Scripture
Luke 13:31-35
Open your mind and heart as you read the passage of Scripture aloud and then again quietly to yourself. Listen for God’s word to you.
Observation
Luke 13:31-35
Not every Pharisee opposed Jesus. Here we find a group of them coming to warn Him that Herod was seeking a way to kill Him. A fox was seen as a symbol for a cunning but weak ruler. Foxes are considered to be sly, destructive animals. Jesus wanted Herod to know that he could not stop Him from doing the work He had been sent to accomplish. In fact His work would soon be completed. His words about a prophet not dying outside Jerusalem may have been a proverb. Jesus was not concerned about any threat from Herod.
However, He was concerned about the city of Jerusalem. His repetition of the name showed the deep feelings He had for the city. He entreated the city to turn back to God. He had longed to nurture them on His many visits but they were not interested.
Jesus seemed to foretell the city about both its destruction in AD 70 and about His Second Coming when the Jewish people would, at last, welcome Him as Lord.
Although this seemed to be impossible at the time, God would make it happen as He had promised He would.
Icebreaker:
There is so much fake news about at the moment. How do you differentiate between fake and genuine news? Who or what is your most trusted source of information? What makes you trust them?
Application
- Have you ever been warned or given a warning about an impending danger? How did you receive/give it? What happened?
- What words would you use to define your faith? Jot a few words down and then share them with one another. What impression does each person’s list give of their own faith? How does the group’s concept of that person’s faith vary or agree with their list? Pause for a few moments and listen for God’s voice. What word does He give about the group’s faith? Briefly share what you feel God is saying to you as a result of this exercise.
- How comfortable/uncomfortable do you feel about the discussion you have just had? Could it be that your faith is restricted by your traditions, background, or the teaching you have received? What does Jesus’ message in this Gospel passage say to you? What, if any, changes do you feel He is asking you to make in the way you believe in, follow and worship Him?
- What is taking up most of your attention in world events at the moment? What percentage of your time do you spend watching the news, thinking about the world events, and expressing your opinion about such things? What percentage of your time is taken up looking to God for His view, His plan, His answers? Do you tell God how big the problem is? Or do you tell the world events how big your God is? Why do you respond in this way?
- How can you be 3rd day (resurrection) people in world events? Where can you give hope where it is needed?
- Think for a moment about the town where you live. What is happening that you know would break God’s heart How can you make a difference as an individual and/or as a group?
- How can the group help you with the struggles you have mentioned during this session?
Prayer
Spend some time praying for your town and for world events. Remember how big your God is. Let this thought influence your prayers.
Pray for one another in regard to the issues that have been raised during your discussion time, and in regard to other needs of the group.
Service
As a result of your discussion in this session, find something you can do, in partnership with the God of the impossible, to bring hope into a seemingly hopeless situation.
Bibliography
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