Signs and Wonders Leader Guide,Used

Explore the miracles of Jesus in Signs and Wonders with AmyJill Levine, Professor of New Testament studies and Bible study author.In Signs and Wonders: A Beginners Guide to the Miracles of Jesus, AmyJill Levine explores selected miracles of Jesus in historical and theological context. For each miracle, she discusses not only how past witnesses would have understood the events, but also how todays readers can draw meaning from Jesuss words and actions.Chapter topics include:Giving sight to the blind: Metaphors of understanding (Mark 8, John 9)Take up your pallet and walk (the paralyzed man): On the role of caregiversA bleeding woman and a dead girl: The importance of womens bodiesWalking on water and stilling the storm: Ecological readings of the GospelsThe feeding of the 5,000 (or more): The centrality of breadThe raising of Lazarus: Taking death seriouslyThe Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the sixweek study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.Praise for Signs and WondersAmyJill Levine has the rare and wonderful gift of being able to offer solid exegetical work to readers with or without formal theological training as if she is sitting in your living room sharing a cup of tea. Throughout this book she calls us to the interpretive work, reminding us that the big question is not 'did this happen?' but 'what does it mean?' and ultimately 'so what?' How can these old miracle stories speak good news to our lives in this time and place and invite our own healing and transformation along the way? Rev. Dr. Richard Simpson, Canon to the Ordinary (Assistant to the Bishop), Episcopal Diocese of Western MassachusettsAmyJill Levine is herself a sign and wonder, a sign that reading the New Testament through Jewish eyes is not just essential but revelatory, and a wonder, as she always writes with verve, wisdom, humor and rich insight. Her latest is hardly an exception, an accessible, fascinating book we welcome eagerly. James Howell, Senior Pastor, Myers Park United Methodist Church, Charlotte, North CarolinaWith brilliant insight and trademark wit, Dr. AmyJill Levine reveals wondrous details of the most prominent miracles in the gospels. We become more than readers of these stories; we discover how to be recipients and participants in the ongoing, miraculous work of God. Magrey R. deVega, Senior Pastor of Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida, and author of The Bible Year: A Journey through Scripture in 365 DaysWhat a rich and accessible resource for anyone who wants to grow their understanding of the Gospels and the claims they make about Jesus! AJ Levine teaches us how to learn from the miracle stories, marvel at them, worry about them, and respond to them in our own lives. Matthew L. Skinner, Professor of New Testament, Luther SeminaryMaking space for the believer and skeptic alike, Levine masterfully connects the miracles of the God of Israel with the miracles of Jesus. From friends who clear the way, to a father who pleads for his daughter, to sisters who stand resolute, Levine invites the reader to cherish the helpers and the healed as much as we cherish the healer. Levine's willingness to authentically share portions of her own story reminds the reader of the ways the miraculous breaks into our own lives.Rev. Dawn TaylorStorm, Director of Connectional Ministry, Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, The United Methodist ChurchAmyJill Levine engages the miracles of Jesus with scholarly acumen and signature wit. Christians who have been confused by these stories will find new clarity in her comprehensive context, including corrective understandings of Judaism. Those who have been intimidated by these texts will be encouraged by her candor. Those who have been inspired by Jesus miracles will find even deeper dimensions of meaning in the practical, pastoral, theological, and literary lev