1 Kings 19-20:

Summary: In 1 Kings 19-20, the prophet Elijah, discouraged after his victory over the prophets of Baal, flees to Mount Horeb. There, God reveals Himself to Elijah in a still, small voice and encourages him to continue his prophetic mission. Meanwhile, King Ahab of Israel, under divine guidance, leads his people to victory over the Aramean king Ben-Hadad, who had besieged Samaria. Despite God's intervention, Ahab shows mercy to Ben-Hadad, which leads to a prophecy of his own demise.

Key People:

• Prophet Elijah
• King Ahab of Israel
• King Ben-Hadad of Aram
• A prophet of the Lord

Key Places:

• Mount Horeb
• Samaria

Key Events:

• Elijah's discouragement and flight to Mount Horeb
• God's revelation to Elijah in a still, small voice
• Israel's victory over the Arameans under King Ahab's leadership
• Ahab's mercy towards Ben-Hadad
• A prophecy of Ahab's demise

Questions to Consider:

1. How does God's revelation to Elijah in a still, small voice illustrate His gentle and comforting nature?
2. What lessons can be learned from Elijah's discouragement and God's encouragement?
3. Why was Ahab's mercy towards Ben-Hadad seen as a negative act, and what consequences did it have?

Luke 23:1-25:

Summary: In Luke 23:1-25, Jesus is brought before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, and King Herod for trial. Despite finding no fault in Jesus, Pilate succumbs to the pressure of the crowd and agrees to crucify Jesus while releasing the criminal Barabbas. This passage highlights the political and social factors that contributed to Jesus' crucifixion.

Key People:

• Jesus Christ
• Pontius Pilate
• King Herod
• Barabbas
• Jewish leaders and the crowd

Key Places:

• Jerusalem

Key Events:

• Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate and King Herod
• Pilate's declaration of Jesus' innocence
• The crowd's demand for Jesus' crucifixion
• The release of Barabbas

Questions to Consider:

1. How do the actions of Pilate and Herod reflect the complex political and social dynamics of Jesus' time?
2. Why did the crowd demand Jesus' crucifixion despite Pilate finding no fault in Him?
3. What can we learn from Jesus' response to the injustice he faced during his trials?

1 Kings 16-18:

Summary: These chapters in 1 Kings describe the reigns of multiple kings of Israel, the rise of the prophet Elijah, and his confrontation with the prophets of Baal. During this time, Israel was plagued by idolatry and wicked rulers, leading to a severe drought as a punishment from God. Elijah, as God's chosen prophet, confronts the prophets of Baal in a dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel, proving the power and sovereignty of the true God.

Key People:

• King Baasha of Israel
• King Elah of Israel
• King Zimri of Israel
• King Omri of Israel
• King Ahab of Israel
• Queen Jezebel
• Prophet Elijah
• Prophets of Baal

Key Places:

• Israel
• Mount Carmel

Key Events:

• Reigns of kings Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Omri, and Ahab
• The rise of Elijah the prophet
• The severe drought in Israel
• The confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel

Questions to Consider:

1. What does the constant change of leadership and idolatry in Israel reveal about the spiritual condition of the nation at this time?
2. How does Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal demonstrate God's power and sovereignty?
3. What lessons can we learn from Elijah's faithfulness and courage in the face of adversity?

Luke 22:47-71:

Summary: In Luke 22:47-71, Jesus is betrayed by Judas, arrested, and taken before the religious authorities for trial. Despite the false accusations and mockery, Jesus maintains his composure and declares himself to be the Messiah, the Son of God. These events mark the beginning of Jesus' passion, culminating in his crucifixion and resurrection.

Key People:

• Jesus Christ
• Judas Iscariot
• Peter
• Chief Priests
• Scribes
• Council of Elders

Key Places:

• Garden of Gethsemane
• Jerusalem

Key Events:

• Betrayal of Jesus by Judas
• Arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
• Peter's denial of Jesus
• Jesus' trial before the religious authorities

Questions to Consider:

1. What does Judas' betrayal reveal about human nature and our capacity for sin?
2. How does Jesus' reaction to his arrest and trial demonstrate his divine nature and mission?
3. What can we learn from Peter's denial of Jesus, and how can we apply this lesson to our own lives?

1 Kings 14-15:

Summary: These chapters narrate the reigns of Rehoboam, king of Judah, and Jeroboam, king of Israel, along with the kings who followed them. God's judgment is carried out against Jeroboam's house due to his idolatry, while Rehoboam's reign in Judah also leads the nation into sin. Asa, Rehoboam's grandson, ascends to the throne of Judah and brings about reforms by removing idols and commanding the people to seek God. However, his reign is not without its challenges, including conflict with the northern kingdom of Israel.

Key people, places, and events: Rehoboam, Jeroboam, Asa, Abijah, Israel, Judah, idolatry, God's judgment, and religious reforms.

Questions to consider:

1. How did the sins of Rehoboam and Jeroboam affect their respective kingdoms?
2. What were the consequences of God's judgment against Jeroboam's house?
3. How did Asa's religious reforms impact the kingdom of Judah?
4. What lessons can be learned from the reigns of these kings regarding the importance of obedience to God?

Luke 22:31-46:

Summary: In this passage, Jesus foretells Peter's denial and encourages him to strengthen his brothers once he has turned back. Jesus then instructs the disciples about the necessity of being prepared for future challenges. Later, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays fervently to the Father, seeking strength to face his impending crucifixion, while the disciples struggle to stay awake.

Key people, places, and events: Jesus, Peter, the disciples, Garden of Gethsemane, and Jesus' prayer to the Father.

Questions to consider:

1. What does Jesus' prediction of Peter's denial reveal about human weakness?
2. How does Jesus' encouragement to Peter demonstrate his compassion and understanding of human frailty?
3. What can we learn from Jesus' instruction to the disciples about being prepared for future challenges?
4. How does Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane model the importance of seeking strength from God in times of difficulty?