Return of the King
Hope Chapel, 11-01-09
by Geno Hildebrandt
Lesson: In the time gap between Jesus’ first advent and his second coming we are called to oppose the illegitimate powers that reign by bearing witness to the One True King until he returns to make all things right.
Text: Luke 19:11-27
Ice-Breaker Questions:
- Share with the group how many different Robin Hood movies you’ve seen in your lifetime. Which was your favorite? Why?
- Share with your group which character in the Robin Hood tale do you most closely identify with and why: The Sheriff of Nottingham, Little John, Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Maid Marian, others…
- Does the idea of fighting a guerilla war against an illegitimate ruler excite you? Bore you? Frighten you?
Background:
Today’s text begins just after Jesus commends Zacchaeus who had shimmied up a tree in Jericho. This city is about 18 miles from Jerusalem, a six-hour walk away. As Jesus begins to prepare his disciples for their entry into the city he tells them a parable about a man who leaves to receive the authority to become king. Before leaving he distributes wealth to his servants. Upon his return he calls his servants together to obtain an accounting of their activities during his absence. Jesus uses this story to teach his followers about a time gap between his first and second comings. This is a new idea for his disciples and, along with others, they fail to ‘get it’.
Digging Deeper:
- Read Luke 19:11-27 out loud in your group. Why would it be important to Jesus to clear up misconceptions in the minds of his disciples before entering Jerusalem? (see verse 11)
- Read Luke 18:31-34 out loud in your group. Why would Luke wish to emphasize this lack of understanding on the part of the disciples? What purpose would it serve the faith community of his day?
- Why would a clear understanding of a time gap between the first and second comings of Jesus be helpful to believers in Luke’s day?
- What do you think about Geno’s contention that God is a wise investor looking for a return on his investment? Do you think God will treat unfaithful stewards like the ‘other’ servant? Isn’t this harsh?
- When were we deputized to serve the King? How should we ‘push back’ against the illegitimate king who usurps the dominion of Jesus?
- Geno listed five characteristics of the ‘other’ servant: unfaithful, lazy, ignorant, inattentive and wicked. Why would this servant be considered ‘wicked’?
- What does it mean for a disciple to be faithful, productive, knowledgeable, attentive and good?
- Is there any part of this parable which was more meaningful to you than another part? Any idea that struck you with particular force?
Wrap-Up:
- In pairs or groups of three take some time to share how the lesson(s) of this parable of Jesus affected you. Is there anything that needs to be confessed? Have the others pray for you.
- Do you think God is harsh? If so talk about that with someone you trust and have him/her pray with you.
Outreach/Mission:
- Make it your aim as individuals in your group to ask the question in several conversations and/or circumstances, “What is the interest of the king here?” Do as you sense the Spirit leading you and report the results to your group to encourage them.
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