In the temple, a Pharisee asked Jesus which commandment was the greatest. Jesus answered, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” He followed this with the second commandment, saying, “’You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” The Pharisee admired Jesus’ answer and said these were far greater than offering sacrifices. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.“
Discussion Questions
Jesus quoted from the scriptures when he gave his answer. What did Jesus mean by the last thing he said to the Pharisee? Why is it important that we remember both parts of what we now call the Great Commandment?
On Sunday morning, Jesus began his final journey into Jerusalem. He chose to ride a colt of a donkey for this occasion. A joyful crowd followed along, waving leafy branches and shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” When he neared the city, some Pharisees came out from the noisy crowd saying, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” Jesus replied, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” We remember this day as Palm Sunday.
Discussion Questions
Why did the Pharisees tell Jesus to rebuke his disciples? What do you think Jesus meant by the answer he gave? The people who saw Jesus that day were joyful and full of adoration for Jesus. What is it like to adore someone?
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| If these were silent the very stones would cry out |
A man named Zaccheus was a rich publican who lived in Jericho. One day, he heard that Jesus was passing through Jericho. Zaccheus wanted to see Jesus, but he was short and couldn’t see over the crowd. So, he climbed a tree. Jesus saw Zaccheus and said, “Come down; I must abide at your house.” Zaccheus was overjoyed, but the people in the crowd were surprised. Then, Zaccheus declared he would make important changes in his life. Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house.”
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| He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree |
Jesus told three stories that help us know what God is like. The second of those stories was about a woman who had ten silver coins. One day, she noticed that a coin was missing. So, she lit a lamp and swept the house in order to find the lost coin. After much searching, she found the coin. She called to her friends and neighbors saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost coin.” Jesus also said that there is great joy among the angels when even one lost sinner repents.
Discussion Questions
Why might a coin be hard to find in a house? The coin was not far away, but yet it was lost. In our lives, what might cause us to feel far away from God? Be assured that God notices when we are lost, and he doesn’t give up on us.
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| Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one |
While teaching in the synagogue, Jesus saw a woman who was bent over and couldn’t straighten herself up. Jesus touched and spoke to her. Immediately, she straightened up and was freed from her spirit of infirmity. The ruler of the synagogue objected to this healing on the Sabbath. But Jesus said, “Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it?” Likewise, she should be set free from the infirmity that bound her.
Discussion Questions
What are some possible causes of the woman's condition? When Jesus saw her, he knew what she needed for healing. Sometimes people need to be freed from fear. Jesus said God is a loving father. How does that help us with our fears?
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| A woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years |
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| Do not worry about your life |
