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 December 18th 2025

Fourth Sunday of Advent

13th Disciple

Theme: God With Us When Obedience Is Hard

Texts: Isaiah 7:10-16, Matthew 1:18-25

Welcome/Warm-up Question: Tell us about a time you were asked—or felt called—to step into something you didn’t fully understand or feel ready for. What made it difficult?

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

2. 📖Read the Passage Aloud 

Isaiah 7:10-16       

10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”

12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.”

13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you[a] a sign: The virgin[b] will conceive and give birth to a son, and[c] will call him Immanuel. 15 He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, 16 for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.

Matthew 1:18-25

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

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

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

• Where do you see yourself more often—Ahaz avoiding trust, or Joseph risking obedience? What makes one harder than the other in real life?

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

• How does knowing Jesus is “God with us” change the way you think about fear, failure, or uncertainty right now?

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

• As Christian men, how does Joseph’s quiet, faithful obedience challenge the way we show up and lead in our church community—especially when no one is watching or applauding?

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 

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2025-2026 Season Meeting Dates and Locations (UPDATED)