Previous Studies

Jesus chooses four fishermen (Matthew 4. 18 - 22) - 16th March 2009

These four lads were probably of university age when Jesus calls them to follow him. This was not the first time they had met, they had probably already talked to each other – but this was the moment that Jesus came with the challenge to give up the family business and start a new adventure with him.

These were ordinary people – they were not people of great academic ability, influence, wealth or social background. Nor were they poor – they were working class fishermen who would have learnt qualities required by the business they were in – patience, perseverance, courage, discernment and teamwork.

Discipleship is the invitation to take on a life long relationship with Jesus, through which transformation takes place.

The Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12. 13-21 GNB) - 16th February 2009

Jesus is asked to arbitrate in a family dispute. The man, however, did not ask Jesus to make a judgement based on the merits of the case, but rather simply asked Jesus to give a decision in his favour.

Jesus responded by going straight to the heart of the issue, greed. He tells a story of a farmer whose response to a bumper harvest is simply to build bigger barns, with no reference to serving God or helping others.

Here is another reminder that all life is a loan not a possession, with the implication that if we understood this properly, we would live very differently.