Monday – Luke 9:43b-45 Jesus Again Foretells His Death
1. Jesus first predicts His rejection after Peter confesses Him as the Christ (Luk 9:18-22). As the disciples marvel at His power over demons (vv. 37-43a), Jesus again mentions His rejection. What might He be teaching the disciples by timing this second foretelling alongside this event?
2. Identify some factors you think keep the disciples from embracing the implications of a suffering Savior.
3. Why do you think they are afraid to ask Jesus about His rejection but aren’t afraid to argue about which one of them is the greatest (vv. 46-48)?

Tuesday – Luke 9:46-48 The Disciples Argue Who is the Greatest?
1. What do you find ironic with the disciples’ argument on the heels of the previous episodes? How do you imagine the argument sounding between the disciples?
2. Ancient culture has no romanticized notions about children. Summarize Jesus’ twin teachings with the child as His object lesson.
3. Note how Paul echoes Jesus’ teaching in Rom 12:3, 10, 16. When do you find these instructions difficult? Elaborate on several ways you will live out the truth of Jesus’ and Paul’s words. Be specific and challenge yourself. Pray for God to keep you humble and welcoming to others.

Wednesday – Luke 9:49-50 Anyone Not Against Us Is For Us
1. After being rebuked by Jesus for their one-upmanship, the disciples rebuke a man for casting out demons in Jesus’ name because he wasn’t “follow[ing] with us” (v. 49; cf. Luk 9:37-43). Evaluate their reasoning, why do you think the Twelve thought this way? When are you tempted to act the same way?
2. Jesus says, “Whoever is not against you is for you.” In what ways have you seen these words too narrowly and at times too broadly applied? How can you apply this truth to your life? To your congregation?
3. Looking back over vv. 43b-50, Luke highlights three of the disciples’ problems. What do you see as the root of these problems? What blind spots, or areas of spiritual immaturity, do you need to work on? 

Thursday – Luke 9:51-56 A Samaritan Village Rejects Jesus
1. With Luk 9:22, 30-31, 44 in mind, v. 51 takes on a solemn tone. Describe Jesus’ behavior and demeanor as the Samaritans – the Jew’s traditional enemy – reject Him because He is going to Jerusalem.
2. Jesus’ rebuke is succinct, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man came not to destroy people’s lives but to save them” (v. 55). How do James’ and John’s attitudes contrast with Jesus’ behavior, His mission, and His earlier instructions (cf. Luk 9:5)?
3. Have you ever wanted to figuratively call fire down on people who dishonor Jesus or you? What attitudes do these desires reflect in your heart? Identify the attitudes Jesus would have you adopt.

Friday – Luke 9:57-62 The Cost of Following Jesus
1. On the road to Jerusalem, three would-be disciples approach Jesus. What preconditions does each set for following Jesus? Why do you think Jesus challenges each person’s stipulation for discipleship?
2. How do each of these preconditions – comforts, responsibilities, and attachments – still challenge would-be and professed disciples today? What type of follower is Jesus looking for (cf. Luk 9:23-24)? 
3. As you think about your journey of faith, when you’re tempted to look back instead of moving forward, what helps you move forward?

Monday – Luke 9:10-17 Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
1. After a busy missionary trip, the twelve surely want to rest (cf. Mrk 6:31)? How do you see them reacting to a large crowd following them? In contrast, describe Jesus’ reaction to the crowd.
2. We can understand the apostle’s reluctance to feed the hungry crowd, but Jesus persists. Observe His progressive steps to involve the twelve in feeding the people. What lessons is He teaching the twelve?
3. This miracle echoes many Old Testament accounts. Moses (Exd 16), Elijah (1 Kgs 17:8-16), and Elisha (2 Kgs 4:1-7) all miraculously fed people by the power of God. In what ways is feeding with actual physical bread such a powerful statement of what God does for us spiritually?

Tuesday – Luke 9:18-22 Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ and Jesus Foretells His Death
1. Why do you think Jesus poses such a probing question to His disciples about His identity? What different views did people have about who He was (cf. vv. 7-9)?
2. Even though Peter correctly states, that Jesus is “The Christ of God” he and the disciples don’t comprehend the depths of this statement. What aspects of Christhood does Jesus want the disciples to understand?
3. Many think of Jesus as a great teacher, a historical figure, or a fraud. Answer His question: "Who do you say that I am?” Why?

Wednesday – Luke 9:23-27 Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
1. Following Jesus is a costly endeavor. In your own words, summarize Jesus’ teaching on what it means to be His follower. Considering v. 22, what significance do you attach to His explanation of the cost associated with following Him?
2. Short of martyrdom, how might one seek to “save” their life or gladly “lose” their life? What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 
3. How does Jesus’ explanation of what it means to follow Him, contradict with what you hear today about the Christian life? Think of one or two specific ways to deny yourself and take up your cross daily?

Thursday – Luke 9:28-36 The Transfiguration
1. Imagine you’re on the mountain witnessing this extraordinary event. What do you see and hear? How do you react? What questions fill your mind?
2. To what degree, if any, do you sense Jesus’ own need for His transfiguration, His conversation with Moses and Elijah, and the confirmation from the Father?
3. What do the disciples learn about Jesus by His transformed appearance, His conversation with Moses and Elijah and the voice from heaven, “This is My Chosen One, listen to Him” (cf. 2 Pet 1:16-18)?

Friday – Luke 9:37-43a Jesus Heals a Boy with an Unclean Spirit
1. All three Synoptic gospels follow the transfiguration with the healing of the demon-possessed boy (cf. Mat 17:1-21; Mrk 9:2-29). What connections do you see between these two scenes?
2. Reflecting on the father’s desperation, how do you picture him coming to the disciples for help and his disappointment when they couldn’t do anything?
3. Jesus is clearly exasperated with the disciples, “O faithless and twisted generation.” Earlier, the disciples were casting out demons (Luk 9:1-2, 6, 10) but using Mrk 9:28-29, explain why they could not help this desperate father? What role does prayer have in fortifying our faith in God to help others?

Monday – Luke 8:22-25 Jesus Calms a Storm
1. At least four disciples are experienced fishermen (cf. Luk 5:1-11), yet this storm sends a shiver up their spine. As you picture this scene, what do you imagine the disciples doing? Saying? Thinking? Why do you think Jesus is asleep amid the commotion?
2. Adding Mrk 4:38 to our reading, the disciples interpret Jesus’ sleep as a sign of indifference, “Don’t you care?” In what ways can you relate to their fear? How is their accusation and distress a lack of faith?
3. After witnessing Jesus still the storm with a mere word, the disciples question their own understanding of Jesus. When have you realized you didn’t know Jesus as well as you thought? What did it lead to?

Tuesday – Luke 8:26-39 Jesus Heals a Man with a Demon
1. As Jesus and the disciples disembark in Gentile area, they are immediately met by a demon-possessed man. Evaluate the man’s condition and actions.
2. Jesus solves the townspeople’s problem by healing the demon-possessed man, yet they fearfully beg Him to leave their region. What might be their reasons? Why do you think Jesus didn’t argue with them?
3. At the end of the incident, Jesus seems to reverse course. For the first time, He tells someone to go and tell others about their healing. Write out the man’s commission. In what ways can you adopt Jesus’ words for yourself?

Wednesday – Luke 8:40-56 Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus’ Daughter
1. Back in home territory, a large crowd follows Jesus as He goes to help a young girl. Describe the woman who secretly touches Jesus. Why do you think He makes the woman reveal herself?
2. Delayed, word comes that the young girl has died. Why do you think Jesus feels the need to encourage Jairus not to fear, but to believe? How is fear a powerful tempter to abandon our hope in Jesus?
3. Each of the miracles in Luk 8:22-56 highlights the distinction between fear and faith. Which person(s) in these accounts do you sympathize with the most? Why? Where do you need Jesus’ exhortations, “Where is your faith?” and “Do not fear; only believe”?

Thursday – Luke 9:1-6 Jesus Sends Out the 12 Apostles
1. Calling the twelve apostles to Himself, Jesus sends them out, multiplying His ministry. How does the mission of the Twelve relate to Jesus own mission (cf. 4:17-19; 7:22-23; 8:1)?
2. Jesus warns them that they will not always be warmly received. Summarize their expected experience. Reflect on how rejection can either bolster or break one’s faith. What makes the difference?
3. According to Mrk 16:16-20 and Heb 2:1-4, the miraculous gifts are given to confirm the word as it is preached. Do we need to see miracles today to confirm the validity of the Word? Why or why not?

Friday – Luke 9:7-9; Mark 6:19-29 Herod is Perplexed by Jesus and the Death of John the Baptist
1. Herod the tetrarch thinking that John has risen from the dead, follows the account of Jesus sending out the Twelve. Why do you suppose Luke connects the two scenes together?
2. Using Mrk 6:19-29, trace the events that lead to John’s beheading.
3. Even though Herod fears and listens to John, he orders the prophet’s beheading. What does this reveal about Herod’s character? When does the pressure to please people override your desire to obey God? List the steps you will take to obey God rather than peer pressure.

Monday – Luke 7:36-50 A Sinful Woman is Forgiven
1. Place yourself in the scene of this dinner party, what do you see, hear, sense, and experience as Jesus is slighted from customary hospitality and as the woman silently enters and begins to wash Jesus’ feet?
2. What must the Pharisee have thought about God, sin, and righteousness to think the way he does as he watches in disgust as the woman washes Jesus’ feet?
3. In your own words, paraphrase the meaning of Jesus’ parable about the two debtors. How does His story relate to the woman, Simon, and Himself? What practical ways can you show the Lord love for the forgiveness you’ve been shown?

Tuesday – Luke 8:1-3 Women Accompany Jesus
1. Jesus radically departures from Rabbinic tradition: women are traveling with His band of disciples. What are your observations about these women?
2. Luke alone records the scenes of A Sinful Woman is Forgiven and Women Accompany Jesus. In what ways do you think the treatment of the sinful woman, inspire many other women to follow Jesus?
3. Looking ahead at the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus (Luk 23:49, 55-24:11), observe how these women show their devotion to Jesus. In what ways does their example challenge your devotion to Him?

Wednesday – Luke 8:4-15 The Parable of the Sower
1. Jesus now introduces His well-known teaching tool, the parable. Why does He speak to the crowd in parables? What kind of person does God enable to understand the secrets of the kingdom?
2. Elaborate on the main point(s) Jesus is communicating in the Parable of the Sower to the crowds who flock to Him and to His disciples who follow Him.
3. In contrast to the first three soils, Jesus says little about the fourth soil. He simply states it was “good.” But you don’t need to be an expert gardener to know what makes plants thrive. What is necessary? How do the physical needs of plants reflect spiritual needs of your faith?

Thursday – Luke 8:16-18 A Lamp Under a Jar
1. Jesus’ next parable is given to the disciples alone (cf. vv. 4, 9). Reflect on how followers of Jesus are to be like lamps on a stand. List several truths that should enlighten your life and those around you.
2. When are you tempted to hide the light of Jesus’ teachings? List several truths you’re tempted to hide. 
3. How can Jesus’ promise and warning motivate you to carefully listen to and shine forth His teachings? Pray for a heart that fully embraces the Lord’s words and gives light to all around you.

Friday – Luke 8:19-21 Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
1. Using Mrk 3:31-35 and Jhn 7:3-5 as sources, why is Jesus’ mother and brothers wanting to see Him? Do their actions surprise you? Explain.
2. Family is enormously important in Jewish culture, so Jesus’ statement in v. 21 is shocking but He’s not saying family is unimportant. Rather, He makes a further point about hearing His word (vv. 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18). Write out Jesus’ redefining of His family.
3. Home is not the easiest place to put God’s Word into practice, as Jesus well knew. Why must we choose Him over all earthly ties (cf. Luk 12:49-53; 14:25-27)? What are the implications of Jesus’ new definition of family for His disciples (cf. Luk 18:29-30)?

Monday – Luke 6:46-49 Build Your House on the Rock
1. As Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Plain, He gives a call to respond in obedience. In your own words, describe the word picture He is painting.
2. Putting Jesus’ words into practice is the way to build a lasting foundation against the day of Judgment. What will practicing Jesus’ teachings require of you?
3. Looking back at the whole sermon (6:17-49), Jesus’ point isn’t to provide His followers with a new rule book – a list of do’s and don’ts one can check off and feel satisfied with ourselves. Rather, what kind of heart and spirit is Jesus seeking to instill in His disciples?

Tuesday – Luke 7:1-10 Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Servant
1. Upon entering Capernaum, a delegation of Jewish leaders meets Jesus, pleading with Him to help a Roman officer. Identify the reasons why the leaders think the centurion is worthy of His help?
2. As Jesus goes to the officer’s home, the man sends a delegation to intercept Jesus, saying “I am not worthy.” Why does the centurion feel this way? How does his humility inspire his actions?
3. Scripture records only two occasions that state, Jesus “marveled” over someone’s faith (v. 9; Mrk 6:6). In what ways does the centurion’s faith amazes Jesus? How can you amaze Jesus today?

Wednesday – Luke 7:11-17 Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son
1. Leaving Capernaum, Jesus and His entourage walk twenty miles or so to the village of Nain. Put yourself in the scene, alongside the townspeople and/or the disciples, what do you see, hear, feel?
2. Unlike the Centurion, the childless widow makes no request for help, nor shows any outward sign of faith. What do you learn about Jesus from how He focuses His grace on the woman?
3. Reflect on how Jesus’ mere words confront death and illustrate the extent of His authority as “Lord” v. 13.

Thursday – Luke 3:18-20; 7:18-23 (cf. Mrk 6:17-19a) Messengers from John the Baptist
1. Let’s backtrack for a moment. Herod the tetrarch is an evil man, and he compounds his wickedness by locking John the Baptist in prison. Why does Herod seize and imprison John?
2. From his prison cell, John sends messengers to Jesus asking, “Are you the One who is come, or shall we look for another?” What do you think is fueling John’s question? Do you sense doubt, disappointment, frustration, or something else in his words? To what degree can you empathize with John? Explain.
3. How does Jesus prove He is the “One who is to come” (cf. Luk 4:18-19)? Write out several adjectives to describe the tone you imagine Jesus taking with John. In what ways does this picture of Jesus give you reassurance He is the Christ?

Friday – Luke 7:24-35 Jesus Discusses John the Baptist
1. Focusing on vv. 24-28a, outline Jesus’ description of John, noting what John is and what he is not. In what ways are these descriptors significant in understanding John’s mission?
2. Note Jesus’ rather shocking statement in v. 28b. How is it possible that the “least in the kingdom of God” is greater than John? Why is this truth something to praise God for (v. 29)?
3. While the outcasts embraced John and Jesus, the religious rulers rejected both men. Paraphrase Jesus’ description of the Pharisee’s and the lawyer’s fickleness. What are some of the misconceptions our present generation has about Jesus and His gospel?