Week 4

Overview

As an educated and cultured first-century physician, Luke writes an ‘orderly account’ of the life of Jesus in his first letter - titled ‘Luke’.

Through eyewitness accounts, we are introduced to Jesus as the Savior of the world. And while Israel’s prophets foretold his arrival, he is an unexpected Savior who challenges the rich and religious, while welcoming the outcast and sinner. He heals lepers, makes time for children, restores women, gives sight to the blind, welcomes the foreigner, and extends kindness even to the despised Romans. He teaches with authority of the Kingdom of God into which all humankind is invited and where repentance leads to the forgiveness of sin and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus then is crucified, buried in a tomb, and resurrected giving both a demonstration to his earlier invitation - “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” - and conquering sin and death in order to “seek and save the lost.”

Read

Observations and Questions

  1. Where to start?

    • This week’s passage picks up in the middle of a narrative. Briefly review Luke 5:27-32

      What is the setting of this passage and who is present?

    • The Pharisees just received a stinging rebuke from Jesus in Luke 5:32. They respond with what they think is a stinging rebuke of Jesus’ followers.

      What is surprising about Jesus’ response? Does he deny their allegation?

  2. Looking closer

    In Luke 5:36-39, Jesus tells the Pharisees a parable. A parable is a story set in the context of ordinary life meant to teach a particular lesson. Jesus’ parables are closely connected to his announcement of the Kingdom of God. Consider this parable from Luke with the following questions:

    • What were wineskins used for and why were they important to Jesus’ listeners?

    • What message about the Kingdom of God does this parable teach? Is it God’s love for the lost? Or God’s judgement for rejecting his son? Or is it the newness of the coming age of salvation?

    • What is the primary point of this parable?

    • Where is the text anchored?

Respond

Luke’s gospel allows us to see and hear from his first-hand perspective many people’s life changing encounters with Jesus.

  1. Consider the Pharisee’s perspective. What would have stood out to them in the parable?
  2. What stands out to you in the parable?
  3. Before you end your time in Scripture, take some time to talk to God about what and who you encountered in Luke today.

Let's Talk

  • How is this study of Luke changing you?
  • Still have questions about what you read?

Resources

  • Sunday Talks

    Watch the Sunday Talks from the "Luke Acts" Series

  • Lectio Divina

    Meditate on this week's passage using Lectio Divina

  • Prayer and Fasting Guide

    Sign-up to get the Prayer & Fasting guide each Tuesday morning and use it to engage with God.

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