Daily Bible Study Spring 2022

By Clara K. Welch, Randy Cross and Susan Groseclose

Daily Bible Study is a great companion to the quarterly Adult Bible Studies or as a stand-alone study. It is presented in quarterly segments. Bible-based, and Christ-focused, it coordinates with the lesson themes of Adult Bible Studies. Each daily reading includes a one-page Bible study for each day of the quarter, along with introductory reflection questions and commentary on the daily Scripture passage, life application, and a concluding prayer.

Daily Bible Study Spring 2022
Theme: Follow
The lessons this quarter are confined to two units so that we can observe the season of Lent. Authentic discipleship involves imitating Jesus, and we must begin with an understanding of Jesus as Messiah and the kingdom to which he invites us to belong. We soon discover as we follow Jesus that his kingdom turns our expectations totally upside down. As we walk with Jesus, we must admit that we sometimes totally miss the mark. Yet Christ forgives us, restores us, and equips us to live into our identities as Christ-followers.
As his followers, we have responsibilities and opportunities to help grow the kingdom. One way is through stewardship, a concept that is much broader than we may think. Our role involves using not only our physical resources but indeed our very lives as grace-filled cohabitants in God’s marvelous creation.

Unit 1: The Mark You Make
Discipleship in Mark’s Gospel is often described as the way of the cross because of the repeated emphasis upon following Jesus on the way to Jerusalem and the command to take up one’s cross and follow Jesus (Mark 8:34). In this season when we commemorate Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, we give our attention to various aspects of discipleship we find in Mark’s Gospel.

Scriptures: Mark 8:27-38; Mark 9:38-50; Mark 10:35-45; Mark 11:12-14, 20-25; Mark 13:5-8, 28-37; Mark 14: 27-42; Mark 16:1-8

Spiritual Practice: Reflection and self-examination

Unit 2: The Steps You Take
Creation care has become a prominent topic of discussion in Christian congregations and seminaries during the last couple of decades. While disagreement exists about human responsibility for climate change and to what extent we should limit human activity for the purpose of preservation of endangered species and habitats, Scripture makes clear that God takes pleasure in creation and that our role as stewards requires that we appreciate creation and take our responsibility as stewards seriously.

Scriptures: Psalm 104; Leviticus 25:1-13; Deuteronomy 14:22-29; Job 38:4-11; Joel 2:18-26; Romans 8:19-22; 2 Corinthians 9

Spiritual Practice: Nurture and care of all creation

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cokesbury
• Release date: Jan 18, 2022
• ISBN: 9781791006792

Clara K. Welch

Clara K. Welch has served churches in Maryland, South Carolina, and Georgia as a diaconal minister and an ordained deacon. She is certified in the areas of Christian education and older adult ministry through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Following graduation from Lebanon Valley College with a bachelor s degree in music education, Clara taught music at Red Bird Mission in Kentucky. She then attended Scarritt College in Nashville, where she earned a master s degree in church music and Christian education. After several years of working in the local church, she returned to school and earned an MTS at Candler School of Theology, Emory University. Clara and her husband, Brian, have one daughter, Rebecca Jo.

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Introduction to the Study

The readings for this quarter center around our call to be disciples of Christ and stewards of God’s creation. I am reminded of a hymn I learned when I was a child: I Sing a Song of the Saints of God by Lesbia Scott (The United Methodist Hymnal, 712). The hymn calls attention to the variety of people who accept the call to discipleship. We add our unique personalities along with our various gifts and talents to this diverse group of followers.

The readings this quarter are contained in two units. Unit One focuses on discipleship and includes readings for seven weeks, allowing us to observe the season of Lent and the celebration of Easter. Unit Two focuses on the stewardship of creation and includes readings for six weeks.

We begin with Scripture passages that help us grow in our understanding of who Jesus is. What is the significance of Jesus’ baptism? In what ways is Jesus the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the suffering servant? What does Jesus’ prayer from the cross (Father, forgive them, Luke 23:34) tell us about the depth of Jesus’ love for us?

We know that Jesus did not engage in ministry alone. He called 12 disciples to work alongside him. After his resurrection, before his ascension into heaven, Jesus commissioned his disciples to continue proclaiming the gospel. We join a long line of Jesus’ followers who have continued this work through the generations.

How do we recognize these fellow disciples? What characteristics let us know they are followers of Jesus? We will read about Simon of Cyrene, who helped carry Jesus’ cross; Joseph of Arimathea; and Nicodemus, who buried Jesus’ body.

When we follow Jesus, we learn that we must always expect the unexpected! Jesus was constantly surprising his listeners with teachings that upset the status quo. His teachings about fulfilling God’s commandment to love our neighbor call us to be open to new ways of relating to one another. For example, whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant (Mark 10:43).

Jesus calls his disciples to desire first and foremost God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Within this context Jesus promises that when we come before God—asking, searching, and knocking—God will hear us and answer (Matthew 7:7-8). Jesus proclaims that when we pray with faith that doesn’t waver (Mark 11:23), we will experience God’s power at work through the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ disciples are called to be vigilant, to watch out! Stay alert (Mark 13:33). We watch out for false teachers who try to deceive us and turn us away from our Lord. We stay alert to the signs of God’s new creation breaking through around us. Scripture passages from the Torah and the New Testament letters will remind us of the importance of teaching the faith to our children and encouraging one another to remain watchful and alert.

We know that we are not perfect. As we engage in Bible study, we find encouragement in the fact that Jesus’ first disciples were not perfect either! The readings during the week leading up to Palm Sunday will remind us that God forgives our sins and works within our lives in spite of our shortcomings. God is generous with second (and third and more) chances.

We conclude Unit One with passages from the Gospels of John and Mark about the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Mary Magdalene declared, I’ve seen the Lord (John 20:18). What emotions do you hear behind her words? How does the good news of Easter motivate you to renew and/or strengthen your commitment to be a faithful disciple of Christ?

The readings in Unit Two are centered around creation, ecology, and stewardship. We begin with texts from the Psalms, Nehemiah, Job, and Paul’s letters. These texts invite us to meditate on creation and to be mindful of what creation teaches us about our Creator.

In biblical times, the people were aware of their dependency on the land for their survival. God said to the Israelites, You will plant your fields for six years…. But in the seventh year the land will have a special sabbath rest … to the Lord (Leviticus 25:3-4). How do we care for the land today? How do we care for the plants and creatures that share the land, water, and sky with us?

We’re not able to fully comprehend the magnitude of creation. We marvel at the endless expanse of the heavens and the delicate intricacy of a butterfly wing. The Lord proclaims, My hand founded the earth; my strong hand spread out the heavens (Isaiah 48:13). We are in awe with the psalmist that the Creator of the universe also knows us intimately: You know when I sit down and when I stand up (Psalm 139:2).

Just as God knows when we sit and stand, God knows our hearts and our sin. The fifth week of readings in this unit focuses on God’s redemption of humankind and God’s promise of a new creation."

The unit closes with a look at Scripture passages about generosity. Proverbs 11:25 says, Generous persons will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. We fulfill our calls to discipleship and stewardship when we give generously to others.

Randy Cross, Susan Groseclose, and I hope that these readings will add meaning to your observance of this season of Lent and your celebration of Christ’s resurrection.

How does Jesus’ desire and willingness to be baptized by John enhance your understanding of baptism?

John the Baptist is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy: The voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight’ (Matthew 3:3). John’s message is as relevant for us today as it was when he first proclaimed it from the banks of the Jordan River: Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives (verse 8).

John the Baptist made it clear that he was not the promised one. We may wonder if he was somewhat in awe of the fact that God chose him to prepare the way for Jesus. He declared, I baptize with water those of you who have changed your hearts and lives. The one who is coming after me is stronger than I am. I’m not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire (verse 11).

John recognized Jesus when he came to the Jordan River. Imagine how John must have felt as he watched Jesus make his way to the water’s edge. John hesitated, saying, I need to be baptized by you, yet you come to me? (verse 14). Jesus did not need baptism as a sign that he had changed his heart and life. He was without sin from the beginning. His heart and life were one with God’s will.

Jesus recognized John’s special role as the one called to prepare the way. He seemed to speak with John from an understanding that they were partners in ministry, each with an important call to fulfill. Jesus said to John, Allow me to be baptized now (verse 15, CEB; Let it be so now, NRSV, NIV).

Jesus stated that it was necessary for him to be baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness (verse 15). Jesus came to stand in our place and accept the punishment for our sin. Jesus, as the Substitute who would provide righteousness for sinful humanity … here identifies himself with those whom he came to redeem.¹

The Spirit of God is depicted as a dove (verse 16), which is a symbol of purity. All who witnessed Jesus’ baptism heard the voice from heaven and God’s affirmation, This is my Son whom I dearly love; I find happiness in him (verse 17).

In The United Methodist Hymnal, the notes concerning the sacrament of baptism begin with this statement: The Baptismal Covenant is God’s word to us, proclaiming our adoption by grace, and our word to God promising our response of faith and love.²

Our relationship with God as redeemed and righteous people is indeed a gift of grace. When parents bring an infant for baptism, they promise to raise the infant so that he or she will know the love of Christ. When youth and adults accept baptism, they make the commitment to respond to Christ with faith and love. God’s gift of righteousness is available to everyone through Christ.

¹From Wycliffe; page 934.

²The United Methodist Hymnal; page 32.

Holy and merciful Lord, thank you for the gifts of redemption and righteousness. Amen.

When has an experience of suffering led you to prosper in your faith?

Suffering is not pretty. The look of sorrow or fear in someone’s eyes, the cry of pain or despair, the signs of hunger and brokenness. We would not choose suffering, yet suffering is part of humankind’s experience. The suffering of our Savior opened the door for us to receive the gift of eternal life.

The text for this reading is from one of Isaiah’s prophecies about the suffering servant. These prophecies are found in the section of the book known as Second Isaiah, which consists of Chapters 40–55. These chapters relate to the time of Judah’s exile in Babylon.

Chapters 1–39, known as First Isaiah, contain prophecies that warn Judah of her impending fall to Babylon. Chapters 56–66, known as Third Isaiah, contain prophecies that relate to the Jews’ return to Jerusalem after their exile in a foreign land.

Biblical scholars generally agree that the suffering servant in Second Isaiah was originally understood to be the nation of Israel. God called Israel to be God’s own special people and to serve as a light to draw other nations to the Lord.

History shows that the people of Israel did not remain faithful to the Lord. As a result, they suffered at the hands of foreign powers and endured exile to foreign lands. God allowed their beloved Promised Land and holy city of Jerusalem to be brought to ruins by their enemies. Isaiah declared that God’s servant Israel appeared disfigured, inhuman, his appearance unlike that of mortals (Isaiah 52:14).

Even though the people of Israel did not remain faithful to the Lord, the Lord remained faithful to them. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed God’s words of hope: Look, my servant will succeed. He will be exalted and lifted very high (verse 13). The kings of many nations who witness Israel’s exaltation will notice! They will be silenced and will ponder (verse 15). God will work in the life of the people so their purpose will be accomplished.

Christians interpret the suffering servant in Isaiah’s prophecies to be Jesus. Near the beginning of his ministry, Jesus read from the scroll from the prophet Isaiah and then explained, Today, this scripture has been fulfilled just as you heard it (Luke 4:17, 21). Paul referenced Isaiah 52:15 when he wrote about spreading the gospel of Christ: Those who hadn’t been told about him will see, and those who hadn’t heard will understand (Romans 15:21).

Jesus accepted suffering. In doing so, he succeeded in fulfilling his call. He is now exalted and lifted very high (Isaiah 52:13). When we endure times of suffering with faith and hope in God’s steadfast love, we may astonish others (verse 15). Through us, God may open their eyes to Christ and cause them to ponder (verse 15).

Loving God, let me be a faithful witness for Christ in all circumstances. Amen.

Do you believe what you have heard?

The readings this week are based on Scripture passages that help us understand Jesus’ identity. When Jesus was baptized, God said, This is my Son whom I dearly love; I find happiness in him (Matthew 3:17).

The Scripture text for today’s reading continues Isaiah’s prophecy about the suffering servant. New Testament writers proclaimed Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecies of the suffering servant. Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah (Luke 4:18-19) when he revealed his purpose in the synagogue.

This text begins, Who can believe what we have heard (verse 1). Belief is at the heart of our relationship with Christ. The Gospel writer John reported, Jesus had done many miraculous signs before the people, but they didn’t believe in him. John then recalled Isaiah’s prophetic question, Lord, who has believed through our message?(John 12:37-38).

The apostle Paul also reminded his readers of Isaiah’s prophecy and wrote, But everyone hasn’t obeyed the good news. As Isaiah says, Lord, who has had faith in our message? (Romans 10:16).

The phrase the LORD’s arm (Isaiah 53:1) indicates God’s power to intervene on behalf of God’s people. God intervened for the sake of the Israelites when God freed them from bondage in Egypt. God intervened for the sake of all humankind and offers eternal salvation through Christ.

Isaiah said that the suffering servant was despised and avoided by others (verse 3). He did not meet the world’s standards for royalty and power. People turned away from his suffering.

Jesus’ opponents saw Jesus’ suffering on the cross as a sign of weakness and failure. He was not the king they wanted. One theologian wrote that people would persistently avoid facing the real Christ, preferring a ‘historical Jesus,’ who would not trouble them with his cross.¹

Do we prefer not to be troubled with Jesus’ cross? Isaiah proclaimed the difficult truth, that God’s servant knew sickness and sufferings (verse 4) not because of his own sin, but because of the rebellions and crimes of humanity (verse 5).

It is a sobering thought to realize that our sin contributed to Jesus’ suffering. But it is this very fact that illustrates the depth and breadth of God’s love for us. God was willing to give Jesus for humanity, and Jesus was willing to bear the punishment that made us whole (verse 5).

We are thankful the Lord’s arm intervened for us. This is the news that we have heard and are called to believe (verse 1). This is the news we proclaim to the world. This is the news that draws us into a grace-filled, forgiven relationship with our Lord.

¹From Wycliffe; page 647.

Holy Lord, thank you for accepting the punishment for my sin. Let my belief in you grow stronger each day. Amen.

When have you wandered away from God to go your own way?

As I read this text, I thought about various Scripture passages that include sheep and shepherds. Psalm 23 begins, The LORD is my shepherd. The psalm affirms God’s love and concern