1 Kings 2:1-15

There are three different human "characters" in this passage: Elijah, Elisha, and a group of prophets, and the scene is repeated three times. Describe the movements of Elijah and Elisha -- and the prophets at the given places. What takes place at the Jordan River that is different? What other biblical scenes come to mind? How do these scenes help tell you what is taking place? What happens to the mantel that divided the waters? Why is this significant? What has happened to Eiljah's clothing? Whose clothing is left? What does this mantle become? What is "the spirit of Elijah"?

Ephesians 4:1-7,11-16

What is the life worthy of the calling to which you have been called? What do the moral instructions have to do with this command? Why does the text then make the declarative statements about what is one? What/who is the end of this Oneness?

Given this oneness, what does the passage say about the division into gifts? What is the relationship between unity and difference? What is the role of leadership in the church? What is the ultimate goal for all the saints? How does this relate to the life worthy of the call?

After the call to unity, there is nonetheless a discimination about a common doctrine. What is the relationship between doctrine, unity, and difference of gifts? Why must we "speak the truth in love" to build the whole body? What is the goal of this all?
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Mark 6:45-52

Jesus moves fast in the Gospel of Mark. Review real quickly what's already happened. What does Jesus do? What happens to the crowd, Jesus, and the disciples? What does the water represent to the disciples? When does the danger cease? How does this relate to when Jesus speaks? How do the disciples respond? Why? Can you think of anyone else whose heart was hardened?

For me the easiest text to enter is the Ephesians passage. Yet in some ways I can see its relationship to the OT and the Gospel in the figures of discipleship -- how Elijah becomes a type of Christ and Elisha the disciples; how the unity and difference that nonetheless keeps a focus for witness as the body of Christ comes through in the Ephesians passage. In some sense one sees that unity, difference of gifts and difference from others are all for the purpose of mission of the body of Christ, and that Elisha and the twelve present two different models of discipleship. Maybe you can struggle with this issue of unity in difference in mission that nonetheless keeps discipleship as the following of Jesus, rather than being blown about by every wind of doctrine.

Peace to you all! I'm sorry again for being so late in posting.

Peace,
John