“Luke / Acts Week 19 – May 6-10”

Monday, May 06, 2024

Monday – Luke 14:12-24 The Parable of the Great Banquet
1. After rebuking the guests for jostling for places of honor (vv. 7-11), Jesus turns to reprove His host. Summarize Jesus’ words. Why is the best hospitality given and not exchanged?
2. Suddenly, a man blurts out “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” (cf. Isa 25:6-8; Luk 13:29). Why do you think he does this? In what ways does Jesus’ parable challenge the assumption the Pharisees will enjoy God’s feast?
3. To what degree, if any, are you going out into the “streets and lanes of the city” to bring people into God’s banquet? How should “and there is still room” at the Lord’s table, motivate you?

Tuesday – Luke 14:25-33 The Cost of Discipleship
1. With a large crowd following Him, Jesus unflinchingly spells out His conditions for discipleship. While we could say that He is engaging in typical Middle Eastern exaggeration to make His point (cf. Mrk 9:42-50), nonetheless what is His point?
2. List examples of what it looks like to “hate” your family and yourself, while bearing your cross. There’s certainly a present cost to following Jesus, but what’s the future cost of not following Him on His terms?
3. As His two parables explain, the decision to follow Jesus should not be undertaken lightly. Why? 

Wednesday – Luke 14:34-35 Salt Without Taste is Worthless
1. Earlier, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus stated, “You are the salt of the earth.” What does this suggest to you about the disciple’s role in the world?
2. Jesus has been talking about the cost of discipleship. How is a would-be disciple who decides he or she can’t bear the cost (vv. 25-33), like salt that has lost its saltiness?
3. Useless disciples are discarded and “trampled under people’s feet” (Mat 5:13). Prayerfully resolve to be a salty-disciple for the Lord and list three ways you’ll be more useful for Jesus.

Thursday – Luke 15:1-10 The Parable of the Lost Sheep and Coin
1. What complaint prompts Jesus to tell the three lost parables? Compare the way the Pharisees see “sinners” to the way Jesus sees them.
2. Outline the details of the parables of the Lost Sheep and Coin. In your own words, restate Jesus’ “Just so…” application from each story.
3. Place yourself in the crowd as Jesus tells these two parables. What do you see from the Pharisees? From the tax collectors and sinners?

Friday – Luke 15:11-32 The Parable of the Prodigal Son
1. The parable of the Prodigal is one of the most beloved stories Jesus tells. Trace the events of the younger son’s journey from home and back. How is the prodigal an illustration of all sinners? 
2. What do the father’s actions and attitudes toward the prodigal suggest about God’s affection toward the repentant “tax collectors and sinners”? How does His grace serve as motivation for you to repent and confess your sins?
3. The parable ends with the older brother (the Pharisees) offended by the father’s joyous reception of the younger brother. Identify the reasons why he won’t join the party. Why do you think grace is so offensive to the older brother? How can you overcome this tendency?

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