After some prayerful re-evaluation, we’ve combined the Lectionary Reflection Questions with the Song Reflections devotional series into a new resource called “Weekly Song Reflections”. You can access the new resource here.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION QUESTIONS--UPDATE 4/27/2021
We have decided to pause the Scripture Reflection Questions and re-think how they are being offered. Thank you for your support of this project thus far…we will hopefully be back soon in a new format.
Reflection Questions for Sunday, April 11, 2021
Second Sunday of Easter
Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary
Some have called this passage “Luke’s definition of the church.” What principles in this passage are reflective of how the body of Christ is supposed to function?
What does it mean to be “of one heart and soul?” Why is that such a difficult reality to find in our churches, families, and other relationships?
These believers lived lives of radical sacrifice and stewardship. In what ways does God call us to sacrifice and stewardship today? Are we willing to hold our wealth and possessions as loosely as these early disciples did?
Once again, the theme of God’s people living in unity is front and center. How have you experienced the beauty of unity, as described in verse 1?
Oil is often used as an image of the Holy Spirit, especially when it is linked to the Old Testament rituals of anointing (e.g. 1 Samuel 16:13). In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is referred to as bringing unity (Ephesians 4:1-3). Spend some time reflecting on the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing unity to God’s people, and praying that the Spirit would have freedom to bring that work into your circle of relationships.
Verse 3 paints a picture as unity coming as a blessing from God. How do we understand unity? Do we see it as the result of human effort or divine gifting? How does the balance between those two function?
Compare the opening verses of this reading to the opening verses of John’s gospel. How are they similar? How is your soul stirred by these words?
John is pleading with the readers to keep their hearts focused on light and truth, and to seek repentance and forgiveness when they wander from them. What helps you stay focused on God’s light and truth? What practices can you incorporate into your life to keep you centered on them?
John refers to Jesus as our “advocate” (2:1). The Greek word he uses carries images of one who comes alongside us as a mediator and a helper. How have you experienced Jesus in that way?
Jesus comes and miraculously stands in the midst of the fearful disciples and offers them peace. What fears have a tendency to lock you up, and how can you invite Jesus into them so that you might experience his peace, comfort, and power?
Jesus meets Thomas in his doubt and uncertainty. He does not shame Thomas, but invites him to experience the truth of the resurrection. Spend some time with God expressing your own journey of doubt, and invite Jesus to reveal himself to you even in the midst of doubt and uncertainty.
Verses 30-31 declare John’s purpose in writing his gospel. In what ways do we find the word of God strengthening our faith? What tools and practices are helpful in that journey for you? If you struggle to think of any, who is a trusted friend you can turn to for advice and encouragement as you open yourself more to the power of God’s word?*
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As you finish, choose one of these four texts and let it guide you into a time of prayer.
*Feel free to email us, abidingwayministries@gmail.com. We would be privileged to direct you towards some wonderful resources for engaging God’s word in a journey of encouragement and transformation.
Reflection Questions for Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021
Easter Sunday
Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary
The imagery of a celebration feast is a good one on this Easter Sunday. Verse 6 contains language of joy and abundance. What is being celebrated? Who is invited? How does this celebration echo our celebration of the Resurrection?
Read Revelation 21:1-4. What parallels do you see to this passage in Isaiah? What themes and images are most central to both? How do your heart and soul respond to the promises both contain?
Verse 9 contains language of “waiting for salvation.” Spend some time reflecting on the reality that what Isaiah and the people of Israel waited for is a present reality for us in Christ. Even in that reality, though, how do we also find ourselves waiting? How does that help us understand the journey of the Jewish people better?
(note that last week’s Psalm reading was almost identical)
The Psalm begins with a responsive call to worship in verses 1-2. What Easter Sunday worship traditions and experiences have been formative for you in your walk with Jesus?
Last week we reflected on this passage’s connection to Palm Sunday. How does it also connect to our experience of Easter Sunday? What language in this passage gives us good points for reflection on this day?
In verse 17 the Psalmist speaks to the importance of “recounting the deeds of the LORD.” How do we do that in worship? In our lives? How does it encourage us in our journey of discipleship?
Theologians often see this passage as one of the most densely-packed in Scripture, due to the number of truths and important points Paul is making. Which ones stick out most for you? Why? Which ones raise questions for you? How will you pursue more understanding for them?
Verses 3-7 are thought to be the earliest “creed” in the Christian faith, summarizing the beliefs of the followers of Jesus. Have you experienced worship in a church tradition that uses credal statements, like the Apostles’ Creed? What is helpful for us in having statements that do this kind of summary?
In verse 10 Paul speaks to his reliance on God’s grace. How have you experienced God’s grace as a sustaining and comforting presence in your life? What is helpful for you in staying “connected” to truths about God’s grace?
Compare this to the accounts of the Resurrection in the Synoptic gospels (Matthew 28, Mark 16, & Luke 24). What is similar? What is different? What does each gospel writer emphasize?
The various gospel accounts make it clear that the disciples of Jesus are slow to understand and accept what has happened on that first Easter Sunday. Some “get it” quicker, others (especially Thomas) are slow to come around. What is your story of coming to understand/accept the Resurrection of Jesus? Spend some time in prayer giving thanks to God for how he has revealed himself to you in the cross and the empty tomb.
Jesus becomes known to Mary when he speaks her name. What does it mean to you that Christ knows us and calls us by name? What does that reveal about him?
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As you finish, choose one of these four texts and let it guide you into a time of prayer.
Reflection Questions for Sunday, March 28, 2021
Palm Sunday
Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary
Today we are using the passages from the Liturgy of the Palms
In verse 4 the act of teaching is linked to the ministry of “sustaining the weary.” How does a gifted teacher speak into the real-life situations, hurts, and weariness of those who listen? What distinguishes that kind of teaching from dry, empty words that do not effect life change?
Verse 4 refers to the “morning-by-morning” experience of hearing God’s voice. Is that something only reserved for those called to be prophets? How do we, as followers of Jesus, hear God’s voice each day? What disciplines and practices help us to have “open ears” as described in verse 5?
The imagery of “setting my face like flint” (v. 7) brings to mind Christ’s determination as he heads to Jerusalem and to the cross (Luke 9:51). How else does this passage bring the events of Holy Week to mind?
The Psalm begins with a responsive call to worship in verses 1-2. How does your experience of worship typically begin? What helps you enter into a proper frame of mind and heart for a time of worship?
This Psalm not only brings Palm Sunday to mind, it is a literal part of the Palm Sunday narrative as we listen to the shouts of the crowd in Jerusalem, which come from verses 25-26. What other language in this Psalm is helpful for us as we prepare for the reflections of Holy Week?
This Psalm is replete with language of gratitude. How does expressing gratitude shape us as followers of Jesus?
The servant nature of Christ is central to this part of Philippians. How do you understand Jesus as a servant? What passages of Scripture most reflect that for you?
Some believe this part of Philippians 2 is an early hymn or confession of faith being quoted by Paul. How does this passage function as an invitation to worship? How does it invite us to respond?
This passage is a powerful reminder of both Christ’s divinity and his humanity. How do you see those two natures in the person of Jesus? What stories in the gospels speak to one, the other, or both?
There is prophetic imagery coming alive as Jesus enters Jerusalem. Imagine you are a Jewish person, well-versed in the prophecies and hopes for a Messiah, watching this unfold on the first Palm Sunday. What is going through your mind? What are you expecting?
By riding into Jerusalem on the foal of a donkey, Jesus announces he is arriving as a king of peace. He conquers not with instruments of war, but with the power of his sacrifice and the gift of his spirit. How does that shape our understanding of our salvation? Of our calling as Christians?
The shouts of “Hosanna!” are a cry for salvation. In what areas of life right now are you crying for God’s saving power to be manifest? How might you bring that to him in prayer today?
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As you finish, choose one of these four texts and let it guide you into a time of prayer.
Reflection Questions for Sunday, March 21, 2021
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary
In what ways has God put his law within you and written it on your heart?
How does it feel to know that God remembers your sin no more? How is this different from God forgetting about your sin?
How have you experienced knowing God in the sense of this new covenant?
Take a moment and offer your own lament to God over your own sin. Let the words of this psalm be your guide.
How are you experiencing truth and wisdom from God in your inner being?
How are your clean heart, God’s presence, and the Holy Spirit connected to your joy in salvation?
“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” How does Jesus’s example of “loud cries and tears” inform your own prayers?
Verse 8 says that Jesus learned obedience. How is the Holy Spirit helping you to learn obedience like Jesus today?
Meditate on Jesus, the one who learned obedience, as “the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.” What is the Spirit teaching you through those words?
Meditate on verses 24 and 25. How is your life like this grain of wheat?
What does Jesus teach us about following God when it’s hard and our souls are troubled?
How is the cross of Christ drawing you to Jesus today?
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As you finish, choose one of these four texts and let it guide you into a time of prayer.
Reflection Questions for Sunday, March 14, 2021
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary
This is not the first time the Israelites complain to Moses about food. It seems they are still yearning for the “abundance” of Egypt instead of what God provides for them in the desert. In what ways are we, like them, so quick to re-interpret our past captivity in a better light, imagining it to be preferable to the life of faith? Why does that happen?
In 2 Kings 18, the bronze serpent made by Moses is transformed into a false idol. In what ways do we also take things that God has used in our lives and turn them into idols? What would be helpful as we seek to keep that from happening?
Jesus references this story in his interaction with Nicodemus in our reading from John 3. Read that story and reflect on the “lifting up” of Jesus and how it functions in our life as the serpent did for Israel.
Verse 2 invites the “redeemed of the LORD” to tell their story of their salvation. What stories of God’s steadfast love have been formative in your own journey of faith? In what ways have you been able to share your story?
In what ways is God’s word a healing presence, as pictured in verse 20?
What “songs of joy” have been important in your walk of faith? Are there hymns or songs that tell the story of God’s deliverance in a powerful way that have been particularly meaningful for you?
In verses 1-5, Paul describes our journey of faith in Christ as being one from “death to life.” He reminds us who we were, what God has done, and who we are now in Christ. Spend some time reflecting on your own experience of these, and let that reflection lead you into a prayerful expression of gratitude.
The relationship between works and grace is central to verses 8-9. How do we struggle with that relationship, even after putting our faith in Jesus? What can keep us centered in grace?
Even though we do not depend on works, Paul reminds us in verse 10 that we are created for good works. How do you understand the “good works” for which God has prepared you? What is needed on our part in order for them to bear fruit in our lives?
Why do you think John 3:16 is seen as such a wonderfully succinct presentation of the gospel? What elements and invitations of the gospel story are included in this one sentence?
How do you understand the relationship between condemnation and judgment? Do we get those confused at times, and if so, what danger comes from that?
Spend some time praying that light may shine in the darkness of these difficult days, and that the world might see the church of Jesus Christ doing “what is true” (v.21) and know that it is God at work in them.
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As you finish, choose one of these four texts and let it guide you into a time of prayer.
Reflection Questions for Sunday, March 7, 2021
Third Sunday in Lent
Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary
1. God prefaces the Ten Commandments by saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (v.2) How does God’s saving and delivering work impact our understanding of each of the commandments? How does that same principle apply to our understanding of Christ’s saving work?
2. The Ten Commandments have both a vertical (relationship with God) and horizontal (relationship with others) dimension. How does this compare to Jesus’ teaching of the “greatest commandments” in Matthew 22:36-40? What do you think he meant by saying about loving God and loving others that “on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets?”
3. As you read through the commandments, are there any through which God might be speaking to right now for this season in life? What might he be saying, and how might you respond in prayer and action?
1. How do the “heavens tell the glory of God?” (v.1) In what ways have you experienced the glory of God in his creation? What about that experience seemed particularly inspiring or meaningful?
2. The second half of this psalm is all about the perfection of God’s word, saying that it:
revives our souls
makes us wise
causes our hearts to rejoice
enlightens our eyes
In what ways have these been true in your life? Spend some time in prayer giving thanks to God for his word.
3. Verse 14 says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” How might we be more intentional about honoring God with our words? With our thoughts?
1. What about the cross is “foolishness” to those who don’t believe? (v.1) How does that same truth become “the power of God” for those who do? How have you experienced the cross as “the power of God?”
2. Have you ever struggled with “demanding signs” or “desiring wisdom” above knowledge of Christ crucified? (v.22) How can we allow the Holy Spirit more freedom in our lives to keep us from those distractions?
3. What do you think Paul meant by referring to the cross as a “stumbling block?” (v.23) Have you ever experienced the cross in that way? In what good ways might the cross cause us to lose our footing from time to time?
1. How do you respond to this image of an angry Jesus? Is there something in his response to the money-changers that we can learn about “righteous anger?”
2. Do you ever think the church today is in danger of becoming a marketplace? (v.16) How can we respond when that happens? Are there similar attitudes that can take root in us personally that we need to ask the Holy Spirit to guard us against?
3. The Jews ask Jesus for a sign as a proof that he has the authority to do what he is doing. (v.18) How do you understand the authority of Christ, in the church and in your life personally? Can you identify at all with the resistance they showed to his cleansing and purifying work? If so, offer that resistance to God in prayer.
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As you finish, choose one of these four texts and let it guide you into a time of prayer.
Reflection Questions for Sunday, February 28, 2021
Second Sunday in Lent
Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary
In this passage Abram becomes Abraham, and Sarai becomes Sarah. Think of other instances in Scripture when someone receives a new name. Why do you think that happens? What does it say about the call of God on their life?
Put yourself in the sandals of Abraham or Sarah. How would you have received the promises of God in this covenant? How would you have responded?
When God appears to him, Abram falls on his face. Are there times in your life when you have been overwhelmed by the presence of God? How have these experiences shaped you?
This section of Psalm 22 serves as a call to worship. What reasons are given for worshiping God? What response is asked of the worshiper? Is there something in this passage that resonates with you that you might incorporate into your own life of worship?
Verse 23 invites the one worshiping God to “praise him,” “glorify him,” and “stand in awe of him.” How do you see the relationship between these postures? How are they similar? How are they different?
The psalmist says in verse 25, “From you comes my praise in the great congregation.” The image is of a Jewish feast such as Passover. What “great congregations” in your past have been helpful in your walk with God? What friends and family have helped you understand what it means to worship and follow him?
In this passage Paul emphasizes faith in the life of Abraham, who believed God and it “was reckoned to him as righteousness.” (v. 22) How do you understand the relationship between faith and righteousness? What other biblical characters most exemplify faith for you? Who in your life has exemplified faith for you?
Paul says that Abraham “hoped against hope” (v. 18) as he held on to God’s promises. When in your life have you “hoped against hope?” How did God show up in those times for you?
Spend some time reflecting on verses 24-25 and how they speak to us in this season of Lent.
Why do you think Peter rebuked Jesus in verse 33? What can we learn from Jesus’ response?
Jesus calls his followers to three things in verse 34: denying self, taking up our cross, and following him. How has each of these played out in your own walk of faith, and in which can you see an opportunity for God to take you deeper?
What do you think it means to “be ashamed of Jesus’ words” as he says in verse 38? Spend some time in prayer asking God to give you courage and boldness in your witness, and spiritual discernment for how to share your faith in an authentic and loving ways.
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As you finish, choose one of these four texts and let it guide you into a time of prayer.
Reflection Questions for Sunday, February 21, 2021
First Sunday in Lent
Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary
This is the first of several covenants God makes with humanity, culminating in the New Covenant established in Christ. What does the word “covenant” imply to you? How does an understanding of “covenantal relationship” impact our image of how God interacts with humanity?
The promises God makes in this covenant are unconditional, meaning that they require no human action to be upheld. They are everlasting and certain for all of history. Spend some time talking about and reflecting on the nature of a God who keeps his promises. A good Scripture verse for this reflection comes from Deuteronomy 7: “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations…”—Deut. 7:9 (ESV)
God gives a rainbow as a sign of his covenant promises. What other signs of his covenant promises come to mind from Scripture, and which are particularly meaningful for you?
This psalm, first and foremost, is a prayer. Spend some time reading it prayerfully. How does reading it as a prayer affect your understanding of and appreciation for this passage?
This section of the prayer has a very distinct flow…the Psalmist begins in verses 1-3 with a cry for help and rescue, then issues a plea for guidance and mercy in verses 4-7, and then makes strong declarations the God who will hear and answer these petitions. Is there a particular part of this prayerful rhythm that resonates with you in this season of life? Why?
What does the phrase “all the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness” (vs. 10) mean for you? How has this been revealed in your life or the lives of people you know?
The meaning of the cross is put here in a very simple, straightforward way in verse 18: “For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God.” Spend some time thinking or talking about the truth that the reason Christ’s death was to “bring us to God.” What does that say about the suffering of Jesus? What does it say about us?
There’s a denominational church building in Ohio that’s known for its lobby fountain, which features water running down a granite slab. Visitors are encouraged to lay their hands on the slab, letting the water run over them as they meditate on the words carved into the granite: “Remember your baptism.” In light of verse 21, which links baptism to the story of Noah and the truths of God’s salvation, what are some ways we can build remembrances into our life of what God has done for us?
Verse 22 concludes this passage with a striking image of Christ’s authority as he sits at the right hand of God. Even as we think about the humble sufferings of Christ during Lent, how can meditating on his authority and power be helpful for us? What link does Peter make between the resurrection and that authority, and how might that impact the way we experience Easter Sunday?
What does it mean for you to know that Jesus, the very Son of God, underwent baptism at the Jordan River? How does it help us understand his mission on Earth?
Why do you think Jesus was driven into the wilderness by the Spirit? What happens during that wilderness time? How does this affect our understanding of “wilderness seasons” we ourselves encounter?
Jesus’ message in verse 15 has three major statements: “The time is fulfilled,” “The kingdom is near,” and finally, “Repent and believe.” Spend some time breaking down each of these and what they tell us about the ministry of Jesus and our own invitation to discipleship.
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As you finish, choose one of these four texts and let it guide you into a time of prayer.