ONE YEAR BIBLE CHALLENGE

Men's Bible Study
Week 13, April 2, 2011:  “EQUAL RIGHTS”

This week's Reading:  March 26 to April 1

Old Testament:  Deuteronomy 5:1 - 20:20
New Testament:  Luke 7:11 - 9:50
Psalms:  Psalm 68:1973:28
Proverbs:  Proverbs 11:29 - 12:10
Key Bible Verses:  Deut. 14:28-29; Deut. 15:1-11

Deuteronomy describes a system for dealing with the poor and others in need?  How did the Israelites' system compare with modern notions on this matter.  Would the Israelite's system work if implemented in our modern society?

Deut. 14:28-29; Deut. 15:1-11

[28] "At the end of every three years you shall bring forth all the tithe of your produce in the same year, and lay it up within your towns; [29] and the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled; that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do. 
[15:1] "At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release.  [2] And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release what he has lent to his neighbor; he shall not exact it of his neighbor, his brother, because the LORD's release has been proclaimed.  [3] Of a foreigner you may exact it; but whatever of yours is with your brother your hand shall release.  [4] But there will be no poor among you (for the LORD will bless you in the land which the LORD your God gives you for an inheritance to possess),  [5] if only you will obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all this commandment which I command you this day.  [6] For the LORD your God will bless you, as he promised you, and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you.  [7] "If there is among you a poor man, one of your brethren, in any of your towns within your land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother,  [8] but you shall open your hand to him, and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.  [9] Take heed lest there be a base thought in your heart, and you say, `The seventh year, the year of release is near,' and your eye be hostile to your poor brother, and you give him nothing, and he cry to the LORD against you, and it be sin in you.  [10] You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him; because for this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.  [11] For the poor will never cease out of the land; therefore I command you, You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in the land. 

How was Jesus' attitude toward women unexpected among the Jews?  Why was he criticized and why did he treat women as he did?

Luke 7:36-50 (RSV)

[36] One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house, and took his place at table.  [37] And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, [38] and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.  [39] Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner."  [40] And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "What is it, Teacher?"  [41] "A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.  [42] When they could not pay, he forgave them both. Now which of them will love him more?"  [43] Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, to whom he forgave more." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly."  [44] Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.  [45] You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet.  [46] You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.  [47] Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little."  [48] And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."  [49] Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?"  [50] And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." 

Luke 8:1-3 (RSV)

[1] Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, [2] and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Mag'dalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, [3] and Joan'na, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.