Queen's Road Cell

 A note on the women following Jesus: It was uncommon for a rabbi to allow women to accompany him. Luke is the gospel that most highlights Jesus' interaction with women. Mary Magdalene has been (wrongly) identified as the 'sinner' of the previous passage. The women came from different backgrounds. Many other women (the Greek of 'many others' and 'their' is feminine) supported Jesus' ministry.  1. What main point is Jesus trying to commuicate in this parable to the crowds who flocked around Him(see 8:5-8, 11-15)? The Parable of the Sower (Mt 13:3-9, Mk 4:3-9) is given on the background of large/great crowds.  because there are those to whom 'is given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God' (v.10), whereas those outside the kingdom are taught in parables in order that they may not 'see... and.. understand' (cf Is 6:9-10). 'Secrets' (Gk mysteria ) are truths which we could never discover for ourselves, but which God has revealed....

  The woman's actions were immoderate - even scandalous. She was a known 'sinner'. entered a private dinner. She unbound her hair. She kissed a man's feet. This incident is similar to, but not the same as that where Mary anointed Jesus' head (Mt 26:6-13, Jn 12:1-8) shortly before His crucifixion. She was bold, desperate, extravagant, embarrassing to the host. How awkward it might have been for Jesus to receive the attentions of this woman! He acted as a therapist. He thought of the woman,  not of Himself.  20. a. In the parable (see 7:41-42) what caused the man who was forgiven the five hundred denarii to love more than his fellow debtor? To be relieved of what is seen as a greater debt should lead to greater gratitude towards once's benefactor b. At the dinner (see 7:36-38, 44-48), what caused the prostitute to show great love?  She had felt forgiven of her many sins. Her actions were evidence of her great gratitude.   c. Simon showed he loved Jesus little by t...

 Why did John the Baptist doubt? The cleansing 'fire' He brought was yet to come in fullness.  He was in prison. In essence, his expectations were not met. 14. How did Jesus confirm His identity to John (see Luke 7:21-22)?   He healed in front of John's disciples ("In that hour", v 21) and pointed to His ministry of healing and preaching as fuilfillment of OT prophecy about the Messiah (Isa 29:18. 24:5-6, 6:1-2). 15.Compare Isaiah 61:2 to Luke 4:19. What part of Isaiah 61:2 was Jesus fulfilling, and what part was He leaving for His future return? Fulfilling in current ministry : t o bring good news to the poor, to bind the brokenhearted, free the captives and open spiritually and physically blinded eyes. To proclaim the time of God's favour (cf. 2:14) Leaving for future return: the day of God's vengeance/judgment, when all who mourn will be comforted (cf. 6:21b) 16. Why did the people reject John when he "sang a dirge "(7:32, when he lived stric...