Queen's Road Cell

 10. a. What did Jesus say to do when people claim that the Son of Man has returned (17:22-25)?  Do not believe and follow them. b. What reasons did He give? In conrast to the hidden appearance of the Kingdom begun at Jesus' first coming (17:20), the true second coming will be clear to everyone.   "But first" speaks of the necessity of sequence in God's plan. Suffering always precedes glory.       "you will desire to see the days of the Son of Man" probably means that believers will long for the time when the messianic kingdom is inaugurated, but Jesus will not yet have returned.  A less likely interpretation is that the disciples will long for the time when Jesus was physically with them.    11. How will the days of the Son  of Man be like the days of Noah and Lot (17:26-35)? People will be engaged in the ordinary activities of life (no sinful activities are mentioned here). They were self-centred, in contrast to Noah and Lot, who th...

5. What is Jesus's point about faith in Luke 17:5-6? The apostles may have felt that great faith is needed for forgivenes. Jesus is not concerned about the quantity of faith, but its genuineness. It is not so much great faith that is required as faith in a great God.(Morris)   The rabbis held that the roots of the tree with this name would remain in the earth for 600 years. Why are mulberry trees not uprooted in our experience then? The immediate conclusion would be the lack even of minimal amounts of faith, but that is not Jesus' point. Answers to prayer depend on trust in God, implying a certain knowledge of His character and will. Answers depend then on: our relationship with Christ (Jn 15:7) steadfastness of trust (Js 1:6) asking according to God's will (1 Jn 5:14) not asking for selfish reasons (Js 4:3) Faith, then, is not a force where, after reaching a certain level, answers to prayer become possible.  6. How should God's servant feel even if he manages to exerci...

  Jesus reinforces his teaching on the right use of wealth with the reminder that earthly things are temporary and the coming of the Son of Man sure. (Morris). Jesus' original hearers probably would not have thought of the Second Coming, but of a more imminent crisis. But the fullest meaning of Jesus' words is found only when we consider the former.  The pastoral importance of this is that we cannot be complacent in waiting to be accountable only at the Second Coming. We can be asked to account for our actions at any time, even when it is unexpected   12. According to 12:35-40, what should a wise disciple do, and why?   He should be ready for action anytime. He should anticipate the coming of our master so we can welcome Him. The coming may be delaye or at an inconvenient time (late in the night) He will be blessed if the master finds us ready. The master will himself come a serve him. cf. Lk 22:27, For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves?...