Luke 9-14 - Next Steps with Luke 9:18-27 Jesus’ Mission and Ours Luke’s chapter 9, verse 51 is a significant turning point for Jesus: When the days were coming to a close for him to be taken up, He determined to journey to . Along the way Jesus calls on people to follow him – to be his disciple and to share in his mission. Over the coming weeks we will seek to learn from Jesus and follow him.

First however, we will remind ourselves of the main ideas of -9: The identity of Jesus (who he really is); the mission of Jesus (what he came to do); and the call of Jesus (how to respond rightly to him). These themes come to a climax in Luke 9:18-27.

1. If someone asked you “What difference does following Jesus make?” what would you say?

2. Read Luke 9:18-27. What immediately strikes you as interesting, confusing or challenging?

3. In verses 18-20 Peter confesses for the first time that Jesus is the Christ, “God’s Messiah”. (“Christ” is the Greek word, which translates the Hebrew word “Messiah”. Both words mean ‘anointed one’ – or more simply king. In the God had promised that a king would come to rescue and rule his people - Psalm 2, Isaiah 9:6-7 & 42:1-4). Skim the earlier pages of Luke’s Gospel. On what basis might Peter have come to believe this? How is it different to the other opinions circulating at the time? What difference do you think it makes to know the true identity of Jesus?

4. In verse 21 Jesus tells his disciples not to tell anyone that he is God’s Messiah. This is surprising to us, but there are at least 2 good reasons for keeping this quiet (at that time). First, such a claim would immediately bring death (see :66-23:2). And second, Jesus still had much to teach his disciples. What reaction do you think Jesus’ disciples might have had to his words in verse 22?

5. In verses 23-27 Jesus talks about what’s involved in following him in his Messianic mission.

a. What does Jesus call on people to do (v 23)? From what Jesus says in verses 24-26, what do you think it means to deny yourself and take up your cross daily?

b. Why would anyone want to follow Jesus on his mission of self denial and death? What reasons does he give? When will these costs/benefits be experienced? Do you find these compelling – why or why not?

6. Jesus’ mission on earth was to rescue people by dying on the cross, and then to rise again and enter his rule as God’s Messiah. We can’t physically follow him on the road to Jerusalem. In light of God’s plan summarized in :44-49, what is God’s mission for us today? How does a clear grasp of Jesus’ identity, mission and call help us in this?

7. How does Jesus teaching on his mission and ours compare to common/popular contemporary views of what it means to follow him?

8. Will you follow Jesus? What is one area of your everyday life (work, home, or elsewhere) where you find it challenging to deny yourself and follow Jesus in his mission? Pray together for God’s help.

Luke 9-14 - Next Steps with Jesus

Luke 9:28-62 Getting it Right

In Luke 9:18-27 we have a clear statement of Jesus’: • Identity - God’s Messiah (who will rule God’s kingdom in glory) • Mission - to die and rise again (to save/rescue people who belong to him) • Call – to follow him (on his path to glory via sacrificing self for the salvation of others)

In the rest of chapter 9 Luke clarifies and explores the implications of these truths by showing us how people didn’t understand what Jesus was saying, and correcting their (and our) thinking.

1. In your experience what do people around you find hard to grasp about Jesus?

2. Read Luke 9:28-62. What overall impression do you get of Jesus from this passage?

3. For each section: a. What truth about Jesus (Identity, mission or call) is being explored/assumed/emphasized? b. How do the people there get it wrong (or not see the full implications of this truth)? c. What correction is given?

Section Truth Mistake Correction

v 28-36 (v 33) (v 34-35)

v 37-43a (See also 9:1-2)

v 43b-45 -

v 46-48

v 49-50

v 51-56

v 57-62

4. Which of the corrections here do you think is most relevant to you personally, and to our church generally? How does this reflect a failure to fully grasp and live out the truths of Jesus’ identity, mission and/or call? What might it look like to apply this correction to our lives?

5. How might this passage shape the way we talk to others about Jesus?

6. Pray together about what you have heard from God’s word. Pray that we would know and follow the true Jesus.

Luke 9-14 - Next Steps with Jesus

Luke 10:1-24 Rejoice in what matters most

As Jesus travels to Jerusalem he prepares his disciples for their (and our) ongoing mission to the world. This mission is to proclaim Jesus and his kingdom to the world (See Luke 24:46-49).

1. As you contemplate or actively get involved in God’s mission, which of these reactions do you commonly experience: Fear Passion Responsibility Complacency Pessimism Joy Apathy Privilege Excitement Optimism

2. Read :1-24. What is the overall mood of this passage?

3. From verses 1-12, as Jesus sends the seventy...

a. What are they instructed to do and to expect?

b. What truths or principles do you think lie behind Jesus’ specific instructions?

c. Which of these do you think still apply to us today? What can we learn and apply to ourselves?

4. Sodom, Tyre and Sidon are cities which were notorious for their sin and for being judged by God (Genesis 19:1-29, Ezekiel 26-28).

a. In your own words, what is Jesus saying in verses 12-15?

b. Why is rejecting Jesus’ disciples so serious? How might verse 16 motivate us to continue in mission?

5. In verses 17-24, the seventy have returned excited about what they have seen God do through them.

a. What does Jesus say matters more than seeing these powerful things happen? (You could also feel the weight of this by reading Revelation 20:11-15, 21:10 & 27)

b. How might this perspective help us to continue in mission – both when we see powerful things happen, and when we don’t?

6. In verses 21-24 Jesus rejoices and reminds the disciples how privileged they are. What are these privileges? How might this have encouraged the disciples then, and also us now?

7. “Mission involves trust, responsibility, authority, rejection, but above all privilege”. To what extent do you think this quote accurately sums up the teaching of Luke 10:1-24?

8. How has reading Jesus’ words here encouraged, challenged or corrected you? How will this make a difference in your life?

Luke 9-14 - Next Steps with Jesus

Luke 10:25-42 Doing and Listening

As we follow Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem, we come to the story of the good Samaritan. Being so famous, we are tempted to presume that we know what it means. In this study we will look closely not only at the story itself, but also think about what it means in its original context.

1. Read Luke 10:25-37.

a. The expert in the law asks a great question: “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He then answers it himself from the Old Testament (see Deuteronomy 6:5 & Leviticus 19:18), and Jesus says he is correct! Do you think it is possible to live up to the standard of verse 27? Why or why not?

b. What clues does the passage give to the mindset/attitude of the expert in the law? Why do you think he asks the question: “Who is my neighbour”?

c. What is the most remarkable feature of the story Jesus’ tells? (What does Jesus’ emphasize?)

d. What corrective does Jesus give to the expert in the law (and to us)? Instead of asking “who is my neighbour”, what question should he/we be asking?

2. Now read Luke 10:38-42. What action/attitude is commended here? In light of verse 37, why is this surprising?

3. Why do you think Luke placed these two sections side by side (and between 10:21-24 and 11:1-11)? To help, evaluate these theories on how the sections might fit together: i. No significance in Luke’s order, it’s just the way things actually happened. We should just read each section on its own. ii. Jesus is teaching his disciples about different key aspects of following him: loving God and neighbour (10:25-37), listening to Jesus (10:38-42), and prayer (11:1-13). iii. Both sections are actually about how to inherit eternal life – not by trying to “do” the law, but by listening to Jesus. (This also flows well from 10:21-24). iv. Luke shows us what it looks like to love God and neighbour (v27). v. Mary’s priority in v 38-42 is a corrective to those who might respond to 10:37 by frantic activity. vi. The necessity of listening to Jesus (10:21-24 & 10:38-42) must be accompanied by wanting to actually do what God says (10:25-37).

In light of how you see the various sections fitting together, how would you summarize the main point(s) of this whole section (10:25-42)?

4. How might we be tempted to make the mistake of the expert in the law? What do you particularly need to work on in order to “go and do the same” in loving your neighbour?

5. How might we make ’s mistake? How can we guard against it?

Luke 9-14 - Next Steps with Jesus

Luke 11:1-13 The School of Prayer

On his journey to Jerusalem, Jesus prepares his disciples for their (and our) ongoing mission in the world. In :1 one of the disciples asks Jesus: “Teach us to pray”. What follows is Jesus’ school of prayer.

1. Is there anyone in your life who has taught you to pray? If so, what did you learn from them?

2. Whether or not we have had the opportunity to learn to pray from someone else, we all have the opportunity to learn from Jesus. Read Luke 11:1-13. From this try and summarize the content of Jesus’ lesson. (ie. What are the different topics/sections and how do they relate to each other?)

3. In verses 2-4 we find the Lord’s Prayer.

a. Work through each request and summarise what it means in your own words.

b. Now step back and think about the prayer as a whole? What is Jesus’ main agenda for prayer?

c. Do you think Jesus intended for his disciples to repeat this actual prayer? Why or why not?

d. What practical things could you do to pray for what Jesus taught us?

4. In verses 5-13 Jesus teaches his disciples about persistence and confidence in prayer.

a. Why do you think some Christians might be reluctant to persist in prayer, or pray boldly?

b. In what ways do you think Jesus says God is like the friend at midnight? In what ways is He different?

c. In what ways do you think Jesus is saying that God is like an earthly father? In what ways is He different?

d. What, according to Jesus, is the main encouragement for us to pray boldly?

e. What kind of requests do you think Jesus envisages in this section?

f. What practical things might we do to persist in prayer?

5. If you went home from Jesus’ school of prayer and were asked “what did you learn today”, what would you say to sum it up?

Luke 9-14 - Next Steps with Jesus Luke 11:14-26 Know the Enemy

On his journey to Jerusalem, Jesus prepares his disciples for their (and our) ongoing mission in the world. Along the way Jesus drives out a demon. What does this mean?

1. The includes many references to Satan, demons and associated evil powers. In the Jesus constantly encounters these (eg. in his temptation, exorcisms, etc). Satan goes by many names, and is called by Jesus “the father of lies” and “a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:42-44). To what extent are you conscious of the reality of Satan, and his work in people’s lives?

2. Read Luke 11:14-26.

Note: Beelzebul (“the ruler of the demons”) is a name of Satan used by the Jews of Jesus’ time. It seems to be derived from a Philistine god called ‘Baal-zebub’ (= Lord of the Flies) in 2 Kings 1:2-3, 6 &16.

a. How did the crowds respond to the miracle of verse 14? How do you think this might be similar or different to how people might respond today?

b. In verse 17-20 Jesus takes up the accusation that he drives out demons by the power of Beelzebul. (He returns to the request for a sign in verse 29).

i. In verses 17-19, what 2 arguments does Jesus use to demonstrate that his authority is not from Satan? Try and explain these in your own words.

ii. What implication follows if Jesus is acting with the authority of God? (v 20) (Optional: Why do you think Jesus might have used the phrase “finger of God”? See Exodus 8:16-19)

iii. Jesus tells a short parable in verses 21-22 and makes his point in verse 23. What should we conclude from seeing Jesus driving out the demon, and how should we respond?

c. In verses 24-26 Jesus adds a further teaching about demons.

i. What danger does Jesus warn of?

ii. What do you think needs to happen to protect against this outcome? (How might verses 13 & 27-28 help answer this question?)

3. Although it is important to know your enemy, what is the main truth that we need to know from Luke 11:14-26?

4. (As time permits.) One of the features of Jesus that we might easily overlook is that his work of salvation involved the defeat of Satan in order to release us from his power. What do these verses teach us about what Jesus has done, how Satan is active now, and what this means for Christians today? Colossians 1:13 & 2:15, Ephesians 6:10-17.1 Peter 5:8-9, James 4:7-8.

5. How does Luke 11:14-26 give us confidence to follow Jesus?

Luke 9-14 - Next Steps with Jesus Luke 11:27-12:3 Watch out for religious traps

On his journey to Jerusalem, Jesus prepares his disciples for their (and our) ongoing mission in the world. Part of this involves correcting and warning against various errors.

1. Do you think church-goers are particularly susceptible to hypocrisy? Why or why not?

2. In Luke 11:37-54 Jesus attends a meal with Jewish religious leaders, and takes the opportunity to speak strongly about the problems with their religion.

a. Read Luke 11:37-54. How does this passage challenge common perceptions of Jesus, and of the validity of sincere religious practice (even in the name of the God of Israel)? Why do you think Jesus speaks so strongly?

b. What specific problems does Jesus find with the (v 39-44)? Try and summarize their basic problem. (See also 12:1)

c. In what ways might we be, or be susceptible to be, like them? How can we avoid their mistake?

d. What problems does Jesus find with the experts in the law (v 45-52)?

e. In what ways might we be, or be susceptible to be, like them? How can we avoid their mistake?

f. What response do the scribes and Pharisees make to Jesus’ words? In what way does this confirm Jesus’ words?

3. In :1-3 Jesus then warns his disciples (presumably in the hearing of the crowds) to be on guard against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees.

a. Why do you think Jesus calls the Pharisee’s hypocrisy “yeast”? How does this add weight to Jesus’ warning? (Hint – What does yeast do?)

b. What reason does Jesus give to avoid hypocrisy?

c. How can we guard ourselves against hypocrisy, and the hypocrisy of others?

4. For those who like completion, as time permits, read Luke 11:27-36. For each section: What religious error does Jesus correct? What alternative is commended? What do we learn about following Jesus?

5. Pray together for yourselves and for our church, that we would avoid the religious traps Jesus exposes.

Luke 9-14 - Next Steps with Jesus Luke 12:4-34 Fear, Greed & Worry

On his journey to Jerusalem, Jesus prepares his disciples for their (and our) ongoing mission in the world. In chapter 12 Jesus prepares us for 3 challenges to discipleship.

1. At the end of the passage Jesus says “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. What do people in our world treasure most (as shown by what they pursue and prioritize)?

2. Read Luke 12:4-12. In the face of mounting hostility (11:53-54) and large crowds (12:1), Jesus prepares his disciple to face persecution.

a. What reasons and encouragements does Jesus give to fear God rather than people? (Note: Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit means having a settled rejection of the Spirit’s testimony about Jesus.)

b. When do/might we face the challenge of choosing to fear God, rather than people?

3. Read Luke 12:13-21. Prompted by a call for justice regarding an inheritance, Jesus prepares his disciples for the challenge posed by greed.

a. Why does Jesus call the rich man a fool? Where (or who) was his focus? What did he fail to see?

b. “The power of this parable is that we can identify with the rich man building bigger barns to secure his future”. Do you agree? Why or why not?

c. What might it look like for us to be rich toward God (v 21)? (See also 1 Timothy 6:17-19)

4. Read Luke 12:22-34. Standing for Jesus in a hostile world, and being rich towards God can leave us worried about our daily provisions for life. Jesus also prepares his disciples for this.

a. Jesus commands his disciples not to worry about basic provisions (v22 & 29). What reasons does he give in verses 22-30? (See how many you can find!).

b. Instead of striving for food and clothing, Jesus tells us to seek first His kingdom (v 31-34). What do you think this means/looks like? What encouragements does Jesus give for us to do this?

c. How does verse 34 challenge or encourage you?

5. Considering the whole section. What key truths about God and life in this world (and the next) will help us to keep trusting God in the face of fear, greed and worry?

6. What do you need to pray for each other and for our church as a result of hearing Jesus’ words?

Luke 9-14 - Next Steps with Jesus Luke 12:35-59 Ready for Service

1. If you thought Jesus was going to return next week, what would you do this week?

2. On his journey to Jerusalem, Jesus prepares his disciples for their (and our) ongoing mission in the world. Read Luke 12:35-59. What theme(s) can you see that links these sections together?

3. In verses 35-40...

a. What two pictures does Jesus use to urge his disciples to be ready for service? What is surprising here?

b. How do you think this fits with what Jesus has just taught in verses 13-34?

c. Do you think Jesus here is talking about his return at the end of time (still future for us), or about the coming of his kingdom for the disciples of the time (in his death and resurrection), both, or something else? Why?

d. What do you think it looks like for Jesus’ disciples to be ready for service? (Why only being ready, not actually serving?)

4. What extra point does Jesus make in verses 41-48? How should this impact our lives?

5. Now read verses 49-53. What do you think Jesus means by “the fire” he came to bring, and “the baptism” that he must go through? How do you respond to Jesus teaching about not coming to bring peace, but rather division?

6. What should the crowds have seen/known had they been able to correctly interpret the time (v 54-56)?

7. Finally, how do you think verses 57-59 fit in here? What point is Jesus making?

8. What does Jesus teach us about how to live as his disciple in our time, while we wait for his return? What particularly strikes you as important for you/us now?

9. Pray together about what you have heard form God’s word.

Luke 9-14 - Next Steps with Jesus Enter through the narrow door

1. When in life do you face a deadline? What effect does a deadline have on you?

In Luke 13 we continue to follow Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem. Jesus has just been teaching about the need for people to understand the time they live in, respond rightly to Jesus and enter God’s eternal kingdom.

2. Read Luke 13:1-17.

a. From verses 1-5, what response must the people make, and why? What attitudes does this passage warn us against?

b. What does Jesus teach about God and Israel’s situation (at that time)? How does this add weight to Jesus’ call for repentance?

c. In verses 10-17 the leaders of Israel are given further opportunity to recognize and respond rightly to Jesus. This is the third time Jesus has performed a similar miracle on the Sabbath (also 4:31-41 & 6:6-11). Why do you think Luke includes this account at this point? What is he showing us?

3. Israel’s rejection of Jesus raises questions about whether Jesus really did bring God’s kingdom. Read Luke 13:18-35.

a. How do the images of the mustard seed and the yeast help us understand what to expect the kingdom of God to be like? What alternative images are we tempted to have in our minds?

b. In light of Israel’s widespread rejection of Jesus, the question of verse 23 is a natural one. From verses 24-30....

i. Why should we make every effort to be saved / enter the kingdom of God? Why is this urgent?

ii. Who is included at the table in the Kingdom of God, and who is shut out? On what basis?

iii. In summary, what is Jesus’ answer to the question of verse 23?

c. In verses 31-35 Jesus will not be deterred from travelling to Jerusalem. What do we learn here about God’s ‘heart’ towards his people, and the reason he will abandon them?

d. Luke’s Gospel is an orderly account written to give readers certainty about Jesus and the gospel (1:4). In summary, how does this section give us confidence to trust Jesus?

4. What is similar or different between the situation of Israel in Luke 13 and our situation now? What warnings or encouragements can we therefore apply to ourselves and to the people of our time?

Luke 9-14 - Next Steps with Jesus Responding to God’s Invitation

1. If you invite a group of people to a celebration and some don’t come. On a scale of 1-10 how hurt or angry would you feel if someone: a. Says a clear ‘no” and doesn’t come? b. Says “maybe” and then at the time finds an excuse and doesn’t come? c. Says “yes” , but at the time doesn’t come due to other priorities? d. Doesn’t respond at all and doesn’t come.

Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem. Although the leaders of Israel are invited, and the door is open, the they have been proving themselves unwilling to come to Jesus (13:34). In chapter 14, most of the action happens when Jesus goes to eat at the house of a leading Pharisee. Read Luke 14:1-24.

2. In verses 1-6 Jesus again heals someone on the Sabbath day. (Also 4:31-41, 6:6-11 & 13:10-17). What does this show us about Jesus and about the responsiveness of the Jewish leaders?

3. In verses 7-11 Jesus tells a “parable”. Presumably it is not just about dinner etiquette and how to climb the social ladder. The context is all about who enters and doesn’t enter God’s kingdom. With this in mind, what point(s) do you think Jesus is making? What does he reveal about the kingdom, and about the failure of the Pharisee’s to enter?

4. Similarly, presumably verses 12-14 do not prohibit all social invitations to friends, family and rich neighbours. What do these verses add to Jesus’ teaching?

5. The parable of the large banquet (v 15-24) reveals various aspects of Jesus’ invitation to enter God’s kingdom. (Note that a banquet was a common image for God’s end time kingdom - eg. Isaiah 25:6-8 & Revelation 9:6-9).

a. When it was time to go to the banquet, those invited (who presumably said they’d come) made excuses and didn’t go.

i. What do you think of the excuses people gave? What similar excuses might people make today to decline the invitation to God’s heavenly banquet?

ii. How did the master feel towards those who made excuses?

iii. Who came instead?

b. Summarize what different truths the parable teaches about God’s Kingdom?

6. Read verses 25-35. Jesus no longer addresses the Pharisees, but the crowds who were travelling with him. What do you think Jesus’ words here mean for us in our time? (Note that in the “hate” is often used to mean “love less” or “put in second place” – eg. Genesis 29:30-31, Judges 14:16, Genesis 25:23-26/Malachi 1:1-3.)

7. What you learnt from this chapter (and the series as a whole) about Jesus and what it means to follow him?

8. Pray together about what you have learnt.