Wolfe Stew

These notes follow our 7-step rhythm for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from GOD'S WORD  translation. Jesus is Tempted (From Luke 4:1-13 ) Desert Image by Pexels at Pixabay 1. Summary Jesus, led by the Spirit, went to the wilderness where He was tempted of Satan for forty days. During this time, He ate nothing. So, being very hungry and weak, Satan tempted Jesus with food (turn this stone to bread), power (jump from this high place and demand the angels to come down and rescue you), and with authority (worship me and I'll give you all the kingdoms of the world). To each temptation, Jesus refused by quoting scripture. Having no more tricks up His sleeve, Satan left until he could devise another strategy. 2. N/W/L Statements I NOTICED that: The temptations didn't begin until after Jesus was in the wilderness for forty days. Satan tempted Jesus in every way he could think of. (*So probably more ways than are mentioned here.) I WONDER   What other t...

These notes follow our 7-step rhythm for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the Expanded Bible translation. Jesus' Genealogy (From Luke 3:23-38 ) Image from Pixabay 1. Summary Joseph's genealogy is traced all the way back to God. Joseph was of the tribe of Judah, from David's line through Nathan.  2. N/W/L Statements I NOTICED that:  Luke traces Jesus' lineage through Joseph, His adopted father, all the way back to God. (*This shows us that earthly lineage doesn't matter. Divine lineage does, and we're all from the same tree.)  Jesus' genealogy follows His baptism in the book of Luke. (*Perhaps also to prioritize His descendancy from God, or divinity, versus Joseph, or humanity.) Mattathias, or a variation thereof, was a popular name in his lineage.  Unlike Matthew, Luke sticks to the men. I WONDER  who some of the people mentioned were. Do I recognize them from other parts of the Bible? Were Amos and Nahum the prophets? Why doe...

These notes follow our 7-step rhythm for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the Expanded Bible translation. Jesus' Baptism (From Luke 3:21-22 ) Waves by ri1yad at Pixabay 1. Summary When John was baptizing a crowd of people, Jesus was baptized alongside them. As He prayed, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove, and God proclaimed Jesus' identity as His Son with whom He is well-pleased. 2. N/W/L Statements I NOTICED that: Jesus was praying when the Holy Spirit descended.  Jesus' baptism was ordinary: it did not require special equipment, a specific location, or an elite crowd. He was baptized in the same manner as everyone else. I WONDER: If Jesus praying after baptism is unique to Luke, or if it is mentioned in other gospels too.  If baptism was about repentance, was it common to pray afterward?  What was said in the prayer? A rededication? A prayer of praise? Of purpose? I think God wants us to LEARN that when we make a move for Jes...

These notes follow our 7-step rhythm for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the Expanded Bible translation. John's Message (From Luke 3:7-20 ) Rocks in Stream by bluesnap at Pixabay 1. Summary John taught the Israelites that they should not rely on their ancestry for salvation, but should consider whether or not their works prove that they have truly repented. If truly repentant, they would care for the vulnerable and not take advantage of their position of authority. Many wondered if John was the Messiah, but he assured them that he was not. The Messiah would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire, whereas John used water. John's zeal led to imprisonment when he challenged Herod on his evils. 2. N/W/L Statements I NOTICED that many people were wanting to do what was right. You can tell because they asked John about it. I WONDER what instruction John would give to me specifically. I think God wants us to LEARN that if you truly have changed an...

These notes follow our 7-step rhythm for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the Expanded Bible translation. The Setting of John's Ministry (From Luke 3:1-6 ) Caucasus, Russia by mystraysoul at Pixabay 1. Summary During the time of Tiberius Caesar's Roman rule, John (the one prophesied about in Isaiah) began, in God's authority, to preach a baptism of repentance through changed hearts (passions) and lives (choices) for the forgiveness of sins. He preached throughout Israel in a time of Roman rule. Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas, Philip, and Lysanias oversaw regions of Israel. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests for the Jews. 2. N/W/L Statements I NOTICED that no Jews ruled even though the Old Testament ends with a return from exile. The Silent Years obviously brought a lot of changes. I WONDER What I would have thought of John? Where would I be in this social climate? Would I have listened? I think God wants us to LEARN that we, like John...

These notes follow our 7-step rhythm for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the English Standard Version (ESV) translation. Jesus Obeys (From Luke 2:51-52 ) Budding Leaf by pasja1000 at Pixabay 1. Summary Jesus returned to Nazareth and lived in obedience to His parents. Jesus grew in wisdom, strength, and favor from both God and others. Mary continued to ponder and treasure her Son's life. 2. N/W/L Statements I NOTICED that: Joseph isn't mentioned. Jesus was obedient. A few phrases are repeated, emphasizing that Jesus grew up well and that Mary thoughtfully cherished His childhood moments. I WONDER What kinds of things Jesus did to fill His days. Carpentry? Scripture study? Spending time with friends and family? I think God wants us to LEARN to focus on the moment you are currently in and perform your best in it. Because even though life often feels slow and repetitive, growth happens best when we faithfully and consistently train in righteousne...

These notes follow our  7-step rhythm  for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the  English Standard Version (ESV)  translation. In His Father's House (From  Luke 2:41-50 ) In the Spring by mnaydenova at Pixabay 1. Summary Joseph, Mary, and Jesus journey to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. On their return to Nazareth, Joseph and Mary realize that Jesus is missing. They return to Jerusalem and find Him talking to teachers in the temple who were mesmerized by His level of understanding. Mary chastises Jesus, explaining how tortured they were when they realized He was missing. Jesus returns the chastisement by asking how they did not know that He would be doing His Father's business. 2. N/W/L Statements I  NOTICED  that it took one day to notice His absence, one day to return to Jerusalem, and three days to find Him. Supposing Jesus was conducting the same business for the entirety of His absence, Jesus talked to the learn...

These notes follow our  7-step rhythm  for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the  English Standard Version (ESV)  translation. Jesus Grows Up (From  Luke 2:39-40 ) Sunrise through the Tree by akirEVarga at Pixabay 1. Summary Mary, Joseph, and Jesus returned to Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. He was strong, full of wisdom, and in God's favor. 2. N/W/L Statements I  NOTICED  that Luke doesn't mention their time in Egypt or much at all about Jesus' childhood. I  WONDER  what Jesus' childhood was like? Was He talented? Picked on? Did He ever cry? Get frustrated? What did He do for fun? I think God wants us to  LEARN  that the favor of God was on Jesus, which is interesting because it implies you can be out of God's favor. Obviously, Jesus never was.  3. Key Verse And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. Luke 2:40  These are the few descriptors Lu...

These notes follow our  7-step rhythm  for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the  English Standard Version (ESV)  translation. Anna Beholds Jesus (From  Luke 2:36-38 ) "The Sun Shines Through"  image by sunny days at Pixabay 1. Summary As Simeon finished speaking to Mary, Anna, a widowed prophetess who served in the temple for most of her adult life, approached Jesus' small family - speaking praises as she did. Anna continued to spread the news of Jesus' arrival to all who hoped for a savior. 2. N/W/L Statements I  NOTICED that both Simeon and Anna were devout. When they encountered Jesus, they immediately started praising God. I  WONDER  how many prophets were present? How did one become a prophet, was it by appointment or based on trust? Do I praise God enough? How many things do I miss because I don't know God enough. I think God wants us to  LEARN  that if we make God matter to us, we are better equ...