Summary of 2 Chronicles 13-14:

In 2 Chronicles 13-14, the focus is on the reign of Abijah, who was the son of Rehoboam and grandson of Solomon. Abijah becomes the king of Judah and engages in a conflict with Jeroboam, the king of Israel. Abijah gathers a force of 400,000 valiant warriors, while Jeroboam leads an army of 800,000 mighty men. Before the battle, Abijah addresses Jeroboam's army, reminding them of their rebellion against the house of David and emphasizing that Judah has the true worship of God. Despite being outnumbered, Abijah's forces defeat Jeroboam's troops, killing 500,000 of them. Abijah continues to reign in Jerusalem, and he is described as a king who walked in the ways of the Lord.

Key People: Abijah (king of Judah), Jeroboam (king of Israel)

Key Places: Jerusalem

Key Events:

1. Abijah becomes king of Judah.
2. Conflict between Abijah and Jeroboam.
3. Abijah's speech before the battle.
4. Abijah's victory over Jeroboam's army.
5. Abijah's reign in Jerusalem.

Questions to consider:

1. How did Abijah's speech before the battle influence the outcome?
2. What factors contributed to Abijah's victory despite being outnumbered?
3. What do Abijah's actions and reign reveal about his faith and relationship with God?

Summary of John 12:1-26:

In John 12:1-26, the passage begins with Jesus visiting the home of Lazarus, whom He had recently raised from the dead. Mary, Lazarus' sister, pours a costly perfume on Jesus' feet and wipes them with her hair, anointing Him in a gesture of great love and devotion. Judas Iscariot questions the use of the expensive perfume, suggesting that it could have been sold to help the poor. Jesus defends Mary's action, highlighting that she has prepared Him for His burial. News of Jesus' presence spreads, and a large crowd gathers, including Greeks who express their desire to see Jesus. Jesus speaks about His imminent death, comparing it to a grain of wheat that must die to produce many seeds. He emphasizes the need for followers to serve Him and be where He is, promising that the Father will honor those who do so.

Key People: Jesus, Mary (sister of Lazarus), Lazarus, Judas Iscariot

Key Places: Home of Lazarus

Key Events:

1. Jesus visits the home of Lazarus.
2. Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume.
3. Judas questions the use of the perfume.
4. Jesus defends Mary's action and speaks about His impending death.
5. Greeks express their desire to see Jesus.
6. Jesus discusses the importance of following and serving Him.

Questions to consider:

1. What does Mary's act of anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume symbolize?
2. How does Jesus' response to Judas' criticism provide insight into His understanding of His upcoming death?
3. What does Jesus mean by comparing His death to a grain of wheat that must die to produce many seeds?
4. How does Jesus' message about serving and following Him apply to believers today?

2 Chronicles 10-12 Summary, Key People/Places/Events, and Questions to Consider

Chapters 10-12 of 2 Chronicles deal with the reign of Rehoboam, Solomon's son, his interactions with the people of Israel, and the subsequent division of the kingdom.

In Chapter 10, the people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, ask Rehoboam to lighten the harsh labor and heavy taxes imposed by Solomon. Rehoboam rejects their request, leading to the northern tribes' rebellion and the division of the kingdom.

Chapter 11 covers Rehoboam's reign in Jerusalem, the fortification of his cities, and his efforts to strengthen the worship of the Lord in Judah.

In Chapter 12, Rehoboam and the people of Judah abandon the Law of the Lord, resulting in Shishak, the king of Egypt, attacking Jerusalem. Rehoboam humbles himself and the people of Judah, causing the Lord to not destroy them completely.

Key figures include Rehoboam, Jeroboam, and Shishak. Key places and events include Jerusalem, the rebellion of the northern tribes, the fortification of Judah's cities, and the attack by Shishak.

Questions to consider might include: How did Rehoboam's response to the people's request contribute to the division of the kingdom? What are the consequences of Rehoboam and Judah's abandonment of the Law of the Lord? How does Rehoboam's reaction to Shishak's invasion demonstrate his understanding of God's judgment and mercy?

John 11:30-57 Summary, Key People/Places/Events, and Questions to Consider

John 11:30-57 narrates the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead and the subsequent plan of the religious leaders to kill Jesus.

Jesus, upon reaching Bethany, finds that Lazarus has been dead for four days. He meets Mary, who falls at his feet weeping, and is deeply moved. Jesus goes to the tomb and orders the stone to be removed, prays to His Father, and commands Lazarus to come out. Lazarus comes out of the tomb, alive.

The miracle causes many Jews to believe in Jesus. However, some report the incident to the Pharisees, who, along with the chief priests, call a council. They fear that Jesus' popularity might provoke the Romans to destroy their nation. Caiaphas, the high priest, suggests that it's better for one man to die for the people, signaling the plan to kill Jesus.

Key figures in this passage include Jesus, Lazarus, Mary, Martha, the Jews, the Pharisees, and Caiaphas. The key places are Bethany and Lazarus' tomb. The key events include the raising of Lazarus and the plan of the Pharisees and the chief priests to kill Jesus.

Questions to consider might include: What does Jesus' miracle of raising Lazarus reveal about His power over death? How does the reaction of the Jews reflect the division of opinions about Jesus? What does Caiaphas' statement indicate about the political and religious context of Jesus' time?

2 Chronicles 7-9 Summary, Key People/Places/Events, and Questions to Consider

Chapters 7-9 of 2 Chronicles continue with God's response to Solomon's prayer, Solomon's fame, and the visit from the Queen of Sheba.

In Chapter 7, God responds to Solomon's prayer with a display of fire from heaven that consumes the sacrifices. God promises Solomon that He will hear the prayers made in the temple, bless the land, and uphold Solomon's throne if he and his descendants remain faithful. This chapter also details the Feast of Tabernacles celebration and Solomon's subsequent dismissal of the people.

Chapter 8 highlights Solomon's various building projects and his regulation of the temple offerings, festivals, and duties of the Levites.

Chapter 9 recounts the visit of the Queen of Sheba, who is astounded by Solomon's wisdom and wealth. It also summarizes the extent of Solomon's riches, his death, and the ascension of his son Rehoboam to the throne.

Key figures include Solomon, God, the Levites, the Queen of Sheba, and Rehoboam. Key places and events include the temple in Jerusalem, the divine fire and response to Solomon's prayer, the visit of the Queen of Sheba, and Solomon's death.

Questions to consider might include: How does God's response to Solomon's prayer confirm His presence and blessing? What do Solomon's building projects reveal about his reign and priorities? What does the visit of the Queen of Sheba tell us about Solomon's international reputation?

John 11:1-29 Summary, Key People/Places/Events, and Questions to Consider

John 11:1-29 covers the event of Lazarus' illness and death, and Jesus' interactions with Lazarus' sisters, Martha and Mary.

The chapter begins with Lazarus falling ill. His sisters send a message to Jesus, who assures his disciples that the sickness will not end in death but will glorify God. Jesus stays two more days before deciding to go to Judea. His disciples express concern for his safety, but Jesus insists on going.

When Jesus arrives, Lazarus has been in the tomb for four days. Martha comes to meet Jesus and expresses her belief in him. Jesus tells her that he is the resurrection and the life, and those who believe in him will live, even though they die.

Key figures in this passage include Jesus, Lazarus, Martha, Mary, and the disciples. The key places are the location where Jesus receives the message about Lazarus and the village of Bethany where Lazarus is buried. Key events include the illness and death of Lazarus, Martha's interaction with Jesus, and Jesus' assertion of being the resurrection and the life.

Questions to consider might include: Why does Jesus delay going to Bethany upon hearing about Lazarus' illness? How does Martha's interaction with Jesus demonstrate her faith and understanding? What is the significance of Jesus' statement that he is the resurrection and the life?