Category: Biblical Theology

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Jonah

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in Jonah

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Charts adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Jonah

Jonah: Theme

Jonah 4:2

“Extended Compassion”

The Sovereign Lord’s compassion extends beyond Israel.

 And he prayed to the LORD and said, “O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.”

Christ-Focus in Jonah

Implications from Jonah

Hooks from Jonah

Jesus is the good shepherd, who gathers his sheep near and far.

 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,

 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.”

 – John 10:14-17

Let us clothe ourselves with the compassion of Christ as we spread his good news to those near and far.

 “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

 – Colossians 3:12-17

What does your life say about God’s compassion?

 Do you put limits on the exercise of compassion?

 What should God’s compassion look like in your circumstances?

 Like Jonah, do you, at times, run away from your responsibility to communicate divine compassion?

 Do you push yourself to extend to those who are different from you (perhaps even hostile to you) the good news of the compassion of God in Jesus Christ?

 To whom do you have the most difficulty showing compassion?

 Why might this be so?

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Obadiah

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in Obadiah

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Charts adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Obadiah

Obadiah: Theme

Obadiah 10

“God’s Vengeance”

God will avenge Edom’s mistreatment of Israel.

 “Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever.”

Christ-Focus in Obadiah

Implications from Obadiah

Hooks from Obadiah

 Jesus, the true Israel, did not take matters into his own hands when he was mistreated, but rather waited patiently for God to avenge the injustice.

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.

 When he was reviled, he did not reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”

 – 1 Peter 2:21-24

 

 Entrust your life to Christ and his justice.

 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.

 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written,

 “Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord.”

 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

 – Romans 12:17-21

 Whom do you trust more to judge fairly, yourself or God?

 How would you fare if you judged yourself the way you judge others?

 How would you fare if God let happen to you what you want to happen to others?

 What is the problem with taking matters into your own hands?

 What happened when you were in control of your life instead of God?

 How should you put perceived injustices into God’s hands?

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Amos

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Amos

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Amos

Theme of Amos

Amos 5:24

“God’s Justice”

God judges his people for their social injustice.

For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: “Seek me and live.”

Christ-Focus in Amos

Implications from Amos

Hooks from Amos

Jesus demonstrates God’s compassion, mercy, and justice.

 “And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

 – Matthew 9:35-36

 As those called to Christ-likeness, our behavior should communicate truth about God’s compassion, mercy, and justice.

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep fro the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you? Then he will answer them, saying, “Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. – Matthew 25:31-46

How do others see God’s compassion, mercy, and justice by your behavior?

 How would someone describe God if they only had you, his representative, to go by?

 Have you given false testimony about God’s character by the way you have lived?

 How might you modify your behavior to better communicate truth about your God?

Do you regard social justice as something you must do, or how you must be?

 Are you relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to transform you from the inside out?

Do your interaction with others flow out of a grateful heart, or are you looking to your good deeds to earn points with God?

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Joel

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Joel

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Joel

Theme of Joel

Joel 1:15

“Day of the Lord”

The day of the Lord is coming and brings judgment before restoration.

“Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes.” 

Christ-Focus in Joel

Implications from Joel

Hooks from Joel

Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead.

 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep form the goats…And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

 

– Matthew 25:31-32, 46

We may look forward to the day of Christ’s return with confidence that he has paid the price for our sin.

 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep and night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

 -1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Why should a righteous judge not find us guilty?

 Do you feel connected to the source of life?

 Do you recognize any negative consequences in your life that have come from a weak connection?

 How could you make your relationship with God more vibrant?

 Do you regard painful experiences in your own life as divine judgment?

 What is the difference between discipline and judgment?

 How have difficulties in your own life enhanced your relationship with God?

 How could you use those experiences to encourage others in their faith?

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Hosea

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Hosea

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Hosea

Theme of Hosea

Hosea 1:2

“Divine Faithfulness”

A faithful God contends with his unfaithful people.

When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the LORD.”

Christ-Focus in Hosea

Implications from Hosea

Hooks from Hosea

Jesus faithfulness makes the church a faithful bride.

“Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure—

for the linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.”

 – Revelation 19:7-8

We may take comfort in knowing that the faithfulness of Christ is counted as our own.

 “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; and he will surely do it.”

 – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Are any of us faithful? Even when we feel closest to God, are our hearts entirely devoted to him?

 How would you evaluate your own consistency in your relationship with God?

 Would your spouse let you get away with the lack of attention and care that you give God?

 Is our Lord ever unfaithful? Do you live as though you doubt his faithfulness?

 What are you looking at for your security in your relationship with God, your own faithfulness or Jesus?

 Are we trying to become more like our faithful Lord, with the strength he himself provides by his Spirit?

 What should motivate us to deepen our relationship with God?

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Daniel

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Daniel

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Daniel

Theme of Daniel

Daniel 2:20-21

“Cosmic Authority”

God asserts His authority over human kingdoms.

Daniel answered and said:  “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”

Christ-Focus in Daniel

Implications from Daniel

Hooks from Daniel

Jesus has divine authority over all things in heaven and on earth.

 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

 – Matthew 28:18

Our kingdom service flows from and is sustained by, the limitless power and authority of God.

 “Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen”

 – 1 Peter 4:11

Are you embarrassed to speak the truth?

 Does your faith in God seem misplaced in the face of the apparently greater forces and influences that the world offers and values?

 Where are you looking for life?

Has God’s authority been surpassed for you by modern technology, science, or charismatic leadership?

 Whose authority had more effect on you in your daily life, God’s or someone else’s?

 Do you trust your source?

 Do you believe God is who he has said he is?

 Do you believe that God has done what he has said he has done?

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Ezekiel

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Ezekiel

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Ezekiel

Theme of Ezekiel

Ezekiel 37:5

“Life from God”

God’s presence is the key to life.

 “Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.”

Christ-Focus in Ezekiel

Implications from Ezekiel

Hooks from Ezekiel

Life is found in Jesus Christ.

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

– John 1:4

Let us keep our eyes focused on Christ, who is our life.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you will also appear with him in glory.”

– Colossians 3:1-4

Does your focus enrich your life or deplete it?

 Where are you looking for life?

 Do you look for life from the author of life, or from something that is a cheap imitation?

 Whose warranty do you think is better?

 How could you enhance God’s presence in your life?

 Does your life point others to the source of life?

 When people look at your life, can they recognize God’s presence with you?

 Does your abundant life spill over into other people’s lives?

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Lamentations

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Lamentations

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Lamentations

Theme of Lamentations

Lamentations 3:22-23

“Comfort in Cataclysm”

God’s loving compassion and faithfulness are present even during the cataclysmic destruction of Jerusalem.

 “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Christ-Focus in Lamentations

Implications from Lamentations

Hooks from Lamentations

The faithful presence of the Spirit of Christ comforts us in any trouble.

 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

– John 14:26-27

The comfort we receive from God enables us to comfort others.

 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.”

 – 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Where do you find your security and comfort in life?

 Have the things you are trusting in ever failed you?

 Do you spend most of your time developing your relationship with God or developing your relationship with other things?

 Are you as compassionate with others as God has been with you?

 Are you ready to be merciful and compassionate to those who, in your estimation, don’t deserve it?

 What if God were like you?

 

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Jeremiah

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Jeremiah

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Jeremiah

Theme of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 31:33

“New Covenant”

God promises His people a new covenant beyond the necessary exile

 “But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

Christ-Focus in Jeremiah

Implications from Jeremiah

Hooks from Jeremiah

Jesus accomplishes the new covenant at the cost of his blood.

 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

 – Luke 22:20

Our new covenant relationship with God is unbreakable in Christ.

 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

 No in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 – Romans 8:32-39

Is God’s love for you conditional?

 Have you been living as though it is?

 Does your confidence in your relationship with God ultimately depend on your faithfulness or on Jesus?

 Have you made Jesus your representative in faithfulness and in judgment?

 Are you more demanding than God is with yourself or others?

 Do you feel the need to pay for sins that have already been paid for?

 Is your behavior more motivated by guilt or by gratitude?

 

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Isaiah

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Isaiah

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Isaiah

Theme of Isaiah

Isaiah 42:1

“Divine Presence”

The Holy One of Israel challenges His people to respond appropriately to His presence among them.

 “Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.”

Christ-Focus in

Isaiah

Implications from

Isaiah

Hooks from

Isaiah

Jesus is Immanuel, God’s presence with us.

 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

 – Matthew 1:23

The Spirit of Christ is present within us and enables us to respond to our King with grateful service.

 “how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”

 – Hebrews 9:14

Do our lives of service to God challenge people around us with His presence and invite them into His presence as well?

 Are we challenged by God’s presence with us?

 How would you behave differently if God were physically present with you?

 How do we know what a life of service to God looks like for us in our particular circumstances?

 Is God’s presence with you something that is obvious, or do you guard it more closely than your bank account number?

 Is God served and are people challenged by your Facebook page?

 What is one observable difference God’s presence in your life has made?