ISI at Duke

Reading-reflection

During the winter-spring term of 2010 we will be using the format called I-GIG (Internationals Growing in God).  Our purpose is to discover who God is and how to live centered on Him – by reading and discussing brief texts from the New Testament, currently with the Gospel of Matthew.  Here is a brief introduction.

#6     Matthew 15:21-31  Did Jesus really say/do that?

#5     Matthew 13:44-52  The Kingdom of heaven is like…

#4      Matthew 12:1-14 Breaking the Law or…

Which statement best represents the primary lesson for us?

• If you are really hungry, it’s ok to help yourself.

• The Sabbath guidelines are irrelevant now for followers of Jesus.

• People are more important than property.

• (other)
  

#3      Matthew 9:1-8 Which is easier?

#2       Matthew 4:1-11 Prove yourself (Scholar R.T. France suggests some thoughts on “the test.”)

#1        Matthew 2:1-18 Search Carefully

Read and observe

1. Read the text together carefully.
2. Take turns describing the scene (Who, What, When, Where?)
3. What is happening?  What is the background of this account?  What are the customs at that time?
4. Look again at the people in the text.  How do they interact with one another?  What do you discover about God or Jesus in the text?

Think more deeply

1. What do you think is the primary focus of the account?
2. What, if anything, surprised you in the text?
3. What command, if any, is spoken in the text; how might we understand it today?

Personalize

1. Which of the people pictured do you identify with?  Have you or someone you know experienced something similar?
2. What might this situation look like today?

Summarize

1. Identify one highlight from the text or discussion.