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Day 4: Chapters 13 - 16

Chapter 13

Some notes:

• The third teaching discourse of the book
• 7 parables
• Jesus explains why He teaches in parables
• Jesus rejected in his own home town

Questions to ponder:

• Which of the parables spoke something particular to you?
• Does Jesus teaching in parables help you to understand the Kingdom better?
• Place yourself in the listening crowd during one of the parables. Imagine what you might be thinking as Jesus spoke. Imagine the reaction of those around you. What thoughts come to mind?

Chapter 14

Some notes:

• John the Baptist is killed
• Note how Jesus makes intentional attempts to “get away” for times of solitude (verses 13 & 23)
• The first of two feeding miracles

Questions to ponder:

• Jesus obviously valued times of solitude - moments when he could withdraw from the crowds and be alone with the Father. How often do you “get away” with just God? Do you find it easy or difficult to withdraw into solitude? Why?
• Imagine being Peter in the scene where Jesus walks on water. What goes through your head? Now, imagine being one of the disciples on the boat witnessing this all happen. What thoughts come into your mind? What might Jesus be wanting to teach us here?
• Imagine being in the crowd of 5000+ people being fed by Jesus. What do you think the reaction of the crowd was? What would your reaction be?

Chapter 15

Some notes:

• Jesus challenges and chastises the Pharisees
• Second feeding miracle

Questions to ponder:

Chapter 16

Some notes:

• Jesus foretells his death and resurrection
• Jesus teaches about self-denial