Sunday, July 19, 2020
Why did Jesus come to the world? The historical Jesus and Four Gospels
A brief introduction to Jesus and the Four Gospels.
Why did he come to the world according to the Four Gospels? -According to Mark, Jesus came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). -According to Matthew, he came to fulfill the righteousness of God (Matt 5:17). -According to Luke, he came to seek out and save the lost (Luke 19:10). -According to John, he came to testify to the truth of God (John 18:37).
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Unjust Judge and Widow
What does Jesus try to address in the original parable? Why does Luke emphasize prayer? What kind of justice is discussed in this parable? This parable of Jesus is not about prayer but about justice.
Rich Man and Lazarus
Do we see in this parable the limitations of Lukan charity-based ethics? In fact, this parable does not ask the question of how the man became rich. The only thing expected from him is a bit of charity that may help the poor man. However, this parable challenges the view of maximalist freedom: “I can do whatever I want because all I have is mine.”
Unjust Steward
What is wrong with the manager? Did he lend the master’s money with unusually high-interest rate to his customers? If so, he was unjust. He harmed the master’s reputation and expropriated his customers. Why did the manager decide to cut back the amount of debt for the master’s customers? Because his master knew … so, he may lose his job. … so, to get his living among them … Why did his master commend the manager? (His reputation; his business). In the end, there are all winners: the master’s reputation is restored; he could get his business going as usual; the manager does not lose his job; the customers have a better rate.
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Father and Two Sons (Luke 15)
"Father and Two Sons" in Luke 15 is one of the three ”lost” parables in Luke: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. Is this an allegorical story or just a family story with two parts, the younger son and the older son? The main theme is the father’s compassion. We need to analyze characters: the father's behavior as not very adamant about his sons and his unconditional acceptance of his son; the older son/brother as a diligent son; a prosecutor-role; the younger one as immature and selfish; not truly repenting, but returning home to survive. Reconciliation will happen eventually? What are the conditions for it?
Rich Farmer (Rich Fool)
This parable is known as Rich Fool, found only in Luke. One’s riches are not made by oneself. One must thank God, the laborers, the community, the sun, and the wind. Rather than building more warehouses, one must share one’s abundance with the community. Storing only for oneself while others are starving is evil. Life is short.
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Good Samaritan
What do you say about the traditional allegorical reading of this parable of the Good Samaritan? What is wrong with a priest and a Levite? Describe a Samaritan’s detailed care of the robbed man? Any thoughts about the new definition of a neighbor?
Monday, July 6, 2020
Ten Bridesmaids
The source of this parable of ten bridesmaids is uncertain; found only in Matthew. The kingdom of God is compared with ten bridesmaids’ preparedness for meeting the bridegroom. Strong allegorical elements in this parable reflect Matthew’s theology and eschatology. How to understand the five wise women’s behavior toward the other five?
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