Study #4: Searching for Patterns in the Gospels (Asst.)
Information relating to our gathering on May 31st, 2022 (7-9 pm)
- Study: Read the Gospel of John + one of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke)
- Note: Every verse or instance that speaks to gender and/or leadership
- Reflect: Identify any patterns, themes or threads that emerge with regards to gender and/or leadership.
- Pray: For ourselves, our fellow study participants and our church body
Instruction for this Gathering
There was no instruction for this meeting
Discussion
1. Leadership According to Jesus
- What themes did you notice in the gospels with regards to leadership in general? (share & discuss relevant Scripture references together)
2. Women According to Jesus
- What did you notice about Jesus' response and/or treatment of women in general? (share & discuss relevant Scripture references together)
3. Gender & Leadership According to Jesus
- Are there passages that help us to specifically understand God's design for men and women in leadership in His kingdom?
- Are there conclusions that can be drawn with regards to leadership in general? (e.g. home, business, politics, etc.)
- What about leadership in the church in particular? (e.g. elders, pastors, teachers, etc.)
(share and discuss relevant Scripture references together)
Conclusions
Confident Conclusions
Ways that we can have a good degree of confidence the Gospels speak to the topic of gender and leadership.
1. Jesus models and sets the standard for leadership as seen in His:
1. Jesus models and sets the standard for leadership as seen in His:
- Compassion (Mk 6:34; 8:2; Lk 7:13 Jn 4:1-26; 8:1-11; 11:33)
- Faithfully teaching God's Word (Mk 1-23; Jn 1:17; 3:2; 7:16; 12:50; 13:13)
- Serving (Mk 10:35-45; Mt 23:11; Jn 12:25-26; 13)
- Dedication to God's will (Mt 6:10; Lk. 22:42; Jn 4:34; 6:38)
- Deferring glory away from self to God (Lk 20:45-47; 22:24-30; Jn 5:44; 7:18; 15:8)
- Ministry of presence (Lk 5:27; 8:46; 19:5; Jn 4:1-26)
- Appropriate condemnation and forgiveness (Lk 5:20 7:48; 16:14-15; 23:34; Jn 2:4, 13-16; 3:10; 4:1-26; 5:44; 8:1-11)
- Defying convention in raising the worth of the cultural outcasts and defending the cause of the defenceless (Mt 9:36; Jn 4:1-26; 8:1-11; 10:38-42; 12:1-8)
2. Jesus is Lord, and all leadership falls under this Lordship (Mt 28:18; Lk 1:32; Jn 13:3; 14:6)
3. Women are included and embraced as Christ's disciples (Lk 8:1-3, 21; 10:8-42), invited into worship (Lk 21:1-4; Jn 4:21, 12:1-8) participants in salvation (Lk 8:21; 11:10; 17:5; Jn 3:18-21; 6:40, 51) and the advance of the kingdom (Lk 1:26-33; 8:1-3; Jn 4:39; 20:17).
3. Women are included and embraced as Christ's disciples (Lk 8:1-3, 21; 10:8-42), invited into worship (Lk 21:1-4; Jn 4:21, 12:1-8) participants in salvation (Lk 8:21; 11:10; 17:5; Jn 3:18-21; 6:40, 51) and the advance of the kingdom (Lk 1:26-33; 8:1-3; Jn 4:39; 20:17).
Not Yet Conclusive Conclusions / To Be Discerned
Ideas that are not yet conclusive, but noted because they might be inferred/implied in the Gospels. We will return to these as we work through other passages.
- Are there lingering/lasting implications that the original 12 disciples chosen by Jesus to lead His Church were all men? (Jn 6:70; 15:16)
- Are there lingering/lasting implications that the first to recognize Jesus as the risen Lord and proclaim this news to others were women? (Lk 24:1-12; Jn 20:11-18)
Next Gathering:
June 21st, 7-9 pm
Marriage, Headcoverings & Worship (1 Cor 7, 11, 14)
Marriage, Headcoverings & Worship (1 Cor 7, 11, 14)
Between Now & June 21st
- Read: This article by Rebecca McLaughlin "Jesus Changed Everything for Women" as a follow-up to the May 31st meeting.
- Study: 1 Cor 7, 11, and 14 using the inductive Bible study worksheet.
- Reflect: Update the journal/notebook where you are keeping track of your questions, impressions and evolving thinking. Consider the conclusions we drew from the study and the questions that linger.
- Pray: For ourselves, our fellow study participants and our church body