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Home , Luke 10, Luke 8

10 studies from the Book of Luke

“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent , so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” :1-4

www.stphils.org.au

1 An Introduction to Luke

Luke is the longest of the 4 . It is also the only with a sequel! The book of Acts is the second part of Luke, written by the doctor Luke, and takes us from the story of ’ earthly ministry (Luke) to the story of the early Church and the (Acts).

Luke, together with the book of Acts, highlights for us the plan of God in salvation. The communities of and Gentiles are brought together under the community of the new church of Jesus Christ.

Together, these two books speak to us about how Gentiles can now be included in the salvation plans of God, and deals with the issues of Jewish traditions and the exclusive practices that were in place before Jesus arrived and fulfilled the complete laws and plans of God.

Luke’s gospel is a message that seeks to share with us how we are to live as disciples of Christ. What commitment is required from a disciple of Jesus? And how do we live in community together?

God reveals himself to us most clearly in the person and work of Jesus Christ, and Luke wants us to see how God’s plans are for everyone in this world.

(More details are available from The Luke Commentary from the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the by Darrell L. Bock (in 2 volumes), Published by Baker. 1994. The notes above are gleaned from the introduction of the first volume.

2 Study Contents

Study 1: King of the Harvest :1-15 and Luke 8:40-56

Study 2: King of Kings :18-36 and Luke 9:37-62

Study 3: King of the Workers :1-12 and Luke 10:13-24

Study 4: King of Mercy Luke 10:25-29 and 10:30-37

Study 5: King of Prayer :1-8 and Luke 11:9-13

Study 6: King of the Rich :19-24 and Luke 16:25-31

Study 7: King Ready to Die :28-38 and Luke 19:39-44

Study 8: King Over End Times :5-19 and Luke 21:20-36

Study 9: King Submits :32-43 and Luke 23:44-49

Study 10: King Over Death and King of Mission :1-12 and Luke 24:36-53

3 Study One

King of the Harvest

Luke 8:1-15 and Luke 8:40-56

Opening discussion

• What does it mean for someone to “support mission work”?

READ Luke 8:1-15

1. What strikes you as interesting about Luke’s mention of the women in verses 1-3?

2. Do we see this sort of mission support today?

3. How do parables help us in understanding Jesus’ mission?

4. Can you think of some examples in your life where you have experienced people responding to the gospel in the different ways Jesus describes in the parable?

READ Luke 8:16-39

5. Do you think this section portrays a sense of urgency, or fast- paced action, or busy-ness, or something else? Do you think Jesus is doing too much?!

6. What stands out the most in this section of scripture?

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READ Luke 8:40-56

7. There seem to be crowds everywhere. And there are so many people in need everywhere. What do you think it was like for the disciples following Jesus to experience these crowds and their needs?

8. In verse 46, what does Jesus mean when he says he knew that power had gone out of him? Does he mean that his power was emptied out a bit?

9. Is the healing of the bleeding woman suggesting that Jesus can heal even when he doesn’t want to? Just by someone touching him? How does Luke tell us she was actually healed – by what means?

10. Why is the healing of Jairus’ daughter so important? (Important enough for names and positions to be mentioned).

Concluding discussion

11. Think about the people/characters in this chapter. What types of people do we hear about? What is their status in society?

Prayer: Pray for those who are invisible in this world – those whom many people do not notice because they are considered unimportant.

5 Study Two

King of Kings

Luke 9:18-36 and Luke 9:37-62

Opening discussion

• Who do people today think Jesus is? What sorts of different answers do you expect from people to this question?

READ Luke 9:18-36

1. Why does Jesus still want to keep his identity secret? (This is often referred to as “The Messianic Secret”!)

2. Why were people still so confused about the identity of Jesus?

3. What do you think people understood Jesus to mean in verse 23 – talking about “taking up the cross”? (given that he has not yet been crucified)

4. Verse 26 introduces the idea of seeing Jesus “in his glory”, just before the transfiguration. What is “the glory of Jesus”?

6 5. Verse 27 is often believed to be a reference to the transfiguration itself as a display of the kingdom of God. Others believe it to be a reference to the appearing of Jesus after his resurrection. What do you think and why? More importantly, whichever way it is understood, what is the point of Jesus saying this?

6. What do you think is the purpose of the transfiguration? Doe sit have anything to do with “the Messianic secret”?

READ Luke 9:37-62 7. Why does Jesus seem initially to be so mean in his response to the Father? (“You unbelieving and perverse generation!”)

8. It’s interesting that in verse 42, it says that Jesus “gave the boy back to his father.” What do you think that means or implies?

9. Verses 43-56 - In the rest of this passage, there seems to be a lot of confusion from the disciples (and others). What are they confused about? What do they say that indicate confusion?

10. Verses 57-62 give us the impression that not many people are able to follow Jesus. Are you fit for service in the kigdom of God?

Concluding discussion

11. What makes a person a disciple, or follower, of Jesus?

Prayer: Pray for those who may be struggling in making a commitment to follow Jesus. That is, they believe in one sense – that he exists – but cannot commit to be a disciple.

7 Study Three

King of the Workers

Luke 10:1-12 and Luke 10:13-24

Opening discussion

• What does it mean to be a disciple and follower of Jesus? How does it impact our daily life? (You may like to read Luke 9:57-62 after discussing this question, as an introduction to the rest of the study.)

READ Luke 10:1-12

1. In verses 1-4 has anything changed since then? Are things different today? For example: a. Is the harvest still plentiful? b. Are there still too few workers? c. Should we still “go out” like lambs among wolves?

2. In verses 5-12, what are the advantages of approaching mission with this sort of strategy? In particular, consider the following: a. Is it worth moving around quickly, or staying in one place if people respond well to the message?

b. When is it worth leaving a “town” or home, and shaking the dust of your feet? In other words, when do we “give up” sharing the gospel with someone?

c. Does the worker deserve their wages? For example: i. What are the wages for someone sharing the gospel in everyday life?

8 ii. How do we pay a “fair wage” to those who make this gospel work their livelihood?

READ Luke 10:13-24 3. How does verse 16 give you confidence in sharing the gospel? Does it make you feel a little worried or concerned also?

4. In verse 17, why do you think the workers were so surprised when they returned from their mission work?

5. In verses 23-24, what is the great blessing for those of us who live “post-Jesus”?

Concluding discussion

6. This year, what can you do to be a part of the Mission at our Church?

7. What help do you need to be a gospel worker? What challenges do you particularly face and how can others in your home group help you?

Prayer: Focus on praying for the mission of our Church this year.

9 Study Four

King of Mercy

Luke 10:25-29 and 10:30-37

Opening discussion • Have you ever been helped by the kindness of a complete stranger? If so, how did you respond to that?

READ Luke 10:25-29 1. In verse 25, the expert in the law says to Jesus: “What must I do to inherit eternal life” – What is the inherent problem with this question?

2. Jesus answers the man that he is correct – that all he needs to inherit eternal life is to DO these things. (Love God and love your neighbor). Can he do this? Can any of us do this? And if so, to what standard? Is our “DOING” ever going to be up to God’s standard?

3. In verse 29, the man wants to “justify” himself and so asks another question. Why do you think he wanted to justify himself?

4. Where do we see this attitude today – that is, the attitude of self- justification – people justifying their goodness, or their life? (Compare Luke 16:15)

READ Luke 10:30-37 5. Priests and Levites were the religious leaders of the day – the ones expected to be the most “moral” of all! Yet it was a Samaritan who helped the injured man. The shock comes from the fact that Jews hated and would have nothing to do with them (see John 4:9). It was a bit like the relationship between Israelis and

10 Palestinians today. was right between in the north and in in the south.

a. How do you think the expert in the law (verse 25) would have responded to Jesus’ story – in the way he made the Samaritan the hero?

b. The Samaritan did not only help the injured man. He went above and beyond what people would have expected. Why does Jesus make the story so “over the top”?

6. Verse 37 – what is mercy?

7. Verse 37 – Have you gone and done likewise? Would you go to the extent that the Samaritan did to help someone? a. If so, how? Can you share an example? b. If not, why not? What stops you?

Concluding Discussion

8. Who is your neighbour? Can you write down 2 or 3 names of people who you could probably be a better neighbour towards?

9. What does “mercy” look like in the everyday things in life?

Prayer: Focus on praying for one or two people each who are your “neighbours”

11 Study Five

King of Prayer

Luke 11:1-8 and Luke 11:9-13

Opening Discussion • What do you most frequently pray for/about? Why?

READ Luke 11:1-4

1. What are the main aspects of the Lord’s Prayer? What things are “covered” in this prayer Jesus taught his disciples?

2. How often do you pray the Lord’s Prayer?

READ Luke 11:5-13

3. What is the lesson Jesus is teaching in verses 5-8? Is it:

a. To annoy God until you get what you want?

b. Annoy other people until you get what you want?

c. Forget friendship – just have audacity.

d. Something else…?

4. Why do you think Jesus wants us to be audacious and persistent in prayer? Is it telling us something about God, or something about us?

12 5. Are verses 9 – 10 a promise of what we can expect? Or are they a general observation? What is the key here – is it about a. Persistence b. Faithfulness c. Asking for the right things d. Trusting God e. All of the above f. Something else?

6. What do verse 11-13 tell us about the character of God?

Concluding Discussion

7. How has this passage affected your prayer life? Think in terms of the following: a. How often you pray b. What you pray for c. Your heart in prayer d. The way you trust God

Prayer: Spend some time writing down some things you would like to commit to God in prayer for this coming week or month. Perhaps think of some “ordinary” things you could pray for that you haven’t been praying for.

13 Study Six

King of the Rich

Luke 16:19-24 and Luke 16:25-31

Opening Discussion

Do you have a “good” life? Do you consider yourself fortunate? Rich? Wealthy? Why or why not?

READ Luke 16:19-31

1. Why is Jesus telling this story? (Have a look at the preceding verses and the passages that follow to gain some context.)

The story of Lazarus and the rich man is not quite a parable. It is often called an “example story”. It contains instructive details about what behaviour NOT to follow. It is not an historical event. It is a graphic portrayal, but not an actual description, of the afterlife. It is a story that depicts simply the great chasm between paradise and Hades (heaven and hell). (Taken from Baker Commentary on Luke by Bock, volume 2, page 1363).

Let’s take a look at the four main points this example story make:

2. How does this story instruct the rich to use their wealth?

3. What does it teach us about the finality of judgement?

14 4. How does this story relate Jesus to Moses and the prophets? What is the link?

5. What does it teach us about people’s response to Jesus – do they just need a sign? Do they just need another warning? (See verse 31)

6. How do you think the people of Jesus’ day would have responded to this story? What warnings or comfort might it have given them? Consider the response of:

a. The rich

b. The poor

Concluding Discussion

7. Does this story carry a warning or an encouragement for you?

8. If you have time now, go back and read the parable of the shrewd manager (16:1-15). What does this teach you about the way people (perhaps us!) seek to self-justify with the way they use their money?

Prayer: Pray for those in need in our community. Pray for good use of our wealth in this world – as individuals and as a church.

15 Study Seven

King Ready to Die

Luke 19:28-38 and Luke 19:39-44

Opening discussion

• If God had plans for your life that you knew would be difficult for you personally, what would you do?

READ Luke 19:28-38

1. Jesus is approaching Jerusalem, preparing for what he knows is his death. In which ways are we shown in this passage that Jesus is in complete control of the events leading up to his death?

2. The people welcome Jesus as “King”, reflecting the Israelite celebrations of the Feast of Tabernacles, welcoming the King. It is however a charade, as we know what is going to happen to Jesus in Jerusalem. But at this moment, why are the people praising Jesus (verse 37)?

3. READ Zechariah 9:9. (“Zion” is often used to refer to Jerusalem). How does the rest of this chapter in Zechariah give a picture of hope for God’s people? (Perhaps also read Zechariah 9:8-11)

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READ Luke 19:39-44

4. The opponents of Jesus watch from the sidelines, not happy with what is occurring. Why do they ask Jesus to rebuke his disciples (verse 39)?

5. Jesus enters Jerusalem, the holy city of – the city of God on earth. Yet he knows this is the very place he will be rejected and handed over to the Romans. Why does he weep over Jerusalem?

6. In verses 43-44, Jesus predicts great judgment upon this very generation of Israelites. What will this judgment look like? (It most likely is a prophecy of the attack of Rome that leads to the fall of Jerusalem in 70AD). Who will be affected by this judgement?

7. Do you think Jesus is struggling with what he knows he is about to face?

Concluding Discussion

8. Think about the work that Jesus has been doing – healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons, etc. Discuss what Jesus may have emotionally been facing at this time, upon drawing near to Jerusalem – how would he be feeling in facing rejection after performing all of these miracles?

Prayer: Give thanks to God for his plan of salvation, and for his love for us in going forward to his death, even though he knew what was coming.

17 Study Eight

King Over End Times

Luke 21:5-19 and Luke 21:20-36

Opening discussion

• What are the most difficult challenges you face (or have faced) in your Christian life?

READ Luke 21:5-19

1. In verses 5-7, how do you think the disciples would have felt about the destruction of the temple that Jesus was foreshadowing?

2. What future things does Jesus warn his disciples of in verses 8-19? Which of thee are relevant and continue to happen today? What encouragement and instruction does Jesus offer them/us about how to deal with these things?

READ Luke 21:20-36 3. Again in verses 20-24, Luke is most likely giving prophecy of 70AD and the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Romans. What picture does this give you of what lays ahead?

4. In verses 25-28, it seems Jesus speak of times further ahead. These are “apocalyptic” (end times) images of final destruction. What key words does Luke use to describe the response of people to these times? (For example: “anguish”)

18 5. Verse 32 seems problematic. If Jesus has just described the end times, and implies that the current generation he is speaking to will not die before the end comes, HE WAS WRONG! OR… we are lacking a good translation. The following excerpt from Boch’s commentary on Luke is helpful here (he offers 6 viewpoints, and this one is, in his opinion, the most likely explanation):

“What Jesus is saying is that the generation that sees the beginning of the end, also sees its end. When the signs come, they will proceed quickly; they will not drag on for many generations. It will happen within a generation… the tradition reflected in Revelation shows that the consummation comes very quickly once it comes… if this view is correct, Jesus says that when the signs of the beginning of the end come, then the end will come relatively quickly, within a generation.” (Page 1691- 1692)

Boch offers other explanations and quite helpfully says this: It is hard to be dogmatic about the meaning of this difficult text.”

Is it a problem that we sometimes have confusion about the exact meaning and references of the Bible’s teaching? (Especially when it comes to the end times!) Is it OK to have some uncertainty?

6. What do you think of these verses? How do they impact your life?

Concluding Discussion

7. What can we do when we are not absolutely clear about a certain passage of Scripture?

8. Do you think that perhaps sometimes you should study the Bible more seriously? O perhaps less seriously?!

Prayer: For trust in God and his Word, and for wisdom and humility as we read it.

19 Study Nine

King Submits

Luke 23:32-43 and Luke 23:44-49

Opening discussion

• What does Easter mean for you?

READ Luke 23:32-43

1. There is so much happening in this scene. If you were to paint a few paintings of the different scenes in this passage, what would you call them?

2. What does it say that Jesus is crucified between two criminals?

3. What Old Testament prophecies have been fulfilled in this passage?

4. How often is heaven referred to as “Paradise” in the Bible? Why do you think Jesus use that term here?

5. What do you find the most surprising thing about this passage?

20 READ Luke 23:44-49

6. What is the significance of the following: a. Darkness over the whole land

b. Curtain torn in two

c. Jesus cried out to his Father

d. The Centurion’s response

e. The other witnesses beating their breasts

f. The women watching

Concluding Discussion

READ Luke 23:50-56 7. Think about the care that went into Jesus’ burial. Why does Luke bother to record it even after the resurrection? What’s the point?

Prayer:

Give thanks for the amazing news of the gospel for us that is in this passage. Pray that we will be refreshed in hearing this again. Pray for those who visit our church over this time of year – that they would not only hear, but also respond.

21 Study Ten

King of mission

Luke 24:1-12 and Luke 24:36-53

Opening discussion

• What do you think Jesus would say to the people in this room if he dropped in briefly right now?!

READ Luke 24:1-12

1. Why do you think the women play such a prominent role in the resurrection story?

2. When was the last angelic appearance before this one in Luke’s gospel? What do you think that indicates about ?

READ Luke 24:36-53

3. First of all, what does Jesus’ appearance tell us about the resurrection body?

4. What does it mean in verse 4 when it says they still did not believe “because of joy and amazement”?

22 5. What has been fulfilled from the Law and Prophets at this time of Jesus’ appearance?

6. In verses 45-49, how does this tie in with Acts 1? (the sequel to Luke’s gospel)

7. What is your response to this call of Jesus for mission? Has the message of verses 46-48 changed since that time?

Concluding Discussion

8. What is the purpose of making a big deal of Easter for Christians?

Prayer: Pray for the opportunities for mission in our area as a church.

23 St Phil’s is a community of believers in Eastwood, Sydney Australia. We are an Anglican Church in the Diocese of Sydney. Everyone is welcome to join us for Sunday worship services, growth groups during the week, as well as many other events during the year. We have services on Sundays in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. If you are a believer looking for a new church, or if you are just interested in finding out more about Jesus and the Christian faith, please come along, or visit our website for more information: www.stphils.org.au

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