BIBL 104 NEW TESTAMENT GOSPELS BIBLE STUDY ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
General Instructions:
For this assignment, you will be studying a story from the Gospels. More specifically, you will be studying Jesus encounter with Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. You will use the template below in order to complete a study of this passage. In your study, you will use the skills of Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and Application that you have become familiar with through your reading in Everyday Bible Study. Refer to the “Course Policies” in the course syllabus for the formatting expectations in this course.
Submit this New Testament Gospels Bible Study assignment by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 6.
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Name:
Date:
Section:
Studying the Gospels,
Passage: Luke 10:38-42
I. Observation
A. I have read Luke 10:38-42 in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or CSB)
and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer. You will find a copy of the NASB, ESV, CSB, and NLT in your myWSB Library.
o Yes
B. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying
1. Main characters: (List them)
The main characters of the story are;
1. Jesus
2. Mary
3. Martha
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
The story involves Jesus and his disciples traveling. Martha welcomes Jesus in her house. She had a sister called Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus and heard his word. Martha is hospitable and worried about serving the guests and she is overwhelmed by the tasks. Martha came to Jesus and complained that Jesus should command Mary to help her. Jesus had a different perspective and explained to Martha that Mary chooses to listen to God’s word, which was more important than assisting her in her tasks. Jesus explains that Mary has chosen the good part of listening to the word and discipleship that will not be taken away from her.
3. Story structure: (50-100 words)
Introduction
Jesus and the disciples are traveling to Bethany when Martha invites them to her house. Martha is busy doing some tasks while Mary is listening to Jesus’s teachings.
Inciting Incident
Martha is not happy that she is doing all the work alone while Mary is seated at the feet of Jesus. Martha is distracted that Mary is not willing to help her complete the chores.
Rising Action
Martha comes to Jesus and complains that her sister is not helping her. Martha thinks her sister is not worried about the preparations while she believes she is being hospitable to her guests. Martha requests Jesus to command Mary to help her.
Climax
The climax is where Martha says to Jesus, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me” (KJV Luke 10:40) Jesus responds by saying that Mary had made the best decision of listening to his teachings.
Falling Action
Jesus tells Martha that she worried about non-essential or many things.
Resolution
Jesus enlightens Martha that her sister chose the good portion. Jesus shows that Mary was right and no one should accuse her.
C. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Question” for observation.
Remember to consult the list of items from the observation section in studying the Gospels in Chapter 36. This will help you be more detailed in your answers to “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how.”
1. Who:
Mary, Martha, Jesus, and his disciples.
2. What:
Martha invites Jesus and the disciples in her house. She is busy preparing a meal and her various tasks to complete. She is overwhelmed and realizes that Mary should be helping her instead of sitting at the feet of Jesus. Martha wants her sister Mary to come to help her and stop listening to the words of Jesus. Conversely, Jesus explains that Mary has made the right decision and indicates that Martha is disturbed by many things.
3. Where:
In the village of Bethany, specifically in Mary and Martha’s home.
4. When:
It was during the time of Jesus’s ministry on earth. It was during the time the disciples and Jesus were heading to Jerusalem.
5. Why:
Why did Jesus visit the home and why did Martha complain.
Jesus and the disciples visited Mary after she welcomed them or opened her house for them. Martha felt that Mary should come to help her instead of sitting on Jesus’s feet. Jesus responds that Martha was distracted by many things. Jesus wanted to show that Mary had chosen the good portion thus implying Martha to join in listening to the teachings.
6. How:
How did Jesus arrive in Martha and Mary’s home? Martha welcomed Jesus and his disciples in their home.
How did Martha react to her sister? She was unhappy that Martha was just sitting at the feet of Jesus. She wanted Jesus to command her to come and help her.
How did Jesus respond to Martha’s request? Jesus told Martha that she was busy with non-essential things instead of his teachings.
II. Interpretation
A. Determine the author’s main point. In 1-2 paragraphs (100-400 words) explain what you
think the author is trying to communicate in this passage. Remember to take into consideration that this passage includes a conversation that Jesus has with Martha. Thus, this passage is both showing and telling us something.
The key message that the author is communicating to the readers is that Jesus does not want his children to be concerned about less important things (John, Chris, Ben n.d.). The message shows that Jesus wants his children to listen to his teachings. Jesus’s response shows that he is encouraging Martha to choose what will make more impact on her life as Mary did. The author also shows that listening to the word is essential that getting busy with activities that can wait. The story also shows the different levels of loyalty between Martha and Mary. For instance, one is loyal listening to Jesus and spending time with him while the other is busy trying to please Jesus through hospitality. Mary’s example of sitting at the feet of Jesus shows that believers should strive to spend more time with God.
The message also shows that people should not accuse others who are purposing to spend more time reading or hearing the word of God. The example of Mary shows that she chose to listen to Jesus and not preparing meals with Martha. Jesus concludes by saying, the decision that Mary has made is a good portion that will not be taken away from her. It illustrates that people should realize the gravity of listening to the word of God. It demonstrates that what Mary has chosen will have a lasting impact since it will not be taken away from her (KJV, Luke 10:42). However, what Martha had chosen would have a temporary impact.
B. Based on your answer above, write out one principle from this passage. You should be able
to express this principle in 1-3 sentences.
The story demonstrates the principle that believers should strive to spend more time with God compared to seeking perfection. Mary’s example shows believers should prioritize listening to the word of God. Therefore, people should halt activities that can wait and focus on listening to God.
III. Correlation
A. How does this passage from Luke’s Gospel fit within the metanarrative of the Bible? State
what type of story you believe this to be (creation, fall, redemption, or new creation) and explain why you believe this to be so. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
Teaching is a redemption story. It provides a comparison of two sisters who made different decisions that would impact their lives eternally. Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to his teachings, which were the source of eternal life. On the contrary, when Martha interrupts Jesus, he explains to her that Mary had chosen the good portion (KJV, Luke 10:40). It shows that people should halt their activities and focus on the teachings just as we are without trying to please him. It also paints the redemption through the master who came that people may have life in abundance. While the Lord wanted to feed Mary and Martha spiritually, Martha was worried about feeding Jesus physically. Redemption is about receiving the good news and teachings of the savior Lord Jesus Christ. It is not trying to earn his favor or pleasing him with our actions. Martha wanted the guests including Jesus to feel at home and perhaps appreciate her hospitality (John, Chris, Ben n.d.). However, the purpose of Jesus coming to earth was not to be served but to serve and bring salvation unto men. His focus was to bring redemption to men through the good news and teachings.
B. How does your principle from Luke 10:38-42 fit with the rest of the Scripture? This
principle is the one you have written out in 1-3 sentences in the Interpretation section. If your principle is a true Biblical principle it will be reflected throughout the Scriptures. Where is the principle discovered in this New Testament narrative found elsewhere in the Scriptures? Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
The principle demonstrates that believers should strive to spend more time with God compared to seeking perfection. It demonstrates obedience and spiritual loyalty. People should thus be worried and concerned about listening to the word of God. The principle is demonstrated in multiple parts of the bible. For example, in Mathew 6:25-34, Jesus explains that people should not worry about what will eat drink or wear. He states that life is more than food. Jesus also in Matthew 6:33 tells people to seek first his kingdom and righteousness and all other things will be added to them. In Psalm 119:103 the Psalmist explains that the word of God is sweeter than honey. Therefore, it is sweeter than anything people can find. People should thus find time to read the word and hear the word of God compared to spending time on things that do not have an eternal impact on their lives. It is also evident from the scriptures that seeking God is more important than seeking material wealth or possessions in the world. For instance, in Matthew 13:44, Jesus said that “again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy, over it, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. So spending time with God or being close to him is an experience that should trigger people to forego everything or sell their property to acquire it.
C. How does this passage from Luke’s Gospel reflect the person and work of Jesus Christ?
State and explain at least one way that the principle of this passage identifies something of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
The scripture shows who Jesus was and his purpose on earth. His purpose was to bring life in abundance to all. He demonstrates that women are also important in the kingdom. He also shows that believers should strive to listen to his word. The reason is that his purpose of coming to earth was to bring salvation through his word. Jesus also tells Martha that she should be less concerned with non-essential things. He is asking Martha to allow Mary to continue listening to his words that had an eternal impact. This shows that Jesus came to serve and not be served as illustrated in Mark 10:45.
IV. Application
What points of application can be made using the Four Questions for Application? State and explain 1 point of application for each of these four questions. Your explanation for each of these points should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
A. The question of duty
Martha considered her duty was to prepare and serve food to Jesus and his disciples. However, her sister chose a better duty of listening to the teachings of Jesus. The story shows that Mary chose the better duty of listening to the teachings. It also shows that we should focus on God compared to the less important activities in life. Martha’s hospitality barred her from listening to Jesus, unlike her sister. Similarly, the duties of life can bar people from finding time to read the word or listen to God. Distractions can thus distance people from the word and love of God.
B. The question of character
Martha’s character is not the best since it focuses on personal efforts to win the favor of God. However, Mary’s character is the best since focuses on God’s intentions. Home preparations are less significant than listening to the word of God. People should desire to seek the counsel of God through reading his word and listening to his voice. Jesus is a good example since he focused on serving the will of God. Similarly, small tasks should not bar people from accessing or listening to the word of God. Therefore, the best character is to find time to listen to God.
C. The question of goals
Martha had misplaced goals of serving meals compared to listening to the word of God. Her goals were unsuitable during Jesus’ visit. Jesus affirmed the decision of Mary to listen to the word. The goals of the two sisters provide a picture of the way people focus on goals that will mislead them. Mary’s goals show that she preferred to hear the word which brings life and faith. Romans 10:17 demonstrates that faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. Therefore, the goals of Mary can be followed by people who want to grow spiritually compared to Martha who wanted to please Jesus.
D. The question of discernment
The story calls us to discern what is important compared to what is less important. Mary discerned that listening to the word was important than preparing meals. The Lord wants people to listen to the teachings, obey, and implement. The story shows that despite the modern life of business, people should devote time to hearing the word. Isaiah 28:23 shows that hearing and paying attention to the word are essential. Therefore, people should think they have a busy life until they forget the essential things. They should discern the eternal decisions that will bring them life and salvation in the present and life to come.
Works Cited
BBE, Basic English Translation. “King James Version (KJV).” (2011).
John, Cartwright, Chris Hulshof, Ben Gutierrez. Everyday Bible Study. Lifeway Church Resources, 2016.
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Name:
Date:
Section:
Studying the Old Testament Narratives,
Passage: 2 Kings 4:1-7
Instructions:
For this assignment, you will be studying the Old Testament story of Elisha and the Widow’s Oil found in 2 Kings 4:1-7. You will use the template below in order to complete a study of this passage. In your study, you will use the skills of Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and Application that you have become familiar with through your reading in Everyday Bible Study.
I. Observation
A. I have read 2 Kings 4:1-7 in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or CSB)
and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer. You will find a copy of the NASB, ESV, CSB, and NLT in your myWSB Library.
o Yes
B. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying
1. Main characters: (List them)
Prophet Elisha
The widow
The two widow’s sons
The widow’s neighbors
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
The widow of one of Prophet Elisha’s disciples went to seek the help of the prophet over a debt. After the loss of the husband who was an obedient servant of God, a creditor came to her with the intention of enslaving the two sons of the debtor (KJV, 2nd Kings 4:1). After listening to her plight, Elisha advised her to borrow many empty vessels from the neighbors, lock herself up with the sons and fill the vessels with oil (JKV, 2nd Kings 4:4). Elisha told her to sell the oil to offset the debt (KJV 2ND Kings 4:7).
3. Narrative structure: (50-100 words)
Introduction: The widow of Elisha’s follower approaches Elisha with her debt plight after the husband’s death.
Inciting Incident: Elisha sends the widow to borrow several empty vessels from her neighborhood.
Rising Action: The widow does as she has been instructed and locks herself up with her two sons to fill the vessels.
Climax: The widowed family manages to fill up all the vessels it has borrowed.
Falling Action: God has been kind to provide the oil in surplus.
Resolution: The widow can raise money to settle the debt.
C. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Question” for observation.
1. Who:
Elisha
The widow of Elisha’s follower
The widow’s two sons
The widow’s neighbors
2. What:
The whole problem begins when Elisha’s follower dies without settling his debt. The death leaves the widow with the task of settling the debt but she cannot due to poverty. The creditor insist on getting paid or enslaving the widow’s only remaining family, the two sons. The widow thinks of Elisha and narrates her plight to the prophet. Elisha is determined to help; therefore he sends the widow to borrow vessels from the neighbors. Subsequently, with the help of the two sons, the widow fills all the vessels with oil and reports back to Elisha. Elisha further advises her to sell the oil to raise money that she will use to settle the death. Also, being that the oil is in surplus, the widow and the two sons will get their upkeep from the sales.
3. Where:
Zarephath Town
4. When:
452-841 BC
5. Why:
The widow cried to Elisha because she could not pay the debt that her deceased husband left pending, prompting the creditor to sell her two sons for slavery. She knew that Elisha being a man of God had answers or would at least advise her on what to do.
On the other hand, Elisha advised her to borrow jars from her neighborhood for the miracle ahead. Elisha knew that the oil would be in abundance, enough for raising the money to settle the debts and to sustain the family forever.
The oil was in surplus to cater for both the debt and the upkeep of the widow and her two sons.
6. How:
Elisha’s help was vital for the widow because she managed to keep her two sons from the imminent slavery that the creditor wanted to subject them to.
The widow could settle the debt from the sale of the oil that she had filled with the help of her two sons.
The widow and the two sons managed to live better because the oil that was in surplus could sustain them after the settlement of the debt.
II. Interpretation
A. Determine the author’s main point. In 1-2 paragraphs (100-400 words) explain what you
think the author is trying to communicate in this passage. Remember, the Old Testament narratives frequently communicate truth by showing it to us in story form instead of telling it to us by way of teaching or sermon.
The teaching revolves around faith and God’s mercy on human beings, particularly those who seek him diligently. Faith manifests itself when the Elisha advises the widow to go and ask for vessels from the neighbors. She does not show any doubt by being inquisitive. She does exactly as Elisha tells her without trying to even know what the vessels would be used for. She obeys the advice of Elisha without any doubts. Another way that faith manifests itself is by the choice of the widow to pursue Elisha. She chose to approach Elisha with her plight because she probably had faith that Elisha would offer concrete help. Just as she expected, Elisha did not in any way disappoint too. She offered a solution to both the problem and a new problem that the widow had not share with him. Elisha is a true manifestation of faith. He believed in the power of God and had faith that God would intervene for the widow. He just sent the woman with the instructions while holding his faith that God would provide an instant solution to the problem.
Also, these verses teaches about God’s mercy. God intervened for the widow when she most wanted such an intervention. The widow knew that in case the creditor sold her sons to slavery, she would not only be lonely but also, she might not see the sons again. The widow had no power to stop the creditor from taking away the sons. Therefore, this is the God’s intervention was critical at this time. God was merciful enough to allow the widow to continue living with her sons after the loss of her husband who was also a faithful servant of God. Also, God is generous. God not only provided the means to pay off the debt but also the means for sustainability of the widow’s family as long as they lived. God multiplied the oil to meet the needs of the family too after ensuring that the family would be in the position to settle the debt from the sales of the oil.
B. Based on your answer above, write out one principle from this passage. You should be able
to express this principle in 1-3 sentences.
This passage talks about the principle of God’s miraculous deeds and abundant blessing (KJV, Ephesians 3:20). This principle identifies that God performs supernatural miracles at the right time.
III. Correlation
A. How does this Old Testament narrative fit within the metanarrative of the Bible? State what
type of story you believe this to be (creation, fall, redemption, or new creation) and explain why you believe this to be so. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
The narrative fits the “redemption” metanarrative of the Bible. The Christian theology view redemption as a deliverance process where an individual is forgiven their sins. The sin in this narrative is the lack of payment of the debt. When the creditor comes to have the debt settled or to take away the two sons, the widow cannot help the situation. Unfortunately for her, she recently lost her husband. Therefore, losing her sons to the creditor may just add pain to her life. However, God becomes the redeemer by offering to take over the situation and offers an everlasting solution. In turn, God redeems her from the bondage of the debt and takes away the misery of losing the two sons too.
B. How does your principle fit with the rest of the Scripture? This principle is the one you have
written out in 1-3 sentences in the Interpretation section. If your principle is a true Biblical principle it will be reflected throughout the Scriptures. Where is the principle discovered in this Old Testament narrative found elsewhere in the Scriptures? Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
Elisha blessed the kind-hearted woman that had no child in Shunem by promising her a son in a year (KJV, 2nd Kings 4:16). The promise came to pass despite the old age of the Shunem woman’s husband. Once again, God miraculously redeemed the woman from barrenness. The boy that the woman begot died. However, Elisha raised the boy from the dead (KJV,2nd Kings 4: 36). Another time, Elisha instructed his servants to feed a group of one hundred prophets with twenty loaves of bread that a man from Baal Shalishah had brought (KJV, 2nd Kings 4: 42). When the servants were doubtful about whether the loaves will be enough, Elisha instructed them just to serve because the Lord would make it enough for them (KJV, 2nd Kings 4: 43).
C. How does this Old Testament narrative reflect the person and work of Jesus Christ? State
and explain at least one way that the principle of this narrative can be identified in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
The narrative reflects the person and work of Jesus Christ in the Testament. Jesus fed a crowd of 5000 people with two fish and five loaves of bread (KJV, Matthew 14: 13-21). The disciples of Jesus suggested to Jesus that he should send the crowd away so that they could go and eat somewhere else (KJV, Matthew 14: 15). Jesus refused and instead requested the crowd to sit down for a meal. Consequently, Jesus took the two fish and five loaves and blessed them and gave them to the disciples to share among the crowd (KJV, Matthew 14: 19). Miraculously, the crowd ate, got satisfied and left twelve full baskets of leftovers.
IV. Application
What points of application can be made using the Four Questions for Application? State and explain 1 point of application for each of these four questions. Your explanation for each of these points should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
A. The question of duty
Elisha served as God’s prophet. Therefore, he had the responsibility of teaching and proclaiming the word of God to the people around him. Elisha manifested the power and supernatural nature of God by multiplying the oil. It was the duty of Elisha to help the people with various problems by making them have faith in the power of the Almighty God. The duty of such people as Elisha is also in the New Testament. KJV Matthew 28:19 directs all the believers to expand the territory of God by making disciples through baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity. Therefore, it is the duty of every believer to always seek help others acknowledge God in everything as a way of expanding the territory of believers.
B. The question of character
The narrative expresses a character that had strong faith in God. Elisha felt for the widow and chose to have faith that the plight of the widow will be addressed. As a proclaimer of God’s message he was a role model to the widow. He ensured that the widow had hope in the help that God would provide. Elisha proclaimed boldly that the widow should collect as many vessels as she could. This trait reveals the extent of hope and faith that Elisha inculcated in the widow. From the incidence, every believer should learn the character of being hopeful at all times.it is the trait of being hopeful that makes everyone that depends on them to have great sense of hope too.
C. The question of goals
It is the goal of everyone in distress to get help from whatever source they approach. The widow had the same goal of getting any little help from Prophet Elisha. The prophet understood this goal and did not want to discourage the widow. Therefore, he kept this goal alive in the widow by showing that everything would be okay. Everyone in a problem can become bold to face their challenges when those that they run to for help are encouraging them to remain steadfast and hopeful. Therefore, this narrative is a teaching that the first line of action during any difficult situation is having a goal. Secondly, the one in that difficult situation next goal is to seek help from promising sources.
D. The question of discernment
Discernment is all about how well an individual can judge a situation. The narrative outlines the discernment by both Elisha and the widow. The widow made a good judgment by seeking help from the man of God, Prophet Elisha. Also, she made a good judgment by listening to the instructions that Elisha gave to her. On the other hand, Elisha made a good judgment by sending the widow to collect as many vessels as she could find. Both of these judgments show that the better the judgment, the better the outcome. The narrative is an important lesson to all the Christians. Every Christian should be able to discern the voice of God so that they make the right decision at all times.
Works Cited
BBE, Basic English Translation. “King James Version (KJV).” (2011).
Bible, Holy. “New international version.” Grand Rapids: Zondervan (1984).
