Resource type: Bible Study
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Esther (Esther 1:1-2:4)
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Opening Prayer God, who rules over a world as divided now as in the days of Esther, help us to find you in her story, and to learn from you how in our own day to resist those things that destroy relationships, and strive for peace and justice for all people. Amen Exegesis The book…
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Esther (Esther 3.1-11, 15; 4.1-17)
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Opening Prayer O God, giver of life, of all our days, of this moment now, open our hearts and minds as we hear your voice through your word; may we listen carefully, think clearly and speak truthfully, growing in wisdom and in love for you and one another. Amen Exegesis Having enjoyed the writer’s mockery…
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John’s Gospel (John 1:35-42)
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Opening Prayer Dear God, Let us be gripped by the message you are giving us, the questions you ask us and the way of life you open up for us, and please breathe your Spirit into us now to lead us into more and more truth, in the name of Jesus, Amen. Exegesis The first…
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Jesus and Mary at the Cross (John 19:25-27)
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Opening Prayer Dear God, Please draw us deeper into the relationships and communities you want us to be in, and breathe the Spirit of your Son into us now so that we can love one another as you have loved us, in the name of Jesus, Amen Exegesis None of the other gospels have this…
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Jesus Honours and Forgives (Luke 7:36-52)
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Opening Prayer Jesus of Nazareth, Strangers came to you because with you they knew that they’d be known. May we who are strange find each other and may we find welcome in each other and in this welcome find life. Amen. Exegesis This text is an exquisite study in character – not only characterisation, but…
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Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy (Mark 1:40-45)
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Opening Prayer Living God, We acknowledge your holy presence here and in the world around us. As we meditate on the mysteries of your word in Scripture, may we be transformed by your Son Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Exegesis This passage has generated a huge debate among biblical interpreters. Is Jesus moved with…
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The Messianic Secret (Mark 3:7-12)
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Opening Prayer Come Holy Spirit of God, open my heart to receive God’s word to me today. Help me to hear your still small voice amidst the noise of my life, and to see and walk in your ways. Amen Exegesis Talk about a sting in the tail! “He gave them strict orders not to…
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Jesus’ Identity and Peter (Mark 8:27-33)
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Opening Prayer Come Holy Spirit of God, Open my heart to receive God’s word to me today. Help me to grasp the truth of who Jesus is, Rather than bending Jesus to fit my hopes. Amen. Exegesis Poor Peter. You would think that his response “you are the Messiah” was right. ‘Messiah’ was a fairly…
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The Death of Jesus (Mark 15:37-39)
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Opening Prayer Come Holy Spirit of God, open my heart to receive God’s word to me today. Show me God’s heart. Let me see your glory. Amen. Exegesis So far, the story in Mark’s Gospel has centred on a developing clash between Jesus and the religious authorities. As far back as Mark 1.24-28, he was…
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The Run Up to the Birth (Matthew 1: 18-25)
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Opening Prayer Jesus, light of the world, we give you thanks that you came to be one of us, in solidarity with all whose very humanity is often called into question. As we celebrate your humanity, let us celebrate the humanity of all people. Amen. Exegesis This section from the opening chapter of Matthew’s Gospel…