Bible Study for July 28, 2024

Hi everyone,

This Sunday, Jesus feeds a multitude; like Elijah, he uses just a little of the humble bread of the poor and we see that Jesus is the very bread we need.

By the Holy Spirit working in Word and Sacrament, Christ comes to dwell in our hearts, and we are filled with the fullness of God.  

TO JOIN ONLINE

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Meeting ID: 886 8907 5784
Passcode: church

Pastor Tim

"God has led you to the desert, and spoken to your Heart."

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church

3546 E. Thomas Rd

Phoenix, AZ 85018

602-956-1620 office

Bible Study for July 28, 2024

Opening Prayer:

Creator of all, we thank you for the opportunity to gather in study. Open our minds and hearts. By the power of the Holy Spirit, unite us in faith, hope, and love. Help us to be faithful to the gospel and to walk humbly with you. Grant us your peace as we grow in wisdom and understanding. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

John 6:1-21 How much are you interested in a Messiah who will simply make life smoother in this world?

As Jesus led the crowds from the towns into the deserted areas, He was identified by the people as “the prophet who is to come into the world,” harkening back to God’s promise to raise up a prophet like Moses for the people. It inaugurated a renewed wilderness experience, which was regarded by the Jews as a special time of intimacy between Israel and God.  The people enjoyed a simple meal, and knew something astounding happened, but we should not overlook the factor of physical hunger in this ancient agrarian economy that left most people at the subsistence level. The opportunity to have a full stomach would not be taken for granted. The sequel to this episode is one of the strangest in all the Gospels.  The walking on the sea was like a parable, for in Jewish culture, the sea represented death. That Jesus could walk on water was his sign of victory over death. This triumph over death was also represented in the bread of life. The promise is that all who ate the bread of life given by Jesus could, like him, be raised from the dead. 

Ephesians 3:14-21 How have you seen God’s power at work in you?

In this part of Paul’s letter, the focus is primarily on Christ’s love for the believer, which Paul prays will become the center and source of stability for the Christian’s entire life. The images of tree roots and the foundation of a building convey the importance of grasping the immensity of this love—even though this is an attempt at knowing the unknowable. Meditating on the dimensions of this love, however, helps the believer apprehend God’s fullness. The doxology in v. 20-21 (doxology is an expression of praise to God) expresses the desire that honor will come to God by means of Christ and the Church. The New Testament Readings for this and the next four weeks continue through Ephesians, turning now from reflection on God’s generosity and mystery to the response of Christians to God’s favor. As Paul shows us, that response is encouraged and supported by our own prayers as well as the prayers of others.

Closing Prayer

Sustainer of the hungry, like a mother you long to feed your children until each is satisfied.

Turn our eyes to you alone, that, aware of our own deepest longings, we will reach out with Christ to feed others with the miracle of your love. Amen.