Firm Foundations: Luke Study

Transcription

1 Page1Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Firm Foundations: Luke Study (Volume Four) -- Lessons Lesson 33:Banquets & Discipleship (Luke 14) Lesson 34:Three Lost Things (Luke 15) Lesson 35: Money Teachings (Luke 16) Lesson 36:A Parable & Teachings (Luke 16& 17) Lesson 37:Mapping the Parables(Luke) Lesson 38: Lepers, Kingdom (Luke 17) Lesson 39: Kingdom, Prayer (Luke 17 & 18) Lesson 40:Pharisee & Tax Collector & More (Luke 18) Lesson 41: Riches (Luke 18) Lesson 42: Beggar, Zacchaeus (Luke 18 & 19)

2 Page2Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Teaching Outline for Luke Study Lesson 33: Luke 14:12-35 (Banquets & Discipleship) Part One: More on Banquets o Remind about setting again (v.1). Jesus is capitalizing on it! o Read Luke 14:12-14 Why does Jesus need to emphasize care for the poor and weak here? What has Jesus criticized the Pharisees earlier for lacking? (see 11:39-42) Note that justice here means treating everyone fairly and respecting their rights especially legal! regardless of their wealth or prestige. How should this principle be enacted in all of their lives, not just when throwing dinner parties? (What else could/should they be doing?) o Read Luke 14:15-24 What prompts the telling of this parable? Now move in your mind from the everyday world of dinner parties to the more abstract idea of the kingdom of God: here the host is God (if the servant is Christ), and the Pharisees might be seen as the first round of guests. This is an illustrated warning TO THEM. So how does this parable illustrate what is happening right there in 1 st c. Palestine? What are the Pharisees getting wrong?

3 Page3Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 33 Teacher Notes cont d Part Two: Discipleship o Set this in its geographical context Jesus is journeying to Jerusalem, knowing that he goes there to die. Along the way he visits different villages and towns in Judea. The first half of ch.14 takes place while dining at a Pharisee s house; then we get a series of more public teachings. o Read Luke 14:25-35 o To whom does Jesus say these things? o What is he emphasizing or challenging people to do? o Is he teaching against family obligations or love? Why the strong language? o Note: Jesus had the same purpose in 9:23-27 and 9: Reread these passages and compare. Is Jesus saying anything new here? o Are these things written to Christians in every time period, or are Jesus words particularly relevant to the people of his own day? How might our experience today differ from theirs? How might a believer today be able to relate strongly to what Jesus is talking about? (remember carrying your cross literally means risking the death penalty!)

4 Page4Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 33 Teacher Notes cont d o v.34-35: Salt a word-picture What was the function of salt in the ancient world? Seasoning, fertilizer, preservative Here are some helpful commentary notes for you! While it is salty, it is good because it has a valuable function. But once salt has shown itself to be of no value, it is worthless. How does such a situation arise? In the ancient world, a couple of settings are possible. Bakers covered the floor of their ovens with salt to give a catalytic effect on the burning fuel, which was usually cattle dung. After a time, the effect wore off and the salt was thrown away Also, most salt in the region came from the evaporated pools around the Dead Sea and was mixed with gypsum and other impurities. When moisture hit the salt, it evaporated and left behind these impurities, which were mixed with it in the soil. The salt loses its saltiness and is thrown away. (Darrell Bock) What are some possible parallels with people? (IOW, what was Jesus point?) Usefulness of the Jewish nation (bearing fruit or not? See 13:7) thrown away could imply judgment Discipleship in general = being useful in God s service (but the emphasis in this passage as a whole is are you throwing in your lot with me in the face of possible death, or not? so it s less a commentary on HOW one is living the Christian life than on WHETHER one is living it. So perhaps the best interpretation, if we want to apply this more broadly than just to the Jewish nation, is Discipleship at all are you committed to Jesus?)

5 Page5Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Notes Page Lesson 33: Luke 14:12-35 (Banquets, Discipleship) More on Banquets (Luke 14:12-24) Discipleship (Luke 14:25-35)

6 Page6Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Teaching Outline for Luke Study Lesson 34: Luke 15 (Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son) Part One: Two Lost Things o Read Luke 15:1-10 o What inspired the telling of these parables? o What was Jesus purpose in telling them? o What do the different things and people stand for (sheep, shepherd, coin, woman)? o How would the Pharisees have heard them? o How would the sinners have heard them? o What does Jesus teach here about God? (Could also be about himself.) o What does he teach about the kingdom he is starting? (Note that Kingdom of God does not equal Heaven, or the place you go when you die!)

7 Page7Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 34 Teacher Notes cont d Part Two: The Lost Son o Suggestion: a good way to get into a very familiar part of the Bible is to ask the students to retell this from memory as a group WITHOUT LOOKING AT THE TEXT. You could illustrate the story with stick figures on the board as they go along. (Don t prompt for any details that get left out let there be gaps that you fill in by reading the text to check how much was remembered.) o After the retelling, read Luke 15: (Do this kind of slowly, noting how closely the story matches the students retelling, and also noting any details that were forgotten in their retelling from memory.) o So WHY did Jesus tell this story? (revisit 15:2-3) o People in Jesus parables sometimes stand for people (or groups of people) in real life. o Who in Jesus world was most like the prodigal son? (i.e., What group of people?) What attitude does the son show towards his father at the beginning of the parable? What attitude does he have at the end? How do his attitudes and behaviors compare with the attitudes and behaviors of the notorious sinners with whom Jesus ate? (Think BEFORE and AFTER ) o Who in Jesus world was most like the elder brother? Why? What did the elder brother do RIGHT (compared with his younger sib)?

8 Page8Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 34 Teacher Notes cont d What did the elder brother get WRONG? In what ways were the Pharisees both RIGHT and WRONG? What message was Jesus giving them here? o In the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin parables, Jesus adds a heavenly party at the end to explain the real-life parallel ( one sinner who repents ). o Describe what happens at the end of the Lost Son parable. o How does the father s attitude reflect God s attitude toward sinners? o What can we expect of God, if we repent (whether this means the initial repentance that brings us into his family, or daily repentance for the things we continue to do wrong as believers)? Read 1 John 1:8-9 together. (Don t just flip to it explain where you want them to go, what 1 John is, and where it is located.) How does the story of the Lost Son illustrate these verses? o (Shifting back to Luke) What is the parallel between the older brother s reaction to the homecoming party and the parable of the banquet (see 14:16-20)? Note: The Lost Son story does not end with a warning, but with a heartfelt plea in the father s voice (read 15:21-32 again). Once again, Jesus is giving the Pharisees a chance. What are their two choices, regarding Jesus and the kingdom he is starting?

9 Page9Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 34 Teacher Notes cont d Takeaways: o Just some thoughts: God loves sinners. He greets those who repent WITH A PARTY!! There is an initial repentance that brings us close to God in the first place conversion. There is still a need for daily repentance after we become Christians, but we can remember that first party and trust that God will continue to receive us and forgive us NO MATTER WHAT. In fact, he will RUN to meet us when we turn the corner. Jesus kingdom was something different than what the Pharisees had in mind for God s kingdom (= who is in and who is out ). Jesus keeps giving the Pharisees a chance to get their hearts right about him. He is very patient! the kingdom of God does not equal the place we go when we die. It is NOW no matter where we are on planet earth, if we are in the family of God we are living in his kingdom. Jesus got it started when he was here on earth. These stories might cause us to think about OUR attitude towards our brothers and sisters who ask OUR forgiveness: do we run to meet their repentance and throw a party for them?or do we hold on to the bitterness, jealousy, anger, or irritation that they inspired in us by their earlier sins against us? Do we want them to pay, not party?

10 Page10Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Notes Page Lesson 34: Three Lost Things Lost Sheep & Lost Coin (Luke 15:1-10) Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)

11 Page11Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Teaching Outline for Luke Study Lesson 35: Luke 16 (Some Teachings About Money) Part One: Review o What were the three lost things in the previous chapter? o o o What happened when they were found? What prompted Jesus to tell those stories? What point(s) was he making about God and his kingdom? Part Two: A Little Introduction to the Parable of the Shrewd Manager o This is a hard parable to understand! It might be helpful to prompt the students (BEFORE READING) to listen for particular things the first time around, such as: What is Jesus audience? What are Jesus main points? What is something that surprises or puzzles you about this story? o Some vocabulary (you could ask for definitions and then clarify): shrewd = being smart about a situation, having keen common sense debtor Part Three: The Parable o Read Luke 16:1-9 o Who is Jesus audience? o o o Who are the characters in the parable? What problem is presented at the start? How does the manager try to solve it (and why see v.3-4)?

12 Page12Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 35 Teacher Notes cont d o Does his solution work? (This might be implied ) Notes: The manager could reduce the debts probably because he d overcharged the people in the first place, padding the price so he could make a little extra. So he looks really good when he slashes the fees! o What is surprising or puzzling about all of this? o What does Jesus want his disciples to BE? o What does he want his disciples to DO? o Who are the people of this world? o Who are the people of the light? o How can his disciples be shrewd? (Shrewd about what??) o Notes: Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves Maybe this means be generous with your money? It means something good, anyway. In Jesus parables about the banquet & the lost things, what was expensive? Who paid for all of Jesus dinner parties with the tax collectors and sinners? (Hint: one answer is in Luke 8:1-3. You can imagine others.) What are some good things to do with our money... as families? as a church?

13 Page13Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 35 Teacher Notes cont d Part Four: A Little More on Money o Read 16:10-15(Note that this overlaps a little into the next section, but not all the way just the beginning of his remarks to the Pharisees.) o What are Jesus main points here (to the disciples, v.10-13)? o Why would the disciples need to know these things (way back then)? o Why should we pay attention to them today (as individuals, as families, and as a church)? o What greater things in God s kingdom might a person be entrusted with, if he or she handles the small things well? o What does it look like to serve money? o What do we learn about the Pharisees here (v.14-15)? o How do they react to Jesus teaching? Why do you think they reacted this way? o How does Jesus put them in their place? Note: Remember how he called them unmarked graves (11:44) they LOOK like pretty picnic spots, but they have dead bodies underneath. Similarly, the Pharisees LOOK really good in the eyes of others, but they are doing things that displease God (like using their money for their own pleasures, not to throw parties for the poor).

14 Page14Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Notes Page Lesson 35: Luke 16 (Some Teachings About Money) Part One: The Parable of the Shrewd Manager(Luke 16:1-9) Part Two: Some More About Money (Luke 16:10-15)

15 Page15Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Teaching Outline for Luke Study Lesson 36: Luke 16:19-31; 17:1-10 (A Parable and Some Teachings) Review: Parables with a Purpose o What parables have we read in Luke so far? o Do you remember any that were told with a certain purpose, or with a certain audience in mind? o What was the topic of conversation most recently in Ch. 16? o Who was in the audience, and what was one of their favorite subjects? Part One: The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus(Luke 16:19-31) o Read parable. o What makes this parable different from all the others we ve read so far? To my knowledge, it s the only one of Jesus parables that includes a setting other than earth! To be candid, I don t think he meant to convey any specific details about the afterlife I think he was probably speaking in the common terms of 1 st century Jewish afterlife anecdotes (much as we tell jokes about so-and-so having a conversation with St. Peter at the gate of heaven!). So the questions below don t reflect on the reality of the two characters situations, but rather on the point Jesus was making about second chances, and paying attention to the spokesmen that God has already sent. If you have different convictions, feel free to come up with your own questions. o What s the punch line?

16 Page16Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 36 Teacher Notes cont d o What does it have to do with Jesus situation and his audience s willingness to listen to him? o What point do you think Jesus is making about the choices a person makes during their lifetime? o Where did the rich man go wrong? (Hint: it s implied that his brothers are going the same direction that he did! What kind of warning do you imagine he wants to send them?) o What does Jesus mean by If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets? What did Moses and the prophets have to say that would address the life-decisions that affect a person s final destiny? Might be helpful here to explain what Moses stands for (the writings of the Pentateuch what kinds of writings do we find there?), and where the prophets are in the OT. It does seem, given Lazarus situation, that Micah 6:8 neatly sums up what Moses and the Prophets might have to say here. You might add your own additional suggestions and take time to look them up during the class. Part Two: Teachings of Jesus (Luke 17:1-10) o Can you see any common theme here? Possibly humility; or expectations for Kingdom citizenship. o List the topics covered in this short section: o What imperatives are given? o Which seems most difficult to you? Which did the disciples apparently find most difficult? Close by praying in keeping with Jesus directions.

17 Page17Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Notes Page Lesson 36: Luke 16:19-31; 17:1-10 (A Parable & Teachings) Purposeful Parables Part One: The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) Part Two: Teachings of Jesus (Luke 17:1-10)

18 Page18Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Teaching Outline for Luke Study Lesson 37: Mapping the Parables in Luke Teacher Note: This particular study is meant for review, and to teach a little geography and the timeline of Jesus ministry by way of the parables. It will be necessary to locate a map of first-century Palestine, either to copy for each student or to project or display in the classroom as you talk. A JPEG of my own acrylic rendering of the map is available at on the page dedicated to this study of Luke, if it would be useful to you as a slide for projection. Part One: Parables in Luke o What parables can you name from this Gospel so far? (List these) o What IS a parable? o Why did Jesus tell parables? o To whom did he tell them? o Can you think of any parables he told with a deliberate purpose or audience in mind? What was his point? (Don t spend too long on this!) Part Two: Getting to know the Map o Brush up on your own knowledge of these main regions: Galilee Samaria Decapolis Judea

19 Page19Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 37 Teacher Notes cont d o Briefly explain something about the land and people in each region before assessing the students prior knowledge of place names. o What place names do you recognize? What Bible stories [not parables yet] are associated with them? Note which region each of these places is located in. o Explain that Jesus ministry went through three phases. The first and longest took place in and around Galilee (sometimes including the Decapolis, and even Syria); then there was a transitional phase as he moved from Galilee toward Jerusalem (including Samaria and Judea); then he finished his time in Jerusalem. Part Three: Parable Project o Depending how many students you have, you could either group or pair them and assign each group a certain number of parables to research, or you could work together as a whole group to find each parable s probable location, maybe assigning specific parables to individuals. o Explain that Luke groups his parables according to geography. Of the three Synoptic Gospels, Luke has the most parables (and the most original ones, unrepeated in the other Gospels!). On the board, write these geographic breakdowns (representing Jesus ministry AFTER his baptism and temptation in the Judean wilderness): (I) Galilee = Chapters 4-9 (II) Transition (Samaria & Judea) = Chapters 10-19:27 (III) Jerusalem = 19:45- Ch. 24 o Using the student sheet at the end of this lesson s teacher notes, ask groups or individuals to skim through Luke 4-24 to find each parable. They should write down the chapter # when they find it, then use your

20 Page20Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 37 Teacher Notes cont d list to figure out which phase of Jesus ministry and which geographic region it belongs to. o Discuss your findings as a group: What subject matter were the Galilee parables concerned with? Which region had parables that seemed to be told with the deliberate purpose of criticizing some of the listeners? Which region(s) had the longest and most complex stories? In which region did the parables have a relatively light mood? In which region(s) did the parables take on darker and more urgent themes? Why? o Note that the closer Jesus got to Jerusalem, the more the parables seemed to be about himself (and the reception he would get from the Jewish leaders). How can understanding the place and purpose of the parables help us decide how directly to apply these parables to our own lives? (i.e., which ones are probably NOT intended to be timeless truths for the Church, at least not directly?) Direct application may be more easily made where Jesus parables conveyed truths about the Kingdom to listeners in Galilee. His later parables, both the transitional and the Jerusalem ones, primarily reflect his particular religious and political situation. These may lend themselves to some INdirect application to our lives, but don t miss what they originally communicated. o Pray to close, reflecting on some aspect of Jesus that stands out to you from this study.

21 Page21Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Notes Page Lesson 37:Mapping the Parables in Luke Directions: Skim through Luke 4-24 to locate these parables. Write down the chapter number for each, then the geographic region that each belongs in. Parable Chapter Region The Good Samaritan The Dishonest Manager The Two Houses Invitations to a Banquet The Rich Fool The Sower The Pharisee & the Tax Collector The Wicked Tenants The Mustard Seed The Persistent Widow The Ten Minas The Rich Man & Lazarus The Lost Sheep, Coin, & Son The Leaven (Kingdom of God) (If you would like to read further thoughts on Mapping the Parables, look for the 3/19/15 Bible Journal entry of that name in the Archives at

22 Page22Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Teaching Outline for Luke Study Lesson 37: Luke 17:11-19 (Lepers & the Kingdom) Part One: Ten Lepers o Read Luke 17:11-19 o How was this healing accomplished? o Why did Jesus tell them to show themselves to the priests? Lev. 14 gives the regulations priest inspects for cure, offers sacrifices. (Priest as mediator between God & men.) Where would they go to find the priests? Note that this is still an OT Jewish setting all Jews are under the law until Jesus death and resurrection changes this for those Jews who believe in him. o What motivated one man to return to Jesus instead of continuing on to the Temple? Note that pretty soon JESUS, not the Temple, will be the location where people meet God. Jesus will replace the Temple. This story gives a picture of Jesus as more important than the Temple already. o What is different about the one who returned? Samaritan (explain) Attitude of his heart Receptivity to God in Jesus Commended for FAITH: of the ten, we only know for sure that THIS man s physical healing/spiritual salvation came about by faith in Jesus. o Take-away: The leper reminds us that our faith is in a PERSON who is able to do more than we ask or imagine (i.e., we don t trust in a ritual, an institution, or our own efforts).

23 Page23Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 38 Teacher Notes cont d Kingdom Coming o Might be worthwhile to talk about the Kingdom of God idea before reading. There s God s perspective (= inaugurated by Jesus, means God reigns over his people right now on planet Earth); the Pharisees perspective (= big complete fix of all badness, especially Rome); and our *mistaken+ perspective (= limited to going to heaven when we die ). o What does God s rulership over his people here on planet Earth look like? (For ex:) Worship, fellowship, instruction Mercy, forgiveness, compassionate works Order, beauty, joy, love Reflecting the character of God wherever we go o Read Luke 17:20-21 What prompts Jesus to say these things? What are the Pharisees expecting the kingdom of God to look like when it comes? How does Jesus set them straight? WHERE is the Kingdom? Why is this the case? (i.e., what is the location of God s rule? Think back to the leper story where did the leper go to praise God?) o Read Luke 17:22-25 To whom is Jesus speaking now? What important things does he need them to be ready to face? What should they expect (& in what order)?

24 Page24Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 38 Teacher Notes cont d o Read Luke 17:26-37 (and now for the really good stuff!!) What we can say for sure: This is about getting ready for a crisis, for judgment. Some will escape it (be saved ), some will not. Escape has to do with being ready and following instructions (heeding Jesus, as Noah and Lot heeded God s instructions). What we don t know for sure: Is Jesus talking about the final judgment and the Second Coming? or is he talking about the destruction of Jerusalem & surrounding towns by the Romans, which would happen within 40 years? or are there elements of both in the mix? (Near judgment as a hint of the coming ultimate judgment) What some have thought: Some of the illustrations here describe the Rapture, when people are supposed to vanish from the earth just prior to the Tribulation. A lot of us have grown up hearing that this is what s going to happen in the time of the End. What we probably don t realize is that this view was first popularized in the 1820 s by an Englishman, Charles Darby, and then spread like wildfire across English and American imagination. There are other orthodox Christian understandings of the End that are much older and that do not include the pre-trib Rapture. Note that if Jesus is describing the events of 70AD, then being taken might be a WORSE thing than being left behind!

25 Page25Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 38 Teacher Notes cont d Who was Lot s wife? (retell w/o reading the story) What do Lot and Noah have in common?what were the disciples supposed to learn from their example? Take-home for disciples: LISTEN TO JESUS just as hard! Take-home for us: follow directions. (They may not be THESE directions, though. What directions DO we have to follow?)

26 Page26Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Notes Page Lesson 38: Luke 17:11-19; (Ten Lepers, the Coming Kingdom) Luke 17:11-19 The Story of the Ten Lepers Luke 17:20-37 Being Ready for the Kingdom

27 Page27Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Teaching Outline for Luke Study Lesson 39: Luke 17:20-37; 18:1-8 (Coming Kingdom, Persistent Prayer) Kingdom Coming (some review) o Read Luke 17:20-21 What prompts Jesus to say these things? What are the Pharisees expecting the kingdom of God to look like when it comes? How does Jesus set them straight? WHERE is the Kingdom? Why is this the case? (i.e., what is the location of God s rule? Think back to the leper story where did the leper go to praise God?) o Read Luke 17:22-37 To whom is Jesus speaking now? What important things does he need them to be ready to face? What should they expect (& in what order)? Probably referring to events surrounding 70AD, warning them to be alert and ready. Take-home for disciples (back then): LISTEN TO JESUS and follow directions! Take-home for us: LISTEN TO JESUS and follow directions. (They will not be THESE directions, though, which were relevant only in 1 st century Palestine, when the Romans took Jerusalem.) What directions DO we have to follow? List what you can of Jesus imperatives so far in Luke, and try to decide which ones apply today.

28 Page28Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 39 Teacher Notes cont d Persistent Prayer o Read Luke 18:1-8 o Why would we lose heart (become discouraged) in prayer? o How does this parable help? What does it remind us about? o What does a delay in God s answering our prayers mean? o Focus on the character of God here not on our duty to pray. We should keep on praying primarily because he is trustworthy, and he loves us. His seeming delays have a purpose. o Re. finding faith not that there will be NO faith, but that it will be rare. (Think about the lepers how many showed saving faith?) o Take-aways: As believers, be reminded that God DOES hear our prayers. Don t be surprised, looking around at the world, if true faith is pretty rare. *I don t think a take-away for believers should be: work hard to have faith. I think the message to believers here is one of comfort, not of warning or scolding. It s Jesus who matters, not the size of our faith!]

29 Page29Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Notes Page Lesson 39: The Kingdom and Prayer Kingdom Coming (Luke 17:20-37) Directions that WE should follow: Persistent Prayer (18:1-8)

30 Page30Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Teaching Outline for Luke Study Lesson 40: Luke 18:9-14; 15-17; (Pharisee & Tax Collector, and More) Pharisee & Tax Collector o Ask group if anyone can tell this story from memory without looking! o Read Luke 18:9-14 o Define Pharisee: Member of a particular Jewish group that believed that strict observance of the OT law would bring the Jewish Savior more quickly. They were very devout, and many were sincerely trying to please God. In the Gospels, it is usually the Pharisees who are the most suspicious and critical of Jesus and his ways. In his stories he caricatures them as being puffed up with religious selfrighteousness. o Define Tax Collector: A Jew who worked for the Romans, receiving taxes and demanding his own cut. Considered the lowest of the low by his neighbors. o What was the difference between these two men? o What point is Jesus making about the way people approach God? o Who may approach God? Only put-together righteous people, or can messed up, sinful people come, too? Compare Luke 5:30-31 and 15:1-7. What is Jesus attitude towards outcasts? What is their attitude towards him?

31 Page31Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 40 Teacher Notes cont d What would have to change in someone like the Pharisee in order for him to be right with Jesus / right with God? Jesus & the Children o See if anyone can retell this one from memory, too! o Read 18:15-17 o What was the problem? o What is Jesus message here to the people around him? The Rich Ruler o Read Luke 18:18-30 o What was right about this man s heart? o What was holding him back? o Why did Jesus give him this particular instruction? o What is our take-away? Is this command for US, for all times? Compare 1 Tim. 6:17-19, which is a very different instruction to wealthy believers! What should our attitude be towards our possessions? What do we need to be cautious about, if we have great wealth? (And Americans generally do have great wealth compared to much of the rest of the world!)

32 Page32Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 40 Teacher Notes cont d Conclusion o God s people may approach him freely because of Jesus. He loves them and will hear their cries for help. o We should beware spiritual pride that puffs us up so that we re going to God with boasts rather than humility. o We should have a healthy view of our possessions they all belong to God, so we may enjoy them while we have them but also be free to be generous with them.

33 Page33Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Notes Page Lesson 40: Luke 18 (Pharisee & Tax Collector, & More) Luke 18:9-14 The Pharisee & the Tax Collector Luke 18:15-17 Jesus & the Children Luke 18:18-30 The Rich Ruler o 1 Timothy 6: Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold ofthe life that is truly life.

34 Page34Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Teaching Outline for Luke Study Lesson 41: Luke 18:15-17; (Riches) Jesus & the Children(Review) o See if anyone can retell this one from memory, no peeking! o Read 18:15-17 o What was the problem? o What is Jesus message here to the people around him? o What other examples can you give from this Gospel of how Jesus treated less important people with kindness and dignity? The Rich Ruler(Review) o From Luke 18:18-23 challenge class to reconstruct this from memory! o Why did Jesus give him this particular instruction? o What is our take-away? Is this command for US, for all times? Why or why not? Compare 1 Tim. 6:17-19, which is a very different instruction to wealthy believers! Did Jesus have any wealthy disciples or followers? See if you can find examples! (Do your homework!) In what ways can we use our wealth and possessions with the right attitude and for good purposes? (List)

35 Page35Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 41 Teacher Notes cont d More About Riches o Read Luke 18:24-30 o What spiritual challenges does wealth bring? o What should our attitude be towards our possessions? o What spiritual challenges does a low bank account bring? o What does Jesus teach us about God here, and about whom he chooses to save? o v.28 what is unique about the disciples situation? Compare to Luke 18:22: in both cases, the rich man and the disciples were able to follow Jesus literally (physically get up and go with him!). Leaving wives & family for the disciples was a temporary thing made necessary by Jesus rough, itinerant lifestyle. They didn t irresponsibly abandon their homes and loved ones. See 1 Cor. 9:5 for more on Peter s marriage after Jesus ascension a missionary couple! o What does Jesus promise his followers (THOSE followers especially)? Note that the promise of family is fulfilled in the church! See1 Tim. 5:1-2 for example. Pray for wisdom to use wealth well, and to keep it in perspective.

36 Page36Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Notes Page Lesson 41: Luke 18:15-17; (Riches) Jesus & the Children (Luke 18:15-17) A Rich Man (Luke 18:18-23) More on Riches (Luke 18:24-30)

37 Page37Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Teaching Outline for Luke Study Lesson 42: Luke 18:31-34; 35-43; 19:1-10 (Predictions, a Beggar, Zacchaeus) Review o Retell (without reading) the story of the rich ruler from Lk 18: o If there s time after reading & discussing two more stories about individuals and Jesus, you ll be comparing and contrasting the three encounters. Predictions o Read Luke 18:31-34 o To whom does Jesus say these things? o Why do they need to know? (Note that he is repeating himself! It must be important.) o What does Jesus predict? What is their reaction? A Blind Beggar o Read Luke 18:35-43 o Lots of shouting going on what are people yelling about? o Why Son of David? (make the connection with 2 Sam. 7:12-16, and the promise that David would have a descendent who would reign forever. See also Luke 1:32-33.) o What do we sense about this blind man s personality? o How does the crowd respond to him? How does Jesus respond? o How does the crowd respond now?

38 Luke Study Lesson 42 Teacher Notes cont d Zacchaeus o Ask if anyone can retell this story from memory, without reading it yet it s a common Sunday School story that someone might have heard in childhood. o Read Luke 19:1-10 o Explain the role & reputation of tax collectors at this time. o v.7: Where have we seen this reaction previously? Luke 5:30-32 Luke 15:12 Why do people react this way to Jesus table fellowship? o What do we learn here about Jesus mission? Page What can we learn from Jesus encounters with individuals? o Rich ruler, blind beggar, & Zacchaeus o Consider listing these on the board! o What similarities do you see between ALL THREE encounters? Jesus speaks to individuals These individuals have things to say to him conversation All 3 were Jewish All 3 were interested in Jesus and motivated to seek him out The outcome or command in each case was in keeping with the individual s situation and needs The outcomes in each case were/would have been lifechanging 38Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 o Why did Zacchaeus react the way he did?

39 Page39Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Lesson 42 Teacher Notes cont d o What differences do you note between [any of] them? 2X rich, 1X poor Only Z is named; 2X anonymous (Why do you suppose we have Zacchaeus name?) 2X positive outcomes, 1X unknown or sad outcome 2X money management, 1X physical healing o Take-aways for us what s the significance of these similarities and differences? Jesus knows individuals. He loves both rich and poor. Both kinds of people can be among the lost that Jesus came to save. The stuff of our lives (physical health, money, possessions, etc.) matters to Jesus. Sometimes we need to let God act as he wills (as in physical healings); sometimes we must make choices and take actions so that our lives will please him. Jesus is the central, most important figure in these stories. Something about him motivated people to seek him out.

40 Page40Luke Study Vol. 4 A. Paige Britton 2015 Luke Study Notes Page Lesson 42: Luke 18:31-34; 35-43; 19:1-10 (Predictions, a Beggar, Zacchaeus) Predictions (Luke 18:31-34) A Blind Beggar(Luke 18:35-43) Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) Similarities & Differences