Light on the Lessons s2

Light on the Lessons

Isaiah 58:1-9a [9b-12]; 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 [13-16]; Matthew 5:13-20

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany; Cycle A; February 5, 2017

Participant Guide

I Getting Started

1. Share what you know about fasting (doing without food or certain foods for a period of time) as a spiritual discipline. If you practice it or know someone who does, talk about the experience.

2. If your memory failed and you could only hang onto three items of knowledge, what would they be?

3. “I don’t need rules and laws and regulations. My conscience is a sufficient guide for my behavior.” What do you think of that statement?

II Check the Texts

1. Isaiah 58:1-9a [9b-12]

Most commentators agree that this passage was addressed to those who had returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple.

A. Who is the speaker in this passage? Who is the hearer? What is the theme of verse 1? Of verse 2? What contrast do these two verses set up?

B. Who speaks in verse 3ab? Put the nature of this complaint in your own words. How do verses 3c-4 answer this complaint?

C. How does verse 5 describe fasting? What is the contrast between verse 5 and verses 6-7? Which is ironic and which is more literal? In your own words, describe the kind of “fast” that the LORD desires in verses 6-7? (Using modern language, you might list the actions suggested in verses 6-7.) How are verses 5-7 reflected in these Gospel passages: Luke 3:7-9, 4:16-20, and 10:25-37? How does this passage relate to Micah 6:8, studied last week?

D. What is the contrast between verses 6-7 and verses 8-9? (Clue: Key word is “then.”)

E. The lectionary makes verses 9b-12 optional. Why do you think this is so? (Clue: Compare the passage with verses 6-9a.) What would the promise of verse 12 mean to the original audience for this oracle?

2. 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 [13-16]

For the rest of Epiphany, the Second Lesson is drawn from 1 Corinthians. Corinth was an important city, prosperous and cosmopolitan.

A. Compare verse 2:1 with verses 1:10-13. How does that help you to understand Paul’s purpose in writing this letter? From the tone and words of verses 2:1-5, how do you think Paul thought of himself in relations to some of his competitors named in verse 1:2? On what is Paul staking his authority? (Read Acts 18:24-28. Whom does this passage describe? What are his strengths and weaknesses, according to this passage?)

B. In verse 2:4, what do you think Paul means by “plausible words of wisdom” (NRSV; “clever arguments,” REB; “wise and persuasive words,” NIV)? How does 1:18-21 help explain 2:4-5?

C. In your view, who are the “mature” of verse 6? How do you think the “wisdom” imparted to the “mature” differs from the usual sense of “wisdom”? How does Colossians 1:15-20, 25-28, and 2:8-15 help explain what Paul means in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8?

D. Verses 12-13 explain what it means to be “spiritual.” Verse 14 describes the “unspiritual.” Verse 15 contrasts the two. With these verses in mind, talk about why some people you know seem receptive to the Gospel, while other reject it. Where do you see the difference? How do Paul’s observations fit into your experience?

3. Matthew 5:13-20

For the rest of Epiphany, the Gospel deals with the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew is very close to his Jewish roots.

A. Read verses 13-16. To whom are these words addressed? What happens when salt works? Why light is shining? What happens when both fail? What, then, is the message of these similes for their audience?

B. How might verses 14-16 be used at a baptism?

C. What tiny word in verse 17a hints at a division in Matthew’s day on whether to give priority to one or the other of two major parts of Scripture? To which part do you think the Pharisees gave priority? Which part do you suppose the Christians favored?

D. What value do verses 18-19 seem to place on Scripture? How does verse 20 explain verse 17b?

II What Does It All Mean?

1. How have you experienced God’s activity in your life this week?

2. There are folks who worship well but live horribly. We can find examples of serious, active Christians who use faith to oppress others and puff up themselves. Critics love to point to these “hypocrites” as exposing the failures of the church. Do a thought experiment. Choose some to argue for kicking such people out of the church, to purify it. Choose others to argue for keeping them in the church.

3. Fasting is used by some as a spiritual discipline, perhaps a day a week during Lent. What disciplines to you apply to your spiritual life? Even if you don’t do such practices, what value do you think they may have?

4. One theologian said that the role of the Holy Spirit is to “make real the things of God.” What do you think of that statement? What would Paul say about it?

5. What do you think is the best way to communicate your experience with Christ to someone who does not know Christ?

6. What do you view as the top three issues for salty and lit-up Christians to address?

IV Into the Week

1. You go home and someone asks, “What did you learn today?” What would you reply?

2. Buy a bag of salt-free potato chips and a bag of salty chips. Read Matthew 5:13 aloud over and over as you alternate eating salt-free and salty chips. Also, continue to start each day with the prayer, “Lord, make me a light today to brighten someone’s life.”