Light on the Lessons s3

Light on the Lessons

1 Kings 19:9-18; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (Lectionary 19, Proper 14); Cycle A; August 13, 2017 Participant Guide I Getting Started

1. Describe a situation or a setting in which you felt the presence of God in a particularly intense way.

2. Why do you think some Christians do not feel confident that they are truly saved?

3. How would you describe the power of faith in your life?

II Check the Texts

1. 1 Kings 19:9-18

King Ahab, of the Northern Kingdom called Israel, had married Jezebel who brought with her a coterie of Baal priests, Loyal to Yahweh, Elijah challenged the Baal priests to a showdown: Would their power or Yahweh’s power end the drought in the land (1 Kings 18:20-46)? Yahweh won and a furious Jezebel set out to kill Elijah. (NOTE: In traditions from Israel in the north, the mountain where God came to Moses is called Horeb; in traditions from Judah, the name is Sinai.)

A. Read 1 Kings 19:1-8. How would you describe Jezebel’s feelings (verse 2)? How did Elijah react (verse 3-4)? Why might Elijah have felt this way? What did God do in response? Read Exodus 34:27-28. What connection does that passage have with this lesson? What other period alone with God does it remind you?

B. Compare this lesson with Exodus 33:17-23. What similarities do you find? Read Mark 9:2-8; who appears at the Transfiguration? What does this information suggest to you about the significance of Elijah?

C. Theophany: A visible manifestation of the deity. Check two theophanies: Exodus 3:3-6 and 19:16-25. What are some common characteristic of these two and Elijah’s experience? What is different about Elijah’s theophany?

D. Find the two sets of verses which are almost identical in their wording. How do these indicate Elijah’s state of mind? What is God’s answer in verse 18? How does this reveal, in the midst of a violent episode, God’s grace and hope?

E. What use does Paul make of this incident in Romans 11:1-6?

2. Romans 10:5-15

A. Read Romans 10:1-4. What is the theme that Paul will address in today’s lesson? What would a Jew or a moral Gentile have thought of what Paul said in verse 4?

B. In verses 5-8, what contrast does Paul make between righteousness of the law and righteousness of faith? What similarities doe you find between Deuteronomy 30:11-14 and verses 6-8? What is the point of these verses?

C. What is the faith that Paul says will bring a new righteousness, in verses 8-11? What comfort would these verses give to a Christian who wonders if his or her faith is firm and strong enough to connect with God?

D. According to verses 12-13, what benefit does righteousness by faith have over righteousness by law?

E. What is Paul urging in verses 14-15? In the context of this passage, why does Paul urge that?

3. Matthew 14:22-33 A. Looking at this miracle as a whole, (1) what does it say about Jesus?, (2) what impression does it give about the disciples?, (3) what would it have said to a Christian toward the end of the first century?, and (4) what message does it have for Christians today?

B. Compare two other versions of this incident: Mark 6:45-52 and John 6:16-21. With which is John closest, Matthew or Mark? What does Matthew add that the other leave out? What impression does Mark give about the disciples? What is the climax of Matthew’s version?

C. Read Psalm 107:23-32. What does this say about God? If you knew this Psalm and heard the story of Jesus stilling the waters, what would be your impression of Jesus?

III What Does It All Mean?

1. What are some of the spectacular ways in which we experience the presence of God? What are some of the quiet ones? When people look for the presence of God’s activity in the world or in their lives, what do you think is one place that is most often overlooked?

2. How do you experience the “sound of sheer silence” in your life? How would you evaluate the benefit for your spiritual life of spending more time in silent meditation of some kind?

3. In Romans 10:10, Paul parallels believing (in the heart) and confessing (with one’s mouth). What does confessing mean in our modern world? Why do you think Paul considered this important? Do you think it has the same importance today?

4. Many people feel, with Elijah, that they are striving to be faithful, true, honest, and whole, yet it doesn’t seem to get them anywhere. They look around and see that others do not care. Before long, they ask, “So, why should I care?” What advice or comfort would you give to such a lonely witness?

5. Where in your faith do you find the resources to take Jesus seriously when he says, “Do not be afraid”?

6. Many Christians hesitate to speak openly about their relationship with Jesus. What are some ways this hesitancy – even fear – can be eased?

7. What are some ways you could effectively share the Good News with friends, colleagues, or the community?

IV Into the Week

1. You go home and someone asks, “What did you learn today?” What do you reply?

2. Think of at least one thing God has done for you recently that you think is worth sharing. Formulate in your mind the words with which you would share this with a friend. (It may help to have a specific person in mind as you visualize a conversation with him or her.) Now, when an appropriate occasion arises, you will be better prepared to share your faith.

3. Continue to claim at least 10 minutes each day exclusively for refreshing your spiritual life. Think only of that which brings God to your mind. Don’t speak or engage in any inner dialogue. Just silence…and listening! You may find you can do this at first for only a couple of minutes. Let you skill with silence develop over time.