. Why do you think Jesus was accused of doing away with the Law? Did he? Because he returned the teaching to the original Mosaic law not the convoluted legalism of religion as had become their custom. No,   He removed the excuses of their perversion of God’s intent.
4. Is it possible to hold a high view of the sanctity of marriage at the same time as we love as Christian brothers and sisters those who have been divorced and remarried? 1Co 7:27  Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

1Co 7:28  But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.… If you have not sought, but divorce has come upon you Jesus says ‘if a virgin marry’ indicating clean as a virgin in His eyes.

5. Why do we need to "force" our way into the Kingdom of God? Why should it be so difficult? Shouldn't salvation be easy? No. The narrow gate has been opened and we have access. But/and.. to place self on our cross daily and walk through life as Jesus did, guided by God’s spirit, ‘I only do what I see my father doing. I only say what I hear my father say….’ Getting rid of our fleshly ‘me’ and giving full Acts 4:31 relationship with the indwelling Holy Spirit is very unpleasant for self, to walk with Jesus Love and kingdom work… Truly we must force ourselves into letting go of many things dear to our self to have the more accurate ‘come follow me’.
6. How can we both press fervently towards perfection and at the same time have peace and contentment in Christ? Aren't these mutually exclusive? We become more content as see begin to bear spiritual fruit occur in our ‘wake’ as we pass through our days with the holy spirit as our director.

[69. Mammon]

1. Why was the steward in Jesus' parable (16:1-8) being fired? Improper or carelessness in handling his masters accounts. What in the passage displays his character? “Accused of mishandling his masters possession's.”
2. In what way did the steward use money to secure his future? He made sure major debtors to his master had reason to befriend him once fired.
3. What about the steward's actions does the master commend? Wisdom in gaining worldly welcome. What is the point that Jesus draws from this parable? Worldly people are wiser at using their worldly means to secure friendship than godly people are at doing deeds which gain favor in the world with God’s kingdom goodness.
4. Extra Credit: In what ways should we use money to secure our eternal future? (16:9) (This is a difficult verse for most of us. Study the exposition for clues to the answer.) We should pay attention to opportunities to bless the needy. God watches who we care for, especially it is those who have no ability to return such favour.
5. In what kinds of experiences does Jesus test and seek to mould our trustworthiness with money? Our judgement in our distribution in three areas. Tithing, giving to work of the church as outreach. And giving to less fortunate as opportunity apears.  Is it possible for a money-obsessed person to become a committed disciple of Jesus? Not if money is what is on the alter of their life. If not, how might this occur? The holy spirit needs to break the stoney heart and or remove the fear of poverty or lack driving the obsession over money from/of the world system.
6. Why are giving alms and tithing (or sacrificial, generous giving to God's work) so difficult for money-obsessed people? Fear that they must provide for themselves, which is relationship failure to God.  (Let's not debate tithing, but look to the heart issues instead that are the focus of Jesus' teaching here.)
7. In what ways are we not property "owners" but property "stewards" of what God owns? If we grasp His nature to touch those with needs our eyes are open to His desire for us moment to moment in ministering to the troubled.  What are the implications of this for our lives? We need to place selfish desires on our daily cross, and be guided through our day by him.
8. Why is it so difficult to try to serve both God and Money? Worldly and Spiritual values are at enmity with each other,
9. Extra Credit: Jesus states that high human values tend to be the things most detestable to God. How can we know that we have really conformed our lives to God's values rather than just kidding ourselves?  By the effect our actions have on our soul rather than our mind.

[68. Elder Son]

1. Who do the younger brother, father, and older brother represent in this parable? Younger son, the lost; The Father, God; the older brother, believers.
2. What was the attitude of the scribes and Pharisees towards the kind of people who were being converted? (15:1-2) Disreguard at the minimum, open distain or worse if they appear with any requirement upon the religeous ones.
3. What is at the root of the elder brother's anger towards his father? He has no understanding of his place in the family after the division of the inheritance. As first born he would have received a double portion and the younger a third of all. At division essentially theFather intebpnded to retire to an emeritous oosition. The elder never understood that. He has failed to move into his place of responsibility. Have you ever experienced that kind of anger toward God?  O, fail to understand position, yes. More bewilderment at a new level. How do you get rid of that kind of nasty hidden anger? Repent.
4. 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? I believe this contains the greatest rebuke in the scriptures for believers, “Son, don’t you know that everything I have is yours!” We the already saved best understand we are expected to be about saving the lost, stollen, stray.  Not just caretakers of the comfortably religious.   Did the elder son soften and come inside, or did he stiffen and remain outside? The rebuke opened his eyes to his failure to step up to his new place as manager of all that was available to him and it’s proper use.
5. How does your own compassion level match your Heavenly Father's compassion towards the lost? More and more as I more clearly see the lost marching toward a terrible end designed for rebellious  Lucifer and his angels not mankind. What can you do to conform your heart to His? Gain more effective use of the everything God makes available to seek and rescue the lost.
6. How should we celebrate the repentance of sinners in ways that we are not already doing?    By devoting mentoring time with them, individual attention in their growth in grace and mercy, righteousness, and care of and for souls. They need guidance and reenforcement as they mature as a welcoming of a new family’s support around them.

[67. Prodigal Son]

1. What does this story tell us about the father's character? The father had faith that his son would come to his senses and turn from being ‘dead’ seperated from the family. About the younger son's character? He did not understand his position, nor the value of his ability to contribute to the family welfare. He was self centered not family centered.
2. Why do you think that the younger son asked for his share of the father's estate ahead of time? Ignorance of youth. ‘I want mine now’. Why do you think the father granted his request? Best to seperate the discention from the family.
3. How can the father be so patient? He believes the covenant of Abraham was applicable to himself. He would have his own children in safety. Why doesn't he run after the son and try to convince him to return? Separation from God’s plan throughout history has brought redemption after repentance(change of mind). It was placing the son himself under a curse that would change the him, much better than words spoken to closed ears.
4. Why does the father restore the son so quickly to full sonship? The return was sign of a changed attitude. What do we learn about God in this parable? God has faith those lost from Him will come to their senses and return to him. What difference should this knowledge make in our life and ministry? We had best join in God’s redemption of the lost, stollen, and stray. We must have His faith and go fishing, believing. Jesus, the word, they are God’s sheep and lost. Not ”sinners” Jesus never called anyone sinner. He did tell that troubles came from sin. Do not repeat them.
5. What is the point of this parable in its context with the Parables of the Lost Sheep (15:3-7) and the Lost Coin (15:8-10)? The lost are God’s property even when lost. We had best care as much for those among the lost as the Father does. We do not want to face judgement day to find out how little we cared about God’s prime purpose for our life.

[65. Cost]

1. What do "large crowds" (14:25) have to do with Jesus' teaching in this passage? We have tremendous followers of Christian religion but few committed to putting self desire on the tree daily and following Jesus leading.
2. How can we rightfully honor our father and our mother, and at the same time not water down Jesus' command to hate them? (14:26) Our parents brought us into the world to honor their name, reputation, and values. To be a faithful disciple of Jesus is the highest compliment to their parenting. They may not think so at the first.
3. What does "carrying your cross" having to do with "hating your own life"? (14:26b-27) Are we lead by our desires or by Christ's. Which do we chose to put aside.
4. What is the point of the Parable of Building the Tower? (14:28-30) You can not finish what you do not have sufficient foundation, materials or funding. With the Lord he promises the supply for his work, not for our whims.
5. What is the point of the Parable of Assessing Military Strength? (14:31-32) In worldly things take great care in evaluating the strength opposing you. Best to come to agreement than be destroyed. Even an adversary values a sound support of one keeping their word.
6. What do Jesus words about "giving up everything he has" (14:33) have to do with owning a house and car? With purchasing a refrigerator? With seeking an academic degree? For me it has and is clearing out the huge collection of hobby and technical things that are either trophies or toys. For imagined future pleasurable projects. I was asked did I own them or did they own me? They are being disposed of. What you actually need to care for family, have needed safe transportation is no issue. I have a ministry friend who felt a certain large double cab pick up was what be needed for his high mile annual ministry work. Might look excessive. In know a top level corporate quality improvement engineer for that automaker. The vehcle is designed for 200,000 mile trouble free service. Quality is the Lords business, fancy looking not so. God put on his heart what would serve him well. It is over 200,000 miles now in its second year and no issues.
7. What does saltiness represent in 14:34? Our ability to preserve society. Have good effect. Should people be able to tell that you are a Christian? Yes.   How? Our inner light should shine.  How can we walk the fine line between being a witness and coming across "holier than thou"? Say and do only what the Holy Spirit guides. He will give us the words to speak. And guide us when we have done enough. Some break fallow ground, some plow, some plant seed, some water, some harvest. We need to do our particular tasking with each individual as needed to God’s result, in God’s timing, not for our self image.

[63. Humility]

1. What do you think the man with dropsy is doing at this dinner? He may have been very important. He was essentiallybeith Jesus the main guest at the table. What was the Pharisees' attitude about the man? Ambivalint. They perhaps brought him as a test of healing on the sabath. Many Pharasees were believers but afraid to letit be known. In that case theyvput their friend in front of Jesus in hope he would heal him, then acted their public expectation.  About healing the man on the Sabbath? (14:1-2) Jesus placed many people squarely onto the serious meat of the belief system. Avoiding milk subjects. It was the huge burden of the traditions that God opposed. It denied the perfection of Moses recorded law given by God.

2. Why did Jesus ask the Pharisees their opinion first? (14:3) There are three levels of commitment to a belief. What do the experts say, what do you say, and put your money where your mouth is. Jesuscut to the chase. Essentially let us address the real issue here.  There is one  such seriously deathly ill before me. Do you believe the tradition outweighs his need on the sabath? Their fear was made clear to them.

3. Why did the guests at this dinner party try to get to the best seats before the others? Self gratification in the pecking order of the town and their ‘rise’. What does that reveal about them? (14:7-11) They were more interested in place in society than service to thectown and others.

4. In what ways do we try to garner public approval by our actions? I have always been more interested in solving technical problems, I have been very uncaring about social niceties. Once explained to the boss about anassignment that itvwas like sending a bull to a china shop to fix a problem. If they wanted me to leave I would cause even more problems coming back out.  He said “You are empowered.” I fixed the problems, they weren’t happy. I went on to the next problem. How does verse 11 apply to our lives and actions? I am a strange duck. I see all that go on. I even try to avoid the banquets. The inly way they got me to my senior prom was to make me chairman of the prom committee. I had to go.

5. What was the host's probable motive for inviting Jesus to dinner? Socially need to be seen with the bew sensation. What dinner invitation strategy does Jesus recommend? Pick the lower seat. Why? Avoid being publicly humiliated. Which to them was their public value. Amazing that he told them how to best accomplish the status gamecin safety for their position. (14:12-14)

6. What does Jesus' invitation recommendation have to do with the evangelistic and social strategies of our local congregations? Weare promised that the poor will always be with us. Not so the rich. He who is forgiven much will love more. Also a sign the poor are a better choice for your flock. How should it affect our strategies? The worst off, most aflicted, are most in need of God’s blessings and will be most grateful. More service minded to give what they received freely away to others. The wellnoff tend to think they arecgetting a reward for being so wonderful, not a good position to be in.

7List in one column the character flaws you see exhibited in 14:1-14; in a second column list the virtues that Jesus wants to flourish in their place.

Selfish           Giving,

Vain               Humble,

Critical.          Useful,

Fault Finding Corrective teaching.

[62. Narrow Door]

1. Does Jesus really answer the question in verse 23, "Are only a few people going to be saved?" If so, what is his answer? Essentially far less than he paid the price for. He took stripes sufficient for the very worst of us. He is that serious about saving as many sheep as possible.
2. Why does the "narrowness" of the door have to do with the point Jesus is communicating in this parable? The story of the small gate in Jerusalem has been twisted. The facts are a small gate doorway was available at the very end of the day for men to enter. It required a man to bend over and step down to come through. A defenseless posture. It was guarded by the watchmen. The joke is that a camel could never fit. And the pressure on a merchant trader was to never get to the city late in the day. As to save his goods he would have to unload his camel, carry everything through, and leave the camel outside. A never done thing. Possibly impossible to do. Jesus emphasis is absolutely never be late. Also you can not get through that gate with more than yourself. It is a man gate. There is no time for great baggage at the end of the day when that small man door was the last access. 
3. How does the host getting up and closing the door communicate Jesus' message through this parable? What does that mean? When the man gate, the small narrow gate closed there was no more access to the city that day until morning.
4. 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? God saw to our gifting and abilities when he knew us before we were knit in our mothers womb. That is our predestination Why each of us has things we can to wonderfully well with little thinking or excessive effort. I believe that is a designed fit into God’s plan and schedule for our arrival on earth. .. Our best possible performing believing capability. Our obedience to shed the worldly values, ‘self’, and become the best of his design elects us. Is it man's effort or God's that is required? We must elect to place our self on the tree, and take on the spiritual design God placed within us.  I believe our effort to shed self for His design is the requirement to be recignized and not hear ‘I never knew you’. He knew the true us when he designed us. It is that serious. Without his us, we will be poor performers in the battle for souls. (Note: Please be kind to one another as you discuss this. You may disagree on some points and maybe never understand completely. Be loving.)
5. This passage is very clear that the opportunity for salvation is time-limited. When will it be too late for an individual? When you have rejected the holy spirits calling you enough times your are so hard hearted the spirit nolonger tries to reach you. For mankind?  Only God knows the day and the hour. The end is promised, the timing is God’s choice. Sofom and Gomorah ran out of time. So to the rest of the planet will have an end. He will not always strive with man. (Let's resist the temptation to lay out and argue for a detailed end-times chronology here. Thank you.)
6. What do you look forward to about this Eschatological Banquet in the Kingdom of God? I would always rather serve than be served. I find such banquest fetting me uncomfortable. What do you think it will be like? No thoughts or imaginations of it.
7. Extra credit: Is the banquet an actual chronological event or a figure of something else? If so, what? It is the promised marriage feast with the lamb. I truly love my wife, who is my very best friend. I should very well become delighted in joining with a joyous Jesus. An ‘our dinner’. 
8. In verse 30, who are the "last" who become first, and who are the "first" who become last? It has been in my heart since early in my salvation that at the very end of the time the narrow door is open there will be a few disciples, apostles, harvesters at work struggling to get the very last few saved that can be reached. Those may have a special place, those last to come in.

[61. Mustard Seed]

1. What about God's kingdom is impossible to comprehend without understanding these parables? That the small seemingly imperfect words we plant as seeds are beginnings of great things when given their growing process time and God’s blessing.
2. Why did the disciples in particular need to understand these parables? They were to plant the very first seeds in many places.
3. How has God expanded your vision of his Kingdom? God truly wants all to come to repentance and be saved. Not in theory only but in our expectation of a finished work to come.  We should intend to take part in the doing of it. In what areas do you need an expanded vision? I need to gain hold of taking back the spiritual territory above and in our area of responsibility. For this time I need to take hold of and in prayer for my church pastors and their work as Father Nash and  rother Clary did for Charles Finney.
4. In what area are you discouraged? (Be honest now....) I am very down over our lack of success on so many healing types, especially cancer, and such as MS, MD, ALS. Birth defects like missing portions of brain development. How can you apply this parable to your discouragement? The Holy Spirit told me the solution was “you need more Jesus”.  Acts 4:31 after Peter and John had their go around with the council. The infilling of the Holy Spirit came to deliver the boldness. Not only an anointing like before. An indwelling of. Every time I respond by eliminating another thing in my ‘self life’ so the spirit has more room in me. More space within me. I gain ground, on my needed maturity as trust with more Jesus grade power to do difficult things comes with doing accurately God’s situational desire. Discouragement departs when I stop looking inward at myself and read the promises to me. Read them enough and you know you believe them.

[60. Bent Back]

1. Describe the woman Jesus sees in the synagogue, using the text as well as your imagination. What did she look like? Bent over with her head perhaps tilted to the side and held up enough for a bit of forward vision. How old do you think she was? She is not specified as old or young. I would say mid thirties to mid fourties. How do you think she felt? Body, pain and muscle fatigue, back and neck painful from the exertion required. If she exceeded her ‘binding limit’ then a sudden whence of pain. How did people in her community feel about her? All who cared and knew of the prophecies of what the kingdom of God coming would do would be wishing “oh kingdom please come for this one so bound”. Ohers would fear such could come upon them. Some would avoid here in their helplessness to do anything for her.
2. What effect did Jesus' proclamation in verse 12 have on the woman's healing? It was a proclamation of what was to be was done (assured) already and it was to manifest.  Why do you think Jesus laid his hands upon her? Impartation of the powerful anointing he carried. A foretaste of you shall lay hands upon the sick and they shall recover assignment for our walk.
3. What was the synagogue president's position? From confusion from what was said and bewilderment at what took place before his eyes, he became indignant that such a thing took place in ‘His’ synagog by an outsider. How could he be so utterly blind to what was really going on? He seemed to have holiness (a worldly form) but not true fellowship with his ‘Hashem’ The Name of God Almighty they would not say for it was too holy for man to say…. Is his blindness credible, or is he just a foil in the storytelling? Unfortunately, in our days I have heard pastors nearly in tears over why some believe signs must follow, Just the word should be enough. Jesus told Thomas, ‘Go ahead put your hand into my wounds if you need to”. Our God is into simple straight forward question that grow our faith and trust in Him. Signs following are faith and belief aids to the great cloud of witnesses.
4. Trace the logic of Jesus' justification of healing this woman on the Sabbath. Why did he use untying a donkey as his illustration? Will we even believe that loosing her from her infirmity was that simple and uncomplicated? How tempted I am that it should have had more ‘show’. Yet the Lord treated casting out a devil as just the touch of the finger of  God. How very wonderful…. Simple direct application of God’s love.
5. Extra Credit. Does Satan have any "rights" to afflict us with disease? There are diseases, abuse of our body results, and there are spiritual afflictions. The curse causless shall not come. Spirits of infirmity and others. Generational curses. I truly believe satan has full reign in all the world area we don't reclaim from him. Are there any just grounds for this? James 3 speaking blessing and cursing. Receiving prayer and then saying you do not have it. The receiving what you say. Our words are the seeds we sow. Or is he a complete usurper? He will take anything that can be taken from us by deception, trickery, lies and theft. The thief in the night digging through the wall for one example.
6. How is it significant that Jesus calls the lady "a daughter of Abraham"? Wow! As the covenent with Abraham was father of nations. And that Sarah would bear. Is this suddenly telling woman she too will bring forth children which has been impossible? Have you ever had God speak words of assurance to your heart? Yes, that I am in the right place. Who I am assigned to pray for. That all the prophecies to me unfulfilled are still yes and coming If I remain obedient and serve Him as I should.

[59. Repent]

1. Why does the Gospel of Peace often bring divisions in our families? Every one accepts their need for salvation at differnt times and for different driving reasons. Departing from worldly tradition of the family. What can we do about that? Serious intercessory prayer for them quickens the pace. Understanding God’s principle that he desires that the whole house be saved is an operative conditional promise. Why does Jesus even mention it? It is truly to be so. (12:49-53)
2. What are the "signs" in our own day that point to the soon coming of the Son of Man and judgment? (12:54-56) The great numbers of nearly empty or closed churches is a start. The lack of professional performance and integrity in nearly every service or publicly funded entity. The sliding standards of education.
3. What lessons does the Parable of the Guilty Defendant teach us disciples? (12:57-59) It is the truth to all. Even the best serving christian best be on their face repenting in tears forcour corporate failurecto hold the nations and the peoples for Christ. How long have we failed to pray for them? Especially the worst of them.
4. What lessons does Jesus' commentary on tragic deaths teach us disciples? Bad things happen and you never are in contol of that time for ones self. What are we supposed to get out of this? (13:1-5) always be ready to meet your maker. Be serving him in deed not with lip service. Be a doer of the word you receive not a hearer only.
5. What lessons does the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree teach us disciples? That this must be an ignorant land owner recently inheriting the place. Fig trees do not give good edible fruit until the fourth year. What does this parable mean to you personally? (13:6-8)  The disciples being primarily country folk knew that. To those who know of fig trees the worker preserved the future of the tree and its bounty by gaining the tree the needed fourth year. Are we willing to step into Abrahams shoes and plead with God to give us more time for our Sodom’s? Are our wicked towns not full of those who meet the “that not any be lost” Jesus paid the price for?

[58. Head Servants]

1. Extra Credit. What is the answer to Peter's question in 12:41? All who are ‘Chosen’ and know Jesus has given them a giftvfar beyond  any others. Did Jesus intend these parables for the Twelve or for all his disciples? All because disciples are those chosen to be sent and have accepted at the first at least.
2. Head servants must be both faithful and wise "managers" (12:42-43). How do we learn to be faithful? Repeated lessons and testing as the Holy Spirit guides us through the experiences that turn something we read and believe intelectually as possible. And change that to a sound knowing trust in God on that subject and action set. What is the process by which we can be restored in faithfulness's if we have neglected it? Repent, turn about, begin again the pathway of hear, practice, be tested. Repeat if not accurate, or move on to next lesson. How do we learn prudence and wisdom? By our failures and his gentle correction. We must do more than think about. We must act on received word.
3. In the parable, the master rewards his head servant with responsibility over all his possessions (12:44). Faithful in little, much more is given. What is the spiritual analogy of this part of the parable? We have the doors to heavens abundance, the company of the holy spirit, and Jesus making intercession for us. How dare we not be about our assigned tasks. Which of Jesus' promises for the future does it refer to? While we with both greek and roman philosophy our culture think in future and past. Hebrew has no such construct. It is all either now or unknown. As life of a shepherd in a valley, what you have and what you can see, all else is unknown. Not in consideration. All is now to God.
4. Why are church leaders tempted to become petty masters rather than servants to their fellow servants? The chief of all liars the devil who is busy trying to deceive.  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. [Churches that abuse the congergation for the personal gain if the few leaders.] Look at the potential that exists in you and in your own congregation. There's plenty of blame to go around. [Psalm 35:13-14 apply. We best be on our face crying for God by His spirit to return such ones to the path of righeousness.[)
5. Do you believe God has entrusted you with "little" or "much"? Much. What can you be doing to maximize your potential as a productive servant in God's household?  Buckling down to my current assignment to pray for the gifts of god assigned me in a time of change. Church of 50 call it family type, getting ready to explode as more and more saved come in. More lost are saved. Expecting 150=300 next. Change is always troubling. God wants the prayer cover upon the pastorate. “Blow gently on the silver while removing the lead from the crucible”. Because you have been given much, what "more" do you think God is now asking of you? Finish this task, Finney had Nash and Clary. If I continue the war in the spirit relm to hold up God’s anointed above me, then I will have the vision I have been given to walk it out with prayer warriors to break ground for me.

[57. Alert]

1. Describe the ideal servants waiting up for their master. What qualities is this wealthy slave-owner looking for in his servants (12:35-36)? Obedient service of readiness for his expected welcoming service. Many long watch hours through navy nights. Doing the boring, repetative while ready for thecemergency. Being ready for the ‘right now’ is the true service.
2. What kind of energy and investment does it require of the servants to be ready during the nighttime hours? One must be ready, not already fatigued. You must learn how to be vigilent. Examining the whole scope of what is to be watched over and out for. Not concentrating on onecp boring unchanging feature.
3. 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? Jesus once again choses demonstation that the have the most should serve those he has trained at times. It speaks to me that we should expect randomly to come upon sudden needs which are opportunities for deliverence, healing, providing food, counsel, salvation good news to the lost, stoled and stray of God’s flock.
4. A second mini-parable involves a thief and a homeowner (12:39-40). What is the point of this parable? Attacks do not come openly at the strong point of our defence. They are quiet, stealthy unless far stronger than the defenses.
5. Let's get personal. What helps you keep your spiritual edge? I see the terrible furure ahead of the lost. I know that Christ paid the price for all. It is a terrible insult to Jesus to consider the lost unimportant  our time and effort. What kinds of things cause you to lose your spiritual alertness? Distractions of worldly things that are technical. Mind pleasing puzzles to me. Don't speak hypothetically, but personally.