Blog Archives

Taxing SOuls

10/27/2019

Questions for Personal and Small Group Considerations on the Sunday Gospel Reading (taken from the Serendipity Bible):

In school were you the “in” crowd or the “out” crowd?
How would people in Jesus’ day view the two characters in this parable?
Why did the tax collector go home ”justified before God” (v. 14) rather than the Pharisee?
What point was Jesus making with the parable?
When have you been like the Pharisee in this parable? Like the tax collector? What accounts for the difference?
How are you humble before God?

10/20/2019

Questions for Personal and Small Group Considerations on the Sunday Gospel Reading:

What did you use to get your way with your parents: Sulk? Cry? Bribe? Persist? Force? Wit? What worked best?
What method did this woman use as she approached the judge?
How is God like and unlike the judge?
As for prayer, are you more likely to give up or hang tough? Why?
Does this story mean you should keep praying to get rich or to see the coming of God’s kingdom? Why?

10/13/2019

Questions for Personal and Small Group Considerations on the Sunday Gospel Reading (taken from the Serendipity Bible):

What type of bread are you today: All natural? Rye? Mouldy? Multi-grain? Crusty? Fresh? Easy to butter up?
Why are the crowds still searching for Jesus (vv. 24-26)?
How does Jesus’ response to their question show the difference between his interests and theirs?
How are they to work for the food that leads to eternal life (v. 29)?
What does the crowd ask Jesus to do in order that they can believe? What is their real interest?
What are the similarities and differences between manna (Ex. 16) and the “bread of life” (v. 35)?
What is the main reason you follow Jesus? 8. How would you describe your daily spiritual diet: Junk food? Frozen food? Baby food? Microwave food? Leftovers? Pure bread and wine?
Has your familiarity with Jesus (from Sunday School, church etc.) ever kept you from seeing who he really is? What can remove the blinders?
If someone asked you “How do you hunger and thirst after God?” what counsel would you give?

10/6/2019

Questions for Personal and Small Group Considerations on the Sunday Gospel Reading (taken from the Serendipity Bible):

When it comes to thank you notes or calls, are you: {a} Ms. Manners? {b} Sir Sometimes? {c} Father Forgetful? Why?
What is it like to be a leper? What would healing mean?
As one of the nine, how would you rationalize not going back to Jesus to say thanks?
What is significant about the one being a Samaritan?
How do you express your gratitude to Jesus?