13th Disciple

What are we about?

13th Disciple is a men’s Bible study for Christian men who want to grow in faith, brotherhood, and authenticity. We meet weekly at local bars and restaurants around town to share food, drinks,  Scripture, and real conversation about what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life.

Rooted in ELCA Lutheran theology, our discussions focus on grace, community, and living out faith through courage and service. Each study is designed for men of all ages and backgrounds—whether you’re new to the Bible or a lifelong believer.

Expect honest talk, laughter, prayer, and encouragement to live boldly as Christian men in today’s world. 

Join us for fellowship, good conversation, and a faith that meets real life.

  Readings for Thursday February 12th 2026

Transfiguration of Our Lord

13th Disciple

Theme: Glory Revealed, Faith Grounded

Texts: Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9

God reveals God’s glory—not to impress us, but to anchor us in Christ and send us back into everyday life with courage.

Welcome/Warm-up Question: Think about a moment when something suddenly became clear to you—about God, yourself, or life. What caused that moment?

1. 🕰️Historical & Literary Context: What do we need to know about the original setting?

Exodus 24:12-18

• Author & Setting: Traditionally attributed to Moses, though modern scholars see Exodus as compiled from multiple sources shaped during Israel’s long history.

• Timeline: Israel has recently escaped Egypt and is camped at Mount Sinai (~13th century BCE in traditional dating).

• Context in Chapter: God has just given the covenant laws (Exodus 20–23). Moses now goes up the mountain to receive the stone tablets.

• Social Reality: Israel is a fragile former slave people learning to trust God in wilderness scarcity.

2 Peter 1:16-21

• Author: Traditionally Peter; many scholars think it was written later in Peter’s name to preserve apostolic teaching for the church.

• Audience: Christians facing false teachers and doubts about Jesus’ return.

• Purpose: To affirm that faith rests on eyewitness testimony and Scripture inspired by God, not myths.

• Connection to Gospel: The author refers directly to the Transfiguration

Matthew 17:1-9

• Author: Matthew, writing primarily to Jewish Christians.

• Placement in Gospel: Comes after Peter confesses Jesus as Messiah (Matt. 16) and Jesus predicts his suffering.

• Mountaintop Scene: Jesus is transfigured—his glory shines through.

• Moses & Elijah: Represent the Law and the Prophets, bearing witness to Jesus.

• God’s Voice: Echoes Jesus’ baptism: “This is my Son…listen to him.”

3. 👀Observation: What words or phrases stand out?

4. ⚖️ Law and Gospel — What challenge is here? What comfort?

5. ✝️ Christ Connection — How does this text connect to Jesus?

6. ⛪ Today’s Church — How does this shape us as a community?

7. 💬Real Life for Christian Men: What’s one step you can take this week to live out your faith more boldly or authentically as a Christian man?

8. 🙏 Prayer

13th Disciple Weekly Bible Lesson Archive

• Week of Sunday June 15th 2025 (1st Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

• Week of Sunday June 22nd 2025 (2nd Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

• Week of Sunday June 29th 2025 (3rd Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

• Week of Sunday July 6th 2025 (4th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

• Week of Sunday July 13th 2025 (5th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday July 20th 2025 (6th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday July 27th 2025 (7th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday August 3rd 2025 (8th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday August 10th 2025 (9th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday August 17th 2025 (10th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday August 24th 2025 (11th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday September 7th 2025 (13th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday September 14th 2025 (14th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday September 21st 2025 (15th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday September 28 2025 (16th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday October 5th 2025 (17th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Sunday October 12th 2025 (17th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Thursday October 16th 2025 (18th Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Thursday October 26th 2025 (Reformation Sunday) NO STUDY

•  Week of Thursday October 30th 2025 (All Saints Sunday) PDF Version

•  Week of Thursday November 6th 2025 (22nd Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Thursday November 13th 2025 (23rd Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Thursday November 20th 2025 (23rd Sunday After Pentecost) PDF Version

•  Week of Thursday November 27th 2025 (First Sunday in Advent) NO STUDY

•  Week of Thursday December 4th 2025 (Second Sunday in Advent) PDF Version 

•  Week of Thursday December 11th 2025 (Third Sunday in Advent) PDF Version 

•  Week of Thursday December 11th 2025 (Fourth Sunday in Advent) PDF Version 

•  Week of Thursday January 8th 2026 (First Sunday after Epiphany) PDF Version 

•  Week of Thursday January 15th 2026 (Second Sunday after Epiphany) PDF Version 

•  Week of Thursday January 22nd 2026 (Third Sunday after Epiphany) PDF Version 

•  Week of Thursday January 29th 2026 (Fourth Sunday after Epiphany) PDF Version 

•  Week of Thursday February 5th 2026 (Fifth Sunday after Epiphany) PDF Version 

•  Week of Thursday February 12th 2026 (Transfiguration Sunday) PDF Version 

• 
  

2025-2026 Season Meeting Dates and Locations (UPDATED)