“Luke / Acts Week 8 – Feb 19-23”

Monday, February 19, 2024

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?

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