Background for the New Testament:
Why does it matter so much for Paul to prove that he received his Gospel message directly from Christ and not from another apostle? Were his opponents were claiming to have known Jesus and therefore to have first-hand knowledge of what he taught in regards to the Law? In this passage Paul traces his journey from persecutor of Christians to confident apostle. His story sounds both arrogant and humble as he demonstrates how God has used him as an instrument of his message, and how unlikely he is to be that instrument. The bottom line—it must be grace!
Thoughts to ponder:
Paul describes an abrupt change, going from zealous legalist to zealous preacher of grace. Yet he claims that before he was born, God had set him aside for this mission. In this claim he echoes the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah, which gives a clue as to how important he sees his mission. Paul is describing a spiritual journey with ups and downs, even mistakes, yet with a God-given continuity. As you look over your past, can you identify negative experiences, even mistakes, that (in retrospect) have given you blessings of some sort (strength, direction, insight, wisdom, etc.)? Do you have a story of redemption?
It has been said that Paul sees himself as a canvas on which God has painted the Gospel of Christ. He shares his story, no matter how arrogant it may sound, because he thinks it will be helpful. For better and for worse, Christians continue to follow Paul’s example by sharing their own experiences as a way to help others come to faith. Do you have an experience of being inspired by someone else’s story? Do you think it is helpful for Christians to share their faith stories? If someone were to ask about your experience of God in your life, what would you say?
Background on the Gospel story:
This story is only found in the Gospel of Luke. What makes it truly unique is that no one asks Jesus to do anything, he simply sees a problem and fixes it. It should also be noted that a widow who has lost her only son would have been in a position of serious economic and social insecurity, another reason for Jesus’ compassion. The Gospel of Luke has more stories about widows than any other part of the Bible—their inclusion in the Kingdom of God is a particular concern for Luke.
Thoughts for discussing:
When Jesus meets the grieving widow, he says just what you should not say when talking to someone in grief: Do not weep. Jesus can say this because he knows what he is going to do, and then there will be no reason for tears. But for us, grief is unavoidable and should not be dismissed. Are there ways our faith can be helpful in times of grief? What good and bad examples do you have to share?
What would you say this event reveals about Jesus? How does that insight compare to your own understanding or experience of Jesus? What would you say is the evidence of Jesus’ compassion today?