Bible Study Wednesday at 6:30

Hi everyone,

This Sunday can be considered "Sheila Sunday" at Mount of Olives, as we learn of the importance of extraordinary hospitality, a hospitality that welcomes everyone.  Jesus hosts us each Sunday at His table, to give thanks through Christ so we are nourished and formed to give to others as Christ does for us..  

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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 August 31, 2025

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.

Luke 14:1, 7-14 If you were inviting people to the banquet table of God, who would get the best seats?

The Gospel by Luke emphasizes God's love for the poor, the disadvantaged, minorities, outcasts, sinners and lepers. Women also hold a prominent place in Luke’s Gospel. The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the godly at the end of time and were keen to be among those chosen as faithful, so they “were watching (Jesus) closely”. Jesus’ host is a prominent Pharisee (v. 1); we recognize that the “parable” (v. 7) is about membership in the Kingdom. The Greek word rendered as “guests” means apparently chosen or see themselves as chosen. The gathering of God’s elect at the end of time was commonly depicted as a “wedding banquet” (v. 8). There the host is God. The “punch line” is in verse 11: Jesus is drawing a conclusion about the kingdom of God, where attendance depends on God’s invitation. God will not be fooled by self-promotion! Jewish and Greco-Roman societies both spurned the “poor” (v. 13) and the disabled. Documents from religious communities of Jesus’ day say that “those people” will be excluded from the banquet, but Jesus says instead, share with them! (v. 13). Giving to those unable to “repay” (v. 14) will admit one to the kingdom

Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 To which of those disciplines – hospitality, pastoral care, or stewardship – do you feel most called? 

The letter to the Hebrews supports the absolute supremacy of Christ as revealer and mediator of God's grace. Jesus Christ is a “great high priest” whose sacrifice – unlike the sacrifices of Israel’s temple priests – is perfect and sufficient forever. The author also encourages the young Christian communities to stand fast against persecution and attack. With this reading, the lectionary concludes four weeks in the Letter to the Hebrews. The author, here at the end of his letter, offers guidance regarding the shared life in the Christian community. He expects members to “show hospitality to strangers”, i.e. to Christians from other churches. Perhaps you will entertain “angels”, as Abraham did at Mamre: he looked after three men who were either angels - or God himself. Marital infidelity and greed can corrupt community life, so should be avoided. God will look after your needs. (The quotation is God’s words to Joshua, after Moses died.) Emulate the way of life of your past “leaders” (v. 7), now deceased, for the “word of God” they spoke continues. Amid constant change, Jesus Christ is always the same (v. 8) Offer the “sacrifice” (v. 15) of thanksgiving, made in faith, and lead an exemplary life of faith so that your present “leaders” (v. 17) can be proud of you. 

Closing Prayer

Almighty God, in your goodness, you provide for the needy. Remove from your people the pride of place and the pursuit of power that mocks humility.

Open our hearts in generosity and justice to the neglected and lonely, that in showing esteem for others, we may honor and please you through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit. Amen.