Text: Read Luke 18:18-30 and Isaiah 55:1-2;6-12

You can be creative in reading Luke 18:18-30 by choosing one participant to play the role of Jesus and another to play the rich young ruler. A narrator can also be assigned to read.

Introduction

As people living in the twenty-first century, we are confronted with so many options, so many choices. Everyday, we are bombarded by hundreds, perhaps thousands, of advertisements—in the streets, in the television and over the World Wide Web. As a result, we tend to buy so many things, accumulate so many products that we do not really need.

The result is that we spend more money than we should. We end up worrying about where and how to get more money. And if such love of money becomes entrenched in our hearts, it will lead to greed and other graver sins against God and against our neighbors.

More than just money, we also fill our houses with stuff, things that may be good to look at, but they may not have any practical value at all! Such stuff may contribute to lack of space in our houses and so we may have no breathing room.

But stuff can also fill our hearts. We fret and worry over the smallest things. We have messed up priorities and so we could not decide what to do and where to go. We end up with no breathing room in our soul and as a result, our mental, emotional and spiritual health suffers.

What do we need to let go in our lives? What do we really need?

The Rich Young Ruler

Luke 18:18-30 tells the story of a rich young man. In other passages in the gospels, they refer to this young man as a ruler. But one thing is certain; this young man enjoys considerable wealth, prestige and influence in the society. The loose equivalent in our society could be an influential businessman or a politician.

The rich young man asked Jesus what he can do to inherit eternal life. Jesus saw his intent and his heart. Jesus asked him about the commandments—a basic requirement for all Jews. Typical of politicians, the rich young ruler decided to boast and said “All these I have kept since I was a boy.” You can probably imagine the rich young ruler smiling and beaming with pride as he said that. Perhaps his intent was to show off to Jesus how good he already was.

But Jesus cut to the heart of the matter. He understood the heart of the rich young man and how he can be dealt with. Jesus said: “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

The rich young ruler was shocked? He must have thought: “What? Me? Sell my possessions and the riches I’ve accumulated? Are you kidding me Jesus?!”

Luke reports that “when the young man heard this, he became very sad because he was a man of great wealth.”

Ask the following question to the participants:

What do you think filled the heart of the young man? Why was he unable to follow Jesus?

Wealth. The heart of the rich young ruler was so attuned to his wealth that he was shocked to hear the prescription of Jesus for having eternal life.

What do you think happens to us if our hearts are filled with thoughts of wealth? How can wealth prevent us from following Jesus?

Influence. As a ruler or a politician in the society, the young man was afraid to let go of his status and his influence to follow Jesus. How can influence and prestige also prevent us from following Jesus?

The Eye of the Needle.

In the Middle East, the eye of the needle is not exactly the kind of needle that you use for sewing clothes. Rather, the eye of the needle refers to a gate where camels pass through. A camel has to bow low, guided by its master so that it can pass through. If the camel does not kneel and walk, it cannot enter such a gate.

The metaphor is important in relation to the rich young ruler. Unless he kneels before the Lord and allow himself to be guided, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. We therefore need a humble and contrite spirit before God in order for us to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Do you have an eye of the needle that you cannot pass through?
How can you hurdle such obstacle?

Let’s Talk

Go through Isaiah 55:6-12 and initiate the participants into a discussion of the following questions. Take note of their answers and sum it up after the discussion.

How can we seek the Lord now, given our busy schedules and the demands of life?
What wicked ways are in your heart? How can you forsake them?
Do you read the word of God? How do you experience God’s presence?
What simple things can you do to become obedient to God’s word?

CG Time: Cleaning Up My Closet

In their journals, ask the participants to list down the things that they need to let go so that they can follow Jesus more fully. Ask them about the things they need to empty out of the closet of their hearts so that they can make room for God. Towards the end of the Bible Study and CG session, you can burn these things as a symbolic gesture of letting them go and giving room for God.

Isaiah 55:1-2 is an invitation to empty our hearts out and make room for God: “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread and your labor on what does not satisfy. Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.”

Close the session in prayer.

Text: Read Luke 22: 14 – 23:56

Introduction

Jesus Christ is the dividing line of time. That is why we have B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini or In the Year of Our Lord). He is one of the most controversial persons who have ever lived. Battles have been fought in his name. Martyrs have died for him. And countless enemies have reviled him throughout the centuries.

But he continues to exert an important influence to the world—spiritually, socially, and perhaps even politically.

But who is Jesus?

For this session, we will take a look at how you view Jesus. What the Bible says about him and what can we expect from him. We will study the resume of Jesus Christ.

Because a lot of us grew up going to church and seeing messages about Jesus everywhere, we easily become too familiar with Jesus. We know that he is the Son of God. He died on the cross to save the sins of many. If you believe in him you will have eternal life.

But the question is, Who is Jesus Christ to you?

Go around the group and ask this question. Come up with a creative answer. Something that is not usually being said of Jesus. Let go of your preconceptions and ask yourself what he really means to you.

After going through the answers of the group. Get a short survey done by showing a raise of hands if the following applies to the members of the group.

Is Jesus Christ your:

1. Banker (from whom you ask money and blessings)
2. Strict parent (who always tells you to follow the rules)
3. Grandparent (to whom you tell all your pains, sumbungan ba.)
4. Police (who blows his whistle every time you commit something wrong).
5. KillJoy classmate (who prevents you from having a good time)
6. Dentist (who can take out your bad tooth, but you’re too afraid to approach)
7. Driver (who takes you to places you would not usually go to).
8. King (somebody you have to follow even if you don’t want to).
9. Bestfriend (who walks with you always and to whom you tell everything about you)

Given these impressions, let’s look at the resume of Jesus Christ.

You can divide the group into 3-4 mini-groups to look at the Bible verses listed after each work experience so that the participants will have a better glimpse at who Jesus was and what it means for them.

Career Objective: “I have come that they may have life and that they may have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

Personal Background

Name: Jesus of Nazareth
Sex: Male Age: 33
Address: Nazareth, Galilee; frequently seen all over Judea, Jerusalem and even in Samaria
Date of Birth: Unknown (celebrated on December 25)
Place of Birth: A manger in Bethlehem
Father’s Name: God, the Holy Spirit
Foster Father: Joseph Father’s Occupation: Carpenter
Mother’s Name: Mary Mother’s Occupation: Housewife
Phone number: +632-777-PRYR Email: letstalk@god.com
Website: www.bible.com

Educational Background

Taught by the Holy Spirit. Empowered by Scriptures.
Studied with Pharisees and Scribes but knew more than they do. (See Luke 2:41-52)

Work Experience:

Carpenter. Since Jesus’ father is a carpenter. He was certainly an apprentice in the carpentry business of Joseph, his earthly father.

Fisherman. He was frequently seen among fishermen. He also walked on water. (Mark 6:45-56).

Bartender. His first miracle was turning water into wine. (John 2:1-11)

Weatherman. He can actually calm the storm! (Luke 8:22-25).

Social Worker. He fed five thousand people. That was not easy to do, given the scarcity of food where he fed these people. (Luke 9:10-17)

Physician/Healer. Throughout his career, Jesus healed many persons including a man with leprosy and a paralytic (Luke 5:12-26); a deaf and mute (Mark 7:31-37), the child of a Phoenician woman (Mark 7:24-30).

Ophthalmologist. He healed a blind beggar in Jericho. (Luke 18:35-43).

Exorcist. He has battled demons and even faced extreme temptation in the desert (Luke 4:1-13) and he also exorcised a boy with an evil spirit (Luke 9:37-45).

Activist and Critic. He got angry when the temple of God was turned into a market. He overturned the tables and told these marketers to leave the house of God (John 2:12-17). He was also frequently at odds with hypocrites, namely the Pharisees and the Scribes, who looked holy but they were not really living up to their calling.

Preacher and Teacher. He taught many people wherever we went. That is why lots and lots of people followed him (See Matthew 5). He taught through parables and stories so that only those who truly want to learn would understand it.

Savior. The classic verse, John 3:16 outlined the main reason why Jesus came to earth. If you would just believe, you will have eternal life.

Although Jesus Christ was reported dead on the cross, he rose up from the grave and was seen by the disciples and a hundred more. He also promised the Holy Spirit to send the Holy Spirit to all who will believe in him.

What’s In It for Me?

Encourage interaction among the Bible Study participants. There are no right or wrong answers. They just have to say what they think.

What do you think of the resume of Jesus Christ?
Based on this resume, have you accepted Jesus in your heart?
How can you live in accordance to your relationship with Jesus?

Read Luke Luke 14:15-23

What are the usual excuses given for not following Jesus?
For our time and age, how do we use these excuses?
What are your excuses in not following Jesus today?

CG Time

Watch a short documentary about the life of Jesus Christ. Reflect on how unique Christ was and what it means for you. You can download the file at http://www.4shared.com/video/8sZG1D8z/The_story_of_Jesus_Christ.html

Close the session in prayer.

Listen Up Y’all: Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 22:14–23:56

Opening Salvo

Ask the participants “Who is Jesus to you?” Allow them to explain how they see Jesus in their lives. To tickle their minds and imagination, the teacher can suggest that perhaps Jesus is a genie, a banker or a police who enforces strict rules.

What Was That All About?

Philippians 2:5-11 enumerates several qualities of Jesus. Let’s take a look at some of these.

He was humble. Even though he was God in very nature, he became human for our sake.
He was obedient.
He has been given the name above all names.
He is the ruler of the earth.

We tend to see Jesus as the one who has been crucified. Those who have seen the Passion of the Christ would cringe every time they see the wounds and the blood that flowed out of Jesus when he was crucified. Yet, interestingly, he had to die. God decided that Jesus must die for the sin of the world.

Yet, to see only the death of Christ is only half of the story. We must also look at how he lived. What did he do while he was here on Earth?

Ask the participants to name some of the ministries of Jesus before he was crucified.

He healed the sick (the blind, the deaf and the paralytic).
He cast bad spirits away from people.
He forgave sins.
He denounced the proud Pharisees and exposed their corrupt hearts.
He was close the marginalized—the poor and the people who are considered unclean by Pharisees.
He preached.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Watch the video “The Story of Jesus Christ.” Afterwards, reflect on what Jesus has done for you.

You can download this video here

Roll Out!

As we enter into the Lenten Season and listen to the chants of the Pasyon and Pabasa, how can you remember Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for your sins?

As you end, recite together the Apostles Creed, which sums up what we believe as Christians.

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. AMEN.

image credit: Aleeph via Flickr

Listen Up Y’all: Philippians 3:4b-14

Opening Salvo:

Ask the participants if they have been involved in any athletic or academic contests before. How did they prepare for the competition? Was it difficult to prepare for competition?

What Was that All About?

In Philippians 3:4b-14, the apostle Paul was telling the people about his credentials—his educational attainment, the things that he did before he encountered Christ, and how he met Christ and then pushed forward to follow Him faithfully and passionately! He even said in verse 8-9 that “For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather I become righteous through faith in Christ.”

Paul is saying that it is only through Christ that he found salvation!

As we move on to verse 13-14. There comes a time that we are so excited with our faith in Christ and our new life in him. But there are times that we feel exhausted. So we need perseverance. He highlighted the lessons we all need to follow:

1. Forget the past (verse 13)
2. Press on to the end of the race (verse 14)
3. Receive the heavenly prize (verse 14)

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

During reflection time, ask the students to answer the following questions prayerfully and thoughtfully:

In your case, what do you need to forget right now so you can follow Christ?
What is the race you are running? Are you persevering? How can you persevere?
What is the prize that God reserves for you? How can you enjoy the heavenly prize even while we are here on Earth?

Roll Out

Let the students watch this touching video of Derek Redmond who got injured during his Olympic athletic competition. From the crowd, his father ran to the field to help him finish the race.

Click the picture below to download the video.

Reflect on God’s role on your own journey and race.

End the session in prayer.

image credit: ZachAnchel via Flickr

Due to some schedule constraints, I won’t be posting Filipino translations at this time. Hope you understand friends.

Listen Up Y’all: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Opening Salvo

Who are rebels? What do they do? Can you share your idea of rebels to the group?

Some rebels are suicidal and destructive while others are just silent.

The suicidal rebels. These rebels can sacrifice their very lives for their beliefs. Some people who espouse revolution do this. Some young people are also suicidal rebels, they destroy their lives and their dreams because they are rebelling against their parents and their world.

The silent rebels. These are rebels who are silent and who look successfully outwardly. But inside their minds and their hearts, you will see a different reality. They don’t show it but they are actually rebelling inside their hearts.

There is a different kind of rebel, which we will discover towards the end of our session.

Do you consider yourself as a rebel? Why? How? What are you rebelling against? Teachers, parents, adults in the church? God?

What Was That All About?

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the most popular parables shared by Jesus to his students. It shows the relationship of two brothers and their father.

The younger son is a true blooded rebel. He took his inheritance from his father, went off to other lands, hurt his father and abandoned everything he knew. Yet, he experienced hardships, difficulties, bankruptcy and humiliation. Eventually, he went back to his father when he remembered all the good things in his father’s house.

Let’s examine the response of the father to the prodigal son’s return. Did he get angry? Did he drive away the son?

He welcomed the prodigal son with arms wide open. That is what God wants us to do—to return to his will and to his love.

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 shows the transforming power of Christ. He changes us inside out! When you are in Christ, you are a new creation.

You become transformed and then you are called to become a Transformer!

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

How did you display rebellion in your youthful lives? Do you feel like you are a “prodigal child”? How can you return to God?

Roll Out

Watch and analyze the song “Home” by Daughtry by visiting this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzYyBYLc9kQ. Share your reflections about going home to God’s loving arms!

Lyrics of Home by Daughtry

I’m staring out into the night,
Trying to hide the pain.
I’m going to the place where love
And feeling good don’t ever cost a thing.
And the pain you feel’s a different kind of pain.

Well I’m going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I’m not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don’t regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old,
So I’m going home.
Well I’m going home.

The miles are getting longer, it seems,
The closer I get to you.
I’ve not always been the best man or friend for you.
But your love remains true.
And I don’t know why.
You always seem to give me another try.

So I’m going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I’m not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don’t regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old,

Be careful what you wish for,
‘Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all,
And then some you don’t want.
Be careful what you wish for,
‘Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all, yeah.

Oh, well I’m going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I’m not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don’t regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old.
I said these places and these faces are getting old,
So I’m going home.
I’m going home.

image credit: http://www.traceymcnee.com