Wolfe Stew

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...

These notes follow our  7-step rhythm  for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the  English Standard Version (ESV)  translation. Simeon Beholds Jesus (From  Luke 2:25-35 ) Wood anemones by Zazu70 at Pixabay 1. Summary Simeon, just and devout, spent his days waiting for Israel to be comforted. He had been told by the Holy Ghost that he would not die until he met the Messiah. At just the right time, the Holy Ghost led Simeon to the temple so he could perform  Jesus' purification rites . When Simeon held Jesus, he blessed God and asked for permission to die since he had now witnessed the fulfillment of God's word. But first he prophesied that Jesus would be a light to the Gentiles, the glory of the Israelites, and a discerner of hearts and thoughts, including Mary's. Joseph and Mary marveled at what Simeon said. 2. N/W/L Statements I  NOTICED  that when Simeon speaks to Joseph and Mary, they marvel at his words. (*Perhaps...

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' Childhood Rites (From  Luke 2:21-24 ) White Rose by Mariya_M at Pixabay 1. Summary On Jesus' eighth day on earth, He was circumcised and named. Then, in Jerusalem, He was purified according to the Law of Moses. He was presented as holy to the Lord, and two turtledoves or pigeons were offered as a sacrifice for His purification. 2. N/W/L Statements I  NOTICED that from birth, Jesus stayed true to the law God ordained. I  WONDER  what the purpose behind the rites is and why we no longer need them. How many other people were named by an angel before they were yet born? I think God wants us to  LEARN  that  Jesus' family raised Him according to Mosaic Law. They were obedient to the law that was given to them and to Gabriel's message that was received by them. We, too, should...

These notes follow our  7-step rhythm  for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the  English Standard Version (ESV)  translation. The Shepherds' Message (From  Luke 2:8-20 ) Annotation Notes ,  Summary ,  N/W/L Statements ,  Key Verse ,  God's Character ,  Prayer ,  Action   1. Annotation Notes ?  Denotes a question, *   a personal thought,  x  a cross reference,  !  a connection, and  italics  a referenced source . ! Fear is a common response when in the presence of divinity. (Luke 2:9) x I [King Darius] make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end. He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions. Daniel 6:25-2...