Shadowmac Photography (Reflected Calm – Lillooet Lake, British Columbia)
Facilitator: Stephen Weller
920 words, 5 minutes read time
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God’s Deliverance, Christ’s Anointing and Kingship, Enduring Mercy, and the Way of Wisdom
Old Testament Reading
1 Samuel 29:1–31:13 — The Death of Saul and David’s Deliverance
Overview:
As the Philistines prepared for battle against Israel, their commanders refused to allow David to fight alongside them, fearing he would turn against them in battle. David returned to Ziklag while Saul faced the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. Israel was defeated, Saul’s sons were killed, and Saul himself died after being critically wounded in battle. The Philistines displayed Saul’s body publicly, but the brave men of Jabesh-gilead recovered the bodies of Saul and his sons and gave them a respectful burial. Through these events, God removed Saul’s kingdom and continued preparing the way for David to become king.
Theological Themes:
• God’s sovereign control over leadership and nations
• The tragic consequences of disobedience
• God’s providential protection over David
Key Verse:
1 Samuel 31:6 – “Thus Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same day together.”
Discussion Questions with Answers:
- Why did the Philistine commanders reject David?
Answer:
They feared David might turn against them during the battle because of his loyalty to Israel. God used their distrust to keep David from fighting against his own people. - What led to Saul’s downfall?
Answer:
Saul’s downfall resulted from years of disobedience, pride, and rejection of God’s commands. His death fulfilled the judgment previously spoken by Samuel. - Why is the action of the men of Jabesh-gilead significant?
Answer:
Their bravery honored Saul for his earlier deliverance of their city. Even after Saul’s failures, they showed gratitude and respect through a proper burial.
New Testament Reading
John 11:55–12:19 — Jesus Anointed and Welcomed as King
Overview:
As Passover approached, many wondered whether Jesus would come to Jerusalem because the religious leaders were seeking to arrest Him. In Bethany, Mary anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, preparing Him for His burial, while Judas criticized her act out of selfish motives. The next day, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey as crowds welcomed Him with palm branches and cries of praise, declaring Him the King of Israel. Though many celebrated Him because of the raising of Lazarus, the Pharisees grew increasingly hostile as Jesus’ influence spread.
Theological Themes:
• Jesus as the promised King and Messiah
• Worship and devotion to Christ
• Growing opposition to Jesus despite clear signs
Key Verse:
John 12:13 – “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”
Discussion Questions with Answers:
- Why did Mary anoint Jesus with perfume?
Answer:
Mary’s act expressed deep love, worship, and devotion to Jesus. Jesus explained that it also prepared Him symbolically for His coming burial. - What does Jesus riding on a donkey signify?
Answer:
It fulfilled prophecy and revealed Jesus as the humble and peaceful Messiah-King promised in the Old Testament. - Why were the Pharisees troubled by Jesus’ popularity?
Answer:
They feared losing influence and authority as more people believed in Jesus because of His miracles and teachings.
Psalms Reading
Psalm 118:1–18 — The Lord Is My Strength and Salvation
Overview:
Psalm 118 calls God’s people to give thanks for His enduring steadfast love. The psalmist recounts how the Lord delivered him from distress, protected him from enemies, and became his salvation. Rather than fearing people, the psalm emphasizes trusting in the Lord above human strength or rulers. Even though the psalmist faced severe trials and discipline, God preserved his life and gave victory.
Theological Themes:
• God’s steadfast love and faithfulness
• Trusting the Lord instead of human strength
• God’s deliverance and salvation
Key Verse:
Psalm 118:14 – “The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”
Discussion Questions with Answers:
- Why does the psalm repeatedly emphasize God’s steadfast love?
Answer:
God’s covenant love is constant and dependable. His faithful love gives believers confidence in every circumstance. - What does the psalm teach about fear?
Answer:
The psalm teaches that trust in the Lord removes fear of people because God’s power and protection are greater than human threats. - How does God use discipline according to this psalm?
Answer:
God’s discipline is corrective rather than destructive. He trains and preserves His people instead of abandoning them.
Proverbs Reading
Proverbs 15:24–26 — The Path of Life and the Lord’s Delight
Overview:
These proverbs contrast the way of wisdom with the path of wickedness. The wise pursue the upward path of life that leads away from destruction, while the proud ultimately face God’s judgment. The Lord tears down the house of the arrogant but protects the vulnerable and innocent. He delights in pure and gracious words while rejecting evil thoughts and corrupt motives.
Theological Themes:
• The upward path of wisdom and life
• God’s judgment against pride
• The value of pure thoughts and words
Key Verse:
Proverbs 15:24 – “The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.”
Discussion Questions with Answers:
- What does the “upward path of life” represent?
Answer:
It represents the way of wisdom, righteousness, and fellowship with God that leads away from spiritual destruction. - Why does God oppose the proud?
Answer:
Pride resists dependence on God and exalts self above others. God humbles pride but gives grace and protection to the humble. - Why are pure words important to the Lord?
Answer:
Words reveal the condition of the heart. God delights in speech that is truthful, gracious, and shaped by righteousness.
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