“Luke / Acts Week 16 – April 15-19”

Monday, April 15, 2024

Monday – Luke 12:4-7 Have No Fear
1. Jesus must now prepare His disciples for later persecutions. In what ways does the journey to Jerusalem, (that started back in 9:51; cf. 9:21-27, 43b-45), cast a shadow over His instructions here?
2. Elaborate on Jesus’ differentiation between the wrong kind of fear and the proper kind of fear. 
3. Reflect on how the illustrations of sparrows and hairs should encourage you to shun hypocrisy (vv. 1- 3), and fearlessly proclaim your faith (vv. 8-12) even in the face of opposition?

Tuesday – Luke 12:8-12 Acknowledge Christ before Men
1. In your own words, summarize Jesus’ teaching about confessing Him or denying Him. 
2. Peter disowns Jesus three times (Luk 22:31-34, 54-62), and yet he is not only welcomed back into the fold (Jhn 21:15-19) but becomes a leader of the church (cf. Act 1:15; 2:14). What, then, is the overall force of Jesus warning? How does it apply to disciples today?
3. It’s been said, “There are no secret disciples. Either the secret will destroy the disciple, or the disciple will destroy the secret.” When are you tempted to deny Jesus by outright denial or by remaining silent about being His disciple? What steps will you take to boldly proclaim your allegiance to Christ?

Wednesday – Luke 12:13-21 The Parable of the Rich Fool
1. While Jesus is discussing the dangers of hypocrisy and succumbing to persecution, a man interrupts him. What does the man want? Why do you think he interrupts Jesus?
2. While Jesus refuses to judge between the two brothers, He does speak to the man’s motivation in v. 15. How does the parable of the Rich Fool illustrate the truth “that one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possession”?
3. Applying Jesus’ conclusion in v. 21, when are you tempted to horde treasure for yourself? Define what it means to be “rich toward God.” Reflect on how this helps overcome “all kinds of covetousness” (v. 15).

Thursday – Luke 12:22-34 Do Not Be Anxious
1. Turning to His disciples, Jesus instructs them to “not be anxious” about what they will eat or wear. In context, how is worrying about such things related to not being ready for the Lord’s return (vv. 35- 48), greed (vv.13-21), not acknowledging God (vv. 8-12), fearing man (vv. 4-7), and hypocrisy (vv. 1- 3)?
2. List as many reasons as you can for why, according to Jesus, worrying about your life is unnecessary. How does worry dishonor our God who cares for His children?
3. Sometimes we make life much harder than it needs to be. What are the similarities and differences between the anxieties of Jesus’ day and the anxieties exhibited today among disciples? Reflect on all the ways trusting God instead of worrying for these things, frees you to “seek His kingdom.”

Friday – Luke 12:35-48 You Must Be Ready
1. Moving from teachings on worry, Jesus now directs the disciples to “Stay dressed for action” (v. 35). In your own words, summarize the parables Jesus tells to emphasize the need for a state of readiness.
2. Meditate on v. 48, and consider what material goods, abilities, knowledge, and responsibilities you have been given. How will you use these to store up treasures in heaven?
3. If you knew Jesus would return next week, to what degree, if any, would it change your agenda for the next few days? Explore how your answer aligns with Jesus’ teaching on being ready at any moment.

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