Monday – Luke 5:33-39 A Question About Fasting
1. For the Pharisees, prayer and fasting were central acts of piety (cf. Mat 6:1-18; Luk 18:9-14). From their point of view, why is it unthinkable that Jesus and His disciples are feasting and not fasting?
2. Jesus’ responses paint the pictures of a wedding feast and the disastrous mixing of old with new. In your own words, what is He communicating about Himself and His gospel with these word pictures?
3. With v. 39, Jesus ends with a note of rebuke saying some will not give up the old for His new. Reflect on this truism, fill in the blank: I struggle with letting go of old _______________ for Jesus’ new _______________. Take time to pray, asking God for His strength to let go of the old and accept the new in Jesus.

Tuesday – Luke 6:1-5; 1 Samuel 21:1-9; 22:9-10 David and the Holy Bread
1. Before we explore Jesus’ defense of the disciples, let’s look at His mention of David. At the insistence of Jonathan, David immediately flees for his life (see 1 Sam 20:27-42). To what degree do you think David’s emotional state influences his decision to go to the tabernacle of God?
2. David concocts a cover story to help explain why he is alone and needs provisions. What three things does Ahimelech do to help David?
3. The only food available is the holy bread reserved for the priests (cf. Lev 24:5-6). After he attempts to preserve the sacredness of the bread, Ahimelech gives the loaves to David. Why do you think he does this?

Wednesday – Luke 6:1-5 Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath
1. Hungry, the disciples pluck grains of wheat, rub the husk off with their hands, and eat the kernel (cf. Deu 23:24-25). Why are the Pharisees criticizing Jesus and His followers for this simple action?
2. In the Pharisees’ mind, a person should go hungry rather than pluck grain on the Sabbath. How does this view of God’s Day of Rest, miss its true significance? What point did they miss from the account of David?
3. Jesus defends not only His disciples, but also His authority to let His disciples pluck and eat grain on the Sabbath. What does He claim? Why is His claim significant? 

Thursday – Luke 6:6-11 Jesus Heals a Man with a Withered Hand on the Sabbath
1. Picture the scene in the synagogue with Jesus, His disciples, the Pharisees, the man, and the crowd all coming together. Describe the mood, the people’s body language, the small talk, etc.
2. How do the scribes and Pharisees treat their rules as more important than people? Think of a time when you’re tempted to do the same. Based on what you’ve read, what would Jesus do in that situation?
3. Given that the Sabbath law is to bring rest to the weary (Exd 20:8-10; Deu 5:12-15), how do Jesus’ actions in this episode (and vv. 1-5) represent a fulfillment, rather than a violation, of God’s law?

Friday – Luke 6:12-16 The Twelve Apostles
1. Again, we find Jesus praying all before a pivotal movement (ref. 3:21; 9:18, 29; 11:1; 22:41). Do you think to pray like this? Why or why not? What would it take for you to spend the night in prayer?
2. From a “great crowd of His disciples” (6:17), Jesus chose twelve, whom He named apostles. Why twelve (cf. Luk 22:30)? According to Mrk 3:13-15, what is their initial mission?
3. These twelve men were quirky, at times inconsistent, and slow to grasp the implications of the gospel and yet, through Jesus, they changed the world. How does this truth encourage you in your day-to-day life as a Christian?

Monday – Luke 4:42-44 Jesus Preaches in The Synagogues
1. Jesus often retreats to the quiet of a desolate place to pray (cf. Luk 5:16; Mrk 1:35-39). Why do you think He needs to do this? How would such a place benefit your prayer life? Plan your retreat.
2. The citizens of Capernaum attempt to keep Jesus in their city but He needs to travel on preaching “the good news.” When are you most tempted to keep Jesus for yourself? To whom do you need to bring His good news to this week? Prayerfully make your plans and act in the strength of the Savior.
3. Looking back over Luk 4:31-44, how do these verses offer a taste of Jesus fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah, that He quoted in the Nazareth synagogue (Luk 4:16-22)?

Tuesday – Luke 5:1-11 Jesus Calls the First Disciples
1. At times, the crowds following Jesus could become unruly as they “pressed” closely to Him (cf. Mrk 3:7). As you picture this scene, describe what you see in the faces of the people in the crowd?
2. List the steps, through which Jesus takes Simon Peter to persuade him to leave everything and follow Him. Why do you think authority over fish affects Peter so profoundly? What would get your attention? Why?
3. To follow Jesus, the four fishermen must cut loose worldly ties and trust Jesus and His message. What might Jesus be calling you to leave behind, to follow Him more faithfully? Why is it often so difficult for you to do likewise today?

Wednesday – Luke 5:12-16 Jesus Heals a Leper
1. The leper’s request for healing centers on Jesus’ willingness to heal, not His capability to do so. Why do you think the leper feels this way? Can you relate? Explain.
2. Jesus’ word would have been sufficient to heal the man, but His touch confirms His willingness. What does this interaction with the leper tell you about Jesus? Reflect on how this applies to your life.
3. What do you learn about Jesus’ priorities in His instructions to the healed leper? 

Thursday – Luke 5:17-26 Jesus Heals a Paralytic
1. The religious establishment of Judaism are starting to take notice of Jesus, why do think they would gather like this? What is their issue with Jesus forgiving the man’s sins?
2. In what ways does Jesus’ healing of the paralytic, answer the questions in the minds of the teachers of the law? Observe their response to seeing the paralyzed man stand up and walk out.
3. The paralytic’s friends provide a model of caring. In what ways does the four friend’s faith in Jesus affect the life of the paralyzed man? How does your faith affect others around you? Are you doing whatever it takes to get them to Jesus? Why or why not?

Friday – Luke 5:27-32 Jesus Calls Levi (Matthew)
1. After leaving everything to follow Jesus, Levi (or Matthew; Mat 9:9; Luk 6:15) invites his friends to see Jesus. What must have the Pharisees believed about God, sin, righteousness that made them consider it wrong to eat with tax collectors and sinners?
2. In what ways are vv. 31-32 a mission statement for Jesus? For yourself? For your congregation?
3. Mark tells us that many tax collectors and sinners were disciples of Jesus (Mrk 2:15; cf. Luk 15:1-2). Why do you think Jesus attracts people of such ill repute? What role do you think simple hospitality and respect play? How might these two evangelism tools help you tell others about Jesus?

Monday – Luke 4:16-30 Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
1. After making the point of Jesus ministering in Galilee (vv. 14-15), Luke now zooms in to look at His message in Nazareth. Summarize the message Jesus proclaims in His hometown.
2. After declaring the fulfillment of Isaiah 61:1-2a in Himself, the Nazarenes’ question how Jesus can say this. Who do they think Jesus is? Why is their error crucial, considering the proclamation Jesus makes?
3. Observe the Nazarenes’ swift-changing attitudes toward Jesus, from praise at first, to fury when He mentions episodes from Elijah and Elisha. How do you account for the change? What impresses you most about the way Jesus passes through the midst of the violent crowd?

Tuesday – 1 Kings 17:8-24 The Widow of Zarephath
1. Mentioned by Jesus in Nazareth (Luk 4:25-26), trace the events that led to Elijah going to a Gentile widow of Zarephath, in the land of Sidon (ref. 1 Kgs 16:29-17:7).
2. On the brink of starvation, why do you think the widow honors Elijah’s requests? Identify any principles for living by faith in her actions?
3. How does Jesus use the experience of Elijah going to the gentile widow in Luke 4:24-26 to illustrate Jewish rejection and Gentile acceptance of Him and His gospel (cf. Acts 18:5-6; 28:23-28)?

Wednesday – 2 Kings 5:1-14 Naaman Healed of Leprosy
1. Mentioned by Jesus in Nazareth (Luk 4:27), trace the events that led to the Syrian general, Naaman, to Elisha and the one true God of Israel. (Note any evangelism principles you see in this episode.)
2. Why is Naaman reluctant to wash in the Jordan? How does his faithful obedience lead to his cleansing? In what ways do you see his washing in the Jordan prefiguring baptism for believers today (Tit 3:4-7)?
3. How does Jesus use the experience of the gentile Naaman coming to Elisha in Luke 4:35 to illustrate Jewish rejection and Gentile acceptance of Him and His gospel (cf. Acts 22:17-23)?

Thursday – Luke 4:31-37 Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Demon
1. Following His rejection in Nazareth, Jesus moves to Capernaum. Put yourself in the synagogue that day, describe the people as they listen to Jesus teach and witness Him cast out the demon.
2. In this scene, Luke emphasizes the authority of Jesus’ word. What makes His teaching authoritative? How does healing the man with an unclean demon further emphasize the authoritative power of His word?
3. Luke concludes this scene by stating, “reports about Him went out into every place.” Reflect on how the authoritatively, powerful word of Jesus is transforming your life. Who in your life needs to hear your report on the words of Jesus? Prayerfully make your plans to talk with them.

Friday – Luke 4:38-41 Jesus Heals Many
1. Leaving the synagogue, Jesus goes to Simon’s (Peter) house where his mother-in-law is sick. How do you imagine his tone and words as he appeals to Jesus to heal the sick woman? In what ways does knowing that the apostle Peter had familial concerns encourage you (wife, 1 Cor 9:5; son, 1 Pet 5:13)?
2. Write as many adjectives as you can think of, to describe Jesus repeatedly laying “His hands” on the sick. 
3. After the demons proclaim, “You are the Son of God!” (also: v. 34), Jesus would not allow them to speak. What might be some of the reasons Jesus silences the demons from further declarations (see also: vv. 34-35)?

Monday – Luke 3:1-20 John Prepares the Way
1. Luke gives us a vivid sense of John’s character through an OT quote and dialogue. Putting these together, how do you picture John and his preaching? If John were to come down the main street of your town with a megaphone, what would he be saying?
2. John details that repentance includes a change in attitudes and actions. Who responds to his message? What does John say the people should think and do? How would this prepare them for the Lord’s arrival?
3. John’s popularity led the crowds to think he was the Messiah. How does John compare himself and his work to Jesus and His ministry?

Tuesday – Luke 3:21-22; Matt. 3:13-17; John 1:29-34 John Baptizes Jesus
1. Being sinless, Jesus does not need to repent of anything (1 Pet 2:22). So, why does He submit to John’s baptism (see: Mat 3:14-15; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 2:17)?
2. How do you think it impacts Jesus to witness the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descending, and hearing the voice from Heaven? What do these do for John (see: Jhn 1:31-34)?
3. As with His baptism, many key events in Jesus’ life are accompanied with prayer (ref. 6:12; 9:18, 29; 11:1; 22:41). Do you think to pray like this? Why or why not?

Wednesday – Luke 3:23-38 The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
1. Only Luke gives us Jesus’ age when He starts His ministry. Thirty years old is significant in the accounts of Joseph (Gen 41:46) and David (2 Sam 5:4). It is also the age in which priests entered temple service (Num 4:3, 23). With these in mind, what might Luke be hinting at with mentioning Jesus’ age?
2. By reaching all the way back to “Adam, the Son of God,” Luke is not stressing Jesus’ ethnic heritage (as Matthew does, 1:1-17) but His humanness. Reflect on this: Jesus came to be one of us to redeem us (Php 2:3-11; Heb 2:17)! How does this deepen your appreciation for Him?
3. In Rom 5:15-19, Paul draws a contrast between Adam and Jesus. Chart the effects of Adam’s sin and Jesus’ righteousness. Why is Jesus’ effect “much more” than Adams?

Thursday – Luke 4:1-13 The Temptation of Jesus
1. Pulling the idea of Jesus descending from “Adam, the son of God” into the temptation scene, how does Jesus, the Son of God, resist Satan’s temptation where Adam (and Eve) failed (cf. Gen 3:1-24)?
2. In your own words, describe the nature of each temptation Jesus faces from Satan?
3. Hebrews 4:15 tells us Jesus “has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Think of your fiercest temptation, in what ways is it like the ones Jesus faced? How will you, like Jesus, resist Satan’s attacks? 

Friday – Luke 4:14-15 Jesus Begins His Ministry
1. It was the Spirit that led Jesus into the wilderness for temptation by Satan. Now, Jesus comes “in the power of the Spirit” to begin His ministry. Why do you think it was necessary for Jesus to be tempted before He starts teaching the people?
2. Luke simply says Jesus “taught in their synagogues,” while Mrk 1:15 gives us a synopsis of His message. To what degree, if any, is this message still relevant today? Explain.
3. While his miracles will bring notoriety, it’s Jesus’ teaching that first stirs the crowd. What is it about His teaching that causes people to glorify Him then and now?

Monday – Luke 1:57-80 The Birth of John the Baptist / Zechariah’s Prophecy: The Benedictus
1. The focus of John’s birth narrative is on the neighbors and Zechariah. Three times, Luke describes people’s spontaneous reactions to John’s birth. What might Luke’s purpose be, in repeating this fact?
2. Zechariah’s nine months of silence (cf. Luk 1:18-20) reflects what is going on in Israel in his day. Many believed prophecy had been silent for four hundred years but now it was bursting out again. From his prophecy, summarize his praise  of God for Jesus (vv. 68-75, 78b-79) and John (vv. 76-77).
3. After a series of dramatic events surrounding John’s birth, Luke ends the episode by encapsulating John’s life in v. 80. What potential promises does this summary statement hold for Israel’s story?

Tuesday – Luke 2:1-7 The Birth of Jesus Christ
1. Luke sets his narrative in the context of history (cf. Luk 1:5; 2:1-2; 3:1-2). How does God use Caesar’s census for His purposes (cf. Mat 2:1-6)? Many considered Augustus the Roman Empire’s Lord and Savior. What contrast, if any, do you think Luke is making between Augustus and Jesus? (cf. Luk 2:11)
2. Why do you think God allows His son to be born in the circumstances described in v. 7, rather than in a royal or at least a comfortable household? (consider: 2 Cor 8:9; Php 2:3-11)
3. Using the following verses, write the reasons why Jesus was born into the world: 1 Jhn 3:8 (cf. Gen 3:15); 1 Tim 1:15-17; Heb 10:1-10. Record any other passages you can think of.

Wednesday – Luke 2:8-21 The Shepherds and the Angels
1. Reflect on what God is saying by having His Son’s birth announced to such people as lowly shepherds in the field, rather than to the nation’s officials or at least to people considered respectable?
2. In his message to the shepherds, the angel ascribes to Jesus three titles: Savior, Christ, and Lord. Separately, what does each title emphasize? Together, how do they form a paradox with a babe in a manger?
3. All who hear about the shepherds' experience “wondered” about the child, while Mary “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (v. 19; cf. v. 51b). Does this suggest any ways you might respond to Jesus? Prayerfully consider how you need to capture the wonder and marvel of Jesus.

Thursday – Luke 2:22-40 Jesus Presented at the Temple / Return to Nazareth
1. While in the temple fulfilling the Law, Mary and Joseph are met by man named Simeon. What impresses you about the old man? Summarize the details of his prophecy concerning Jesus’ mission to the Gentiles and to Israel, along with his word to Mary.
2. Imagine seeing the prophetess Anna’s reaction to the infant Jesus; describe what you see and hear. 
3. Luke’s epilogue of Jesus’ birth narrative is a brief statement about the family returning to Nazareth. Contrast Luke’s account with Matthew's (Mat 2:16-23). Why do you think Luke skips over the drama of these details?

Friday – Luke 2:41-52 The Boy Jesus in the Temple
1. Put yourself in the place of Mary and Joseph looking for Jesus, how would you feel for those three days?
2. This is the only scene from Jesus' childhood in the scriptures. Do you sense He is being a mischievous twelve-year-old or something else altogether? Explain.
3. As with John’s narrative, Luke ends with a summary statement of Jesus’ intellectual, spiritual, and social growth. In which of these areas do you need to grow? What steps will you take to achieve this?