Questions for November 18, 2012

 Interruptions!

Mark 13:1-8

13As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!’ ²Then Jesus asked him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.’

3 When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, ⁴‘Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?’ ⁵Then Jesus began to say to them, ‘Beware that no one leads you astray. ⁶Many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and they will lead many astray. ⁷When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. ⁸For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the gift of your Son, Jesus.  We pray that we would strive to be more like him in every way and to be the reflection of Christ’s love to our neighbors and friends… AND for those who annoy us.  Give us a new appreciation for living life in the moment, not worrying about the future, and trusting you no matter what.  In Jesus name.  AMEN.

Grist for the Mill

1. Martin Luther was once asked, “What would you do today if you knew tomorrow Christ would return and the world as we know it came to an end.”  His response was- “Plant a tree”.  What do you think he meant?  How would you respond to that question?
2. Do you have a Bucket List?  If so, share some of the items with the group.  If not, think of some things you would want to do or accomplish before you die.
3. When you hear or read about the “end times” are your first thoughts of Christ’s return a promise or threat?  Why?
4. How do you handle interruptions to your schedule and plans?  How does (or can) your faith help shape your response to the interruptions of life?
5. Spend some time sharing with your group about experiences you’ve had with friends or loved ones who have died.  What did they find helpful in those “last few days”.  Did it make a difference if death was sudden and unexpected or the result of an extended illness?  What impact did it have on your life?  On your faith?

Close your session by praying for the person on your right and ending with the Lord’s Prayer.

Questions for November 11, 2012

Mark 12:38-44

Jesus Denounces the Scribes

38 As he taught, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, 39and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 40They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’

The Widow’s Offering

41 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, we live in a world of extreme wealth and abject poverty.  We have been materially blessed in ways that so many in our world can’t begin to comprehend.  And yet we complain.  Forgive us.  Fill our hearts with gratitude and may your Holy Spirit move us to experience the joy of sacrificial giving.  But most of all, we give thanks for the immeasurable gift of your Son, Jesus, and his sacrificial gift of life- His in exchange for ours.  It is in his holy and precious name we pray.  AMEN.

1. Notice how Mark positions a harsh word about the Scribes’ hypocrisy immediately before the story of the Widow’s Offering. Why do you think Mark did that? What does it say to his original readers? What does it say to us?
2. Jesus spent a lot of time talking about the effect of wealth, (e.g. greed) on our spiritual lives. What makes it so difficult for us to discuss it in the church today? 
3. Pastor Blair showed a “Giving Distribution” chart in his sermon slides. Discuss with the group your reaction to the data? Were there any surprises? Did it make you uncomfortable? Were you tempted to “compare yourself to others?” (And for personal reflection, how did you feel about your place in the chart and the challenge to practice growth giving?)
4. When you consider you financial contribution to the ministry of Living Word do you think of it in terms of “meeting the budget of our congregation” or as “your gift to God”. What’s the difference? Does it matter?
5. During times of congregational conflict there is a tendency for giving to drop. Withholding our giving is one way that we express our dissatisfaction with something that has been said or done. How is this inconsistent with the story of the Widow’s offering? How is it similar?
6. Close your time by sharing together about the challenges we face in distinguishing between our “needs” and our “wants”.

End by holding hands and praying The Lord's Prayer