When Jesus was in Galilee, he sat in a boat and taught a multitude on the shore. He told the people a parable saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking goodly pearls.” One day, the merchant found an especially beautiful pearl. When he saw the pearl of great price, he sold everything he owned so that he could buy that beautiful pearl. Jesus told parables like this so people could easily remember what he said and begin to understand more about the kingdom of heaven.
Discussion Questions
What can we learn from the merchant in this story? How is the kingdom of heaven like the beautiful pearl? Remember that Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God,” and “The Kingdom of God is within you.”
Matthew 13:45-46 ... Proper 12A ... Interfaith theme: Righteousness and Virtue ... Curriculum Information
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| The Kingdom of Heaven |
Jesus returned home to Nazareth and spoke in the synagogue. He read from the prophet Isaiah beginning with, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me.” After reading Isaiah’s words of liberty and healing, he said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled.” Some of the people were offended by this and said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” They noticed he performed no miracles during his visit. An angry crowd brought him to the top of a hill, but he turned and walked unharmed through the crowd.
Why did Nazareth reject Jesus? Why do you think Jesus was able to walk away unharmed? Even though Nazareth rejected Jesus, many had “marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth.”
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| Today this scripture is fulfilled |
When Jesus was in Jerusalem, he went to the pool of Bethesda, which had five porches around it. There he saw the many sick and afflicted people who waited next to the pool. They believed that when the water in the pool stirred and bubbled, the first one who entered the pool would be healed. One man had lain by the pool for many years. That day, however, he listened intently when Jesus spoke. In response, he took up his bed and walked. This happened on the Sabbath day.
Discussion Questions
When Jesus healed someone, he often said, “Your faith has made you whole.” What does the phrase, “Take up your bed and walk,” tell us about healing? When people heard Jesus teach about God, they felt better in mind and body. Why?
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| Waiting for the moving of the water |
A large crowd gathered beside the Sea of Galilee to hear Jesus. Some nearby fishermen allowed Jesus to sit in their boat to teach. When he was done teaching, Jesus wanted to help the fishermen who had been out all night but caught nothing. So, he told them where to let down their nets. Despite their doubts, they did as Jesus directed and soon caught more fish than their nets could handle. This greatly impressed the fishermen. And from that day on, they followed Jesus.
Discussion Questions
This was a life-changing event for these fishermen. Who were they? Why did it cause them to follow Jesus? As time went on, this bountiful catch became known as “the first miraculous catch of fish.”
Luke 5:1-11 ... Epiphany 5C ... Interfaith theme: Self-dedication and Divine Benediction ... Curriculum Information
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| Let down your nets for a catch |
Jesus encouraged his disciples to pray often and trust that God fully understands their prayers. He said, “Your Father knows what you need even before you ask.” One day, a disciple said to Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray,” like John the Baptist taught his disciples. So, Jesus gave them a model prayer that became known as the Lord’s Prayer. Part of the prayer says, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
People face many types of temptation. For example, sometimes we are tempted to be selfish or unkind. We need to do our part to overcome temptation. But what is this prayer also telling us? How do we become more like our perfect Father?
Matthew 6:5-15 ... Proper 12C for Luke 11:1-4 ... Interfaith theme: Trust and Guidance ... Curriculum Information
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| Teach us to pray |
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| I who speak to you am he |