Monday – Luke 18:1-8 The Parable of the Persistent Widow
1. In a rare fashion, Luke gives us great insight at the beginning of the section. What does Luke say is the purpose of this parable from Jesus?
2. Identify some of the differences between the unrighteous judge and God. What is the motivation behind these two to fulfill the request of their people?
3. Consistent prayer is essential to our covenantal relationship. According to this passage, how might our prayer life contrast to the pleading of the widow? Do you think the concept of “wearing God out” with our prayers is a valid concern? Why or why not?

Tuesday – Luke 18:9-14 The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
1. As in the previous section, Luke provides us with the purpose of this scene at the beginning. Who does Luke say is the intended audience of this parable?
2. Analyze the two prayers. What is wrong with the Pharisee’s attitude in prayer? What is right about the tax collector’s attitude in prayer?
3. Through the lens of their prayers, we see the hearts of the Pharisee and the tax collector. When are you tempted to think like the Pharisee? How would adopting the attitude of the tax collector change your relationship with God and others?

Wednesday – Luke 18:15-17 Let the Children Come to Me
1. When parents bring infants and children to Jesus “that He might touch them,” the disciples “rebuke them.” Why do you think the disciples react this way?
2. For a second time in Luke, Jesus uses a child to make a spiritual point (cf. 9:46-48). In your own words, summarize why Jesus wants the infants and children to come to Him.
3. In what areas of your life do you need to express more childlike faith and qualities? Ask Him to help you become like this.

Thursday – Luke 18:18-23 The Rich Young Ruler
1. From receiving infants and children, Jesus turns his attention to a rich ruler. Evaluate the rich ruler’s estimation of Jesus, his burning question, and appraisal of himself.
2. Jesus responds by telling the man how to inherit eternal life, “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” Why do you think Jesus says this to him? Do you think Jesus means for His words to drive the man away? Explain.
3. If you were to have a one-on-one conversation with Jesus about “inheriting eternal life,” what would He say you need to give up to better follow Him?

Friday – Luke 18:24-30 With God all Things are Possible
1. As the rich ruler departs, Jesus turns to His disciples. Evaluate His words in vv. 24-25, why is it difficult for “those with wealth” to enter the kingdom of heaven?
2. Jesus’ comment to the rich man astonishes the disciples. Trace their wonderment and how Jesus answers their concerns.
3. There is a tension between kingdom wealth and worldly wealth that the disciples grapple with. How might that tension express itself in your life (cf. 1 Tim 6:6-10, 17-19)?

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?

Monday – Luke 16:1-13 The Parable of the Shrewd Manager
1. Moving from a parable of a son who squanders his inheritance (Luk 15:13), Jesus tells of a manager who wastes his master’s possessions. Trace the events of the shrewd manager from vv. 1-8a.
2. Jesus commends the manager’s shrewd solution for one reason: he uses money to win friends for himself in the world to which he is committed. From vv. 8b-12, summarize the application of this parable for believers.
3. With His final remarks, Jesus likens money to a trust, not a possession. Specifically, how would it look in your life to treat money as a trust from God, not as a possession to be idolized?

Tuesday – Luke 16:14-18 The Law and the Kingdom of God
1. The Pharisees, “who were lovers of money,” quickly ridicule Jesus’ teachings. Place yourself in the crowd, what sort of things do you hear the Pharisees saying?
2. Consider the sharp words Jesus has for the Pharisees, how does His answer refute the Pharisees’ ridicule (cf. Luk 20:47a), traditions (cf. Mrk 7:9-13), and practices (v. 18; cf. Mat 19:1-9)?
3. An alternate reading for v. 16 is, “the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is forcefully urged into it.” In what ways is Jesus forcefully urging everyone into His kingdom? Why do many, like the Pharisees refuse His entreaty?

Wednesday – Luke 16:19-31 The Rich Man and Lazarus
1. Continuing His rebuke of the Pharisees, Jesus tells the story of a “certain rich man” and “Lazarus” (he whom God helps). How does the parable contrast the state of the two men before their deaths, at their burial, and after their deaths?
2. The rich man is a dramatic example of what happens when one uses God’s possessions wrongly. Why do you think the rich man ignored the plight of poor Lazarus?
3. In torment, the rich man wishes to spare his brothers from his mistakes. What do you make of the rich man’s request and Abraham’s response? How does v. 31 connect back to the admonition of vv. 16-18?

Thursday – Luke 17:1-4 Temptations to Sin
1. Turning back to the disciples, Jesus issues a stern warning on temptations. In your own words, restate vv. 1-2. How do you see the warnings about temptation to sin relating to Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness?
2. Jesus’ approach to forgiveness continues Luke’s theme of presenting Jesus as a Messiah that’s different from expectations (cf. Luk 9:18-22). Reflect on the nature of Jesus’ approach to forgiveness.
3. Jesus is the ultimate example of servanthood forgiveness. How is forgiving someone like making yourself their servant instead of their master?

Friday – Luke 17:5-6 Increase Our Faith
1. Upon hearing Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness (vv. 1-4), the apostles said to Him, “Increase our faith!” Why do you think they would emphatically ask for more faith?
2. Jesus’ comparison between a mustard seed and the mulberry tree is simple - a little faith can do great things. Too often this truth is applied to all sorts of things except its context! What is Jesus showing with this image regarding temptations and forgiveness?
3. Where do you need to apply a mustard seed-sized faith in forgiving someone?

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?

Monday – Luke 13:18-21 The Mustard Seed and the Leaven
1. Continuing from vv. 10-17, Jesus speaks to the nature of His kingdom. What aspects of God’s kingdom does the deceptively small mustard seed and a little leaven emphasize?
2. Reflect on how Jesus’ parable of the kingdom brings hope to people like the healed woman and the crowd, but a warning to the likes of the synagogue ruler in vv. 10-17.
3. The kingdom continues to be a present power throughout the world. What are the practical implications of these two parables for your faith, work, and view of the power of the gospel?

Tuesday – Luke 13:22-30 The Narrow Door
1. As Jesus continues to travel toward Jerusalem (cf. Luk 9:51), someone asks Him about the number of those who will be saved. Instead of answering the question directly, what does Jesus do?
2. On what basis will some people try to enter the kingdom after it is too late? Explain in your own words what Jesus is getting at.
3. Evaluate the following statement, “Focusing on a few will be saved motivates us to stay on the straight and narrow, while focusing on many will be saved (cf. Mat 8:11-12) motivates our evangelism.” Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

Wednesday – Luke 13:31-35 Lament Over Jerusalem
1. Informed by some Pharisees that Herod seeks to kill Him, Jesus continues to Jerusalem where He will be killed. Why is Jesus not worried about Herod? How is the narrative that started back in Luk 9:51 still moving forward?
2. In the middle of a death threat, Jesus laments over Jerusalem. How is the tender compassion of Jesus on full display even for a people who will reject and kill Him?
3. Reflect on the picture of Jesus as a hen who protects her young under her wings (cf. Deu 32:11; Ruth 2:12; Psa 17:8; 91:4). What does this image suggest about Jesus’ relationship with you?

Thursday – Luke 14:1-6 Healing a Man on the Sabbath
1. For a third and last time, Jesus dines with a Pharisee (cf. Luk 7:36-50; 11:37-54). Why do you think Jesus keeps accepting these invitations when each meal is an unpleasant experience?
2. As Jesus enters the home, before Him is a man with dropsy (severe swelling of the legs and arms). Contrast how the Pharisees use this pitiful man with how Jesus treats him.
3. These Pharisees were willing to set aside their Sabbath rules for one of their sons or animals. If they would do this but disallow the healing of a stranger, what was wrong with their priorities? Do you sense Jesus challenging your priorities and religious traditions with His words? Explain.

Friday – Luke 14:7-11 The Parable of the Wedding Feast
1. With the meal commencing, Jesus watches as the Pharisees scramble to “choose the places of honor.” Place yourself in the scene, describe what you see as grown men jostle for position around the triclinium.
2. Jesus uses the wisdom of Pro 25:6-7a in His criticism of the Pharisees’ actions and attitudes, but He’s not speaking merely about table manners. What do you think is His point with this rebuke?
3. Why does the kingdom of God operate on the principle of, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (v. 11; cf. Luk 1:51-52; 18:14)?