Discussion Questions
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What can Jesus’ sufferings teach us about the way we should view difficulties, trials and sufferings in our own lives?
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2 Replies
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His sufferings remind us that though last during this season on earth, they help our faith to grow and see His work in us. They also allow us to see He was willing to be human and show us empathy. He gave up more than any of us will ever need to lose. He loves us so much that He chose to be not a triumphant king on earth that destroys all in His path that do not obey as the people thought He should, but to love quietly and humbly. We need to love one another and seek to follow Him in all things everyday.
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First, because he suffered and was able to remain without sin we can be encouraged that we can stand up under trials and sufferings. If Jesus never suffered, we would not be be able to connect with him in our difficult times.
Second, we are shown that trials and suffering are a key part of following Jesus’s example. Knowing that these things will happen allows us in our sinful state to prepare for difficulties and not be surprised when they happen. It shows us that the physical life is filled with suffering and does not end when we make Jesus Lord of our life.
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How should the purpose behind Luke’s gospel strengthen our faith?
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1 Reply
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I think the idea Luke described Jesus as compassionate and salvation was for everyone is essential. You don’t need to be “perfect” to follow God. He writes being compassionate like Jesus and willing to give to others in need shows us how to model Christ to others. In comparing the actions of the “religious” people of the day who strived to “show” their devotion to God by following laws and adhering to specific rituals, Luke shows us how easy it is to follow him.
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How might the diversity amongst the Gospels help us to appreciate the diversity of the church?
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2 Replies
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Everyone views the Gospels as a look at who Christ was and His purpose during the time He was on earth. The parables and events are certainly more understandable to the people at that time. It is sometimes difficult for us to interpret the meaning today because we speak and act differently. Society is constantly showing us new challenges. We must realize that those differences and the way we view rely on the Holy Spirit to help us with our understanding. We also must accept and discuss the information with reflection on who we are but not change who He is and who He is telling us to be.
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The idea that each author saw Jesus from a different point of view and wrote to different audiences shows that God wishes to connect with as many people as possible and not just one. Although we all strive to be like Jesus, each of us has our own perspective on Jesus and this is for the purpose of making disciples of “all nations”. If the gospels were identical then they would not reach a wide audience.
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How do the Gospels help us understand the historical narratives in the Old Testament?
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1 Reply
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Jesus often refers to events from history and how they lead to Him and understanding His desire to show people How He truly is the promised one. Prophecy was important to the people of that time. They did not see who He was often because they wanted to be free from Roman rule. They also did not understand how there should be a new covenant. We can reflect and bring the events to see Jesus as the summary to those narratives.