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13th Disciple is a relaxed Bible study that blends weekly Scripture readings, reflections, and meaningful conversations — one story and one drink at a time.
13th Disciple is a relaxed Bible study that blends weekly Scripture readings, reflections, and meaningful conversations — one story and one drink at a time.
For the 2025 - 2026 season, 13th Disciple will meet at rotating locations around Grand Island:
For the 2025 - 2026 season, 13th Disciple will meet at rotating locations around Grand Island:
1st Thursdays - The Finish Line - 700 E Stolley Park Rd
2nd Thursdays - Balz Sports Bar at Prairie District (New) 3568 Innate Lane
3rd Thursdays - The Chocolate Bar - 116 W 3rd St
4th Thursdays - Travelers Taproom - 2230 N Webb
5th Thursdays - Lee Hall’s Home - 2419 S Blaine
*This week's lesson is available below as well as an archive of past 13th Disciple lessons.
*Scroll even further down for a list of all meeting dates and locations for the season.
What are we about?
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 March 12th 2026
4th Sunday in Lent
13th Disciple
Theme: Seeing the Way God Sees
Texts: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41
Human beings tend to judge by appearances, assumptions, and quick conclusions. But throughout Scripture, God sees differently.
Warm-up Question: What’s something you’ve recently changed your mind about—maybe a person, a situation, or even a movie or restaurant you initially judged wrong?
1. 🕰️Historical & Literary Context: What do we need to know about the original setting?
1 Samuel 16:1-13
The book of First Samuel describes Israel’s transition from tribal confederation to monarchy around 1000 BCE. Israel had demanded a king like other nations, and God allowed Saul to be their first king. But Saul’s leadership deteriorated through disobedience and insecurity.
Social & cultural details
The youngest son was normally the least important in inheritance and leadership.
Shepherding was considered humble work.
The anointing with oil symbolized God’s Spirit being given for leadership.
The key theological point: God’s choices overturn human expectations.
Ephesians 5:8-14
The letter to the Epistle to the Ephesians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle, written to early Christians in the Roman city of Ephesus around the late first century.
Ephesus was a wealthy port city and religious center dominated by the cult of Artemis. Christians there were navigating life surrounded by pagan worship, social hierarchies, and moral confusion.
In chapter 5, the writer uses the imagery of darkness and light—a common biblical metaphor—to describe the transformation that comes through Christ. Believers once lived in darkness but now reflect God’s light through their lives.
John 9:1-41
The Gospel of Gospel of John was likely written near the end of the first century by followers of John the Apostle or within the Johannine community.
John 9 is one of the Gospel’s miracles meant to reveal who Jesus truly is.
Important background:
In the ancient world, many believed disability or illness was punishment for sin.
Religious leaders such as the Pharisees saw themselves as guardians of correct interpretation of God’s law.
The story unfolds almost like a courtroom drama:
Jesus heals a man born blind.
Neighbors question the miracle.
Religious leaders interrogate him.
His parents fear social consequences.
The healed man testifies boldly.
Ironically, the only person who truly “sees” is the one who was blind.
2. 📖Read the Passage Aloud
1 Samuel 16:1-13a, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-4
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
Lord Jesus, Light of the world, you open our eyes when we cannot see clearly. Forgive us for the times we judge others by appearances or assume we understand everything. Teach us to see people the way you do—with compassion, humility, and grace. Help us live as children of light in our homes, our workplaces, and our communities. Give us courage as Christian men to stand with those who are overlooked and to share the simple truth of what you have done in our lives. Open our hearts again this week so that, like the man you healed, we can say with confidence: once we were blind, but now we see. Amen.
13th Disciple Weekly Bible Lesson Archive
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
Week of Thursday February 19th 2026 (1st Sunday in Lent) PDF Version
Week of Thursday February 26th 2026 (2nd Sunday in Lent) PDF Version
Week of Thursday March 5th 2026 (3rd Sunday in Lent) PDF Version
Week of Thursday March 12th 2026 (4th Sunday in Lent) PDF Version
2025-2026 Season Meeting Dates and Locations (UPDATED)
2025-2026 Season Meeting Dates and Locations (UPDATED)
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