Seeds of Faith Podcast

The text for this lesson is Mark 2:1–12.

Key Point

• The miracle of healing the paralyzed man confirmed that Jesus, the Son of Man, has authority on earth to forgive sins and deliver all believers from death and the power of the devil.
• Law: In my sin, I desire all the wrong things, things that lead to my destruction, and I demand that God give them to me.
• Gospel: Christ knows what I need, and He bestows it—forgiveness, life, and salvation—without my even having to ask.

 

Download the podcast mp3!

http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/cphconnect.org/gicpodcast/12winter/20120205.mp3[/podcast

Discussion Points

1. What are some things that you ask God for? Do you have confidence that He will grant these things? Why or why not?
2. Look at Mark 10:1. What is Jesus’ custom? In verse 13, who are the ones bringing the children to Jesus? What are they trying to do by bringing the children to Jesus?
3. Read Mark 1:32–34. How would you characterize Jesus’ ministry since He was baptized by John? Often the evangelists record Jesus out and about in the towns or countryside where the crowds can hear and access Him. Where is He in the passage we are studying today? Why would Jesus have stayed in the house with all the crowds trying to reach Him?
4. What occurs in Mark 2:4–5? What does Jesus see prior to speaking to the paralytic? What does He say to the paralytic?
5. What do the scribes say to themselves? What is wrong with their thoughts? What is right about their thoughts?
6. What does Jesus do again in verse 8, similar to what He had done in verse 5? What do you think of His question in verse 9? Which is easier to say?
7. Why does Jesus eventually heal the paralytic? See Luke 4:17–21. Does Jesus heal the paralytic only to show that he has authority to forgive sins?
8. What is the role of miracles in the Bible? Why does it seem like the Bible is so full of miracles, but our lives are not?
9. What does it mean to blaspheme God? Read Mark 3:22–29. Who was really doing the blaspheming in the passage of the healing of the paralytic? Does God forgive blasphemy?

The text for this lesson is Mark 10:13–16.

Key Point

• Jesus came to us, who in our sin are helpless, dependent, and needy, to bestow His love and eternal gifts upon us.
• Law: In my sinful foolishness, I look for the things of this world to satisfy and save me. I prize self-sufficiency. I believe I can take care of myself.
• Gospel: God, in His love, knows that I am like a helpless child who can do nothing to save myself; in His love, He provides all that I need for this body and life, working salvation for me in His Son.

 

Download the podcast mp3!

Discussion Points

1. If you’ve spent much time around children, share your impressions of them. What are their personalities like? Can they be characterized any differently than adults? Would you say that children are “innocent”?
2. Look at Mark 10:1. What is Jesus’ custom? In verse 13, who are the ones bringing the children to Jesus? What are they trying to do by bringing the children to Jesus?
3. What is Jesus’ response when the disciples try to keep the children from coming to Him? In verse 14, what is the word Mark uses to describe Jesus’ attitude toward them?
4. To whom does Jesus say belongs the kingdom of God? Read Mark 9:42. What would it mean to “hinder” someone from coming to the Kingdom?
5. What exactly does it mean to receive the Kingdom as a little child?
6. What is the kingdom of God? How do we receive this Kingdom today? What is the role of Baptism in receiving the Kingdom?
7. What about the Rite of Confirmation? What is the purpose of this rite? What is the difference in someone before and after he or she is confirmed?
8. What are some ways that we can help our children grow in the kingdom of God? Is there any kind of age requirement for these things?

The text for this lesson is Mark 2:13–17.

Key Point

• We sinners rejoice, for we, too, have been called from our own sin to dine at the table of the friend of sinners, Jesus.
• Law: If I say I have no sin, I deceive myself, and the truth is not in me.
• Gospel: Jesus is the friend of sinners, who says to me, “Fear not, I am faithful and just to forgive your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness.”

 

Download the podcast mp3!

Discussion Points

1. How do you show your friendship with others? What kinds of activities do you do together? Do you invite them over for meals? What do the Scriptures say Jesus does with His friends? When and how do we experience this?
2. See Mark 4:35–41 and 1:16–18. Who is the ruler of the seas? What does Jesus do by the sea?
3. What difference does Mark record between Jesus’ words to the crowd (compare Mark 1:15) and His words to Levi? How does this distinguish Levi from the crowd? What is the significance of this, considering Levi was a tax collector?
4. Where is the next place that we see Jesus after calling Levi? What is He doing, and with whom?
5. What is so surprising and offensive to the scribes? With whom would they expect Jesus to be eating? What does this expectation tell us about Jesus?
6. Who are the ones who need Jesus, according to His words in Mark 2:17? Are there any that are righteous? Whom, then, does Jesus call?
7. Who are Jesus’ disciples in this passage? How do we live as His disciples?
8. What do we say in the Confession and Absolution in the Divine Service? How does this relate to being called by Jesus to be His disciple? Are there other opportunities for Confession and Absolution outside of the beginning of the Divine Service? Why would we want to take advantage of those opportunities?

The text for this lesson is John 1:43–51.

Key Point

• In Jesus, access to heaven is given to all who believe.
• Law: If I believe in a false god, then I trust nothing more than one of the devil’s disguises, and what I get is hell. I futilely try to manipulate Jesus into being what I want, not what I need.
• Gospel: Jesus is the only true God, the Savior who provides what I need: rescue from sin, death, and the devil. He is the true Jacob’s ladder upon whom the angels will come down and escort me to my heavenly home.

 

Download the podcast mp3!

Discussion Points

1. Can you think of any mistaken understandings people have had of Jesus, either in the past or now in modern times? What about you? What were some ideas you used to have about Jesus that you have come to know were not right?
2. Can you think of any mistaken understandings people have had of Jesus, either in the past or now in modern times? What about you? What were some ideas you used to have about Jesus that you have come to know were not right?
3. Read verses 43–45 again. Who claims to have found whom? Who really found whom?
4. John had called Jesus the “Son of God” and the “Lamb of God.” What does Philip say about Him? What does he mean that Moses and the prophets wrote about Him? Read Luke 24:26–27 and 24:44–47 to help answer the question.
5. What is so surprising and offensive to the scribes? With whom would they expect Jesus to be eating? What does this expectation tell us about Jesus?
6. Who are the ones who need Jesus, according to His words in Mark 2:17? Are there any that are righteous? Whom, then, does Jesus call?
7. Who are Jesus’ disciples in this passage? How do we live as His disciples?
8. What do we say in the Confession and Absolution in the Divine Service? How does this relate to being called by Jesus to be His disciple? Are there other opportunities for Confession and Absolution outside of the beginning of the Divine Service? Why would we want to take advantage of those opportunities?

The text for this lesson is Mark 1:1–13.

Key Point

• Jesus takes on our sin at His Baptism, facing our temptations that we, in turn, might be baptized into His goodness, His holiness, and His purity. In exchange for our sewer of sin, He gives us the fountain of life.
• Law: I must confess and repent of my sinful condition because I am a lawbreaker who fears, loves, and trusts things above God.
• Gospel: The baptized Jesus took down the devil for me by fearing, loving, and trusting His Father above all things.

 

Download the podcast mp3!

Discussion Points

1. We are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins. But Jesus is “without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Why is Jesus baptized?
2. Although Mark mentions Isaiah, only the quote in verse 3 comes from this prophet (40:3). The part in verse 2 comes from Malachi 3:1. The prophet Malachi is known for his proclamation of the messenger who will prepare the way of the Lord. Based on that knowledge, why does Mark begin his Gospel this way, omitting the infancy narrative of Jesus and going straight to John the Baptist?
3. What was the purpose of John’s Baptism? What were the people doing who came out to be baptized by him? What does it mean to repent and confess?
4. Read 2 Kings 1:8. What is the significance of this garb and diet? See Malachi 4:5–6 and Matthew 17:10–14 for more.
5. What is the significance of Mark 1:7?
6. What does it mean that Jesus was driven into the wilderness immediately after His Baptism and tempted? What benefit and comfort does this provide us?
7. Read Luke 12:50 and 2 Corinthians 5:21. Does this give you more insight into why Jesus was baptized? What happens to us when we are baptized?
8. What does it mean to “remember” our Baptism? How do sponsors help us with that, and how do we as sponsors help those who are baptized to remember their Baptisms?

The text for this lesson is Luke 2:1–20.

Key Point

• The Son of God became what we are, human, to make us what He is, a child of the heavenly Father. Furthermore, He revealed where He is to be found: in His Word and Sacraments.
• Law: As a child of Adam, I try to turn God into my own image and look for Him in all the wrong places. Born in sin, I have lost His image.
• Gospel: In Jesus, I receive more than I lost in Adam. I am a new creation; Christ is in me, restoring God’s image through Word and Sacrament.

 

Download the podcast mp3!

Discussion Points

1. Have you ever experienced a time when something inconvenient or downright upsetting interfered with or disrupted what seemed to be a vital event in your life? Did you see later how God worked mercy and grace through that situation, in spite of the turbulence? Or does it remain a bitter or distressing memory for you today?
2. Has there ever been a time when you felt very insignificant, but God blessed someone through your kind words or act of love? How does God take our simple and imperfect work and make it His own perfect work of mercy?
3. Read Micah 5:2. The Savior is to come out of Bethlehem of Judah, but Mary lived in the Galilean town of Nazareth (Luke 1:26–27), as did Joseph. What happened that they ended up in Bethlehem, right at the ninth month of Mary’s pregnancy? If you have a map of the first-century Holy Land, see how far the journey is. What kind of a journey would this have been at that time for a woman nine months pregnant?
4. Luke mentions two historical figures external to the immediate action of Jesus’ birth. Who are they? Why does Luke mention them? What contrast is being made between these rulers and Jesus?
5. Luke mentions, seemingly only as an aside, that there was no room in the inn (2:7). But what is the significance of the fact that no room could be found for Jesus and His family? Read Luke 10:25–37. Contrast this story that includes an inn with the account of Jesus’ birth.
6. What is the significance of shepherds being the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth? For whom is this “good news of great joy”?
7. Notice the contrast in the statement of Luke 2:11–12. The Savior, Christ the Lord, is born in the city of David, and yet the sign by which He will be recognized is that He will be lying in a manger! How does this contrasting statement reveal God to us?
8. What is the response of the shepherds to the message of the angels (vv. 15–16)? How is this like the responses of others who were visited by angels whom we have studied in earlier lessons?
9. Read Luke 2:14 again. Where is this sung in the liturgy? What does the angel mean when he says, “Peace among those with whom He is pleased”? When is this part omitted from the liturgy?
10. Read 2:17–20 again. What are the different reactions by the various parties to the events of that night? What does this teach us about our own response of faith to the Word of God?
11. What are some ways that we acknowledge the presence of Jesus in our own lives, even though we are separated by more than two thousand years from His birth? How is Jesus “born” in our hearts? How are we reborn into Jesus Christ?

The text for this lesson is Matthew 1:18–25.

Key Point

• Just as the angel proclaimed to Joseph that Mary would bear an infant who is the Son of God, the Savior, so God proclaimed to us in His Word that this same Jesus is our Savior from sin and death.

Law/Gospel Points

• Law: Relying on my own eyes and my own senses, I trust what is false and do not trust Christ as God’s Son, my Savior.
• Gospel: God’s Word gives me the truth that Jesus is Immanuel, God with me as my Savior.

 

Download the podcast mp3!

Discussion Points

1. Have you ever heard or observed a situation in which an acquaintance, friend, or family member appeared to have done something wrong, only to find out later that you misunderstood the situation? What warning does God give us about such assumptions in His Commandments?
2. Joseph is described as a “just” man (Matthew 1:19). What is the response of this just man to finding his betrothed already to be with child before their marriage? Read Deuteronomy 22:23–24. What could Joseph have done to Mary, according to the Law? How does his justice coincide with mercy?
3. Does the reason for Mary’s pregnancy given by the angel make sense apart from faith? What could have been the different reactions of Joseph to this news from the angel? Does hearing this reason by itself make Joseph any more comfortable with or pleased by this situation? What does give Joseph comfort in the midst of this situation?
4. Compare the announcement made by the angel to the prophecy quoted by Matthew. What is most noticeably different about them? How does the name Jesus further explain the name Immanuel? Read Isaiah 59:15–21. How does this relate to the discussion about “God with us” and “Savior”?
5. When Joseph woke from his sleep, what did he do? Did he obey all the words of the angel, or just part of them, or just the intent of the words? Or did he just agree in his heart but then do something different?
6. Before the visit from the angel, Joseph was considering Mary’s pregnancy and his options for divorce. The angel’s message nullified all of his presuppositions and previous considerations so that God’s plan of salvation would be carried out. What does this teach us about God’s plan for us in the face of difficult decisions and situations? Where do we go to hear the Word of God and the assurance that He is working out His salvation for us?
7. On the first page of this lesson, under the “Liturgy” heading, the O Antiphons were mentioned. What are the O Antiphons? What do they have to do with the announcement of Jesus’ birth?
8. We have talked much about the name Jesus, and especially its connection to the name Immanuel. Can anyone think of an aspect of Jesus’ name that we have not mentioned so much yet? See Revelation 14:1 and 22:4 for a hint.

The text for this lesson is Luke 1:26–38.

Key Point

• In the womb of Mary, Jesus, the Son of God, became a man so that we sinful people might become adopted children of God and share in the inheritance of heaven.

Law/Gospel Points

• Law: I am sinful at birth, sinful from the time of my conception, and thus spiritually dead.
• Gospel: God’s Son, Jesus, was born sinless in order to take my sin upon Himself and redeem me.

 

Download the podcast mp3!

Discussion Points

1. Think of a difficult or seemingly impossible situation you have faced in life, whether physically or emotionally straining. How did Christ work in your life to see you through it?
2. What are your impressions and thoughts of Mary? Is it easy or difficult to identify with her? Have you ever thought the Church pays too much or not enough attention to her?
3. How does Gabriel address Mary? What “title” does he give her? Does Gabriel give any indication why he calls her this? What is Mary’s reaction to this greeting?
4. Read Isaiah 7:14. Compare this with what Gabriel says to Mary in Luke 1:31. What are the similarities and differences you see in these accounts?
5. Read 2 Samuel 7:12–16 and Isaiah 9:6–7. Compare these with Gabriel’s description of the rule of Jesus (Luke 1:32–33). Of whom do the prophets speak in these Old Testament passages? How does Jesus fulfill all these things that are promised to David?
6. How will Mary conceive and bear a son while she is still a virgin? What is the significance of Jesus being born without an earthly father?
7. How does Mary respond to this annunciation? How is this an example of faith? What are some ways that we can express this faith in our own vocations?
8. In the catechism, we confess, “I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person.” How are these truths taught in this passage from Luke? What does it mean for us that Jesus is both true God and true man?
9. Gabriel tells Mary, “Nothing will be impossible with God” (v. 37). How is this confession a comfort to us today? What does it mean for us in our daily responsibilities and activities and in those difficult and trying times of illness, sorrow, or conflict?

The text for this lesson is Exodus 19:1–20:21.

Key Point

• The Law kills, but the Gospel revives. “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).

Law/Gospel Points

• Law: The Ten Commandments define God’s Law.
• Gospel: Jesus defines God’s love in His incarnation and in His suffering and death for my sins.
• Law: Jesus summarized the Law as perfect love for God and perfect love for my neighbor. In sin, I think I can keep the Law and save myself.
• Gospel: Christ fulfilled the Law perfectly for me.
• Law: I daily sin much.
• Gospel: I daily have God’s forgiveness because of Christ, His Son.

 

Download the podcast mp3!

Discussion Points

1. In his Large Catechism, Martin Luther says, “Now we have the Ten Commandments, a summary of divine teaching about what we are to do in order that our whole life may be pleasing to God. Everything that is to be a good work must arise and flow from and in this true fountain and channel” (LC I 311). How do the Ten Commandments shape and guide your life and your daily decisions and actions?
2. Read Exodus 19:1–9a. Note especially what God tells Moses to speak to the Israelites in verses 4–6. What is the message of the phrase “I bore you on eagles’ wings”? See Deuteronomy 32:10–11; Psalm 103:1–5; and Isaiah 40:28–31; 63:9. As a result of God’s gracious salvation, how are His people supposed to respond, according to Exodus 19:5? What titles of honor does God bestow on His people, and what do these titles mean? See Hebrews 6:19–7:3; 1 Peter 2:9–10; and Romans 12:1–2.
3. Read Exodus 19:9b–25. Why did God instruct His people to prepare for meeting Him by purifying themselves and getting ready for the third day? Why did He place a boundary around the mountain and warn the people not to go up on the mountain? How is God’s command not to go up on the mountain an act of mercy? See also Genesis 3:22–24; Exodus 33:19–20; and Isaiah 6:1–5.
4. In Exodus 19:16–20, how did God reveal Himself to His people? How did the Israelites react to God’s awesome presence on the mountain? See also Exodus 20:18–21. According to Moses, what test did God give them? Is there such a thing as healthy fear of God?
5. . Read Exodus 20:1–19. In this context, how does God give the Gospel before He gives His Commandments (Law)? After God gave His First Commandment (Exodus 20:3), how did He explain and elaborate on it in verses 4–6? What does it mean that God is a “jealous God” (v. 5)?
6. How does God come to meet us in the Divine Service? How does He “tone down” His awesome, holy glory so that we can survive in His presence?
7. . Read through the Ten Commandments (in Exodus 20:3–17 or in the Small Catechism), and ask yourself these two questions: (1) How do these Commandments show me my sin? and (2) What gift does God protect in each commandment? Write your answers in the chart on the next page.
8. How well does God want you to keep His Commandments? See Matthew 5:20, 48 and James 2:10. Can you possibly keep God’s Commandments perfectly? See Romans 3:23; Psalm 14:3; Galatians 3:10–11; and 1 John 1:8. What help and rescue does God give us in keeping His Commandments? See Galatians 4:4–5; Luke 2:21; Matthew 3:15; Galatians 3:13; and John 1:17.

The text for this lesson is Luke 1:5–25

Key Points

• God provided John the Baptist to proclaim that the promised Savior had come. God provides pastors to proclaim that Jesus is our Savior from sin and death.

Law/Gospel Points

• Law: Through my first parents, Adam and Eve, I inherited the curse of sin.
• Gospel: God sent His own Son to reverse the curse of sin.
• Law: Because of sin, I deserve to die.
• Gospel: Jesus Christ died for my sin so that I could live in Him.
 

Download the podcast mp3!

Discussion Points

1. If you had an incurable disease, and doctors kept promising that a cure was soon to come, how long would you wait for that promised cure? How would you react when that cure was finally made available?
2. How can you receive your pastor as if he were John the Baptist?
3. Read Malachi 3:1–4. How does this Old Testament prophecy prepare for the coming of John the Baptist? How does it prepare for the coming of the Savior?
4. Read Malachi 4:5–6. How does John both follow in the office of Elijah and fulfill that prophet’s work?
5. Look again at Luke 1:5–7. Why does Luke mention the priestly lineage of Zechariah and Elizabeth (and hence John)? What does it mean that Zechariah and Elizabeth “were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord”? How would other people have viewed Elizabeth in her barrenness?
6. Look again at Luke 1:8–17. When the angel Gabriel announces the birth of John the Baptist, he tells Zechariah who John is and what he will do. How will John give joy to more than just his own parents? Why is it important that John “must not drink wine or strong drink”? What will be the hallmark of John’s prophetic work?
7. Look again at Luke 1:18–25. Why did the angel Gabriel make Zechariah “silent and unable to speak” until after John’s birth? How do you think the people would have reacted to Zechariah’s delay in coming out of the temple and to his silence? Why did Elizabeth seclude herself for five months after she became pregnant with John?
8. In Old Testament worship, only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, whereas all priests served in the Holy Place, where Zechariah offered incense, that is, conducted morning and evening prayers. According to Hebrews 4:14–16 and 9:24–26, who is the High Priest for Christians? Who, then, serves as priest in the Christian “holy place”? See 1 Peter 2:9; Romans 12:1–2; and Colossians 3:12–17.
9. When the angel Gabriel foretold the birth of John, God answered Zechariah’s prayer. However, we also know that “the kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer.” God sent John, and later Jesus, not because of Zechariah’s prayer, but by His grace and mercy. When we pray “Thy kingdom come,” how does God’s kingdom come to us?
10. The angel Gabriel said that John the Baptist would “turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God” (Luke 1:16). This is Old Testament language for “repentance.” During this time of Advent, how can you turn to the Lord your God in repentance so that you can rejoice in the birth of Christ and His salvation?
11. After the angel Gabriel silenced Zechariah, he said that the good tidings he brought from God would “be fulfilled in their [proper] time” (Luke 1:20). How can you learn to wait quietly for God’s “good tidings” to be fulfilled at the proper times in the circumstances of your life? Perhaps meditating on these verses will help: Lamentations 3:25–26; Hosea 12:6; Micah 7:7; Romans 8:23–25; Psalm 37:7; and Psalm 46:10.