Bible Study Questions - 14th Sept

BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS - 14 SEPTEMBER

THE PARABLE OF THE TWO DEBTORS – Luke Ch 7: 36 – 50

This deceptively simple, yet artistically and theologically complex, parable/dialogue Luke has given a special structure of seven symmetrical ‘scenes’ in order to help his readers/listeners remember it. Very cleverly he has taken an historical event in the life of Jesus and, whilst staying true to the facts, fashions the encounter into a very memorable and instructive piece for his readers to reflect on the person of Jesus and a whole cluster of faith issues.

1. Introduction (the Pharisee, Jesus, the woman)

2. The outpouring of the woman’s love (in action)

3. A dialogue (Simon judges wrongly)

4. The parable within the parable (in the Middle East, a ‘parable’ can be anything from a few pithy words to a whole story!)

5. A dialogue (Simon judges correctly)

6. The outpouring of the woman’s love (in retrospect)

7. Conclusion (the Pharisee, Jesus, the woman)

QUESTIONS

1. Is there anything you do not understand about what is going on or being said in this encounter?

2. Why do you think Luke included it in his Gospel?

3. Why did Simon invite Jesus? Why did Jesus accept?

4. Why did the woman come? What prompted her coming and her actions?

5. Why did Simon doubt Jesus’ prophetic credentials? Why did the woman not doubt them?

6. Why does Jesus take Simon to task? What does Jesus read in Simon’s heart?

7. What does this encounter teach us about forgiveness and faith?

8. How do you understand the main thrust of the central parable?

9. What warnings does this encounter give us about the practise of our own religion?

10. How strongly do you personally feel the force of social conventions and expectations and how do these affect the practice of your own faith and discipleship?