------------------------------------------------------------ Jesus and the Kingdom of God E-Mail Bible Study ------------------------------------------------------------ Week 8 - BREADTH AND NARROWNESS OF THE KINGDOM Passive and Active Sides of Kingdom Growth Luke 13:18-30 (with Mark 4:26-29) ------------------------------------------------------------ This week we examine the growth of the Kingdom from several different aspects. Our passage contains two groups of parables. The first group on the growth of the Kingdom, the second on the "feast in the Kingdom of God." We are treating them together because both contain important concepts for our study, but neither is enough to spend a week on alone. Thus you'll notice a somewhat different structure of questions this week. Don't worry, we'll revert back next week. MONDAY ------ ------------------------------------------------------------ THEME 1. THE GROWTH OF THE KINGDOM Mark 4:26-29 and Luke 13:18-21 ------------------------------------------------------------ COMMENT: The rabbis used a "grain of mustard seed" to characterize something very minute. Of several varieties of mustard, the references seem to be to Sinapis nigra, cultivated black mustard. Normally attaining a maximum height of 4 ft., some species can grow to 15 ft. under favorable conditions. The spindly appearance of the mature shrub might convey the impression of a large tree when compared with the minuteness of the seed, but the contrast is a deliberate exaggeration. R.K. Harrison, "Mustard," ISBE 3:449 1.1 What do the parables of the growing seed (Mark 4:26- 29), mustard seed (Luke 13:18-19), and yeast (Luke 13:20-21) have in common? 1.2 Jesus used yeast in another saying (Matthew 6:6,12). Paul uses it in 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 (see Exodus 12:14-20 for background). In both instances yeast is used with a negative connotation. Is leaven negative or positive in Luke 13:21? How can you tell? 1.3 What danger very real are these parables designed to combat? Reflect on this before you answer. TUESDAY ------- ------------------------------------------------------------ THEME 2. THE NARROWNESS OF THE KINGDOM. Luke 13:22-30 ------------------------------------------------------------ COMMENT: Similar figures are used elsewhere in Jesus' teaching: Matthew 7:13, 23; and 25:10-12. But we will concentrate on the teaching in Luke 13:22-30. 2.1 What question prompts this teaching? Is the emphasis here on the narrowness of the door or the limited time of entry? Why do you answer as you do? 2.2 In the context of this entire passage (Luke 13:22-30), what does the closing of the door represent? 2.3 Vss. 25b-27 sound stern. If we were to make the owner of the house to be God, how could God truthfully say, "I don't know you?" Are those on the outside necessarily evil? Is there no mercy in this passage? WEDNESDAY --------- 2.4 I see two lessons in this parable. Put those two lessons in your own words: a) b) 2.5 "The feast in the Kingdom of God." Verses 28-30 carry on a theme found throughout the Bible which was commonly referred to by Jews in Jesus' day. Take notes on (but do not copy to the list) how these verses amplify the theme. We'll be looking further at the theme in two weeks. Notice the dual themes in many of these passages of "joy" and "judgment." Isaiah 25:6-8 Isaiah 59:19 - 60:3 Luke 14:15 Matthew 26:29 Revelation 19:9 2.6 What does the "feast in the Kingdom of God" passage (13:28-30) have in common with the narrow door teaching (13:22-27) which it follows? THURSDAY -------- 2.7 Luke 13:23-24 sounds like people need to be active in pursuing their own salvation. Doesn't this smack of salvation by works? Does this conflict with doctrines of predestination and grace, or complement them? 2.8 In Luke 13:18-30, how does the theme of growth in the early parables (vss. 18-21) fit with the later themes of universality and exclusion found in vss. 28-30? ------------------------------------------------------------ LEVEL 3: APPLICATION QUESTIONS. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME? ------------------------------------------------------------ 3.1 What do this week's passages motivate you to DO? HAVE A SAVE AND SOBER LABOR DAY WEEKEND! God bless you! No questions on Friday, but you might look at next week's lesson if you're going to be away on Monday. There's a lot to cover next week. ------------------------------------------------------------ Copyright 1997, Ralph F. Wilson, all rights reserved. Joyful Heart is a trademark of Joyful Heart Ministries. For reprint permission contact pastor@joyfulheart.com