Prepared by Fr. Joseph Palubeski, CR, 2011 [email protected]

Preparation exercises taken from CATHOLIC SERENDIPITY BIBLE

March 9-12

PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM

Preparation:

A. Start

> What the longest period of time you spent in the wilderness or away from civilization? What was it like?

> When you were baptized, how much water did it take?

Read Matt Chap 3:1-17- If your bible has cross-references or footnotes, you might want to check them out for further insights.

B. Study:

> What was John the Baptist like: Why would anyone go out of their way to hear this radical preacher (v 7)? Who did they think he was (see 2 Kings 1:8)?

> How would you paraphrase John’s message (v 2) for people today? What is the “kingdom of heaven”?

> What angered John so much about eh Pharisees and Sadducees?

> What do the images of judgment mean: The coming wrath? The axe? The fire? His winnowing fan?

> How do John’s and Jesus’ ministries compare?

> Why did Jesus, who was without sin, come to John to be baptized? What “righteousness” did he fulfill (see Is 53:12)?

> What do you think verse 17 meant to Jesus? How does this set the stage for his ministry to begin?

C. Share:

> Who has been a John the Baptist in your life? How did he or she prepare you to meet Jesus?

> Who are today’s Pharisees and Sadducees?

> How is repentance linked to your experience of salvation? In the past? Now? Where does repentance, to God and/or others, still need to happen in your life?

> How has God affirmed you as h is child in Christ?

Read Matthew chap 4:1-25- divide these verses over the remaining days

> Put yourself in the place of Jesus during his temptations. OR

> Put yourself in the place of Peter or Andrew or John or James as Jesus calls them. What was their response?

> Be a candid camera as Jesus teaches in the synagogues. OR

> Be a candid camera as the people bring the sick etc to Jesus to be cured.

Personal Reflection after reading this section

> What does your baptism mean to you?

> Are you one who seeks out Jesus in your need? Whether it be hearing about the Kingdom of God OR to seek personal healing & peace?

> How do feel when people come to you for help?

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