LUKE ACTS STUDY FOR SEPTEMBER 1, 2014 AUGUST 31, 2015

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1 LUKE ACTS STUDY FOR SEPTEMBER 1, 2014 AUGUST 31, 2015 Jesus is coming Luke 1 Jesus is here Luke 2 Jesus ministry begins Luke 3 4. Jesus faces temptation Luke 4 5. Jesus called the apostles Luke 5 6. Jesus preaches the gospel Luke 6 7. Jesus is the promised one Luke 7 8. Jesus stories Luke 8 9. Jesus transfigured Luke Jesus sends the seventy- two Luke 10 1 Jesus deals with the Pharisees Luke 11 1 Jesus on money Luke 12 1 Jesus and the Sabbath Luke Jesus on discipleship Luke Jesus tells about the Father Luke Jesus on stewardship Luke Jesus on gratitude Luke Jesus on arrogance Luke Jesus enters Jerusalem Luke Jesus answered questions Luke 20 2 Jesus told what was coming Luke 21 2 Jesus on greatness Luke 22 2 Jesus death Luke Jesus alive again Luke Jesus gave His plan for the kingdom Acts Jesus church begins Acts Jesus power demonstrated Acts Jesus power tested Acts Jesus church tested Acts Jesus priorities Acts 6 3 Jesus seen Acts 7 3 Jesus preached Acts 8 3 Jesus confronted Saul Acts Jesus called Gentiles Acts Jesus people called Christians Acts Jesus is king Acts Jesus called men to their mission Acts Jesus people opposed Acts Jesus church in conflict Acts Jesus called to a new horizon Acts 16 4 Jesus, the known God Acts 17 4 Jesus appeared to Paul Acts 18 4 Jesus way Acts 19

2 44. Jesus to Shepherds Acts Jesus man under trials Acts Jesus preached Acts Jesus enemies Acts Jesus man before royalty Acts Jesus worked through the prisoner Acts Jesus called for an altogether faith Acts 26 5 Jesus provides Acts 27 5 Jesus plan and providence Acts 28

3 INTRODUCTION TO STUDIES IN LUKE ACTS Today we embark on a study of the two books of the New Testament written by Luke the beloved Physician. Luke enters the story of the Bible 2/3 of the way through the Book of Acts. The places where he was present are evident as he begins to speak in terms of We rather than They. We don t know a great amount about Luke. We know he was a Gentile and a doctor who stayed with Paul all the way to the end. As Paul wrote his final letter of 2 Timothy his message to Timothy was, Only Luke is with me. Luke s gospel account is written primarily to Gentile Christians. Matthew wrote primarily to Jews, Mark to Romans and John to a more general audience thirty to forty years after the other three. Luke addressed both the books he wrote to Theophilus. Most likely Theophilus was a distinguished man in the Roman Empire who had become a follower of Christ. His name means Lover of God so some believe it wasn t an individual at all but addressed to all who are lovers of God. But his reference to him as Most excellent Theophilus seems to make that highly unlikely. Luke makes it clear he isn t writing the gospel account as an eyewitness as were some who had written of Jesus. But he is writing as one who had researched the matter thoroughly and writing as one who desired to make the facts known in an orderly way. While Matthew emphasized the Majesty of Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophesies about him and Mark emphasized Jesus as the suffering servant who came to pay the price for our sins, Luke stressed the humanity of Jesus. He is the Son of man, adopting a phrase often used in the Old Testament to refer to one as a human. John emphasized that Jesus is the Son of God, thus God in the flesh, dwelling among us. Luke offers details about Jesus that the others don t mention and tells us several of the stories that none of the others refer to. Notable among the parables that only Luke mentions are The Good Samaritan and The prodigal Son. But there were several others that are unique to him such as the story of the rich farmer. He is the only one to tell the story of the rich man and Lazarus. His resurrection story of Jesus meeting with the disciples on the road to Emmaus is unique to him. This study will involve a large segment of the New Testament in that it will go directly from the gospel account of Luke to the Book of Acts written by him. In Luke the story is about what Jesus did in his physical body. In Acts it is about what he did in his spiritual body, the church. The two books together form fifty- two chapters and we are going to study one chapter a week so it will be a year s study. Obviously we will not be able to look at everything in each chapter but will focus on specific things in each chapter. For this study to produce the benefit it is intended to produce it will be vital for you to read and think about each chapter before coming to class on Sunday. Pray about the message and how it should affect your life and

4 service to God. Even if it is necessary to miss a week, still do the reading and praying about the message of the chapter so that you don t lose out on the study because of missing a lesson. The more preparation you do for each class before coming to the class, the more good you will get from it. If you are involved in a small group Bible study and followed the same outline going deeper on some matters or looking at things that were not emphasized in the class time it would be even better. There are numerous good books and commentaries on Luke and Acts that you might use to gain more from the study than can be covered here or that you might read from to help you see and make better comments in class. The following are ones that I ve found useful in my study. Commentaries on Luke and Acts in the College Press Series on the NIV. Darrel Bock has written commentaries on Luke and Acts in more than one commentary series and you can find ones that are simpler and easier to read from him up to ones of great detail and depth. McGarvey s Fourfold Gospel and Commentary on Acts are old but still very good material. Actually he wrote two different commentaries on Acts that are still available. I prefer the later edition. 4. William Barclay s daily Bible Study series on Luke and Acts are helpful and easy to read. 5. The Truth for Today series on Luke and Acts published by Eddie Cloer are good studies. 6. An older commentary on Acts that I like is written by F.F. Bruce

5 JESUS IS COMING LUKE ONE READ: Luke one. As you read this chapter focus on the big things that you see. Mark or put a star beside the things that you see as the huge points that you see. PRAY: Our Holy and Gracious Father in heaven. Please bless our study of this book about the life and teachings of Jesus while he was on this earth. Open our eyes so we will see the great things of your word and apply them to our life and service to you. Father open our hearts so that if we have unconfessed and unrepented of sins in our life that we will see them and make them right with you. Bless our class together that it will bring your blessings into all our lives. MAJOR POINTS: As you read this chapter what did you see as the major points we should focus on? MAJOR QUESTIONS: What questions did you see or think of as you read and prayed about Luke one? WHO ARE THE MAJOR CHARACTERS IN THIS CHAPTER? Why are they important? 4. IN GABRIEL S SPEECH TO BOTH ZACHARIAH AND MARY HE PROMISED THAT THE ONE BORN TO THEM WOULD BE GREAT. What was it about John that made him great? What would make Jesus great? Is there any way that we might be great as God s servants?

6 MARY S GREAT QUESTION WAS HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN SINCE I M A VIRGIN? What was Gabriel s answer? Does his answer help us to know more of the nature of God? How? Note Gabriel s statement that Nothing will be impossible with God. How does that affect your faith? MARY S VISIT WITH ELIZABETH: What happened when Mary arrived for her visit? Discuss the speech or song that Mary gave at the time. Have some made Mary more important in God s plan than she really was? 4. Have we been guilty of making her less important than she actually was? 5. Were these her thoughts alone or was she speaking by divine inspiration? TAKE AWAYS: God can use us in His purpose no matter how old or young we may be. Zachariah and Elizabeth were too old by human standards to have a child, but they did and Mary was just a young girl but was old enough to give birth to the Son of God. Age isn t an excuse for failure to serve. God s promises are sure. Think of how long He had been promising the coming of the Messiah into the world. God s power is no less today than it was then. Nothing is impossible with God today. Do our prayers to God sound like we have an all- powerful God as our Father or like we have one crippled and unable to do very much? Read Ephesians 3: Who will you be praying for this week that they might come to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour?

7 JESUS IS HERE LUKE 2 READ LUKE CHAPTER TWO. As you read this chapter focus on the things that are especially meaningful to you. Imagine being in the little town of Bethlehem as Joseph and Mary arrive and make their way to the Inn. Just outside the small town was one of Herod s mansions that would have overshadowed everything in the town. Here was the mansion for a king, the inn where the guest were staying and neither had a place for the Savior of the world. He was born instead in a stable, the place for the animals that belonged to the guest. Most likely there were others there who were like them, too late or among the crowd who simply didn t have the money to pay for the Inn and were therefore staying in the stable where Jesus was born. MAJOR POINTS: As you read this chapter what did you see as the major points we should focus on? MAJOR QUESTIONS: What questions did you see or think of as you read and prayed about Luke two? WHO ARE THE MAJOR CHARACTERS IN THIS CHAPTER? Why are they important? 4. AFTER THE BIRTH OF JESUS AND AT TWELVE HE WAS IN THE TEMPLE. Each time major things happened that related to Mary and Joseph. What do you think was involved when it says, Mary treasured these things in her heart? How do you think you would have reacted to the shepherds, the prophets in the temple and his actions at 12?

8 Notice the prominent place godly women are already playing in the life of Jesus on this earth. How is that significant? A KEY VERSE IN THIS CHAHPTER IS VERSE 40. This verse laid out the pattern for his life on earth and describes what every parent desires for their child from birth. What took place in Jesus early life that led to such growth and development? How can we make certain our children grow in the same way or if you are a young person, how can you make certain you grow in all these ways? How can one grow in God s favor? How did Jesus do so? A GLIMPSE INTO JESUS EARLY LIFE: We know very little of what happened in Jesus life between the time of his birth and the beginning of his ministry at 30. Luke offers us one small glimpse in this chapter of what happened when Jesus was twelve years old. As you look at this imagine some young person you know that is twelve years old. It will give some perspective to the window into Jesus growth. Why did they take him up to Jerusalem for the Passover feast when he was twelve? How can you explain their leaving him behind and not realizing he wasn t with them? Focus on verses Read it closely and discuss the scene. How do you picture Jesus actions at this time? Do you see him as a humble youth asking good questions? Or do you see him somehow putting down the religious leaders? 4. How do you see his interaction with Mary and Joseph? 5. What did he mean when he said he had to be in his father s house? TAKE AWAYS: Jesus grew in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and man. Think if the Messiah, God with us can grow in wisdom and favor with God certainly we can grow throughout our lives. As parents we won t always understand our children s actions no matter how good they are. The Savior of the world was still subject to his parents in his youth. 4. God chose very ordinary people from an ordinary town doing an ordinary job to be the earthly parents and training ground for the Messiah. He is still using ordinary folks to do extra ordinary things.

9 JESUS MINISTRY BEGINS LUKE THREE READ LUKE CHAPTER THREE: As you read this chapter notice God s preparation for the ministry of Jesus by sending John the Baptist to prepare the way. John was the prophet sent by the Lord to prepare the hearts of the people and turn the hearts of father back to their children, to convict the people of their sins and make the crooked roads straight, the mountains and valleys level for Jesus ministry. Remember God said about John that He would be great in the eyes of the Lord. Look for the things that made him great before God. See what we can learn from him about preparing the way for Jesus into our own culture and into the hearts of people. MAJOR POINTS: As you read this chapter what did you see as the major points we should focus on? MAJOR QUESTIONS: What questions did you see or think of as you read and prayed about Luke three? WHO ARE THE MAJOR CHARACTERS IN THIS CHAPTER? Why are they important? THE BEGINNING OF JESUS MINISTRY WAS USHERED IN BY JOHN S ACTIONS; Notice how Luke begins the whole discussion by laying out exactly the time in history that it took place. Why do you think God called John to carry out his ministry primarily in the deserted areas where people had to him from the towns around him? He preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. What is the difference between his baptism and the baptism of Jesus?

10 Discuss the prophesy of Isaiah that John came to fulfill. 4. Look at the different groups of people who came to John and his message to each group. Why did his message differ from one group to another? A KEY VERSE IN THIS CHAPTER IS VERSE 2 This verse notes the time Jesus began his public ministry. To launch the ministry he came to John to be baptized by him. There was no question in either of their minds as to which one was the greater of the two. Yet Jesus freely submitted to John and his baptism to Fulfill all righteousness. It served as a fitting way to begin his ministry that would move out of the desert into the towns and villages of the area. Why do you think Jesus waited until he was 30 years old to begin his ministry? Luke mentions the fact that when Jesus was baptized he was praying when the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in the bodily form of a dove. What is the significance of the Spirit coming and why as a dove? God the Father spoke from heaven to say, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Notice Jesus is in the water, the Holy Spirit is lighting on his as a dove and the Father is speaking from heaven to say Jesus is His beloved Son. What does this tell us about the nature of God? 4. Luke then turns to give the genealogy of Jesus. Since He is God in the flesh, what difference does it make about his physical descent? 5. Why do you think that the genealogy given by Luke differs from the one given by Matthew? TAKE AWAYS: Jesus took 30 years to prepare for a 3- year ministry. We should learn that preparation time for a great work is not wasted time. When God calls a person to ministry he can manage to get the people to them even in a desert. Instead of sending John to them, he brought the people to John. He can do the same with you if you are ready and open to His call. God s call always involves some change in us. No one was taken just as they were at the time and told they didn t need any change, just stay as you are now. 4. John was faithful to God even when it meant rebuking the king of his moral failure of marrying his brother s wife. It takes courage to do what God wants, when he wants and how he wants it done.

11 JESUS FACES TEMPTATION LUKE FOUR READ LUKE CHAPTER FOUR. After John baptized Jesus the Spirit of God drove him into the wilderness where he was to be tempted by the devil. He spent forty days fasting and praying. Satan was tempting him during the whole time. At the end of the time, when he was hungry, Satan came with his greatest attacks trying to destroy the ministry before it really got under way. After the temptations Jesus launched into his ministry with passion. Focus on the places he went and the things he did at this early time before choosing most of the apostles or having a band of people around him. MAJOR POINTS: As you read chapter four look for the major points that we should focus on as a class. MAJOR QUESTIONS: What questions did you see or think of as you read and prayed about Luke four? WHO ARE THE MAJOR CHARACTERS IN THIS CHAPTER? Why are they important? AFTER JESUS BAPTISM THE SPIRIT LED HIM INTO THE WILDERNESS FOR TEMPTATION AND FROM TEMPTATION INTO MINISTRY. Looking at Jesus temptations, what made each significant and what should we learn from how Jesus handled them? Notice Luke focuses on Jesus going about the villages preaching and teaching in their synagogues. Why is that significant?

12 Discuss Jesus return to his hometown to preach in the synagogue of Nazareth. What upset the crowd about what he said? Was he right in all he said? 4. In this chapter we see the first of seven times that it is mentioned that Jesus healed someone on the Sabbath. What made that so important? 5. In verses there is a powerful point made about Jesus and his entire ministry. See if you can see what it is. KEY VERSES IN THIS CHAPTER ARE VESRES AND Together they form a pattern for Jesus ministry. He went about from one place to another preaching and teaching in their synagogues. But he also took time for personal prayer and devotion to God even if it took rising early before the others or going to a mountaintop to be alone with the Father. Notice also his sense of purpose. People wanted him to come back to heal more people. But he said he had to go on. He had a mission to fulfill and had to get to it. A GLIMPSE INTO JESUS MINISTRY: When Satan attacked Jesus he tried to get him to doubt that he was. He repeated the phrase, If you are the Son of God. He also tried to get him to misuse his power. And he tried to get him to take a shortcut to the throne. Does Satan still try to use similar tactics in tempting people in the body of Christ today? What doubts does he try to raise in our lives that will lead us away if we fall for it? Discuss the passage Jesus read in the synagogue and what it meant. TAKE AWAYS: Often our greatest temptations come right after our spiritual high points. John had baptized Jesus with the Holy Spirit lighting on him and the Father declaring he was well pleased when Satan hit him. What does he most often tempt us and how? At Simon s house he healed his mother- in- law before enjoying his stay. We need to learn to put ministry ahead of fellowship with others. Make time for prayer even if you have to get up early to do so. Know your mission and don t let popularity lead you away from it.

13 JESUS CALLED HIS APOSTLES LUKE FIVE READ: Luke 5. Look for the major topics in this chapter and underline or make note of the things you consider most important, especially things that relate to how you live for God each day. PRAY: Our Righteous and Loving Father, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, please open our eyes and our hearts as we study this chapter about the work of Jesus among the people. Help us the see the things that we need to focus on that will draw us closer to You and make us more like Jesus every day. Please guide us with your Holy Spirit as we study. Bless this class and our efforts to grow together in your kingdom. MAJOR POINTS: As you read this chapter what did you see as the major points we should focus on? MAJOR QUESTIONS: What questions did you see or think of as you read and prayed about Luke five? MAJOR CHARACTERS: Who are the major characters in this chapter and why are they important? JESUS STARTED THE PROCESS OF CHOOSING THE APOSTLES AND HIS HEALING MINISTRY. It was common for Rabbi s in that day to have disciples who apprenticed under them to learn to be rabbis. It wasn t common for them to call apostles, ambassadors sent out in their name.

14 What made the choosing of apostles to send out so important? What are the differences and similarities between Jesus sending out apostles and the church sending out missionaries? Focus on the stories of healing in this chapter. The leper challenged his willingness. Why do you think he wondered if he was willing? What lesson should we learn from the healing of the paralytic? The call of Matthew is significant. Jesus stepped outside the circle of fishermen and people from his home area. Why is this calling of Matthew significant for us? IN THE HEALING OF THE PARALYTIC JESUS RECOGNIZED THE FAITH OF THOSE WHO BROUGHT HIM AND FORGAVE THE MAN S SINS. Why start by healing him spiritually? Why did it bother the religious leaders? How would you have reacted? NEW WINESKINS: Jesus challenged the people not to put new wine in old wineskins or new cloth into an old garment. What was he talking about? How can we apply his principle? TAKE AWAYS: If God can use people with backgrounds like Peter and Matthew, he can use us as well. Like the Paralytic, many of our friends will never get to the Lord unless we go to the trouble and risk of bringing them. Through out the years people have questioned both the willingness and the ability of God to help in times of need. This passage answers both in Jesus being willing to help and was able to heal the worst of sicknesses. He remains both willing and able to help us in our times of need.

15 JESUS PREACHES THE GOSPEL LUKE SIX READ: Luke 6. Look for the major topics in this chapter and underline or make notes of things you consider most important, especially things that relate to how you live for God daily. PRAY: Beloved Father, please guide all we see as we read this chapter about Jesus ministry on this earth. Father, help us to fall more deeply in love with Jesus and to develop His heart for people who are struggling in life. Guide us with Your Holy Spirit and convict us, as we need to be convicted. Bless our class as we study together. Through Jesus we pray. Amen. MAJOR POINTS: As you read this chapter what did you see as the major points we should focus on? MAJOR QUESTIONS: What questions did you see or think of as you read and prayed about Luke 6? MAJOR CHARACTERS: Who are the major characters in this chapter and why are they important? JESUS THE PREACHER: In this chapter Luke records the Sermon on the Plains. It is similar to the Sermon on the Mount recorded by Matthew in chapters 5-7, but it also has many areas of difference. It illustrates that Jesus often spoke on the same general topics in different places as he traveled around. What sticks out most to you in his sermon?

16 This is the first record of Jesus healing and preaching on the Sabbath. There are seven recorded instances of him healing on the Sabbath. Why do you think he persisted in healing people then knowing it would upset the religious leaders? Jesus went up on the mountain to pray before setting apart the Twelve and prayed all night. Should we spend such time in prayer before setting apart men as leaders in the church? What point jumps out at you as needed today in Jesus sermon on the Plain? Why that point? FOCUS ON THE SEGMENT ABOUT LOVING ENEMIES: Luke gives us several specific actions that will go along with loving our enemies. Look especially at verses What are some of the specific things Jesus said to do that demonstrate love for an enemy that would be very applicable in our time? What do you think Jesus meant by the statement that if someone strikes us on one cheek we should turn the other one as well? Is this literal or is it about life generally? Who can you think of right now that you consider an enemy in your life? Why do you consider them enemies? JUDGING OTHERS: In this sermon Jesus added a phrase about judging one another. He added the point that we should forgive and we will be forgiven. How does that fit with judging? He also ties giving to the point on judging. He told us to give and we would be given. What does that mean? How does it fit with 2 Corinthians 9:6-10? TAKE AWAYS: In the last paragraph of this chapter Jesus used the story of a wise and foolish man building a house. Notice the wise man was one who listened to his teaching and did it. Does that mean this sermon is to be taken literally and obeyed? Notice the statement in verse 45 about fruit in life. Especially look at the phrase, For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Our words matter and they demonstrate our heart to all who hear. Show them a pure heart.

17 JESUS IS THE PROMISED ONE LUKE 7 READ: LUKE 7. Look for the major topics in this chapter and underline or make notes of the things you consider most important, especially things that relate to how you live for God daily. PRAY: God our Father and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for sending Jesus into the world to live among us and show us your love and grace. Father open our eyes to see the wondrous things in your word and open our hearts to both hear and apply the things we see in this chapter to our life regularly. Give us a heart for those who don t know you yet to be a tool in your hands to reach them. In His name. Amen. MAJOR POINTS: As you read this chapter, what are the major points you see? MAJOR QUESTIONS: What questions came to your mind as you read and prayed about the things said in this chapter? MAJOR CHARACTERS: Who are the major characters in this chapter and why are they important? JESUS THE PROPHET: This chapter is filled with amazing things that we all need to see. It shows his first contact as a prophet with a Gentile when he heals the Centurion s servant, his first raising of one who was dead, and his response to the followers of John when the very prophet who had so clearly proclaimed him as Messiah began to doubt. What do you see that is especially significant about Jesus response to John s disciples?

18 Do you ever have doubts? Do you question the Bible at times? Do you question the whole notion of God at times? Do you ever puzzle over Jesus and His actions then and now? How does his response to John affect us in times of doubt? Focus on how Jesus talked about John after his disciples left. It would have been easy to attack John, put him down or point to his stressful situation. Jesus did, none of that. He took the opportunity to praise John and the greatest prophet. What are some things we should learn from His response? Jesus then made a big point when he discussed This generation. He compared the generation to children at play. Look at the contrast he gave of himself and John, yet both were God s men on earth doing his will. What should we gain from that illustration? FOCUS ON JESUS EVIDENCE TO SEND BACK TO JOHN: If you had been in John s place and were arrested for preaching the truth to Herod the king and you knew that Jesus knew your situation and that he could rescue you from the prison, would you have begun doubting when days past and he didn t come? Do we do the same thing as John on occasion when we determine that if God is real or Jesus is really the Messiah they will do something about our problems or our prayers? Why do you think Jesus doesn t do the things even folks like John expect him to do? Look at what Jesus was doing when the disciples of John came. Luke says that In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits and on many who were blind he restored their sight. (Verse 21) Do you think they saw these things he was doing before they asked their question? What is significant about the things he told them to go back and tell John? Where did he get those points? JESUS FULFILLS THE FATHER S PLANS AND PROMISES: We must not try to put him into some small box of our own making, trying to force him to be the Savior of our choice rather than the image of the Father in Heaven. TAKE AWAYS: The size of my view of my sins forgiven by the Lord has a tremendous effect on how much I love Jesus my Lord. How heavy is your load of sin? Since the church is the body of Christ continuing to do the work of Christ on earth how many of the marks of the Messiah would fit the church in our time? Look again at verses to see.

19 JESUS STORIES LUKE EIGHT READ: LUKE 8. Look for the major topics in this chapter and underline or make notes of the things you consider most important, especially things that relate to how you live for God daily. PRAY: Righteous Father in heaven we are amazed at the love you have shown for us even when we so often fail to live up to your will. Thank you for the stories Jesus told to help us see, understand and apply your truths to our lives. Open our eyes and our hearts to see what you want us to see and apply it to our lives today. Through Jesus we pray. Amen. MAJOR POINTS: As you read this chapter, what are the major points you see? MAJOR QUESTIONS: What questions came to your mind as you read and prayed about the things said in this chapter? MAJOR CHARACTERS: Who are the major characters in this chapter and why are they important? JESUS THE STORY TELLING PREACHER: In Luke 8 we have one of the most concentrated examples of Jesus use of parables to tell us about the kingdom he is establishing. He took the stories right out of their life and culture and then made spiritual applications they could see. It served both to make the message simple to the honest and open hearer and to confuse the one looking for a way out. What do you see as the major point of his parables in this chapter?

20 Even the disciples were confused about why Jesus spoke in parables or stories. Discuss his explanation of why he spoke in parables. Two major miracles are also recorded in this chapter. In one he calms the storm and the other he cast the demons out of a man who was possessed of multitudes of demons. What did each of these miracles demonstrate about Jesus? What do you think about demon possession both then and now? Many think Jesus only used the superstition of the day in that they thought all kinds of problems including sickness and mental illness were caused by demons so he let them think that and healed the people. Was demon possession real? FOCUS ON JESUS REACTION TO LEGION AFTER HE WAS HEALED: When he cast the demons out he allowed them to enter the herd of hogs near by. Why would he do that? What does it show about demons? The people came out to see what had happened and found Jesus and the man sitting together talking with the man now clothed and in his right mind. How do you think you would have reacted had you been afraid of Legion for years? Legion wanted to go with Jesus and be one of the disciples. Jesus invited others. Why would he turn Legion down? Legion became one of the first missionaries for Jesus. What was his message? How well did he do as a missionary? What does that teach us about reaching people for the Lord? JESUS HEALED THE DAUGHTER OF JAIRUS AND THE WOMAN WITH A DISCHARGE OF BLOOD: Both of these are powerful miracles and both offer insight into Jesus work. Jairus was a religious leader among the Jews but the saw the power of Jesus and cared more about his daughter s welfare than about getting along with his fellow Jewish leaders. What do you suppose he told people after his daughter was healed? The woman who had been sick for years and tried every doctor she could find with no relief by law was to stay away from people since she was unclean. She broke the law, yet Jesus healed her. She believed if she could touch the hem of his garment she would be healed and she was. Her faith saved her. Was it faith alone? If she had touched another s garment with the same faith would she have been healed?

21 JESUS TRANSFIGURED LUKE NINE READ: LUKE 9. Look for the major topics of this chapter and underline or make notes of the things you consider most important, especially things that relate to how you live for God daily. PRAY: Dear God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ we humbly bow before you thanking you for the gospel story of Jesus and Your plan to save us through Him. Thank you for the insight you ve given us in the study of Luke s gospel. Father opens our eyes to see the great things of your word and apply them daily to our lives. Through Jesus we pray. Amen. MAJOR POINTS: As you read this chapter, what are the major points you see? MAJOR QUESTIONS: What questions came to your mind as you read and prayed about the things said in this chapter? MAJOR CHARACTERS: Who are the major characters in this chapter and why are they important? JESUS GLORIFIED: Jesus gave the apostles power from the Spirit and sent them out on the limited commission. They were given a clear mission, with distinct parameters. They returned worn out and needing rest but even in going to a secluded place the crowds kept coming and Jesus didn t turn them away. He fed the 5,000 with a boy s lunch. This story is told in all four of the gospel accounts, which is rare. Jesus asked the question that led to Peter s confession and gave clear directions on what it takes to be a disciple. He was transfigured before three of them. Imagine what it must have been like to be there and see what they saw.

22 What lessons can you see in Jesus sending out of the twelve that we can learn today that would help us in carrying the gospel to our world? Why was the story of feeding the 5,000 so significant that it was recorded in all four- gospel accounts? What should we get from that story today? What does it mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus? What is our cross anyway? 4. If you had been there to see Jesus transfigured and saw Moses and Elijah talking with him about his coming death, how do you think you would have reacted? Would you have been more like Peter or more like James and John? FOCUS ON JESUS COMING DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAIN INTO THE VALLEY BELOW. Most of us have mountain top experiences at some points in our life. It can happen in all kinds of situations but when it happens it is usually life changing. Many like Peter, want to stay up on that mountain. Others spend years after that trying to reenact the experience in their normal life. Why was it important for Jesus and his friend s to come down off the mountain and deal with the stresses of life that were going on in the valley? Why is important for us to both have such experiences and to use the properly? Notice that every story of the transfiguration has it preceded by the promise that There are some standing here that will not taste of death until they see the kingdom of God. We ve typically argued that this is a promise of the establishment of God s kingdom on Pentecost in Acts Which do you think it is? When Jesus told the disciples that he was about to be delivered into the hands of men they were confused but it led immediately to their questions about who was the greatest. What is the connection? How are the least among us the greatest? Who are the least anyway? IT COST TO FOLLOW JESUS: Luke s final story in this chapter is about people who wanted to be disciples of Jesus but didn t care for the price involved. One asked to be his disciples but Jesus informed him of how tough the road was. The second Jesus told to follow him but he had to bury his father first. Jesus gave the strange response of Let the dead bury the dead. What was the point? Another volunteered but still had to go home and tell everyone good by. Jesus said that one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back isn t fit for the kingdom. What does that mean? Do we tend to ignore the price of discipleship? Have we made it too easy? Did Jesus make it seem too hard?

23 JESUS SENDS THE SEVENTY- TWO LUKE TEN READ LUKE 10: Look for the major topics o this chapter and underline or make notes of the things you consider most important, especially things that relate to how you live for God daily. PRAY: Our Loving Father in heaven, open my eyes to see the things about you in this chapter that you want me to see. Let me see the things about how to serve you and share my faith with others that you teach in this chapter. May I be one of those you send out into the world to lead others to you? Through Jesus we pray. Amen. MAJOR POINTS: As you read this chapter, what are the major points you see? MAJOR QUESTIONS: What questions came to your mind as you read and prayed about the things said in this chapter? MAJOR CHARACTERS: Who are the major characters in this chapter and why are they important? JESUS SENDS: At the beginning of chapter 9 Jesus sent the twelve out to tell people of the kingdom that has come near them. Now he is sending out 72 more disciples with much the same mission. Notice as he prepared them for their mission he told them that the harvest was great. It was the workers who were few. It would have seemed natural for him to say, Go and find more workers that I can send out. But he gave an entirely different command. How much of what Jesus told them relates to us today? Is the harvest still great and the workers still few? Are we praying often for more workers?

24 What is significant about the attitude of the 72 when they return from the mission Jesus had sent them on? What can we learn from it? Notice that after telling them what to rejoice about, Luke tells us that Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit. What was it that caused his joy? FOCUS ON JESUS AND THE QUESTION RASIED BY THE LAWYER. No greater question has ever been raised. Yet in the different times in Scripture that the question is raised it is given very different answers. (See Luke 18:18; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 16:30) Why wouldn t the same question always receive the same answer? If you were asked the very same question how would you answer it? Would you respond as Jesus did here by asking the person what they thought or how they read the Scriptures? Why? Do you think the Lawyer was surprised when Jesus agreed with his answer and told him to do that and he would live? Why do you think it was the part about loving the neighbor that he would ask about instead of loving God with all our being? Jesus story of the Good Samaritan would have been shocking to his crowd even though the scene was very familiar. It was common for a man to travel this way and for him to face robbers. Why do you think Jesus chose to make the Samaritan the hero in the story? Who would he use as the hero if he were telling the same story today? Why do you think so? JESUS AT REST IN THE HOME OF MARTHA AND MARY: Luke has consistently given women a place of importance in his gospel account. It was to Mary that Gabriel appeared, not Joseph. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit as well as the baby in her womb. When the baby was carried to the temple it was both the man Simeon and the woman Anna who blessed him. It was women who traveled with the disciples and helped pay for the ministry in Luke 8:1-4. Now Jesus goes to the home of Martha and Mary and Mary sat at his feet to listen, as it would have been common for the men of the house to do. When Martha tried to get Jesus to tell her to get up and help her with the serving, it isn t Mary he corrects but Martha. He tells her to stop worrying about the many things and realize only one was needed and Mary had chosen the good part. Instead of this being a one- time visit in that home, Jesus will return every time he goes to Jerusalem. Wouldn t it be neat to have the home where Jesus felt comfortable in returning again and again for hospitality? What do you think made this home so comfortable and normal for Jesus? What can we learn from this home situation?

25 JESUS DEALS WITH RELIGIOUS LEADERS LUKE ELEVEN READ LUKE 11: Look for the major topics of this chapter and underline or make notes of the things you consider most important, especially things that relate to how you live for God daily. PRAY: Our Glorious Father in heaven, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your love and compassion toward us as humans. We know we fail you often and mess up things that seemed so good as you were putting them together. Father thank you for Jesus and the kingdom He established. Please bless our efforts to grow your kingdom one person at a time. Through Jesus we pray. Amen. MAJOR POINTS: As you read this chapter, what are the major points you see? MAJOR QUESTIONS: What questions came to your mind as you read and prayed about the things in this chapter? MAJOR CHARACTERS: Who are the major characters in this chapter and why are they important? JESUS PRAY S: There are so many things about Jesus that are unique and every one of those unique factors are ones we want to have ourselves. Yet, of all the things His disciples might have asked Jesus for, the one that is recorded is here. As they observed Jesus in prayer they said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples. I think Jesus probably taught different forms of The Lord s prayer to many different people on different occasions. Luke pictures this instance where Jesus said, When you pray, say: Father, hallowed by your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.

26 Why does Luke s account of this prayer seem so unfamiliar to us? Why have we tended to memorize Matthew s account of it instead of Luke s? Discuss the lesson we are to get from Jesus stories about prayer in verses 5-1 Compare Matthew s account of the promise in Matthew 7:11 with Luke 11:1 What is the difference? How do you fit the two together? FOCUS ON JESUS AND THE ACCUSATION THAT HE CAST OUT DEMONS BY THE POWER OF BEELZEBUL, PRINCE OF THE DEMONS. It is startling that anyone would think of Jesus casting out demons and healing people of all sorts of sickness and disease caused by demons, as something coming from the devil. Yet they made the accusation and some believed it. Notice Jesus first response was that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. It is clear what the point of this statement is with regard to their accusation but what are the implications with regard to division in God s kingdom? Look closely at verse 2 If you aren t with me you are against me. If you aren t gathering with me you are scattering. Wow, what a powerful point. What does that whole statement do for the nominal Christian? In the story of the unclean spirit going out of the man and returning to find it empty so that he goes to find other demons more wicked than him and brings them back with him so that the last stage of the man was worse than the first. a. What does this story tell us about just trying to stop doing the bad things in life but not filling our lives with anything good? b. What can be more inviting to evil than an empty life or empty heart? JESUS PRONOUNCES WOES ON RELIGIOUS LEADERS: Six times in this segment Jesus declares a Woe on these religious leaders. Look at each of these Woes in verses 39-5 Look for the principle or major point to be made from each of these woes and list them below If he had been speaking to religious leaders in our time do you think it would have been the same Woes or very different ones now? Why do you think so?

27 JESUS ON MONEY LUKE TWELVE READ: Luke 1 Look for major topics in this chapter and underline or make note of the things you consider most important, especially things that relate to how you live for God each day. PRAY: Our Gracious and Loving Father in heaven, we stand amazed at your love and kindness toward your people all through the years. One of our greatest challenges in living for you in the world is worrying about things we should give to you. Often our worries center on money and how we use it. Father, help us see in this chapter the things that will help us live holy and righteous lives before you. Through Jesus we pray. Amen MAJOR POINTS: As you read this chapter what did you see as the major points we should focus on? MAJOR QUESTIONS: What questions did you see or think of as you read and prayed about Luke 12? MAJOR CHARACTERS: Who are the major characters in this chapter and why are they important? JESUS PREACHED TO A MASSIVE CROWD WHO WONDERED ABOUT HIS WHOLE LIFE. Notice that Luke said in verse 1 that a crowd of many thousands gathered. They were even trampling on each other trying to hear Jesus. Even with such a crowd Jesus started by speaking to the disciples among them.

28 Beware of hypocrisy. How are we to spot the hypocrite? How can I keep from being one myself? In the challenge from Jesus to not be afraid he noted the concern of the Father for all people with the promise even the hairs of our head are numbered. What does that mean and how does it help with out fears? What was wrong with the man s thinking who wanted Jesus to intervene with his brother about the inheritance? What was wrong with the actions of the rich farmer? IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS CHAPTER JESUS OFFERED CLEAR TEACHING ON HOW TO ESCAPE WORRY IN ONE S LIFE. IS WORRY A PROBLEM FOR YOU? What is worry anyway? The farmer thought he could satisfy the needs of his soul with things. He was foolish for thinking that way. What was wrong with his thinking? Look at verse 25 on worry. Can we add a single day to life with worry? Why then do we spend time and effort worrying about such? DO NO BE AFRAID, LITTLE FLOCK, FOR YOUR FATHER HAS BEEN PLEASED TO GIVE YOU THE KINGDOM. (Verse 32) Notice the implications of that gift in verses 33-34) Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fall, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. How should we take this and apply it to life? Where your treasure is, there your heart will also be. Where is your treasure? What is it? GIVEN MUCH, MUCH DEMANDED: It has always been the case that people have looked at the blessings of God and think that they seem unfair. Does this passage in verses help to explain God s judgment? Is everyone judged the same? Do you think you have been given much in life as it relates to money, time, abilities that can be used in God s kingdom? How can we know if we are using these God given talents and opportunities to their fullest measures?

29 JESUS AND THE SABBATH LUKE THIRTEEN READ: LUKE 1 Look for major topics in this chapter and underline or make a note of the things you consider most important, especially things that relate to how you live for God each day. PRAY: Our God and Father in heaven, we humbly bow before you in thanksgiving for your undying love and forgiveness for us as we fail. Thank you for the possibility and privilege of repentance. Guide us today in our study. May we see the very things that you long for us to see? We pray in Jesus Holy Name. Amen. MAJOR POINTS: As you read this chapter what did you see as the major points we should focus on? 2 MAJOR QUESTIONS: What questions did you see or think of as your read and prayed about Luke 13? MAJOR CHARACTERS: Who are the major characters in this chapter and why are they important? JESUS REFRAMED THE WHOLE RELIGIOUS THINKING ABOUT THE SABBATH. When he launched his ministry the Sabbath Day rules stood at the top of the list of things that were vitally important in one s spiritual life. Observing the Sabbath doesn t seem to have made them better people. Instead it tied them to rules and regulations about what they could and couldn t do on that day. Jesus healed a woman who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years and couldn t straighten up. Why would such a good deed have upset the religious leaders of the day?

30 Imagine if you were the woman and had been healed, but now you hear these folks fussing about the healing and openly wondering why he couldn t have waited another day. How would it have made you feel? How consistent were these folks in their own observation of the Sabbath when one of their animals needed care on that day? IN THE OPENING SEGMENT OF THIS CHAPTER JESUS DEALT WITH TWO EXTREMELY IMPORTANT CONCEPTS. LET S SEE HOW THEY RELATE TO US? Some told of the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. It was a horrible thing for this heathen governor to do. Did the fact it happened to them indicate they were worse sinners than others who didn t have such tragic things to happen to them? What about the eighteen on whom the tower of Siloam fell? Were they worse sinners than others who didn t have such tragic things to happen? Do our sicknesses or accidents or misfortunes in life indicate we are worse sinners than others who don t have such things to happen? Unless you REPENT you will all perish. What does it mean to repent? JESUS SAID, PEOPLE WILL COME FROM EAST AND WEST AND NORTH AND SOUTH AND WILL TAKE THEIR PLACES AT THE FEAST IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD. If you had heard this statement and were a faithful Jew, how would you have reacted to this statement? What image does it give you as to the glorious rewards God has for all who come to him from anywhere in the world to be part of his kingdom? How does the fact people will come from everywhere to sit down and celebrate in His kingdom fit with the point that the entrance into the kingdom is NARROW? READ ALOUD VERSES DO YOU SEE JESUS AS ANGRY, FRUSTRATED OR BROKEN HEARTED AS HE EXPRESSES THESE WORDS TO JERUSALEM? No matter how great the offer or how wonderful the Savior; if the people aren t willing to come, you can t do much to save them. Imagine being in the middle of a place suffering from the Ebola virus and having the antidote for the sickness. Even though you plead for people to come and get the antidote few are willing to come. How would you feel? What did Jesus mean when he said You will not see me again until you say, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord?

31 JESUS ON DISCIPLESHIP LUKE FOURTEEN READ LUKE 14. Look for the major topics and underline or make notes of the things you consider most important, especially things that relate to how you live for God daily. PRAY: Righteous and Holy Father in heaven guide our minds as we study this great chapter. Lead us to be humble disciples of yours that instead of trying to push ourselves forward we are working to exalt your great name and serve you in a proud and selfish world. Father, do away with our excuses and lead us to be true disciples for you daily. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. MAJOR POINTS: As you read this chapter what are the major points we should focus on in our study? MAJOR QUESTIONS: What questions did you see or think of as you read and prayed about Luke 14? MAJOR CHARACTERS: Who are the major characters in this chapter and why are they important? JESUS ON DISCIPLESHIP: After Jesus healed the man with abnormal swelling of his body on the Sabbath at the home of a prominent Pharisee he told three parables all centered on the idea of a banquet. It is obvious that the first two of these stories arose because of what he observed at this house. Each of these stories is in some ways related but each has a very different point than the others. What do you see as the major lesson from each of these stories?