Lenten History A little more information about Lent, the preparation period before Easter--What exactly is the significance of Lent? “Lenten” comes from the word for “lengthen” referring to the lengthening spring days. In the second century the purpose of setting aside 40 days before Easter was to educate people in the faith. These people would then be baptized on Easter Sunday! Forty seems a likely number—it was 40 days that Jesus prepared for his spiritual journey. So, we, too, can have 40 days to prepare for Easter. Did you decide to start any traditions?
Session #3: Matthew 25: 31-46 “Whatever you do…”
This seems to refer to Jesus’ return after the tribulation (some disagree) since then the first order of business will be the judgment of the nations, in which it will be determined which of those people who have survived the Great Tribulation will be allowed to enter into the kingdom age.
1) What is the message of these verses?
How is the message similar to James 2:16?
Do these verses mean that visiting a prisoner earns us a place in heaven? Explain.
To whom are the “brothers” referred to in verses 40 and 45? (See Matt. 12:46)
(Verse 46) “Gehenna” (eternal punishment) was prepared for whom?
How are these verses advice both in the positive and negative sense?
What comments do you have about these verses?
Matthew 25: 1-13 “Anointed” (See also, John 12: 1-8) Some claim these are two separate events. We will treat them as one for study purposes.
8) What is this perfume? How is it used? Where does it originate?
Matthew does not identify the woman. John does. Who is she?
What would using her let-down hair indicate in that culture?
She takes time to bless Jesus; time in lavishing anointing Jesus with love. How could we?
What details are different in the two accounts? How could these details be reconciled?
How does Jesus “stand up” for the woman? What would his modern words be?
Do you think the woman KNEW Jesus would die soon? Explain.
What is the main message of this story FOR YOU?
What would you like Jesus to say about you? How could that happen? What verse would you like to memorize? What you could apply to your life today?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment