“Luke / Acts Week 21 – May 20-24”

Monday, May 20, 2024

Monday – Luke 17:7-10 Unworthy Servants
1. After teaching His followers about having the faith to forgive, Jesus addresses attitudes about obedience. How does Jesus’ portrait of a dutiful slave amplify His instructions on forgiveness and obedience?
2. Thinking of ourselves as slaves seems strange. Why might our culture of convenience, independence, and abundance present difficulties in seeing ourselves as slaves (or servants) of Jesus Christ?
3. Meditate on v. 10. In what ways does seeing ourselves as “unworthy slaves” who have “done what was our duty” promote the humble attitudes Jesus wants from His disciples (cf. Luk 14:11)?

Tuesday – Luke 17:11-19 Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers
1. As Jesus is “on the way to Jerusalem” (cf. Luk 9:51), ten lepers cry out for mercy. Put yourself in Jesus’ entourage, paint the picture of what you see and hear from the ten lepers, then from Jesus.
2. The ten lepers have enough faith in Jesus to ask for healing, and obey Him even before they have proof of healing, and yet, only one – a Samaritan – returns to give thanks. Describe his exuberance as he expresses his thanks. To what degree does this reflect your own thanksgiving? Why or why not?
3. Jesus asks, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?” Make a list of the reasons why you think the other nine – presumably, Jews – didn’t come back to give thanks? Do any of these reflect your own reasons for not giving thanks? Prayerfully determine to change your perspective.

Wednesday – Luke 17:20-37 The Coming of the Kingdom
1. Despite the miracles, the Pharisees still have not seen enough, so they ask Jesus about the timing of the coming of God’s kingdom (cf. 2 Sam 7:12-13). In what sense is the kingdom already “in the midst” of Jesus’ hearers (cf. Luk 1:32-33; 4:18-21)? Why do you think they were unable to perceive this truth?
2. For many Jews, their idea was a kingdom of their own free, from Roman rule. How does Jesus’ description of impending destruction shatter that dream (cf. Mat 24; Mrk 13)?
3. What applications is Jesus highlighting for His disciples from Noah and Lot’s experiences?

Thursday – Luke 17:26-27; Genesis 6:1-7:10 Noah and the Flood
1. Digging deeper into Jesus’ example of Noah’s time, what words and phrases emphasize the extent of humanities wickedness? How is Noah different from his contemporaries?
2. What do you imagine people saying as they see Noah build an ark and hear him proclaim a coming flood and judgment? How do you imagine Noah and his family reacting?
3. Jesus’ analysis is that the people of Noah’s day were unconcerned and unprepared for Judgment, then life ended. How does this truth apply to Jesus’ audience? In what ways do you see the same attitudes today? What can you do to be prepared for impending judgment?

Friday – Luke 17:28-29, 32; Genesis 18:16-19:26 God Destroys Sodom and Rescues Lot
1. Digging deeper into Jesus’ example of Lot’s time, what words and phrases emphasize the extent of Sodom’s wickedness? How is Lot different from his contemporaries (cf. 2 Pet 2:6-10a)?
2. Jesus’ analysis is that the people of Lot’s day were unconcerned and unprepared for Judgment, then life ended. How does this truth apply to Jesus’ audience? In what ways do you see the same attitudes today?
3. Jesus calls for His disciples to, “Remember Lot’s wife.” Summarize her story. What lessons is Jesus wanting His disciples, then and now, to remember?

Share