By Linda Farmer | Special to the Index
The Mineral Wells Bible Study Club met Nov. 16 with 10 members present. Myrna Hendrick was the hostess and lesson leader.
After refreshments were served, Elaine Summers taught the lesson from Chapter 17 of Luke. Mona prepared the lesson but was unable to be present due to personal reasons.
The chapter opens with Jesus telling His disciples that judgment awaits those who cause others to stumble. He says it would be better if a millstone were hung around his neck and thrown into the sea, than to cause another to sin. Verse 3-4 speaks of the necessity of forgiveness in the Christian life.
The Rabbis had a saying that if one forgave another 3 times, one was perfect. The verse says to forgive 7 times. It simply means that forgiveness must exceed the best that can be achieved.
Verses 5-8 – The apostles asked the Lord to increase their faith: Faith is the greatest force in the world. This saying means that what looks impossible becomes possible. We must remember that we approach no task alone, but God and His power are with us.
Verses 11-19 – Ten Lepers are Cleansed: Once again, we are reminded that Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem going through Samaria and Galilee.
Ten lepers called out to Jesus saying “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Jesus said to them, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.
When one of them saw that he was healed, he returned and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” In the confidence that they would be healed all the lepers must have believed in the miracle working power of God.
Verses 20-21: Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of god would come. He said it would not come with signs that you can watch for. The kingdom of God is among earthly kingdoms today; but one day the kingdom of God will swallow up all rival kingdoms. Jesus makes it clear that the kingdom has two phases – one now and one to come. Christ’s coming is certain, but its time is unknown.
Verse 37 makes it clear that those who are taken are taken to final judgment. Jesus is clearly saying that a person’s eternal destiny is not determined by being close to those who are righteous. Each person stands before God alone.
After prayer requests were shared, the meeting was closed with recital of the closing prayer. The next meeting will be Dec. 14 at the home of March Williamson. This will be our special Christmas program.
For those who were absent, please remember to bring your gifts unwrapped for the designated family. Wrapping paper and non-perishables will be collected as well, to be delivered closer to Christmas. If you have questions regarding your gift, you can contact Phyllis Lister for further information.
Religion
Luke: for those who stumble, judgment awaits
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