Luke 7:36-50:

Q. What can we learn about the woman with the alabaster jar from this passage?

• Sinner, Lived publicly sinful life
• Infamous
• She knew Jesus and wanted to meet him
• Bold enough to go to Simon the Pharisee’s house without invitation!
• Repentant about her sinful life
• (Also check, Jesus and Zacchaeus, the tax collector)

Q. What were the common courtesy, a host has to do in that culture?

• Washing feet of the guest -  it was hot, dry and dusty land, so it was much part of hospitality to wash guest’s feet for food and lodging.
• It was custom to welcome guests with a kiss. It was an act of affection and reverence.
• Kissing feet was also not unusual.
• People used to kiss Rabbi’s feet. It was a mark of subjection, obedience and reverence.
• Anointing with fragrant oil was customary and again it was act of courtesy and hospitality.

Q. What did the woman do at the dinner? What does her actions show?

• Weeping – Repentant
• To keep hair loose was a disgraceful for Jewish woman.
• She washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and wiped it with her hair.
• She kissed his feet and poured out jar of alabaster perfume on them.
• So,  this woman by her actions was carrying out duty of a host and ‘Inviting Jesus’.

Q. How was Simon’s attitude towards Jesus and woman with Alabaster?

• Towards woman: disrespectful, hatred, rejection, judgment.
• Towards Jesus: doubtful, doesn’t know who Jesus is.
• (He invited Jesus for dinner, but did not show any sign of reverence to his guest.)
• (Also check, Parable of Great Feast)

Q. How did Jesus clear his doubts?

• As often, Jesus told him a parable of a moneylender.

Q. What was the main idea of the parable of moneylender and debtors?

• Both the debtors were unable to repay!
• It was the Moneylender’s decision to cancel their debts. (They did not deserve it.)
• A denarius was a coin worth about a day’s wages. So, to put it into perspective,  one may have a debt of about $2500 ($50 per day), and the other may have about $25000. You can see the significant difference between their debts.
• Jesus accepts the fact that there are people with varying debt. But he also reminds us that none of us are able to pay it off and that just because others have more debt does not nullify your own debt.
• Simon was guilty of judging the woman as a ‘Sinner’, and indirectly assuming himself  a ‘Righteous’. Jesus by telling this parable, reminds Simon not to be too quick to judge her. She may be in more debt, but he also owes nonetheless.

Q. How does Jesus compare Simon and woman’s actions?

• Simon failed to meet the most basic duties of a host. On the other hand,  the woman’s actions showed overflowing love for Jesus.
• Overflowing and extravagant love is the expression of true forgiveness.

Q. Does it mean that those who have more sinful life have an advantage?

• It seems to be true. Pharisees were often guilty of being self-righteous. (please comment)
• Jesus did not deny the fact that she is a sinner. But he forgave her sins because of her faith and love towards Jesus.

Bible lessons from the ’story of woman with the alabaster jar’:

• Do you judge others around you, especially those ’sinful’ people?
• We need to realize that we all are morally bankrupt, when it comes to God’s standard.  Gospel is actually ‘one beggar telling other where is food’!

More Bible Studies:

• The Parable of the Great Feast | Luke 14:15-24 | Bible Study
• 1st Thessalonians Bible Study – 1:1-10
• Miracle of Jesus at Cana Wedding – John 2:1-11 | Bible Study
• Zacchaeus and Jesus – The Guest of Sinner
• Christian Discipleship: Definition | Cost of Discipleship

Woman with Alabaster Jar and Jesus – Luke 7:36-50 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Mark 2: 1-12

Q. The passage starts with Jesus entering Capernaum again. So, What did Jesus do on his first visit to Capernaum?

• Preached in the synagogue (Mark 1: 21-34)
• Healed many sick and diseased (Jesus heals the Leper, Jesus heals at Pool of Bethesda)
• Drove out demons from demon-possessed
• The whole town was gathered to see Jesus (Mark 1: 32-34)
• Jesus was very well known, he was a famous figure. So, when people heard that Jesus was in town again (Mark 2: 1), there was such a huge crowd that there was no room in the house.

Q. What was the scene at the house?

• House full! No room even outside the door
• People must have brought many sick, demon possessed, expecting Jesus to heal them
• Scribes (Teachers of the Law) were present there to test him or check him
• Jesus was preaching the word to them

Q. Who do you think, were those four men? What was their motive?

• They could be friends, relative or family members to the Paralytic man
• Wanted their friend to be healed
• The Paralytic man’s situation seemed to be very critical from the urgency or extreme measures which they took.

Q. What would have they thought when they saw that there was no room? Visualize their conversation. Imagine yourself into that situation.

• Disappointed
• May be next time (Well, we did our part by bringing him here!)
• Let us wait here for Jesus to come out!
• Let us go back, we will bring him again!

Q. What do you think about their decision?

• Now or never!
• Desperate measures
• Tough, difficult and quite strange decision (they decided to open the roof of somebody’s house, it wasn’t their house, after all!)
• Imagine also the paralytic man’s agreement in this decision

Q. Visualize the setting in the house.

• Jesus was preaching the word.
• Everyone was listening. And suddenly, there was a noise on the roof.
• And before, anybody could realize what was happening, there was a man lowered down from the roof by four men! Quite an attention grabber!
• (You can do some research on the location of the house roof )

Q. What can be inferred form these four men’s action?

• They knew about his friend’s desperate need
• They showed amazing faith
• The paralytic man on his part, showed amazing trust in his friends
• They did not give up
• They were sure that if somehow if we can make him meet Jesus, he would be healed

Q. What do you think about Jesus’ reply, “Son, your sins are forgiven”?

• Healed him spiritually first!
• They got more than they expected.

Q. What was Jesus claiming to be? What did Scribes think?

• Jesus claimed that he had an authority and power to forgive one’s sins
• Only God can forgive sins, So he was claiming to be equal to God.
• Jesus announced his forgiveness in front of crowd. Compare it with Luke 7:48.
• He was clearly claiming his divinity.
• There was a popular opinion at that time that disease is the effect of the sin

Q. What do you think is easier, ‘your sins are forgiven’ or ‘get up, take your mat and walk’?

• It may be easier to say that your sins are forgiven, because you don’t see the results. It is spiritual. You cannot see visible change.
• But to say to the paralytic man, get up and walk,  he must be healed, you can see the physical change.
• I am still wondering what Jesus meant by this question. But one thing is clear, he proved his claim to have power to forgive sins, by  healing him physically as well.

Jesus showed his divinity

• By reading thoughts of teachers of the law
• By forgiving sins of the paralytic man
• By healing him

Application:
It is fascinating to see the faith of those four men and their actions. They were willing to bring his friend to Jesus at any cost. I think, as a christian, we often bring our friends (who do not know Jesus) tentalizing close to Jesus. But the last step of introducing him to Jesus, needs faith and desparation. It requires extreme measures. Are we willing to take that risk and  do something which would seem like awkward, strange and often risky?

We often forget about the paralytic man, who is mostly silent in the whole episode. But none of these could have possible without his mutual consent. He was also willing to go to any extent to see Jesus. He received more than he expected. He received spiritual and physical healing.

Are we prepared to take extreme measures to meet Jesus?

More Bible Studies:

• Jesus Heals the Blind Man – Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52 | Bible Study
• Jesus Heals at the Pool of Bethesda | John 5:1-15
• Feeding the 5000 | Bible Study
• Jesus and Beelzebub – Mark 3:20-30 | Bible Study
• Jesus Heals the Leper – Mark 1:40-45 | Bible Study

Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Mark 10: 46-52

• Jericho: ‘Fragrant’, 15 miles from Jerusalem.
• Jesus was going to Jerusalem for the Jewish feast of Passover
• Bartimaeus, this is the only place where name of person who is healed by Jesus is mentioned!
• Double meaning of Bartimaeus: Greek – Honorable man, Hebrew Heir or son of unclean, spiritual blindness.
• Popular theology among Jews was, blindness is punishment from God for sin, see (John 9:34) Blind man with Pharisees. (Check out, Jesus heals the disabled man at Pool of Bethesda)
• His name possibly can mean son of blind man.

Q. What do you think about Bartimaeus?

• Poor, beggar, one of many beggars on the road to Jerusalem, did not own much, his only possession could be his garment
• Dejected, downcast, desperate, and yet bold, persistent, hopeful, sincere in his request

Q. What was his response when he heard about Jesus? What did he know about Jesus?

• He began to call onto Jesus, shout a loud. He was persistent.
• He must have heard about Jesus, his miracles, healing, his claims, teachings
• He must have believed that Jesus can heal him

Q. What does title ‘Son of David’ mean to Jews?

• Promised Messiah, One who is to come from the lineage of King David
• See John 7:42, Mat 21:9, Isa 35:5

Q. What was crowd’s response?

• Twofold, first they rebuked him, and then encouraged him!

Q. What did he do when Jesus called him?

• He threw his coat, his garment, his only possession, which may come on his way to reaching to Jesus
• Old garment of self-pity or self righteousness, old self
• He was ready to get rid of anything that comes on his way

Q. Why did Jesus ask him question?

• Very unique feature of Jesus’ ministry
• It is to confirm his faith, public proclamation of his trust in Jesus (Jesus asking, do you really believe that I can heal you)
• “What do you want Jesus to do in your life?”

Q. What can we learn from Bartimaeus?

• His faith – Jesus can heal him
• He showed his faith by actions
• He was persistent in his call to Jesus
• He followed Jesus thereafter.

Application:

• We all need healing; it can be physical or spiritual. Jesus can heal us, but we need to come to him, put our trust in him.

“To see beyond the present is Wisdom, but to see beyond possible is Faith.”More Bible Studies:

• Jesus Heals at the Pool of Bethesda | John 5:1-15
• Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12
• Jesus and Beelzebub – Mark 3:20-30 | Bible Study
• John the Baptist in the Wilderness – Matthew 3:1-12
• Jesus Heals the Leper – Mark 1:40-45 | Bible Study

Jesus Heals the Blind Man – Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52 | Bible Study is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Luke 19: 1- 10

Q. What can you learn about Zacchaeus?

• Chief Tax Collector, Rich!
• Jew, Short, Corrupt
• Sinful (Luke 19:7), Not a reputed man, often ridiculed or hated among the Jews

Q. Meaning of ‘Zacchaeus’?

• Clean, pure (CCEL)
• What an irony, his name meant clean and pure, but he was one of the chief corrupted man in Jericho!

Q. Why did Zacchaeus come to see Jesus?

• Must have heard about this Rabbi.
• Must be desperate to see Jesus (Not every one climbs a tree to see Jesus!)
• He would have just wanted to have a glance at this Jesus.
• He did not expect Jesus to be his guest!

Q. What did his actions tell about his need/desire to see Jesus?

• We all know about his desperation in climbing a tree. But we often miss a rather insignificant act just before that.
• Luke 19:4 – “So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.”
• He RAN ahead and climbed the tree. He made an effort to run ahead and climb the tree!
• He prepared himself for the most clear view of Jesus. He made an initial effort to see Jesus without any hindrance or obstacle. He set aside all the ridicule or mockery he might receive from people.
• I strongly believe that this simple and insignificant act tells a lot about his heart. He was ready to receive Jesus, into his home and his heart!
• Many people were in that crowd. They would also have heard about Jesus, they also came to see him. They might have a glimpse at this famous miracle-worker. Many would have gone home, missing the view, thinking, “may be next time, I would see him.”
• But Zacchaeus prepared himself to see Jesus. He made an effort. He did not give up.
• If you long to see Jesus, if you are ready for Jesus, Jesus will definitely notice you!

Q. What is very striking observation in V. 5?

• Jesus called him by his name ‘Zacchaeus’, Jesus knew him by his name even though he never met him before.
• It was not Zacchaeus, who invited Jesus. It was Jesus, who invited Zacchaeus!
• All he needed to do was to receive it.
• And he did so with grateful, joyful heart.

Q. What was people’s response?

• Grumbling, complaining
• Guest of a ‘Sinner’!
• They did not see, what Jesus could see.

Q. Where prompted Zacchaeus’ generosity?

• Change of Heart also reflects change of attitude and actions.
• He accepted the fact that He had cheated others. He confessed his wrong doings. But he paid them back what was required by the law. (Exodus 22:1, 2 Sam 12:6)
• He could have given four times, he had taken according to the law and that should be enough.
• But He first gave half of all his possessions to the poor! (That is a lot of money.) And from the remaining, he paid for his wrongdoings. It shows the overflowing joy, love and generosity.
• Jesus did not even tell him to do so. It came so naturally from the change of heart.
• In previous chapter, Luke 18:18-30, we see another rich ruler, a man of high regard, respect in the society, a religious person. But he failed to know who Jesus really is! What a pity that he could not leave his riches, when Jesus told him to do so. (Luke 18:23)

Q. What was Jesus’ proclamation?

• “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
• Zacchaeus was saved by his faith in Jesus Christ, just as Abraham. (Romans 4:13, Romans 5:1)
• Jesus proclaimed his mission on the earth, “To Seek and Save the lost.”

The Story of Zacchaeus and Jesus is one of the most fascinating and dramatic stories in the gospels. It is a story of Jesus reaching out to neglected and despised of the world.

Jesus is ready to be your guest in your home and heart, are you ready to accept his invitation?

More Bible Studies:

• Shriveled Hands – Jesus Heals on Sabbath – Mark 3:1-6
• Jesus’ Genealogy in the Bible – Matthew 1:1-17 | Bible Study
• Rich Young Ruler and Jesus | Mark 10:17-27
• Woman with Alabaster Jar and Jesus – Luke 7:36-50
• The Parable of the Great Feast | Luke 14:15-24 | Bible Study

Zacchaeus and Jesus – The Guest of Sinner is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

• Mark 4: 35-41
• Matthew 8:23-27
• Luke 8:22-25

How do you feel if you are in one of these storms in the sea? How will you react to the situation? Where would you go for help? Let us look at what the disciples of Jesus reacted in such a life threatening storm.

Q. Mark 4:35 starts with ‘that’ day. Which day is he talking about?

• The day started with chapter 4, when Jesus started teaching the crowd. He taught them lots of stories and parables and performed many miracles.
• At the end of the day, Jesus and his disciples would be tired, needed rest. They went into boats for rest. This was often the case to find rest, so that crowd cannot follow Jesus. (Mat 14:13)

Sea of Galilee: is 680 feet below sea level and surrounded by hills.

Q. What did Jesus tell his disciples?

• “Let us go over the other side.”

• Surely, they did not expect the miracle, by their reaction after Jesus calming the storm. (Mark 4:41)
• They assumed that they are all going to die.
• Angry and frustrated to see Jesus sleeping – “Don’t you care, if we die?”! (Questioning God – Psalms 13)
• Is he insane? How can he sleep in such a situation?
• There seems to me, two storms raging – one in the sea of Galilee and the other in the hearts of disciples!

Q. What did Jesus do? What were disciples’ reaction?

• Jesus calms the Storm and the sea.
• He got up, rebuked the wind and the sea!
• “Quiet, be still.”
• Jesus demonstrated his power over the wind and the waves – over the Nature. (also check, Jesus feeding five thousand)
• I suppose, it was wind and wave’s time to be terrified!
• At once, there was a complete calm.
• Disciples might be wondering, was that a dream? What has just happened?
• They were shocked and terrified, even more than before!

Q. What can you learn about the nature of Jesus here?

• Mark 4:38 – He was tired – Man.
• Mark 4:39 – His power over nature – God
• He was God and Man both. (This is the greatest mystery of all!)

Q. Why did Jesus ask, “Where is your faith”?

• Because he told them, “Let us go to the other side.”!
• Fear is the absence of faith and trust.
• It was a powerful discipleship lesson. (7 conditions of Christian discipleship)

Q. What was disciples’ response?

• “Who is this”? – Not mere teacher for sure. (Mark 4:38)
• “Who can command the wind and the wave?”
• “Who can calm the storm and the sea?”

Bible Study Lessons:

• We may not go through the physical storm as the disciples did. But we all have been through many other storms in our own lives like sickness, loosing job, failures, personal weakness, death of loved one, accident, depression, hopelessness…, where we feel helpless.
• We may think or feel like God does not care. He is sleeping. He is not answering our prayers.
• But thank God that Jesus is in our boats! He is in control. (Captain of our boat)
• We need to completely trust him. (This is a lot harder to do that to say.)
• I have been through many storms in my personal walk (sailing) with Jesus, and I have seen his faithfulness and power at work in due time. I have learnt not to doubt, but to completely trust him.
• I have learnt not to be afraid but totally rely on his power and promise in the storms of my life. (I have not completely succeeded yet, I must say!)
• We may think that Jesus is a teacher, leader, speaker or great man… But it is when we realize his true identity, we can entrust him our whole life.
• You may have heard the famous Story of Tight rope Walker:

A tightrope walker amazed a crowd of onlookers by successfully walking across a rope which stretches across the mighty Niagara Falls. After his performance, the performer asked the crowd, “How many of you believe that I can carry a man on my back while walking the tightrope across the falls?” Many of the people in the crowd enthusiastically raised their hands. Then the performer asked another question: “Which of you is willing to actually let me carry you across the falls?” Of course, not a single person volunteers!

Are you willing to entrust your whole life to Jesus?

More Bible Studies:

• Feeding the 5000 | Bible Study
• Jesus and Beelzebub – Mark 3:20-30 | Bible Study
• Jesus’ Disciples Names: List, Meaning and Occupation
• Questioning God – Psalm 13
• Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12

Jesus Calming the Storm – Bible Lesson is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

• Mark 10: 17-27
• Matthew 19:16-27
• Luke 18:18-27

Q. What can we know about the rich ruler from these passages?

• Young man
• Very rich (Luke 18:18)
• Ruler, respected in society
• Sincere, very well mannered
• Religious Jew from his childhood
• Seeker, enthusiastic, willing and eager to learn (Mark 10:17)
• He had a great question to ask. After all, what can be a better way than to start a conversation with the question about Eternal life!
• This was not the only time, Jesus was asked this question. In Luke 10:25-37, One of the teachers of the Law, asked similar question to Jesus. However his intention was to test and trap Jesus. (check out – Authority of Jesus questioned by Teachers of the Law)
• This rich ruler had no such hidden agenda, he was sincere in his request.

Q. What can we infer from his question about eternal life to Jesus?

• He presumed that there is an ‘eternal life’ and it is worth receiving or inheriting!
• Jews always believed that one can be justified and saved through their works according to the Law. So, he assumed that he can do something to inherit the eternal life.
• He was sincerely following all the commandments form childhood (according to him), but he still wanted to be assured of his destiny.
• There is a deep conviction in all of us, that there is an eternal life; and it is to be greatly desired. King Solomon has put it in Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes 3:11:”He (God) has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Q. How did he address to Jesus?

• He called him, a “good” teacher/master. It was a common title used by the Jews to call their religious leaders or teachers, meaning – “most excellent”. The expression (’Good’) was used to show the reverence or respect to the teacher.

Q. What did Jesus answer?

• First, he dealt with his address, “why do you call me good?”. In Matthew, the question is little different from Mark and Luke, “Why do you ask me about what is good?”
• Jesus’ intention was not to deny his divinity. Jesus was not saying, “I am not God, so don’t call me good, which applies only to God!” (Many people, especially Muslim scholars, have falsely used this verse to disprove Jesus’ divinity.)
• Secondly, he did not intend to say that everything else is bad or evil, and one should not use word “good” except for God!
• His intention was to raise the standard with which God measures ‘goodness’. This was not the only time, he raised the bar. In his sermon on the mount, he told his audience, that according to God’s standard, even an anger could be as grievous as murder and lustful eyes are as sinful as adultery. God judges not only by the external actions, but the motives and intent of heart also. (Matthew 5:21,22,27,28) Our standard of goodness falls far shorter than absolute Good, God is and desires.
• The rich ruler was convinced that he had followed the Law from his childhood, but in a moment, Jesus showed him that he was guilty of Greed. (Exodus 20:17). He loved money more than following God, and in that sense, he was guilty of breaking the first of ten commandments. (Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.”)

Q. What was man’s response?

• He went away sad. He choose to hold on to his earthly treasures and security.
• Jesus loved him for his question and zeal. (Mk 10:21) But he did not call him back or lower his demands for discipleship. (check out Seven Conditions of Christian Discipleship)
• (I strongly believe that Jesus was testing his heart, and if he would have repented for his love for money and failures, Jesus would have accepted him.)
• He had a choice to accept his shortcomings, but he rather decided to went away, sad.

Life Applications:

• So often, when we read this passage, we ask ourselves, “does Jesus require such a strict call for all the Christians?” We often try to lessen the demands and cost of christian discipleship. But this was not the only time, Jesus asked his disciples for such radical call. in New Testament, we find numerous accounts of people leaving all behind, for following Jesus.
  • Luke 5:11 – Peter and Andrew left everything to follow Jesus
  • Luke 5:27-28 – Matthew (Levi), the tax collector left everything. (He must be rich!)
  • Luke 19:1-10 – Zacchaeus (Again, rich tax collector), gave bulk of his wealth to the poor and needy. (Even without Jesus asking!)  (Jesus and Zacchaeus – The Guest of Sinner)
  • Acts 2:44-45 – First Christians sold everything and gave it to the needy.
• Not only, first century Christians, but Christians throughout the history have gladly given up their family, home, country, careers, even their own lives in following Jesus.
• This is a Radical Call. Perhaps, the mandate for voluntary poverty is not for all, but the readiness to forsake anything and everything that can hinder ‘following Christ’ is for every Christian.
• What are the things, God is asking you to give up for him?

More Bible Studies:

• Definition of Theodicy: God and Suffering
• What does Bible say about Atheism?
• Shriveled Hands – Jesus Heals on Sabbath – Mark 3:1-6
• The Scribes Questions Jesus’ Authority – Mark 11: 27-33
• Christian Discipleship: Definition | Cost of Discipleship

Rich Young Ruler and Jesus | Mark 10:17-27 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

1. Peter: (Greek: Petros meaning ‘Rock’) – Peter was one of the most prominent of the 12 disciples, a natural spokesperson and the leader of the early Christian church. His original Hebrew name was Simon, a common popular Hebrew name. Jesus gave him a name ‘Kephas‘, Aramaic name. John translated into it Greek ‘Petros‘ meaning Rock. (John 1:42 – “you will be called Cephas.”) Peter was native of Bethsaida (John 1:44), brother of Andrew, lived in a fishing town, Capernaum. (Mark 1:29) He was fisherman by occupation on the Sea of Galilee. He was married man. (Mark 1:30, 1 Cor 9:5)

2. John: (Meaning – God is gracious) John was originally the disciple of John the baptist (John 1:35), and he was introduced to Jesus in John 1:35-39. He was the brother of James and Son of Zebedee. He lived in Capernaum in Galilee, most probably native of Bethsaida. He was fisherman on the sea of Galilee with his brother and father. (Mark 1:19-20). He was one of the three disciples, closest to Jesus, with others being Peter and James.

3. James: (Greek Iakobos – the English word for Jacob meaning Israel or He Who Supplants His Brother). James was son of Zebedee (Mark 4:21), elder brother of John (Mat 17:1), by occupation, fisherman with his brother and father at the sea of Galilee, in partnership with Peter and Andrew. (Luke 5:10). He was the first disciple (apostle) to be martyred. (Acts 12:2)

4. Andrew: (Greek – Andreas, meaning ‘Manly’, man), brother of Simon Peter, son of Jonas, like his brother, lived in Capernaum, fisherman by occupation. He brought Peter his brother to Jesus. (John 1:25-42)

5. Philip: (Greek Philippos, meaning ‘Lover of horses’). He was a close friend of Andrew and Peter, a native of Bethsaida (John 1:44). Jesus called Philip near Bethany where John the baptist was preaching. (John 1:43) He persuaded and brought Nathaniel to Jesus. (John 1:45-51)

6. Bartholomew: (Greek – bartholomaios meaning Son of Talmai) He is mentioned in all four lists of the apostles. There is no other reference to him in the New testament. Nothing much is known about him.

7. Thomas: (Greek – Thomas from Aramaic – te’oma meaning ‘twin’) Also called ‘Didymus’ or ‘the Twin’ (John 11:16, 20:24, 21:2). When Jesus appeared to the the apostles after resurrection, Thomas was not present. Later on, when disciples told him, he could not believe them, until Jesus showed himself a week later. (John 20:24-29). His occupation is unknown.

8. Matthew: (Greek – maththaios - meaning ‘gift of Yahweh’) also called ‘levi’ (Mark 2:14, Luke 5:27). He was a tax collector by occupation. Jesus called him to be one of his disciples, when was was at a tax office. (Mat 9:9, Mark 2:14). He is ascribed as the author of Gospel according to Matthew.

9. James, the son of Alphaeus: one of the apostle of Christ. Nothing much is known about him.

10. Thaddaeus: He is mentioned in two of four lists of Jesus’ disciples. (Mat 10:3, Mark 3:18). The other two lists is also variously called him Jude of James, Jude Thaddaeus, Judas Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus. Nothing else is known about him apart from his names in two lists.

11. Simon the Zealot: Another disciple of Jesus. a member of a party later called ‘Zealots’ (Matthew 10:4, Mark 3:18)

12. Judas Iscariot: The disciple who betrayed Jesus. His last name ‘Iscariot’ is from Hebrew word ‘Ish Kerioth‘ meaning ‘a man from Kerioth’, a place in the south of Judah (Joshua 15:25). He was a treasurer of the group. (John 12:6, 13:29). After his betrayal of Jesus, he was grieved for his actions, and committed suicide. (Matthew 27:5). He is always mentioned last in the list of apostles.

Check out: Conditions of Discipleship According to Jesus

More Bible Studies:

• Jesus Calming the Storm – Bible Lesson
• Miracle of Jesus at Cana Wedding – John 2:1-11 | Bible Study
• Christian Discipleship: Definition | Cost of Discipleship
• Feeding the 5000 | Bible Study
• Jesus Christ – The Cornerstone of the Church

Jesus’ Disciples Names: List, Meaning and Occupation is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Matthew 5: 10-12 - “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for their is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Meaning of Word ‘Persecuted’:

To be pursued, follow after, suffer, chase after, to run after with hostile intent, to hunt. Persecution and all the variations of this word are used in the bible approx. 76 times. The word has a strong meaning of being followed or chased after. It is like a continuous, ruthless chase to hunt down the prey!

Bible Verses about Approach to Persecution:

• 1 Peter 3:13-14 – “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.”
• 1 Peter 4:12-14,16,19 – “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you…However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name….So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”
• Phil 3:10-11 – “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
• Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Beatitudes: Great Paradox:

• This last beatitude is the most striking and contradictory of all the beatitudes. For how can you rejoice or be blessed, when you are going through insult, persecution, suffering, even death for doing good or right? Yet, Jesus very clearly proclaims ‘blessedness’ for those who are being persecuted for the sake of righteousness. He also mentions similar message in Matthew 10:16-28.
• For the first century Christians, persecution was a norm rather than an exception.
• Peter and Paul, the first apostles to Jews and gentiles, also reiterate and often desire for sharing and participating in suffering with/for Christ. (check out bible references below)
• It should be noted that it is not in the suffering or pain, we rejoice, but it is in the hope of God’s glory to be revealed. (There are some who like to be sad, who somehow enjoys in their pain!)
• We, Christians however, rejoice in their suffering for the righteousness, due to the fact that we participate in suffering of Christ, that we bear his name, and that we will be overjoyed when Christ’ glory will be revealed in us. It is our privilege to suffer with Christ.
• It is not the suffering, but the Cause that makes a Martyr.
• People may say that this is absolutely absurd. yet, we all believe in a idea of pain and suffering for future joy. A good example of this is a ‘child-birth’. Mother goes through immense pain and struggle, with pain intensifies as the time comes nearer. For her, the present pain is not worth comparing with the joy she will experience in her child. Nobody finds it strange, in fact, women long and desire motherhood. Her focus is not on the suffering, but the joy that her child will bring.
• We find it difficult to grasp rejoicing in suffering because we have not seen the complete picture. Even among many Christians, there is a growing tendency to focus on earthly blessings. (It is not to say that one should not desire good in this life.) But Jesus (and first disciples) always focused on future hope and glory.
• There are parts of the world, where people are being persecuted for Christ. For them, following Christ means suffering, rejection and even death. They are blessed or privileged to share in suffering with Christ.
• We may not go through physical persecution or suffering, but we all feel being constantly chased after by the enemy of Christ. When we pursue righteousness, we may find being constantly running or fleeing from the spiritual forces, who are after us to knock us down.

The Promise: Blessed Hope:

However, this is not the end. Jesus offers those who are persecuted for his name, the inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven.  At present, we don’t see it, yet we believe in it and we rejoice in that hope and future. (Romans 8:24) Paul rightly say that our present sufferings are not even worth comparing with the glory that will be manifested when Christ will return.

This ends the eight part bible study series on the beatitudes. I hope that you would have enjoyed this series as much as I have and pray that it would bring new and fresh perspective in your personal walk with Christ. In the end, I would like to finish with this beautiful, timeless hymn from Fanny Crosby, which truly captures the joy, hope and assurance of Kingdom of God.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love.

This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

Check out,

Part 1: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 2: Blessed are those Who Mourn: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 3: Blessed are the Meek: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 4: Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 5: Blessed are the Merciful: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 6: Blessed are the Pure in heart: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 7: Blessed are the Peacemakers: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 8: Beatitudes: Blessed are those who are Persecuted because of righteousness
More Bible Studies:

• Blessed are Pure in Heart – Beatitudes – Part 6 of 8
• Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness – Beatitudes Bible Study | 4 of 8
• Blessed are Those who Mourn – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 2 of 8
• Blessed are the Peacemakers – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 7 of 8
• Beatitudes: Meaning and List

Persecuted for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study – Part 8 of 8 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Matthew 5:3-12

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” – (Matthew 5:9)

This is the seventh beatitude mentioned in Matthew 5:3-12.  It would have shocked most jews in the crowd. Jews were looking for ‘Messiah’ who would overthrow the Roman empire and establish earthly kingdom. But Jesus supports peace and encourages the peacemakers. Once again, Kingdom of Heaven defies the norm of earthly kingdom, which is established by power, force and wars.

Group Exercise:

• Ask your Group: Who do you think are the famous peacemakers in history?
  • Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa… (Coincidentally, many of them are strongly influenced by life and teaching of Jesus!!), Jesus Christ himself.
• Find out people who have been awarded noble prize for peace & their contributions to the society.
• Think of Non profit organizations, which promotes peace and goodwill of others. Discover their roots.
  

  

Blessed are the Peacemakers:

• The very essence of peace is the Love one has received from God first. You cannot love others, unless you have experienced God’ love in first place. (Many may not agree with this statement.)
• Luke 6:27-28 – “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
• John 13: 35 – “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
• 1 Peter 3:9 – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
• Think about first century Christians, even in the most atrocious persecution, they refused to react violently, but always promoted peace.
• Peace makers are not only those who have a broader influence, but also those whom we turn to in our daily lives. You may find certain people in your church, community, family, workplace. These are the people who resolves differences and conflicts to maintain peace.
• The reward for the Peacemakers is very unique. “They will be called sons of God.” People may critique their methods or ways, but they cannot deny their work or the fact that it can only come from God.

Part 1: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 2: Blessed are those Who Mourn: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 3: Blessed are the Meek: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 4: Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 5: Blessed are the Merciful: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 6: Blessed are the Pure in heart: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 7: Beatitudes: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Part 8: Beatitudes: Blessed are the PersecutedMore Bible Studies:

• Beatitudes: Meaning and List
• Blessed are Those who Mourn – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 2 of 8
• Beatitudes: Blessed are Poor in Spirit – 8 Part Series
• Blessed are the Meek – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 3 of 8
• Persecuted for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study – Part 8 of 8

Blessed are the Peacemakers – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 7 of 8 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Background:

• Mark 11:27 starts with ‘they arrived in Jerusalem again.” If we check the background of this event, there had been significant drama already played in Jerusalem in last few days. Let us look at last three days of Jesus.
• Day 1:
  • Jesus arrived in Jerusalem from Bethany. (Mark 11:1-10) This was his last week before crucification. He entered Jerusalem and was greeted by people as a ‘great messiah’, it was a triumphant entry.
  • On that day, he observed all that was going on in the temple, and went back with his disciples to Bethany. (Mark 11:11)
• Day 2:
  • Next day (Mark 11:12), Jesus on his way to Jerusalem, he passed by fig tree, when he did not find any fruit on fig tree, he cursed the tree. It was a visual parable for the disciples regarding the ‘barrenness of Israel’.
  • He then went to the temple in Jerusalem and drove out all the merchants and money changers. (Mk 11:15-18)
• Day 3:
  • Next day, disciples, on their way to Jerusalem, noticed that the fig tree was withered to its root (Mk 11:20)
  • Finally they arrived again in Jerusalem (v. 27). And were confronted by the chief priests and scribes in the temple courts.
  • By this time, the chief priests and scribes were already indignant by Jesus’ lack of respect of their ‘authority’, and were plotting to somehow trap him and kill him!

Q. Where was Bethany?

• Bethany was situated about 2 miles SE of Jerusalem, on the mount of Olives. (John 11:18)
• Meaning of Bethany: ‘house of unripe figs’!
• Home of Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha (Jn 11:1-2)
• Home of Simon the leper, where Jesus attended the feast of unleavened bread (Mark 14:1,3)
• It was around the city of Bethany, Jesus ascended into heaven. (Luke 24:50-51)

Q. Who were the scribes (Teachers of the Law)?

• Experts in the Law, whose profession was the systematic study and exposition of the Law
• Scribes were also called ‘teachers of the Law’.
• They often associated themselves with the Pharisees. (Mt 5:20, Mk 7:5, etc)
• They had developed and added many traditions and practices to the requirements of the Law, to insure sanctity of the Law. (Mk 7:3) These teachings were called ‘the traditions of the elders’. (Matthew 15:2-6)
• Jesus accused them for loading the common people with the “burdens that they can hardly carry.” (Luke 11:46)
• Scribes closely observed Jesus’ activities and ministry. And when Jesus refused to follow their traditions, they fiercely opposed him and tried to trap /kill him. (John 5:10-18, Mark 7:1-13)

Q. What questions did the Chief priests and the teachers of the Law ask to Jesus?

1. By What authority are you doing ‘these things’?
2. Who gave you authority to do this?

Q. What do their questions imply? What were the ‘things’ Jesus doing?

• Chief priests were the recognized authority in the matters of the temple, they allowed the money changers and traders to be in the temple courts. So when Jesus cleared the temple by driving out money changers, without their (chief priests) permission, it ticked them off.
• They assumed that Jesus did not possess any authority. They implied, “we did not give you this authority, then how can you do this?”

Q. What was so unique about Jesus’ reply?

• Jesus was not shaken by this sudden confrontation. He did not step back or withdraw himself. But he answered their question with a counter-question.
• Jesus’ question to them was, “who gave authority to John the baptist to baptize people? was it from men or from heaven (God)? (Ministry of John the Baptist)
• By his question, he took the matter to the objective level, Jesus indirectly asked, “Who ultimately gives the authority?”
• (So often, when we are confronted with some fundamental question about our belief, we try to defend ourselves by giving reasons after reasons, or plainly withdraw from the scene. But, asking a counter-question is an excellent way of shifting the focus from subjective level to the objective level.)

Q. What was the high priests’ response?

• They were baffled by this intelligent counter-attack.
• Their answer, “we do not know”, reflects their state of mind, they did not want to admit their failure, and at the same time, they wanted to please people also. So they stepped back by avoiding to answer.
• Jesus however, did not reply, “even I do not know!”, he replied, “I will not tell.”
• Jesus did not answer to them, but he did answer to his disciples. Matthew 28:18 – “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (John 17:1-2, John 5:26-27)

Applications:

• How do you respond when you face confrontation?
• What do you think, Jesus’ authority is from?

More Bible Studies:

• Three Magi’s Visit to King of the Jews – Matthew 2:1-12 | Bible Lesson
• Jesus and Beelzebub – Mark 3:20-30 | Bible Study
• Rich Young Ruler and Jesus | Mark 10:17-27
• Zacchaeus and Jesus – The Guest of Sinner
• The Sadducees and Jesus – Question about Resurrection

The Scribes Questions Jesus’ Authority – Mark 11: 27-33 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide