“Luke / Acts Week 15 – Apr 8-12”

Monday, April 08, 2024

Monday – Luke 11:29-32; Jonah 3:1-10 The Sign of Jonah
1. Going back to v. 16, the crowd is demanding a sign from Jesus to prove He is the Messiah. Why might the request for a sign be met with such resounding condemnation from Jesus?
2. With Jonah 3 as the backdrop, what comparisons is Jesus making between Himself and Jonah? Those faithlessly demanding a sign and the Ninevites?
3. The point of Jesus’ use of Jonah is that we must respond to God’s truth by faith. How can you avoid the mindset that is constantly wanting “a sign” that proves Jesus is the Messiah, or His way is the best?

Tuesday – Luke 11:31; 1 Kings 10:1-13 The Sign of the Queen of Sheba
1. Jesus’ second illustration comes from the Queen of Sheba. In your own words, trace the events of the Queen’s visit with Solomon? Note her impression of God because of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth.
2. With 1 Kgs 10:1-13 as the backdrop, what comparisons is Jesus making between Himself and Solomon? Those faithlessly demanding a sign and the Queen of Sheba?
3. It was highly insulting to Jewish sensibilities to say Gentiles – the Ninevites and the Queen – were wiser than the current generation. When, in defense of the gospel, is the use of such cutting language acceptable? Or should this only be reserved for the likes of Jesus? Explain your answer.

Wednesday – Luke 11:33-36 The Light is in You
1. Jesus again compares the message of the kingdom to light (cf. Luk 8:16-18). What does the image of a lamp on a stand say about the availability of the gospel to Jesus’ hearers? To you?
2. Proverbially, Jesus draws upon healthy eyes (sighted) and bad eyes (blinded) to illustrate deeper spiritual truths (cf. Luk 10:21-24). What choices lead a person into or out of spiritual blindness?
3. Once illumined by the light of Jesus, summarize the responsibilities Mat 5:14-16 places upon the disciples? How are you a light to those around you? List any areas in which your light may be hidden. In what ways will you change, so the light of Jesus can shine more brightly through you?

Thursday – Luke 11:37-54 Woe to the Pharisees and Lawyers
1. Luke alone records Jesus eating with Pharisees (cf. 7:36-50; 14:1-24). Place yourself around the triclinium, how do you imagine the scene as Jesus pronounces a series of woes on the religious leaders?
2. The issue at hand is not washing for hygienic purposes but for ritual purity. In what ways were the Pharisees like dishes washed only on the outside but dirty on the inside?
3. Earlier, Jesus described the conflict between light and darkness (vv. 33-36). Based on the woes Jesus pronounces on the Pharisees, what are some indicators of a life full of darkness? By implication, what would a life “full of light” look like?

Friday – Luke 12:1-3 Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees
1. The crowds that follow Jesus are large and often unorderly (cf. Mrk 3:9; Luk 8:45). Why do you think Jesus chooses this moment to teach the disciples on the topic of hypocrisy?
2. In what ways is hypocrisy like leaven (yeast)? Looking ahead to vv. 4-7, what fears might lead to a disciple adopting the hypocritical tendencies of the Pharisees (cf. vv. 37-54)?
3. Elaborate on Jesus’ warning in vv. 2-3, why is hypocrisy dangerously foolish? Where in your faith do you struggle with living an authentic faith? Pray to the Lord about your struggles.

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