Skip to main content

Week Twenty-one: The Rich Man and Lazarus

Welcome to Week Twenty-one of our Bible study! This week we will be looking at the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, found in Luke 16:19-31. This story comes on the heals of a contentious exchange between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders. Specifically, Jesus was teaching about the dangers associated with loving money and material possessions, and he drew a stark contrast between actions that glorify the individual and those that spring from a contrite heart. These were words the Pharisees did not want to hear and provide the context for the story of the rich man and Lazarus. As always, we need to place ourselves in the time and culture of the audience and try to understand the meaning of the events that take place. Although I have read this story many times before, when we try to understand the context and thinking of the Jewish leaders during this time, the story comes to life in a new way. So, we will discuss these things and also life after death during our study Sunday night. I hope to see you all there.  As always, I welcome your participation and look forward to seeing you all Sunday evening at 7:30 pm.

About Zoom:  We will use Zoom for this Bible study. If you are using a computer, just type in www.zoom.com and select “Join a Meeting” at the top of the page, then enter the meeting ID: 696 778 0839.

If you are using a phone, iPad or other portable device, then you will need to download the free Zoom app. Once you have the Zoom app, just open it and select “Join” a meeting, and use this ID:  696 778 0839. I would encourage everyone to go into their Zoom settings and add in a name, at a minimum, so everyone can see who you are.

Alternately, if you don’t want to download the app, you can open your device browser and enter www.zoom.com and follow the instructions above.

Regardless of what device you use, once you join, you will enter a waiting room and then I will admit you. I will typically open the meeting about 10 minutes early so folks can get joined and work through any technical issues. You are free to join with or without video, but if you want to talk, which I really encourage everyone to do, please turn your camera on so we can see you.

I have the meeting set up so that it automatically mutes everyone when you join, so don’t forget to “unmute” when you want to talk. Again, I encourage everyone to discuss topics, answer questions, ask questions or otherwise participate in the discussion. Please jump in if you have information to help clarify a point or you just need to talk. It’s all fine!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Week Three - David and Bathsheba

 Welcome to Week Three of our Bible Study! This week, we will look at another story from the Old Testament. I know most folks think of Jesus using parables to teach, and it is debatable if this story in II Samuel should be classified as a parable. It is a Bible story but was used as a vehicle to convict King David of his egregious actions. Whatever we want to call it, that’s our topic for this week. Most folks that have spent time in church have heard the story of David and Bathsheba, found in II Samuel 11. David committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, then ordered Uriah to be sent to the front line of battle so that he was killed. In chapter 12, we find the prophet Samuel confronting David. While the baby borne from this adulterous relationship dies, David and Bathsheba parent another baby that turns out to be pretty important, King Solomon. All of chapter 11 is a play by play of the events, but the last verse is a moral statement about David’s action...
Post a Comment
Read more

Week Twenty-seven: The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin

Welcome to Week Twenty-Seven of our Bible study! This week we will be looking at Luke 15:1-10. This is a beautiful parable of Jesus explaining how the shepherd will leave the 99 to look for the lost sheep, and the woman who has lost a coin will search everywhere for it. It is a beautiful story because it gives us a portrait of the love our Lord has for the lost and how He desires for all to come to repentance. I think this perspective is critical if we are to get a glimpse of who God really is and what He ultimately wants for all mankind. A few questions/thoughts that come to mind: ·        The religious leaders wouldn’t associate with “sinners;” what does this tell you about their character and how they saw their own source of righteousness? ·        Who were the “sinners” Jesus was associating with? ·        Why did Jesus choose to dine with people that were so reviled by the religious lead...
Post a Comment
Read more

Week Six - It's Christmas!

Welcome to Week Six of our Bible Study! This week, we will take a break from our study of the parables and look at the Christmas story. Sure, you’ve read it in the Bible, seen the movies and specials and we all have many fond memories that stir our emotions around this time of year. These are all great and nobody loves all things Christmas more than I; the lights and decorations and music, I love it all. But we know there is a much higher purpose in our celebration around Christmas. Unfortunately, during this odd year of isolation and, at times, anarchy, we have missed out on many celebrations and just the simple routine of gathering in church. So, I think this week’s study provides an opportunity to step back and reflect on life and maybe provide perspective. As we dig into the Christmas story this week, go back and read the accounts in the three Gospels (Matthew, Luke and John) with a critical eye. We don’t get any information about the birth of our Lord in John but he does provi...
Post a Comment
Read more