“Luke / Acts Week 17 – Apr 22-26”

Monday, April 22, 2024

Monday – Luke 12:49-53 No Peace But Division
1. As Jesus travels closer toward Jerusalem, the cross looms larger and larger on His mental horizon (cf. Luk 9:51). Write several adjectives to describe the tone you imagine Jesus using in this scene.
2. Even though peace is announced at Jesus birth (Luk 2:13-14), He now says “Do you think I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” In what ways is Jesus challenging common understandings about His mission and message? How would you explain this to a friend?
3. Following Jesus may strain family relationships and loyalties. Recount a time when following Jesus brought division in your life. While division is not the goal, why should you willingly risk such tensions (cf. vv. 8-12)?

Tuesday – Luke 12:54-59 Interpreting the Time and Settle with Your Accuser
1. Why do people care enough about the weather to predict and prepare for it but not for eternity?
2. In your own words, apply Jesus’ parable on settling a personal debt before it goes to trial to a person’s spiritual condition (cf. Mat 6:12; Luk 7:36-50).
3. What relevance might Jesus’ rebuke and counsel have for you, living nearly two thousand years after the events that have happened that Jesus is referring to (cf. 2 Pet 3:1-13)?

Wednesday – Luke 13:1-5 Repent or Perish
1. Prompted by Jesus’ previous statements (vv. 54-59), someone in the crowd remarks about a recent tragedy involving Galilean worshipers. What basic assumption underpins their telling of the story (cf. Jhn 9:1-5)?
2. Instead of speaking about political issues, Jesus turns the incident into an opportunity to tell of another tragedy and issues a warning. In your own words, elaborate on His warning.
3. Reflect on why judging others as sinful (or at least less-than-spiritual) is easier than checking your spiritual condition (Luk 6:37-42). How can you overcome this tendency?

Thursday – Luke 13:6-9 The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
1. Furthering the discussion on a faithful response to other’s tragedies (vv. 1-5), Jesus tells the parable of the Barren Fig Tree. Unpack the details of the story.
2. What does the parable tell you about the response the Lord desires from His people? God’s judgment and patience through Jesus? What are the results of responding to or not responding to God’s grace?
3. How does this parable amplify Jesus’ previous statement, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (vv. 3, 5)? Where in your life do you need to bear the fruit of repentance (cf. Luk 3:7-9)? 

Friday – Luke 13:10-17 A Woman with a Disabling Spirit is Healed
1. For the last time in Luke’s gospel, Jesus is teaching in a synagogue on the Sabbath day (4:14-30, 31-37, 44; 6:6-11). Describe the woman who catches His eye as He teaches and what He does for her.
2. Hypocrisy is a recurring theme in Jesus’ words for His people, (cf. Luk 12:1-3, 56). How did the synagogue rulers show hypocrisy in their attitudes toward people, animals, Jesus, and the Sabbath?
3. In what ways is Jesus doing for this woman what He longs to do for you, your friends, family, and neighbors? How can you avoid being a hindrance to His work? How can you join Him in loosening others from the grip of Satan?

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