The February 2010 Bible Study covered Luke 13:1-9.

The context for verses 1-5 - There were present some - the text does not say exactly how many persons were present. They were informing Jesus of an atrocity of Pilate that had taken place in the past where he mixed the blood of Galileans with the sacrifices. Jesus knew the people were alluding that the Galileans were killed because they were sinners. He then gave them another analogy and made it very clear if they did not repent for their sins they would also perish and not inherit eternal life. In application, we understand the importance of repenting daily of our sins and not to judge other people and their circumstances.

Verses 6-9 is the parable of the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-20). We discussed the parallel scripture of the fig tree, inclusive of Mark 11th chapter and the13th verse where Jesus destroyed the fig tree when He did not find any figs on the tree, although the time of the figs was not yet. We embraced the truth of bearing fruit in our lives as Christians.

Each attendee received a handout of the Lenten focus of prayer, to encourage daily praying to overcome a spiritual weakness during the 40 days of Lent.

The March 2010 Bible study covered Luke 13:10-35.

Verses 10-17 - Jesus was teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath Day and he healed a woman with a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years which caused her to bend over and unable to stand erect. Jesus saw her and healed her of the infirmity. The rulers of the synagogue complained that he did the healing on the Sabbath Day. The Lord's Divine rebuttal caused them to be ashamed for they realized how hypocritical they were. We discussed at length the power of the enemy and the debilitation he can cause in our lives, physically and spiritually. We studied the parable of the mustard seed and the parable of the leaven and we embraced the truth of doing all we can, even if we deem it little, and the Lord will expand it to His glory. The 13th chapter closed with Jesus lamenting over Jerusalem.

The attendees shared their prayer challenges for the Lenten season and received encouragement to fast on Good Friday between 12 and 3 pm - Looking toward Resurrection Sunday in our newness to the glory of God.