Luke Introduction
The writer, Luke, of this account of the life of Jesus, was a physician. We know that from Paul’s writings (Colossians 4:14). Luke had become one of Paul’s closest companions. But Luke writes this biography because, as he tells us at the beginning, he wants us to fully understand and be confident in the things we have heard about Jesus. In other words, as a good doctor, he is writing us a prescription for the best medicine on earth!
The Good News (or Gospel) According to Luke, is the longest in number of verses and most detailed of the four accounts of the life of Jesus that have been accepted as accurate by the church. Luke’s account is supplemented by his separate work entitled Acts of the Apostles. This Gospel is written not only to the Jewish people but was addressed to any “lover of God.”
Luke is most concerned to give a very well researched and complete account. As a physician, Luke is very interested in the details of the healings. He must have had access to Mary, the mother of Jesus, because of the details he offers concerning the time before Jesus’ birth. Luke must have also interviewed many others because he includes a number of accounts not in the other Gospels, such as the widow of Nain whose son was healed, the women who traveled with Jesus, and the seventy disciples who were sent out in addition to the twelve. He also reports numerous story illustrations not included in the other Gospels, including the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, and Lazarus and the Rich Man.
Luke Guide to the Transcommentary
This is a little bit more than a translation and a bit less than a full commentary. It serves a similar function to the Amplified Bible, though that work’s purpose was to provide a complete sense of the meaning of the words used by the writers of scripture. This work has a somewhat different purpose:
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To convey as close as possible the actual meaning of the sentences as they would have been understood at the time they were originally spoken or written. To accomplish this for twenty-first century Americans, dynamic equivalent words and sayings have been used at a sentence level. An attempt has been made to preserve intended wordplay and irony from the original author.
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We have attempted to clarify ideas, references, and thought sequences that would have been clear to first century audiences but are not clear to modern audiences because of differences in culture, customs, language, or degree of familiarity with Old Testament scriptures and Messianic prophecies. The phrasing of the translation itself aims at that clarity, but we have also added words, phrases, and sentences to the narrative for improved understanding. All such additions are in brackets []. This allows the reader to have the explanatory additions when reading but also insulate these additions from the translated scripture – indeed, with a little effort they can be skipped entirely when reading aloud.
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Color codes for different types of additional material are intended to further aid understanding:
- As in many editions, the words of Jesus are shown in red.
- Words of Father God or the Holy Spirit are shown in blue.
- Green is used for words added to descriptive narrative because they are implied or as commentary to explain the context.
- References to scriptures are shown in orange.
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As in many translations and editions, we have added headings in bold to help understand when a new theme is introduced by the author.
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The author frequently refers to "Christ" or to "Jesus Christ". We have employed the words “the Anointed One” rather than "Christ", since that is the meaning of “Christ”. We wanted to avoid the sense of "Christ" as Jesus’ surname, yet still recognize it as a well-known title.
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We have also added study questions at the end of each chapter to help you think more thoroughly about the meaning and application of the author’s writing.
An example of the use of bold headings, color, and brackets can be seen in the following paragraph taken from Luke 22:
Jesus admission seals his destiny
66 Just after the break of day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the experts in the Law gathered together [for an emergency meeting of the Sanhedrin - the ruling religious council of the Jews in Jerusalem]. They led him into their meeting, 67 and asked him, “Are you [claiming to be] the Anointed One? Tell us!” And Jesus answered, “If I tell you [the truth], you will not believe. 68 If I ask you questions [to prove who I am through the Scriptures], you will not answer. [But I will answer you anyway,] 69 after this time [of my execution and resurrection is completed], the Son of Man shall sit at the right hand of the power of God! [Psalm 110:1].” 70 They replied, “So are you saying that you are the Son of God?” [For only the son of a ruler is appointed to sit at his right hand, representing his power and authority.] And he said to them, “You have said it [correctly]. [That’s who] I am!” [By using the words, “I am” (Exodus 3:14), Jesus was declaring he was God himself, which to them was a terrible affront to God.] 71 And they said, “Why do we need any further witnesses? We have heard him say it [that he is both God and the Anointed One] out of his own mouth!”
We will have succeeded in this translation if you the reader find that you can read this Gospel with greater comprehension and enjoyment than ever before. Please let us know if you find the various supplementary materials helpful. or too distracting, or if you have any other suggestions about how to improve this approach to translation.
Richard Tittle, pneuma9@gmail.com
Luke Chapter 1
Reason for this account
1 Many have already produced their own account of the things that have been fulfilled among us [by Jesus and his followers]. 2 These accounts were based on what was passed on to us by those, who from the beginning, were both eyewitnesses and serious students of the word[, so these are very valuable portrayals of the life of Jesus and the early church]. 3 Likewise, since I have also been carefully investigating all these events, it seemed to me good to write an orderly account for you who are lovers of God, 4 so that you may fully understand and be confident in the things you have been taught. [Here is that account.]
Zachariah and Elizabeth’s story
5 During the time of Herod, the king of Judea, there was a priest named Zachariah, who belonged to the division of the priesthood descended from Abijah. [There were twenty-four divisions of the priesthood defined during the time of David, all of them descendants of Aaron. Each in turn served a week at a time, two weeks total during the year, the order predetermined by lot and recorded in 1 Chronicles 24.] His wife, Elizabeth, was also from a family of priests and was descended from Aaron. 6 They both were in right standing with God, observing without fail all the Lord's commandments and the requirements of the Law. 7 They had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both now advanced in years [so they had little hope their situation would change].
8 Eventually, it was Zachariah's turn to serve as priest before the Lord since his division was on duty. 9 The duties were assigned by lot, so the responsibility came to him to enter the Temple and burn incense. 10 There were many people outside the Temple the same hour he was offering the incense. 11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him on the right side of the incense altar. 12 Zachariah was startled and overcome by fear.
13 The angel said to him, “Don't be afraid - I have come because what you have asked for has been granted. Your wife, Elizabeth, shall give birth to a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 You will be joyful and dance with gladness. And many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of God. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from within his mother's womb. 16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go in advance of the Lord [the Anointed One who is coming], in the same spirit and power as Elijah, causing hearts of fathers to turn once again to laying a foundation for the next generation, and leading those who resist God to hear the wisdom of the righteous, thus preparing a people for their Lord.” [All this refers to the last sentences of the Hebrew scriptures, Malachi 4:5-6.]
18 Zachariah said to the angel, “How can I know for sure this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is also advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, one appointed to serve God in his presence. [How can you doubt me – why would God send a holy messenger to speak to you a lie!] I have been sent to speak to you and proclaim to you this good news. 20 And, see here, you will now be speechless, unable to talk until these things are carried out, because you didn't believe my words, which will soon be fulfilled.” [Apparently, he was also made temporarily deaf as indicated by the need to sign to him in verse 62.]
21 The people outside were expecting Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the Temple. 22 And when he did come out, he couldn't speak to them. They could tell that he had seen a vision because he signaled with his hands but remained mute.
23 Eventually, when his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 Soon after this, his wife Elizabeth conceived, but she remained at home for five months. 25 She declared, “Look what the Lord has done for me. He has paid attention to me [, allowing me to become pregnant,] and removed my disgrace before men!”
Mary’s pregnancy
26 In her sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Be glad, God's favorite one, the Lord is with you.” 29 She was concerned because of what he said, trying to figure out what he could mean by such a greeting.
30 And the angel said to her, “Don't be afraid, Mary. God is happy with you and wants to bless you. 31 This is what is going to happen - you will conceive in your womb, and give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus – ‘God saves’. 32 He will be the greatest of all men and will be called ‘Son of the Most High’, and God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will rule over the house of Jacob [Israel], and his rule will never come to an end.” [2 Samuel 7:12-13] [Though Jesus was recognized by many in his lifetime as a king, he did not then take the throne or rule over the Jewish people, so this speaks of the time of his return.]
34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How is this even possible, since I have not been intimate with any man?” 35 The angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit himself will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will envelop you [and plant the seed of this child within you]. The holy one who will be born will rightly be called ‘Son of God’. [This would fulfill the word of the Lord in Isaiah 7:14.] 36 And look, your cousin Elizabeth, even in her old age, has also conceived a child, and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. 37 No word from God comes without the power to be accomplished!” 38 Mary said, “Look, I am only the Lord's servant. I receive it just as you have said it.” And the angel left her.
39 So within a few days Mary eagerly went off to a town in the hill country of Judah, 40 to the house of Zachariah, and called out a greeting to Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting, the baby in her womb jumped, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Elizabeth cried out in a loud voice [as she greeted her cousin], “Of all women you are blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 How can it be that the mother of my Lord has come to me? 44 For as soon as the sound of your voice reached my ears, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 45 And how blessed is she who believed the things spoken to her by the Lord will be fully accomplished!” [The Holy Spirit revealed to Elizabeth both that Mary was pregnant and who the child was.]
46 And Mary said, “My soul is filled with how great the Lord is, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God who has saved me! 48 He noticed me, his lowly servant, and look, every generation will call me the blessed one! 49 For the Almighty has done great things for me, and his name is holy!”
50 “His mercy is [unbroken] from each generation to the next for everyone who fears him. 51 [By bringing the Anointed One into the world,] he is showing how powerful he is, frustrating the schemes in the hearts of those who are proud. 52 He is pulling down the powerful from their thrones and raising up the lowly instead. 53 He is filling the hungry with good things, and sending away the rich with nothing. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering the mercy he promised when he spoke to our fathers, 55 toward Abraham and all of his descendants forever.” [God promised in Genesis 12:3 that all the earth would be blessed through Abraham, and the coming of Jesus is the primary fulfillment of that blessing.]
Birth of John the Baptist
56 Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and returned to her home. 57 Now it was fully time for Elizabeth to deliver, and she gave birth to a son. 58 The announcement went forth to her neighbors and family how greatly God had blessed them, and they all rejoiced with her.
59 On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the baby and would have named him Zachariah after his father, 60 but Elizabeth spoke up and said, “No, his name is John.” 61 They said to her, “But none of your family has that name,” 62 so they signed to the father, asking him what he would have them name the baby. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet, writing, “His name is John,” and they were all surprised. 64 At that very moment, his mouth and tongue were released [because he now believed and fulfilled the word of the angel that had been spoken to him], and he spoke, praising God. 65 And fear came on all who lived around them, and the news of these events spread through all the hill country of Judea. 66 Thinking about these things, they wondered, “Who will this child turn out to be, for the hand of God is on him?”
67 And Zachariah, his father, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, 68 “Praised be the Lord, the God of Israel, who has come to his people and brought them his deliverance! 69 He is raising up for us a vessel containing our salvation through one to be born in the family of his servant David. 70 It's just as he spoke through the mouths of his holy prophets long ago - 71 he is delivering us from our enemies and from the power of those who hate us! 72 He is accomplishing the mercy promised to our fathers and remembering the holy covenant he made 73 through his oath to our father Abraham. 74 He is delivering us from the hand of our enemies, so that we can serve and worship him without fear, 75 holy and righteous all the years of our lives [Genesis 12:3].
76 “And you, my child, shall be called ‘Prophet of the Most High [God],’ for you shall go in advance of his presence to prepare his pathway [Malachi 4:5-6, Isaiah 40:3-5]. 77 You will give his people the knowledge of salvation by removing their sins. 78 This is the loving kindness of our God, from whom comes a new dawn from the highest place, 79 giving light to those living in darkness and in the shadow of death and guiding our feet into the pathway of peace!”
80 The child grew up and became strong in spirit. He lived in the wilderness right up until the time he first came before Israel.
Discussion questions
1. How do you think John the Baptist knew so well about what would be true about the Anointed One?
2. How would you feel at your church on Sunday if someone acted strange and the pastor cast a demon out of him right in front of you? Should Jesus have done that in a back room or outside?
3. Do you think it was unrealistic for Jesus to think that someone would not tell others about their healing? Can you imagine what it was like for Jesus to travel with people following him everywhere?
Luke Chapter 2
Birth of Jesus
1 Around that time, a command was issued from the ruler, Augustus, that all the Roman Empire should be registered to be taxed. 2 This was the first tax registration, which occurred when Quirinius was governor of the province of Syria. 3 Everyone had to travel to their own home town to be registered. 4 So Joseph also had to go all the way from Nazareth in Galilee to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, because he was from King David's family [and Bethlehem was King David's home town - 1 Samuel 17:12].
[There has been controversy over apparent discrepancies in the timing of Jesus’ birth. Both Matthew and Luke say that Jesus was born when Herod was king, but Herod died in 4 BC, 10 years before Quirinius was governor of Syria. We can trust the Biblical accounts though they may not tell the whole story. Luke undoubtedly interviewed Jesus’ mother Mary. It may be that the meaning of the text is that this tax registration was "before" Quirinius was governor rather than the "first" registration when he was governor.]
5 He was registered along with his espoused wife, Mary, who was pregnant. [“Espoused wife” means Mary and Joseph were wedded but the marriage was not complete. Since Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit, Joseph and Mary by mutual agreement had not consummated their marriage, and until this happened some time after the birth of Jesus, their marriage was technically not considered complete. Probably no one knew this but them.] 6 They were still in Bethlehem when she was ready to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to a son, her first-born, and she wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a feeding stall because there was no place for them in the guest house.
8 There were shepherds who lived in the fields nearby, watching over their flocks during the night. 9 And the angel of the Lord came and stood there, and the glory of the Lord was bright all around them, and they were really frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don't be afraid, because look, I bring you great news for everyone! 11 A deliverer has been born for you this day, who is the Anointed Lord, in the city of David. 12 You can prove this for yourselves, for you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, lying in a feeding stall.”
13 All of a sudden, around the angel appeared a great heavenly army, praising God and saying, 14 “To God be glory in the highest places, and to men, peace and good will!” 15 When the angels had returned into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let's go into Bethlehem and see what's happened that the Lord has just made known to us.” 16 With great enthusiasm, they quickly found Mary and Joseph, and there was the baby, lying in the feeding stall. 17 After they had seen all this, they told everyone what had been told them about this child. 18 Everyone who heard these things was amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured each story and valued them as she thought about what had been said. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for the things they had seen and heard, which were exactly as they had been told.
Simeon and Anna
21 After the eight days passed, it was time for his circumcision, and they named him Jesus, the name the angel had given him even before he was conceived. 22 And when the forty days of her purification were done in conformance with the Law of Moses, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him before the Lord. 23 For it is written in the Law that the Lord requires that every male child that opens the womb [that is, the first-born] be declared holy to the Lord. 24And so they offered the sacrifice specified in the Law, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. [The days of purification after birth are specified in Leviticus 12:1-4, the dedication of the first born is described in Exodus 13:2, and the offering of atonement to restore purity is in Leviticus 12:8.]
25 At that time, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, who lived right and was carefully observant of the Law, and he was expectantly waiting for the one who was coming to comfort Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord's Anointed One. 27 Guided by the Holy Spirit, he entered the Temple, where the parents brought the child to do [the presentation and blessing] what was customary according to the Law. 28 Then he took the child in his arms, thanked God, and said, 29 “Now release your servant to go in peace, for now, 30 just as you said, I have seen with my own eyes the salvation 31 that you have prepared in front of all people, 32 a light to bring revelation to the non-Jews, and the glory of your people Israel.” [Simeon was given prophetic insight that included even that Jesus would bring light to non-Jews but would still belong in a special way to the Jewish people.]
33 Joseph and the mother of the child were amazed at all the things that were spoken about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This child is chosen to bring about the overthrow and the rising again of many in Israel, and he will himself be a sign that is spoken against! 35 And you will suffer a sword piercing through even your own soul so that the conclusions of many hearts may be made clear!” [The persecution and crucifixion of Mary’s son would be the most painful thing a mother could endure, but Jesus’ life and death would be used to test the hearts of countless souls.]
36 And there was also Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was very old. She had lived with her husband for seven years after their marriage [until his death], 37 but since had lived all the way to the age of eighty-four, not departing from the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 And she came at that same hour and praised God and spoke of the child to all who were waiting expectantly for the deliverance of Jerusalem. [During this time of history, many were anticipating the coming of the Anointed One, whom people expected would set Jerusalem free from the Roman occupation.]
39 When Mary and Joseph had performed everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee and their own city of Nazareth. 40 There the child grew up, became strong and healthy, full of wisdom, and the favor of God was on him.
Jesus at the Temple
41 His parents went every year to Jerusalem to the feast of Passover. 42 And when Jesus was twelve years old, they went to the feast as usual, 43 but when the feast was over, and they were on their way home, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem, but Joseph and his mother were unaware. 12 Thinking he was in the group they were traveling with, they journeyed a whole day, but then they looked for him among family and friends. 45 When they didn't find him, they turned back towards Jerusalem, searching carefully for him. 46 After three days, they found him in the Temple, seated among the teachers, both listening and questioning them. 47 And everyone that heard him was astonished at his understanding and his responses.
48 And when they saw him, his parents were shocked, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been out of our minds searching for you!” 49 And he said to them, “Why did you search? Didn't you know I must be at my Father's?” 50 They didn't understand what he meant by what he said to them. 51 He went back with them to Nazareth and was obedient to them, but Mary kept all these stories in her heart. 52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom as he grew up, and he also grew in favor with both God and man.
Discussion questions
1. Can you see the level of research that Luke must have done into Jesus’ life? Who do you think he must have interviewed to get the information he presents in this chapter? Does this information help you, the reader, believe that the basic story must have happened?
2. What are the implications of what Simeon told Mary? What was the “sword” that would pierce her heart?
3. When Jesus said to his parents they should have expected him to be “at his Father’s”, where is he referring to? How do you think Jesus found out about who he was?
Luke Chapter 3
Ministry of John the Baptist
1 It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman Emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod Philip was ruler of Galilee, his brother the ruler of the regions of Iturea and Trachonitis [present day Jordan], and Lysanias the ruler of Abilene [present day western Syria]. 2 Caiaphas and Annas were the high priests of the Jews. At this time, the word of God came to John, son of Zachariah, in the wilderness, 3 and he came into all the country on both sides of the Jordan River, proclaiming that a baptism of repentance was the way out of the bondage of sin.
4 It was just as it was written by Isaiah the prophet [Isaiah 40:3-5], “There is a voice of someone crying in the wilderness, ‘Get the highway ready for the Lord to come, clear the way for him.’ 5 Every valley shall be filled up and every mountain and hill brought low. The crooked shall be made straight, and the uneven shall be made level. 6 And then all flesh will see the deliverance of the Lord.”
7 He said to the crowds of people who came out to be baptized by him, “You children of poisonous snakes! I see you have been warned to escape from God's vengeance that's coming. 8 Bear fruit on your outside that shows you really have changed on the inside. And don't start telling me you are sons of Abraham. God can turn these stones into children of Abraham. 9 For now the axe is already set to the roots of the tree, and every tree that doesn't bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” [God expects his investment in our lives to pay off, but for all who don't respond, they are destined for eternal fire.]
10 The people asked him, “Then what should we do?” 12 John answered them, “Whoever has two coats, let him give one to someone who has none. Likewise, if you have food, share it!” 12 Then two tax collectors came up to be baptized as well, and they said, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 And he replied, “Collect no more than what they owe you.” 14 Some soldiers also questioned him, “What should we do?” He told them, “Stop pushing people around and intimidating them into giving you money. Instead, be satisfied with your pay.”
15 The people were expectantly waiting for the Anointed One to come, and so they were thinking that perhaps John was the one. 16 He answered their question, “I have the assignment to baptize you with water, but there is one coming who has a much greater assignment. In fact, I'm not worthy even to serve him by taking off his shoes. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire! [You will be filled with God and then tested by fire in your lives.] 17 He already has his grain shovel, and he will use it to thoroughly separate the wheat. The grain he shall collect and store in the barn but the worthless part he shall burn with a fire that will never go out. [Those whose lives bear fruit through their belief in God will be preserved for a heavenly eternal life but those who choose to not follow God will end up eternally in a place of flames.]”
Baptism and genealogy of Jesus
21 All the people were being baptized, and when Jesus too was baptized, he prayed, and heaven opened. 22 The Holy Spirit came down on him in a physical form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, “This is my dear son. I am very pleased with him.” [It is normal for a father to bless his son when he embarks on his life's work.] 23 When Jesus started out [in his ministry], he was about thirty years old.
24 Jesus was considered the son of Joseph [though actually his father was God himself], who was the son of Heli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melki, the son of Janna, the son of Joseph, 25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semei, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, 27 the son of Johanan, the son of Resa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Salathiel, the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melki, the son of Addi, the son of Kosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 29 the son of Jesu, the son of Eliezer, the son of Joram, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Matatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nashon, 33 the son of Aminadab, the son of Aram, the son of Esrom, the son of Phares, the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Thara, the son of Nachor, 35 the son of Saruch, the son of Ragou, the son of Phalek, the son of Heber, the son of Salah, 36 the son of Canaan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Malalelel, the son of Canaan, 38 the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
[This genealogy is different from Matthew’s. Matthew appears to present the Jewish legal line of inheritance from the first Jew Abraham forward to Jesus. Luke appears to show the blood relationship through Mary, even though Mary is not mentioned. The point is that the blood relationship can’t be through Joseph because of the virgin birth. Joseph is described as Heli’s son, which makes sense if Heli is Mary’s father and she had no brothers. Joseph would have been adopted as Heli’s heir. Both Joseph and Mary are descended from David, which is one of the prophetic qualifications for the Anointed One.]
Discussion questions
1. John the Baptist was not interested in people’s credentials. He wanted to see if people were living as followers of God. What do you think would happen if John came and preached at your church?
2. Are you surprised that Jesus was as old as thirty when he began his ministry? What do you think he was doing between the age of twelve when he was last mentioned and thirty, when he is baptized by John?
3. Why do you think Luke wanted to trace Jesus’ inheritance all the way back to Adam?
Luke Chapter 4
Temptation of Jesus
1 Then Jesus, full of Holy Spirit, came back from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where he was tested for forty days by the devil. [It is a normal thing to be tested just after being promoted.] He ate nothing for all that time and when the time was over, he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the son of God, tell this rock to become a loaf of bread.” 4 Jesus answered him, “It is written in the scriptures [Deuteronomy 8:3], ‘Man does not live on bread only.’” [This was the test - whether he would use the power available to him to serve himself or God alone.]
5 And the devil took him up to a high place and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single moment, 6 and he said, “I will give you the authority to rule over all this and to receive all these riches, for it has all been turned over to me, and I can give it to anyone I choose. 7 If you will bow down and worship me, I will give you all this.” 8 But Jesus answered him, “It is written in the scriptures [Deuteronomy 6:13], ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” [This was the test - whether he would take a short cut to becoming both king and lord, but his desire was only to honor his Father.]
9 The devil took him to Jerusalem and placed him on a tower of the Temple and said, “If you are the son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written [Psalms 91:11-12], ‘He will give his angels charge over you to guard you 11 and to catch you in their hand to keep you from hitting your foot against a stone.’” [Quoting scripture doesn't necessarily mean it is being used for God's purpose.] 12 And Jesus answered him, “It says in the scripture [Deuteronomy 6:16], ‘Do not test the Lord your God.’” [This was the test – would he feel the need to prove his trust. Jesus trusted his Father to initiate every action in his life.] 13 And when the devil had completed every test, he departed until a more advantageous time [when Jesus would be at his weakest – the night of his agony before his betrayal and execution].
Jesus in Nazareth
14 Jesus returned to Galilee full of the Spirit [having first been filled and then tested], and the stories about him went out into all the surrounding countryside. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being praised by all. 16 Then Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and he entered the synagogue on a Sabbath day just as he usually did, and he stood up to read the scripture. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed over to him. After he unrolled the scroll, he found the place it is written [Isaiah 61:1-2], 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me - in fact, God has poured out his Spirit on me for this purpose - to proclaim good news to the poor, to declare freedom to those who have been taken captive, recovering of sight to the blind, to send away repaired those who have been broken, 19 to declare now is the time of God's favor.” 20 He then rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the synagogue attendant, and sat down to speak [this was the standard way for a rabbi to speak in a synagogue], while everyone's eyes were riveted on him.
21 He began [his message] by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing. [God has poured out his Spirit on me so that I can do the things Isaiah prophesied. And as I do them, I am demonstrating the love that God has for his people.]” 22 And everyone had good things to say about him because they couldn't believe what wonderful words they heard coming out of his mouth. But then they said, “Isn't this Joseph's son? [He's someone we know - he couldn't possibly be the one who fulfills God's promises, could he?]”
23 And he said to them, “I'm sure you would like to quote to me the saying, ‘Doctor, heal yourself!’. [Prove your credentials and] do what we've heard you've done in Capernaum here in your own home region too.” 24 He said, “This is the truth - no prophet is ever accepted in his own region. [But let me tell you, it's always been the case that familiarity breeds contempt.]
25 “Isn't it the truth that there were many widows during the time of Elijah, when in all of Israel the skies were shut up for three and a half years and there was great hunger throughout the land. 26 But Elijah was sent to no one in Israel but instead to a widow in Zarephath, a town in Sidon [Lebanon]. 27 Likewise, there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, but he healed only Naaman, who was Syrian.” [Both these prophets went outside the homeland to demonstrate the kingdom because the people at home, the Jews, rejected both God and his representatives.]
28 Everyone in the synagogue who heard what he said was furious [because of his claims about who he was and because they felt he had insulted them], 29 so they rose and forced him out of the city and up to the crest of the hill on which the city was built, to throw him over the side. 30 But passing right through the midst of them, he went on his way.
Authority over demons and disease
31 And he went from there to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and taught there in the synagogue on the Sabbath days, 32 and they were amazed at his teaching, for he brought his word with authority. [Demons become restless and afraid when God’s word is taught with authority.] 33 In the synagogue there was a man with an unclean spirit [a demon], who cried out with a loud voice, 34 “Leave us alone. We don't want anything to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth. Have you come to destroy us? We know who you are - the Holy One of God!”
35 And Jesus commanded him, “Shut up, and come out of him!” And the demon threw him [the demonized man] down in the middle of the people and went [out of the man], but the man was unhurt. 36 They were all amazed, saying to each other, “We've never seen a sermon like this, for he commands the unclean spirits with authority and power, and they obey him.” 37 And news about him went out everywhere in the surrounding countryside.
38 Leaving the synagogue, Jesus [and his disciples] went to the house of Simon's mother-in-law because she was suffering from a high fever and they had come to him about her. 39 He stood over her and commanded the fever to go, and it left immediately, and she got up and served them.
40 As the sun went down, everyone who had anyone who was sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the son of God.” And cutting them off, he wouldn't allow them to speak, for they knew that he was the Anointed One. [He wanted people to reach this understanding themselves, not through the word of demons. Also, this revelation would bring such crowds that ministry would become more difficult.]
42 The next morning, Jesus went away to a place by himself [to recharge himself and hear from the Father]. The people from the crowds searched for him and came to where he was and tried to hold him back from leaving them. 43 He had told them, “I must go and preach the good news of the kingdom of God to other cities as well, for that is the purpose for which I was sent.” 44 So he continued proclaiming his message in synagogues throughout the Jewish countryside.
Discussion questions
1. Two out of the three temptations had to do with proving Jesus’ identify as God’s son. What is your identity with respect to God? How does the enemy test you to prove it?
2. Jesus makes two scripture references to show that the problem of being rejected in your home region was not unprecedented. Why did this make the people of Nazareth so mad?
3. Do you think any of the people in your church are oppressed by demons? Is the word being preached with such authority that any demons could not stand it?
Luke Chapter 5
Fishers of men
1 One day, Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret [Sea of Galilee], as the crowds pressed in close to hear the word of God. 2 He saw two boats at rest by the lake, and the fishermen were gone from them, washing their nets [nearby]. 3 He boarded one of the boats, which was Simon's [whom Jesus later called Peter] and asked him to pull out a little from the shore, and from there he taught the people.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Pull out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered him, “Teacher, we have worked hard all night and caught nothing. But even so, because you say so, I will lower the nets.” 6 When they did so, they caught a very large number of fish, and their net was at the breaking point. 7 So they signaled to their partners to bring the other boat and join them, and they filled both boats with the fish, to the point they were both sinking.
8 When Simon Peter saw this [miraculous catch], he fell at Jesus' feet and said, “Go away from me, Lord, for [you must be a holy man to do what you just did and] I am a sinful man,” 9 for he was amazed at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were all the others who were with him, including James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with him. And Jesus said to Simon, “Don't be afraid [of what I have just done or of what I’m about to tell you]. From now on, you'll be fishing and catching men!” 11 And when they had brought their boats to shore, they abandoned them there and became his followers.
12 Later, Jesus was in another city where there was a man covered with leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he fell on his face before him, and said, “If you wanted to, you could cleanse me from this.” 13 Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said, “I do want to. Be clean!”, and immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And he instructed the man, “Tell no one what happened, but go and show yourself to the priest, and bring an offering, as Moses commanded [Leviticus 14], as a proof to the people.”
[This would be a proof that the man was indeed free of leprosy, but also proof that Jesus was the Anointed One, since no one had ever healed leprosy, and this was known as one of the signs that the Anointed One had come.] 15 But despite that [the instruction to remain silent, the man told others about what Jesus had done for him, and] the word about him circulated even more, so that great crowds came to hear him and to be healed. 16 And he went off by himself into the wilderness and prayed.
Healing and forgiveness
17 Another day, Jesus was teaching, and there were Pharisees and interpreters of the Law sitting there from towns all over Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem, and the power of God was with him for healing. [According to Mark 2:1, this was the same house he had healed Peter’s mother-in-law and others, referred to simply as “the house”.] 18 Some men carried a man who was paralyzed and laying on a mat and looked for how to lay him down before Jesus. 19 They could find no way to bring him in to Jesus through the crowd, so they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the roof tiles, in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus. 20 Seeing their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” [This was the opposite of Nazareth. Because someone had faith, Jesus could work powerfully. This man's illness was rooted in his sins and guilt, so being forgiven was his first step of healing.]
21 The scribes and the Pharisees began to question this, saying, “He has no right to say such things. God alone can forgive sins.” 22 But perceiving their reasoning, Jesus answered them, “Why are you even questioning this in your hearts? 23 Would you agree that forgiving a man is no more difficult than healing a man? 24 Then I will prove to you the Son of Man does have authority on the earth even to forgive sins.” [He was sent from heaven with the authority of God, but emptied himself to walk as only a man, and went about setting new precedents for what Holy Spirit-enabled men have the authority to do.] He turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” 25 Immediately, he got up, picked up the mat he had been laying on, and left for his own house, praising God as he went. 26 Everyone was struck with amazement and awe, saying, “Today we have seen things we have never seen before!”
Call to save sinners
27 After Jesus left that place, he noticed a tax collector named Levi [also called Matthew] sitting at his collection booth, and said to him, “Follow me [and be my disciple].” 28 And, leaving everything behind, Levi got up and followed him. 29 And Levi held a great banquet in his honor, inviting a large group of tax collectors and many others to sit down at the table with them. 30 But the Pharisees and teachers of the Law grumbled to his disciples, “Why are you eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 But Jesus himself responded, saying, “It's not those in good health that need a doctor, but rather those who are sick. 32 My call is not to the righteous, but it is to bring sinners to change their minds [and live a life pleasing to God].”
33 But the Pharisees and teachers of the Law said to him, “Why do John's disciples frequently fast and pray, and so do the Pharisees' disciples, but yours just eat and drink?” 34 And Jesus said to them, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is still with them? [I am the Anointed One who comes as a bridegroom in the marriage of God's people to their God, and every day with me is a celebration. Furthermore, walking with me will make them close to God.] 35 But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and in those days they indeed will fast.” [Jesus is specifically talking about the days between his death and when he appeared to them in his resurrected body.]
New ways of doing things
36 And he gave them these illustrations, “You don't patch a piece of new fabric on an old article of clothing, because [over time the new cloth will shrink with washing and] now you have a hole in the mended clothing, and the patch of new cloth doesn't even match the old. 37 Likewise, you don't put new [fermenting] wine into old wineskins, because [fermentation makes the wine expand and] the wineskins will burst, the wine will be lost, and the wineskins ruined. 38 Instead, pour new wine into new wineskins [which can stretch as the wine ferments]. 39 And if you are used to drinking the old wine you don't want the new; instead, you'll say, ‘The old wine tastes fine.’[What I am teaching and demonstrating is new so don't expect to handle it the same way as the old doctrine you have learned. In fact, most of you are so used to the old doctrine, you will not be interested in the new.]”
Discussion questions
1. If a new friend came to your place of work and miraculously showed you how to do what you normally do much better than you’d ever done it, would you be inclined to quit your job and follow him, as Peter followed Jesus?
2. Jesus shows that sin has a connection to sickness. What is it Jesus did that helped sinners get well?
3. How would you characterize how kingdom life was different with Jesus from the religious life that had been practiced before? How do you think life is to be lived in the age of the Holy Spirit?
Luke Chapter 6
Lord of the Sabbath
1 On a Sabbath day, Jesus was walking through a grain field, and his disciples were plucking the heads of grain, rubbing off the husks in their hands, and eating the grain. 2 And some Pharisees said, “Why do you thresh wheat, which is not allowed on the Sabbath?” 3 And Jesus answered them, “Haven't you read what David did when he and those with him were famished? 4 How he accepted the bread in the Temple set aside to God and ate it and gave it to those with him, even though according to the Law only the priests can eat it.”
[Leviticus 22 explains that only the priestly family was allowed to eat the showbread, and 1 Samuel 21 describes the story of when David talked the priest into allowing him and his men to eat the holy bread. Jesus’ point is that the Pharisee’s had no problem with King David giving precedence to preservation of life over the keeping of the Law.] 5 And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord over the Sabbath. [In God's kingdom, the needs of men are more important than the keeping of rules. And I am the one with authority to define for you how the Sabbath is to be utilized.]”
6 On another Sabbath day, Jesus entered a synagogue to teach, and there was a man there whose right hand was paralyzed. 7 The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees were keeping a close watch on him to see if he would heal on the Sabbath, so they might have a basis for accusation against him [since the Law says not to work on the Sabbath, and by their interpretation, healing was work].
8 Knowing what they were thinking, he said to the man with the paralyzed hand, “Come over and stand in front of everyone,” and the man got up and came in front of them. 9 And Jesus said to those gathered, “Let me ask you something. What does the Law allow on Sabbath days? Doing good? Or doing evil? Saving lives? Or destroying?” 10 And looking around at them all, he said, “Man, stretch out your hand,” and he did stretch it out, and it was completely restored. 11 This filled the scribes and Pharisees with insane anger, and they plotted with one another what they should do about Jesus.
Appointing the twelve
12 Around that time, Jesus went away to a mountain to pray, and stayed there praying all night. 13 The next day he called to himself all his followers and chose out of them twelve whom he named as apostles [which means “sent out ones” since they would be sent out to represent him] - 14 Simon (whom he also called Peter), Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15 Matthew and Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot who became his betrayer.
17 And he came down from the mountain and stood in a large level area with his many followers and a great crowd of people from all over Judea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, 18 who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were harassed by unclean spirits were cured. 19 And everyone in the crowd tried to touch him because power was coming out from him there and healed them all. [The more he healed, the greater the people’s faith, but the greater their faith, the greater they drew out his power to heal.]
Reversals of fortune
20 And he lifted up his eyes to all his followers and [began to explain how the kingdom of God is so different from the world,] saying, “Be happy if you are poor, for you get the kingdom of God [and you will be poor no longer]. 21 Be happy if you are hungry now, for you will be filled. Be happy if you are weeping now, for you will laugh. 22 Be happy when men hate you, reject you, kick you out of their synagogues, and even make your name a curse because you are loyal to the Son of Man. 23 Be joyful when that happens - even jump for joy - for you have gained a great reward in heaven. This is exactly how their ancestors treated the prophets.
24 “Be sad if you are rich, for you have received all the comfort you will get. 25 Be sad if you are full, for you will be hungry. Be sad if you are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. 26 Be sad if all men speak well of you, for that's the same way their ancestors treated the false prophets.
How to treat others
27 “But to all of you who can hear me, I tell you, love those who oppose you. 28 Do good towards those who can't stand you. Say good things about those who are saying bad things about you and pray for those who falsely accuse you. 29 And if someone strikes you on the one cheek, [don't hit him back and make it into a fight. Instead, let him see his own anger,] offer him the other one as well. If someone takes your cloak [without asking], don't hold back from letting them have your coat as well. 30 If someone is asking you for something, give, but if someone takes what belongs to you, don't ask for it back. 31 However you would like to be treated, that's how you should treat others!
32 “If you love those who love you, why should you receive any reward, since even sinners love those who love them? 33 Likewise, if you treat well those who treat you well, why should you be rewarded, since even sinners do that? 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope also to receive, why should you be rewarded, since even sinners lend, hoping to receive just as much in return?
35 “But love your enemies and treat them well, lend without expecting anything back, and you will be paid well in return, and you will be children of the Most High, for he is kind to even those who are unthankful or evil. 36 Treat people with kindness even if you think they don't deserve it, for that's the way your Father treats you!
37 “Don't look for fault in others and fault won't be found in you. Don't pass judgment that someone else is guilty, or you will have judgment passed on you as well. Instead, pardon others, and you will be pardoned too. 38 Become a giver, and what you give will be given back to you, but in greater measure than you expect, as though it had been pressed down [to make more fit], shaken [to make sure it settled], and poured in over the top, into your lap, by others. The same measuring stick you use to measure out what you give will determine the measure of what you receive.”
39 And he spoke this example to them, “Can a blind person lead another blind person? Won't both end up in a ditch? 40 Well, a disciple is not better than his teacher. In fact, when he is fully taught, he will be just like his teacher. [Don't try to teach someone else how to act when your own standards are questionable.]”
41 “And how can you notice a speck in your brother's eye without being aware of the huge beam that is your own? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you have that beam in your own? Hypocrite! First, take out the beam from your eye, so you can see well enough to take the speck out of your brother's eye!
43 “For [you wouldn't say] a tree is good that produces bad fruit; nor [would you say] a tree is bad that produces good fruit. 44 In fact, the type of every tree is recognized by the fruit it produces. For example, you don't collect figs from a thorn tree, and you don't collect grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A man is good if he brings forth good things out of the storehouse of good things that are in his heart. Likewise, a man is bad if he brings forth bad things out of the storehouse of bad things that are in his heart. For it is from the overflow of the heart that a person's mouth speaks.
Building on a firm foundation
46 “I am telling you all these things, but why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ [as if you were obedient,] and then you don't follow the things that I say. 47 If someone comes to me, hears the things I am saying, and follows through on them, let me tell you what he is like. 48 He is like a man who was building a house. He dug deep so that he could put the foundation of the house on rock. When floods came, and the waters hit that house, it wasn't shaken loose, because of how well built it was. 49 But the one who hears me but doesn't do what I am saying is like a man who built his house on a foundation of earth alone, and when the floods came, his house was destroyed, and he suffered tremendous loss."
Discussion questions
1. How do you think Jesus would like to see the Sabbath used, based on his argument with the Pharisees and the interpreters of the Law?
2. When Jesus says to be happy if your life has difficulties now, because there is a future where it will be the opposite, do you think he is talking about a future on the earth, or in heaven?
3. How can you change and become generous in terms of kindness, thoughtfulness, forgiveness? Why does Jesus say that changing and doing these things will be like building your house on a rock?
Luke Chapter 7
Faith of the centurion
1 When Jesus had finished with his teaching that the people heard, he entered Capernaum. 2 There was a centurion there who had a servant whom he cared about who was sick and near to death. 3 And when the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent the elders of the Jews to ask Jesus to come and heal his servant. 4 When they arrived, they urged Jesus, saying, “This man is worthy of your doing this, 5 for he loves our people and has even built for us a synagogue.”
5 So Jesus traveled with them, and was not far from the place, when the friends sent by the centurion came to him, saying on his behalf, “Lord, don't make any further trouble for yourself, [since Jewish ceremonial law added to the Old Testament made it unlawful for a Jew to visit a non-Jew (example Acts 10:28)] for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. 7 For the same reason, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you in person, but only speak one word, and my servant will be healed. 8 I too am a man appointed to authority, for I have soldiers who report to me, and I tell this one, go, and he goes, and that one come, and he comes, and to my servant, do that, and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard what the centurion said, he was amazed, and turned to those who were with him and said, “I have not heard faith as great as this in Israel!” 10 And when the friends returned to the house from which they were sent, they found the servant restored to health.
Stopping a Funeral
11 The day after, Jesus went to a city called Nain [a town in Galilee not far from Nazareth], and many of his followers and quite a few of the crowd went with him. 12 As Jesus approached the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out. He was the only son of a widow woman, and many of the people from the city were with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he felt deep compassion and said to her, “Don't weep!” 14 And he came and put his hand on the coffin stand so that the bearers stopped, and he said, “Young man, wake up!” 15 The one who had been dead sat up and began to talk. Thus, Jesus gave him back to his mother. 16 A great fear came on all of them, and they praised God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us. God has come to visit his people.” 17 And this word traveled all around Judea and the surrounding region.
Proof that Jesus is the one
18 John the Baptist's disciples brought the news to John about all these things. 19 John called two of his disciples to himself, and sent them off to Jesus, asking him, “Are you the ‘one to come’ [the Anointed One] or is there still another we are waiting for?” 20 When the men came to Jesus, they told him exactly what John the Baptist had sent them to ask, “Are you the ‘one to come’ or is there still another we are waiting for?”
21 While they were there, Jesus healed many who were sick and suffering as well as those afflicted by evil spirits, and he restored the sight to many who were blind. 22 Then Jesus said to those who came from John, “Go back and tell John what you have seen and heard - the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor [just as Isaiah predicted concerning the Anointed One in Isaiah 61:1]. 23 And blessed is the man who does not fail to recognize me!”
24 When John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? Only a [natural wonder like a] reed shaking in the wind? 25 What did you really go out to see? A man wearing soft robes? Men that look great and live in luxury are found in kings' palaces. 26 Then what did you really go out to see? A prophet, I tell you! And he was more than a prophet, 27 he was the one who fulfilled the scripture [in Isaiah 40:3], ‘See the one who comes before your appearing, who shall prepare the way before you.’ 28 I tell you, of those born of women [the whole human race], no one has lived who is greater than John the Baptist. Yet despite how great he is, the least regarded person in the kingdom of God [anyone has become my disciples and is doing the Isaiah 61 kingdom ministry] is greater than John.”
29 The common people who heard him, including even tax collectors, showed they believed the righteousness of God [that John presented] by being baptized with his baptism. 30 But the Pharisees and experts in the Law rejected God's counsel about themselves and were not baptized.
Forgiveness and love
31 [Jesus described how the Jewish leaders avoided responding to God’s invitation,] “The men of this generation - to whom shall I compare them? 32 They are like children in a public place, sitting around and challenging one another, ‘Hey, I played happy music, but you wouldn't dance. Then I sang sad music, but you wouldn't mourn.’ [It's impossible to please you!] 33 John the Baptist came but didn't eat bread or drink strong drink, and you say he must have a demon. 34 The Son of Man comes both eating and drinking [with the common people], and you say, ‘Look, a man who is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ 35 But wisdom is proven by all her children.” [Jesus and John were quite different from one another, yet both had wisdom that came from God.]
36 One of the Pharisees invited him to eat, so Jesus came, entered the Pharisee's house, and reclined for the meal. 37 There was a woman of that city who, when she found out that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment. 38 Positioned behind Jesus, at his feet, she wept, and washed his feet with her tears, wiped them dry with her hair, and then kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now, when the Pharisee who had invited him witnessed this, he said to himself, “If this man were truly a prophet, he would have known who this woman is and what kind of person, since she is a sinner who has touched him [and made him unclean].”
[Each of the gospel writers tells a story of Jesus being anointed by a woman – in Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, Luke 7:35-50, John 12:1-8. Only Matthew and Mark’s stories are almost exactly the same. All of the stories have elements in common as well as differences. Matthew, Mark, and John all take place in Bethany, and in all there is anger at the waste of the valuable ointment. Luke’s story is implied to be in Galilee and focuses on the “woman of sin”. In Matthew and Mark, Jesus’ head is anointed. In Luke and John, Jesus’ feet are anointed. John is clear that it is Mary the sister of Lazarus who does the anointing. It seems most likely that Luke is recounting one story concerning the love and forgiveness of a formerly sinful woman, and the others Gospel writers are telling a second story about anointing Jesus for his soon coming burial. Perhaps Simon the Leper hosted the party in Bethany for Lazarus and Jesus. However, Simon was the name of the host in Luke's story as well. Perhaps Mary anointed both Jesus’ head and feet, and each writer recorded a different memory of the occasion.]
40 And Jesus, answering [this unspoken question], said, “Simon, I have something to say to you,” and Simon replied, “Teacher, go ahead and speak.” 41 [Jesus said,] “Once there were two men who owed money to the same lender. One owed five hundred denarii and the other owed fifty denarii. 42 When neither one of them could pay him, he graciously forgave their debt. Which one do you suppose will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one who was forgiven more.” Jesus said, “You have judged correctly.”
44 Turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, Jesus said, “Do you see this woman? You provided no water to wash my feet when I came to your house, but this woman has washed my feet with her tears and then dried them with her hair. 45 You never greeted me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You didn't anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 I tell you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, and so she loves much, but he who has been forgiven little, loves little.”
48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 And those that sat at the meal with him began to say to themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 Jesus then said to the woman, “Your faith has made you whole. [Wholeness means an absence of sin and guilt as well as no sickness.] Go in peace.”
Discussion questions
1. The centurion with the sick servant has confidence in Jesus’ authority. But, generally the authority of men is carried out by someone going and carrying out orders. How does Jesus’ authority work at a distance? Furthermore, where does Jesus even say the word to heal the servant?
2. Why do you think Jesus saw John the Baptist, who did no miracles, as greater than Moses and Elijah and the other prophets? Why does he say that any of us in the kingdom of God (those who follow Jesus as Lord and do his ministry) are greater than even John the Baptist? Do you believe that?
3. Why did Jesus imply the woman who anointed his feet already had been forgiven much, but then Jesus told her, “Your sins are forgiven”? What do you think kept Simon from also having his sins forgiven?
Luke Chapter 8
Jesus’ traveling band
1 Afterwards, Jesus traveled to each city and town, where he proclaimed and demonstrated the good news of the kingdom. The twelve were with him, 2 and certain women who had been healed from evil spirits and physical infirmities, including Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had been cast out, 3 Joanna who was the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, and many others, who ministered to him out of what they owned.
Story of the sower
4 And when a large crowd had gathered together of people from every city and town, Jesus spoke to them through this story. 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed, and as he spread it, some fell to the side of the field, on the path, where it was trampled, and birds came and ate it. 6 And some seed fell where there were rocks, and when it sprouted, it quickly dried up, because it lacked moisture. 7 And some seed fell among thorns, and they grew together, but the thorns choked the seedlings. 8 And some seed fell in good soil, where it grew and produced a hundred times as much fruit as seed.” When he finished saying these things, he cried out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” [This was a deliverance declaration that Jesus often made to clear people’s ability to hear and understand.]
9 And his disciples asked him, “What is this story about?” 10 He replied, “To you [who are eagerly seeking him,] God has granted that you should understand the mysteries of the kingdom, but to the others only stories, so that [as Isaiah 6:9 tells us] 'seeing, they may not see, and hearing they may not hear' [there is a veil over the truth that they will only remove if they are truly seeking]."
11 “Now, here is the [key to the] story. The seed is the word of God. 12 Those on the path by the side of the field are the ones who hear the word and the devil comes and snatches the word from their hearts to keep them from believing and being made whole. 13 Those among the rocks are the ones who hear the word and receive it joyfully, but they have no roots, so for a while they believe, but when temptation comes, they fall away. 14 Those among the thorns are the ones who hear the word but go forth with cares, and riches, and pleasures of this world, which suffocate the life from them, and no fruit is brought forth to completion. 15 But those in the good soil are the ones with good and caring hearts, who when they hear the word, are careful to follow it, and patiently endure until they bring forth much fruit.
16 “No one lights a candle and then hides it under a basket or puts it under their bed, but instead they place it on a candlestick, so that whoever comes in can see by the light. [Once you do understand the truth, don't keep it to yourself, but live in a way that demonstrates that truth to everyone.] 17 For there is nothing secret that shall not be revealed, nothing hidden that shall not become visible and come completely out into the open. [If you keep seeking, every mystery will be revealed to you, and eventually it will be fully clear to you.] 18 Watch how you hear, for notice that more is given to those who already have, and to those who have little, even what they do have will be removed. [However, the way you personally listen and put into practice, building on what you have already understood, will determine whether you add to that truth, or forget the little you thought you understood.]”
19 Then his family tried to come to him but could not get to him because of the crowd of people. 20 And someone told him his mother and family were waiting for him beyond the crowd, wanting to see him. 21 And he replied, “My mother and family are those which hear the word of God and then do it! [I am more closely related to those hungry for following God than I am those to whom I am related only by blood.]”
Deliverance of the demoniac
22 On another day, Jesus boarded one of the boats with his disciples and he said to them, “Let's cross over to the other side”, and so they launched forth. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep, but then a storm with great wind came upon them, and the boat was nearly swamped, and they were in danger. 24 So they came to him and woke him, saying, “Master, we are all going to be destroyed.” He rose and spoke sharply a commandment to the wind and the waves, and they ceased, and it was calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith [and why didn't you exercise it]?” They were all afraid and amazed, saying, “What kind of man is this, who commands even the wind and the waves, and they obey him?”
26 They arrived at the territory of the Gerasenes which was across the Sea of Galilee [on the eastern shore]. 27 When Jesus went forth on the land, he encountered a man there from the town who had demons [that controlled him], and who for a long time had been naked and homeless, living among the tombs. 28 When the man saw Jesus, he came and prostrated himself before him, crying out with a loud voice, “What are you going to do with me, Jesus, son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!”, 29 for Jesus had already commanded the spirit to come out of the man. Often, others had caught the man and put him in chains and shackles, but he had broken his bonds, and the demon had driven him away from everyone.
30 And Jesus asked him [the demon controlling the man], “What is your name?” And the man said, “Legion,” for he had many demons inside of him. [The one of them who spoke through the man was the controlling demon.] 31 And the demons kept begging Jesus to not command them into the bottomless pit [the ultimate destination for demons at the end of time]. 32 There was a herd of many pigs feeding on the hillside nearby, and the demons begged him to permit them to enter them, and he gave them permission. 33 Then the demons all left the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd ran down the slope into the lake and drowned. [These demons' nature was to bring destruction - though the man probably became inhabited by demons through idol worship. He had been strong enough to resist killing himself even though he was otherwise controlled by them.]
34 Those who tended the pigs saw what had happened and ran away, telling what they had seen both in the city and the surrounding countryside. 35 Some who heard came to find out what had happened, so they came to Jesus, and found the man who had been delivered from the demons sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid [for they wondered what power could accomplish this].
36 Those who had seen what happened explained the method by which Jesus had delivered the man from the demons [by casting them into the pigs]. 37 Then all the people from the land of the Gerasenes were taken with great fear and asked him to leave their territory, so he got into the boat to leave. 38 The man from whom Jesus had delivered the demons asked if he could come with him, but Jesus sent him back instead, telling him, 39 “Return to your home and tell others what great things God has done for you.” And the man did what he was told, going throughout the city, declaring to everyone what great things Jesus had done for him.
40 When Jesus returned to the other side of the lake, the people were happy to see him for they had eagerly anticipated his return. 41 A man named Jairus came to him, one of the leaders of the synagogue, and he fell at Jesus' feet, urging him to come to his house, 42 for his only daughter, about twelve years old, lay dying.
Woman healed of flow of blood
43 But as they went, many people crowded around him. And there was a woman, who had a flow of blood for the last twelve years, and had spent her life savings on doctors, but none had been able to heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the tassel of his cloak [, believing that just touching his clothing could heal her,] and immediately the flow of blood dried up.
45 And Jesus immediately said, “Who touched me?” Peter replied, “Teacher, the crowd is all around you and right up against you as we walk.” 46 And Jesus said, “I know someone touched me, because I felt power go out of me.” 47 And when the woman saw that she had been discovered, she came trembling and bowed down before him, and she confessed before all the people the reason she had touched him and how she had been healed. [Leviticus 15:25-27 says that her flow of blood would cause Jesus to be unclean.] 48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your believing has made you well. Go in peace”[, releasing her from any guilt for touching him and commending her for her faith].
Raising Jairus’ daughter
49 While he was still speaking, someone came from the synagogue leader's house and said, “Your daughter is dead. No need to trouble the master any further. [There's nothing he can do now.]” 50 When Jesus heard that, he responded, “Don't be afraid. Just believe, and your daughter will be made well.” 51 When he came into the house, he didn't allow anyone else to go in, except for Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl.
52 And all [the others that were there] were weeping and beating themselves with grief for her. But Jesus said to them, “She isn't dead, but has only fallen asleep. [I can easily wake her up.]” 53 And they ridiculed him, knowing that she had died. 54 And he took the girl by the hand and said to her, “Child, wake up!” 55 Her spirit returned to her body and she immediately got up, and he gave the order for them to give her some food. 56 Her parents were amazed, but he told them all emphatically that no one should talk about what had happened. [He didn't want additional publicity at the time.]
Discussion questions
1. Does it surprise you that Jesus traveled with women among his followers? Do you think that would have caused any problems? Why do you suppose that none of these were counted among the twelve that became apostles?
2. When you learn new truth from God’s word, how can you make sure that you remember it and incorporate it into your life?
3. Why do you think Jesus needed to send the demons into the pigs? What affect do you think Jesus had in the region on the other side of the lake by delivering the demons out of the man?
Luke Chapter 9
Sending out the twelve
1 [It was now time to get the disciples doing the ministry of Jesus,] so Jesus called his disciples together and imparted to them both power and authority over demons and to cure illnesses. [Jesus had already demonstrated what is available and how to access the gifts of the kingdom. Now he authorizes the disciples to access and flow in those gifts while he is present. He then releases the disciples to walk in those gifts independently without him present.] 2 And he sent them out to announce the kingdom of God [God's rule as demonstrated by his ambassadors] and to heal those who were sick. [Under God's rule people get well rather than continuing to suffer].
3 And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey - no walking stick, no traveling bag, no food, no money, not even an extra shirt. [I want you dependent on God's provision which aids your faith.] 4 Whatever house [you are invited into and] enter, remain there [until it is time to leave that town]. 5 If no one welcomes you in a city, when you leave, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them [for the people are disobeying my command to show hospitality to strangers and they are rejecting my rule].” 6 So they left and went through all the towns, preaching and healing people everywhere.
7 Now Herod heard about all that was being accomplished [through Jesus and his disciples], but he was in confusion because some had told him that this was John the Baptist raised from the dead, 8 and some had said that Elijah had appeared, and others said that some other of the prophets of old had returned. 9 And Herod said, “I beheaded John, but who is this that I am hearing so much about,” and he wanted to see who it was in person. [He finally got the opportunity just before Jesus’ crucifixion in Luke 23:9.]
10 And when the ‘sent out ones’ returned, they told Jesus everything they had done, so he took them away by themselves to near the town of Bethsaida. 11 The people, when they heard that Jesus had left, followed him, and he made himself available to them, and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and those who needed healing, he healed.
Feeding the five thousand
12 As it got late in the day, the twelve came to Jesus and said, “It's time to dismiss the crowds, so they can go into the surrounding towns and countryside, find a place to stay, and look for some food to eat, since we are in such a remote location.” 13 But Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” They replied, “All we have is five loaves and two fish, unless you want us to go into town and buy food for all these people,” 14 for there were about five thousand, counting the men only. And he told them, “Have them sit down in groups of around fifty”, 15 and they did so, getting all the people to sit down.
16 Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish, looking up to heaven, Jesus blessed the food, and then broke it into pieces, and gave it to the disciples to distribute to the people. [The food was multiplied as it was distributed.] 17 They ate, and everyone had enough, and the leftovers were collected and filled twelve wicker baskets.
Who Jesus is
18 After this, he was praying one day, alone with his disciples, when he asked them this question: “What are the people saying about who I am?” 19 They answered him, “Some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, but others say one of the prophets of old has risen again.” 20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Anointed One of God.” 21 And he commanded them in no uncertain terms that no one was to speak about this, 22 for he said, “[What Peter said is the truth, and you may think it's glorious, but here is the other side of it.] The Son of Man must suffer many things, be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, be killed, and the third day be raised.”
23 And he said to all of them, “Anyone who really wants to come with me must say no to preserving your own life. Each day pick up and carry your cross [never holding back but being willing to suffer and die], and then follow me [wherever I take you]. 24 For whoever tries to save his own life [by denying who I am or by pursuing your own desires instead of mine] will lose it [for eternity], but whoever gives up his own life [to follow me as his Lord no matter what the cost] will gain his life [eternally].
25 “What have you achieved if you manage to preserve your life [and keep your possessions and achievements], but lose or damage your soul [in the process]? 26 For if anyone is ashamed of me and of the words I have spoken [to the point that you would deny your association with me to preserve yourself], I will be ashamed of him [and deny him] when I return in my own glory and with the glory of my Father and of the holy angels. 27 To tell you the truth, there are some of you standing here right now who will not taste death before you see the kingdom of God [including my glory].”
The Transfiguration
28 About eight days after he said these things, he took Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray [and to see his glory]. 29 And as he prayed, the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothing became gleaming white. 30 And there were two men talking there with him - Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory, and they were talking with him about his departure [from the world] which he would accomplish in Jerusalem.
32 But Peter and the others with him were heavy with sleep [due to the weight of the glory of God's presence]. When they became fully aware, they saw the glory of Jesus and the two others standing with him. 33 When the two had departed, Peter said, “Teacher, it is good we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah,” but he had no idea what he was saying. [He just wanted to remain in the glory.] 34 Even while he was speaking, a cloud came over them, and they were fearful as it enveloped them. 35 And a voice came from within the cloud, “This is my son, the chosen one. Listen to him.” 36 And after the voice spoke, they saw that Jesus was now by himself. Later, they kept silent during those days and told no one what they had seen.
Deliverance of a boy
37 The day after they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met up with Jesus. 38 Then a man from the crowd called out to him, “Teacher, would you have a look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 See, a spirit grabs hold of him and he suddenly cries out, then he falls into a fit until his mouth foams. It's tearing him to pieces and hardly ever leaves him alone. 40 I asked your disciples to drive it out of him but they could not.”
41 Jesus answered, “What an unbelieving and perverted [thinking] generation this is. How long will I be with you and put up with you? [I have shown you how to heal and deliver people from evil spirits and given you the authority, and yet you still lack the faith, and we are running out of time.] Bring the boy to me.” 42 As they were bringing the boy to him, the spirit threw the boy down. Jesus spoke sharply to the spirit[, which departed] and thus cured the boy, restoring him to his father.
43 And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But even as they were exclaiming in amazement about all the things that Jesus did, Jesus was saying to his disciples, 44 “Let what I am about to say sink in - the Son of man will be given up into the hands of men. [Men may be excited now but later they will crucify me.]” 45 But they didn't understand what he said, as though it were hidden from them. They didn't get it and they were afraid to ask him about it.
Attitudes Jesus expects towards others
[Excited about how successful Jesus' ministry had become and what that would mean for their own status,] 46 the disciples began to think about which one of them was the greatest among the disciples. 47 Jesus, knowing what they were thinking about, brought a little child next to him, 48 and said, “Anyone who accepts this child as important for my sake, is accepting me, and if you are accepting me, you are accepting the one who sent me. For the one who is smallest is the most important among you. [This is the attitude I want you to have.]”
49 And John[, thinking about who was truly acceptable,] answered him, saying, “Jesus, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, but we told him to stop, because he wasn't a disciple [of yours] like we are.” 50 But Jesus responded, “Don't forbid him. Anyone who is not against us is on the same side we are. [Ministry is not an exclusive club.]”
51 As the time drew yet closer for Jesus to be taken up to heaven, he set his face firmly towards Jerusalem. 52 And Jesus sent some of the apostles before him, and they went into a Samaritan village to prepare the way for him. 53 But the Samaritans did not receive him, because he was so firmly set to go to Jerusalem. [Samaritans saw Jerusalem as the capital of the Jews, who oppress and reject Samaritans, so they rejected him before he could reject them.] 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked him, “Do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and destroy them?” 55 But Jesus turned and scolded them [for their lack of forgiveness]. 56 So they went to a different village.
57 As they were going along the way, one man said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 But Jesus said to him, “Foxes have dens and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has no home to lay his head.” 59 To another man, Jesus said, “Follow me", but the man said, “Lord, allow me first to go bury my father.” 60 Jesus replied, “Let those who are dead bury the dead. You go and proclaim the good news of the kingdom.” [If the father had already died, the man would be grieving him at home, so he probably had not yet died. To those who hesitate to follow there is always a reason to wait.] 61 Another said to him, “I will follow you, but let me go back and say good-bye to those at my house.” 62 And Jesus said to him, “No man having put his hand on the plough, if he turns back and looks behind, is ready for the kingdom of God.”
Discussion questions
1. Before Jesus sent out the twelve, he gave them both authority and power. What does that tell you about Jesus’ authority and power that he could give them to someone else? Does he do this for all Christians?
2. The disciples had trouble accepting that Jesus would have to be abused and die if he was the Anointed One. How do you think they responded to Jesus saying that they would have to be willing to do the same? How do you respond to that message?
3. There were many things Jesus told the disciples and others not to talk about while he was alive. Why? Is there anything we can’t say about him anymore?
4. Do you think the disciples liked being part of an inner circle? Is Jesus interested in a hierarchy? Or does he want all things available to all people?
Luke Chapter 10
Sending the seventy
1 After this[, some fell away, but there were many others who wanted to live the Jesus style of life as powerful followers of God.] Jesus chose seventy others and sent them two by two to every town and location where he intended to go. 2 Jesus said to them, “Truly, the harvest [before us] is great, and the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest to cause workers for the harvest to be [captivated by your ministry and] sent forth into the fields. 3 [As you carry out your assignments, I want you to] go as though you are lambs among wolves. [Be innocent yet careful.] 4 Carry no wallet, nor backpack, nor extra shoes. And don't greet anyone on the road. [Don’t be distracted from your purpose.]
5 “And whatever house you enter, speak, ‘Peace to this house,’ 6 and if there is a man of peace, your peace will rest on him, but if not, the peace will return to you. [This will be the test of whether you are to stay - when you offer peace, there will be a power that goes forth, and you will be able to tell whether it was received or not. If you have found a house of peace,] 7 remain there, and eat and drink whatever they give you, for the worker is worthy of their pay. Don't go from house to house.
8 “Whatever town you enter and they receive you, eat whatever they put before you, 9 heal the sick who are there, and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come to you.’ [This is the way God rules - he brings fullness of life to his people.] 10 But whatever town you enter and they don't receive you, go into the streets of that city, and say, 11 ‘Even the dust that clings to our feet from your city we wipe off as a witness against you, for the kingdom of God has come to you [and you would not have it].’ 12 I tell you, it will be better for Sodom on the Day of Judgment than it will be for that town [because while Sodom rejected angels posing as men, this town has rejected God himself].
13 “How terrible for you, Chorazin [a city on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee]! How terrible for you, Bethsaida! If the mighty works which were accomplished in you had been done in the cities of Tyre and Sidon [outside of Israel, in Lebanon], they would long since have repented and shown it by sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 And it will go easier for them on the Day of Judgment than it will for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, have been lifted to heaven [by what God has done within your walls], but you shall be brought down to hell [because you have not turned your hearts to me when I have shown you such love]. 16 [Disciples,] whoever listens to you has listened to me. Whoever rejects you has rejected me, and if they have rejected me, they have also rejected the one who sent me.”
17 [Thirty-five pairs of disciples went out and each ministered in various locations, and then] the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we used your name!” 18 Jesus replied, “As I was watching [in the spirit], I saw that Satan was falling [from his position of authority over this region] like lightning from the sky. 19 [When I sent you out,] I gave you authority over snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and so he is unable to harm you. [The authority I gave you is powerful to destroy the works of the enemy like sickness, but also the ministers of the enemy themselves cannot stand against it and that authority protects you from their counterattack.] 20 Even though this is true, don't rejoice only because the demons submit to you in my name, but rather because your names are written in the Book of Life [because the benefits of that include eternal life (Psalms 69:27-28, Daniel 12:1, Revelation 20:15)].”
21 Jesus' spirit was very joyful to the point of dancing, and he said, “Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you that you've hidden these things from those who are full of [worldly] wisdom and knowledge but revealed them to those who are like little children[, untaught and unskilled]. Yes, Father, for that's just the way you like to do things [so our spiritual success is not based on our ability but on your generosity]. 22 You've left it up to me, since no one really knows the Son except the Father, or the Father except the Son, except those to whom the Son chooses to reveal these things.” 23 And Jesus turned and spoke privately to his disciples and said, “You are so blessed to see what you have seen, 24 for prophets and kings longed to see what you have seen and did not, and to hear what you have heard and did not.”
Who is our neighbor?
25 One day, a certain lawyer stood up to challenge Jesus, and asked him, “Master, what do I need to do to get eternal life?” 26 And Jesus said, “What's written about that in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And the man replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your life, all your strength, and all your mind" [Deuteronomy 6:5], and "Love your neighbor as yourself” [Leviticus 19:18]. 28 And Jesus responded to him, “You have given the right answer. Do this and you shall live [the eternal kind of life].” 29 But the man wanted to make himself out as righteous, so he asked, “But who is my neighbor?” [It was customary, for instance, for the Jews to decide that non-Jews were not included as neighbors by the Law.]
30 Jesus used the opportunity to respond [by using a story illustration,] saying, “There was a man who traveled down from Jerusalem to Jericho, where he was attacked by thieves, who stripped his clothes, beat him up, and then departed, leaving him half-dead. 31 It happened that a priest came that same way and, when he saw the man, walked past on the opposite side of the road. 32 Likewise, a Levite arrived at the same location, and when he saw him, also walked past on the other side. [They both wanted to avoid contamination by touching a possibly dead body.]
33 “Then a Samaritan traveled to that location and, seeing the man, was moved with compassion. 34 He went right up to him, bandaged his wounds after cleaning them with wine and oil, set him on his mount, and brought him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35 And the next day, before leaving, he went to the innkeeper, gave him money to pay for his care and told him, ‘If it costs more than I’ve given, I will pay you back when I return’.
36“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by thieves?” 37 The lawyer said to him, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus replied, “Go and do the same.” [Compassion is much more important than obedience to the Law.]
Mary and Martha
38 As Jesus and the disciples journeyed, they entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus and focused her attention on his words. 40 But Martha was busy with all of what she was serving, and she said to the Lord, “Doesn't it bother you that Mary has left me alone to do all of the serving? Won't you tell her to come and help me?” 41 But Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about many things. 42 But only one thing is essential. Mary has chosen the best portion, and it will not be taken from her.”
Discussion questions
1. Why was Jesus so excited that the seventy he sent out were so successful? Why did he warn them they needed to be more excited about their salvation than about their authority over demons?
2. Have you ever found yourself late to an appointment or meeting because you stopped to help someone? How do you balance being thoughtful to your obligations versus helping someone in need?
3. Is Jesus being fair to Martha? How important is it to Jesus to be served? What is it that Jesus is saying is essential? What ministry things do you need to give up to gain what is essential?
Luke Chapter 11
The Lord’s prayer
1 At one of the places along the way, Jesus had just finished praying, when one of the disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John [the Baptist] taught his disciples to pray.” 2 And Jesus said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Father, your name is holy. [We know that you are full of goodness.] Your kingdom, come. [May your rule and reign, with its love, joy, and peace, and miraculous works, be with us wherever we go.] 3 Give us each day the food we need. [We trust you to meet our material needs.] 4 Release us from the consequences of anything we have done wrong or hurtful, and we also release anyone who owes us anything. And save us from our trials. [Help us avoid difficulties, but when it is a time of testing, help us to pass the test.]’”
Persistence in intercession
5 Then he said to them, "[This story is to help you understand the need for persistence in prayer.] Imagine having a friend, and going to him at midnight, and saying, ‘My friend, could you lend me three loaves. 6 Another friend of mine has traveled to see me, and I have nothing to offer him.’ 7 For your friend [won't even come to the door and] will answer from inside, ‘Don't bother me now. It's very late, I've locked the door, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up to get you what you want.’ 8 Let me tell you, though the friend won't give him what he wants because of friendship alone, he will respond and give him everything he wants if he is bold and persistent enough.
9 “So I tell you, [be persistent,] keep asking and it will be given to you, keep looking and you will find it, keep knocking at the door and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who keeps asking, receives, and the one who keeps looking will find what they are looking for, and the one who keeps knocking will have the door opened to them. [When you have a need, ask for it. Search if you need to, and he will bring you to where you can find it. If you need help, God will provide the help.]
11 “Would any of you, if you were a father, and your son asked for a fish, give him a snake instead. 12 Or if he asked for an egg, give him a scorpion? 13 If you, who are bad [that is, sometimes you do hurtful things,] know how to give good gifts, how much more will the heavenly Father [who is only good] give the Holy Spirit to those who ask? [When you pray, how much do you believe that God will answer you? God uses prayer to develop confidence in him. He is a good father, but it takes us awhile to become trusting sons. This happens through our persistence. We also easily believe Satan’s lie that bad things in our life come from God, but he is only good. The best proof of that will be when he pours out the Holy Spirit on all who ask him.]”
Distinguishing evil and good
[Here's an example of how confused people are about evil coming from good.] 14 Once Jesus was casting out a demon from a man who couldn't speak, and when the demon was gone, the man could speak, and the people were amazed. 15 But some said, “It is by Baalzebul ["Lord of the Flies"], the chief of demons, that he is able to cast out demons.” 16 But others wanted him to show a sign [that unmistakably came] from heaven to prove himself.
17 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “A kingdom divided against itself would be destroyed, for one household would be against another and they would fall. 18 If Satan is divided against himself, how would his kingdom keep on standing, and yet you are saying that I am casting out demons through Baalzebul. [The purpose of Baalzebul is to cause evil - if I were following him, why would I bring about good? I would be working against my master!]
19 “And if I am casting out demons through Baalzebul, how about your own people [religious leaders among the Jews] who serve as exorcists, whom do they use to [successfully] cast out demons? Therefore, they shall be your judges [for they would be outraged if you accused them as you have accused me]. 20 But if am casting out demons by the finger of God =[, I do what he shows me to do and his power backs me up], then what you are seeing is the very kingdom of God at work.
21 “When the strong man [Satan or one of his henchmen] is fully armed and guards his house [in this case a person under his control], all his belongings are safe. 22 But when a stronger man [I or any follower of mine, who have the power of Father God behind what we say and do,] comes upon him, the stronger man overpowers him, removes all the armor in which he trusted [other demons and strongholds like fear and unbelief], and distributes his possessions [sets free those who were in bondage to him]. 23 He that is not with me[, who doesn’t believe I am doing God's work,] is against me, and he that doesn't gather [people into God's kingdom] with me, scatters. [Whose side are you on?]
24 “[What do you think happens] when an evil spirit leaves a person? It passes through dry places [trying to find another place worth occupying], finding none. It says to itself, I can return to the house I left. 25 And when it comes, it finds its former home swept clean and inviting. 26 Then it will go and bring with himself seven spirits worse than himself, and the state of the man is worse than it was in the beginning!
[If evil is cast out of a person and the person has not committed himself to God and become filled with the Spirit of God, then evil will come back in and even increase. In fact, that’s what happens if you are not really seeking after God, but simply want to appear righteous. You will get more and more in bondage to greed, anger, jealousy, and religion.]”
Listening and repenting
27 As he was saying these things, a woman from the crowd lifted her voice, saying to him, “How blessed is your mother - the womb that gave birth to you, and the breasts that nursed you!” 28 Jesus replied, “No, instead, blessed are those who listen to the word of God and are careful to follow it.”
29 As the people crowded even closer around him, he began to say, “The people alive today - you have a twisted attitude. [You're crowding around me], expecting you'll see some miraculous act of proof you can talk about[, rather than believing what you have already seen], but no further proof will be given to you than that of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah was a proof [of the reality of God] to the Ninevites [because of his miraculous appearance after three days in the fish and the power and conviction of his preaching], so shall the Son of Man be to this generation.
31 “[Likewise,] the Queen of the South shall rise as a witness at the time of the judgment of this generation and she will bring evidence against you, for she traveled from the farthest reaches of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and a greater one than Solomon is here[, yet you don't listen to me]. 32 [At the Judgment Day,] the men of Nineveh will rise as witnesses at your judgment and bring a conviction against you for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and a greater one than Jonah is here[, yet you will not repent].
33 “No one lights a lamp and then puts it in a hidden place or under a basket, but places it on a candlestick, so that whoever comes in can see the light. 34 The lamp of the body is your eye. When your eye works properly, then your whole body is filled with light, but if your eye works poorly, then your body is filled with darkness. 35 Watch out that the light in you not become darkness. [Even when a miracle of God is performed in broad daylight if you look at it with a skeptical rather than a believing eye, your soul will receive no light from it.] 36 And if your whole body is full of light, with no darkness anywhere, then your whole being will be bright, just as a shining lamp brings light. [If your sight is focused with belief then you will always be filled with light.]”
Consequences of faking holiness
37 When he had completed talking, a certain Pharisee invited him to share a meal at his house. Jesus went inside and reclined at the table to eat. 38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he was amazed that Jesus did not wash before eating. 39 Jesus said to him, “Sure, you Pharisees cleanse yourselves on the outside just as you do the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greediness and evil thoughts. 40 Fools, didn't he who made the outside also make the inside? 41 If you would simply give away [the food and drink,] what’s inside your vessels, then everything would become clean for you. [It is your attitude and action that make you clean or dirty, not how you observe ceremonial washing.]
42 “How terrible it will be for you, Pharisees, for you give away a tenth of your mint and rue and all of your spices[, the minor things of life], but you bypass the justice and love of God[, which are far more important]! You could have done the one without ignoring the other. 43 How terrible it will be for you, Pharisees, for you love the best seats in the synagogue and to have everyone honor you with greetings in the markets! 44 How terrible it will be for you, Pharisees, for you are like unmarked graves that people walk over [and are made unclean] without knowing it [just by being close to you]!”
45 Then one of the interpreters of the Law said to Jesus, “Teacher, in what you have said, you are also attacking us.” 46 And he said, “[You are right – you are just as bad!] How terrible it will also be for you teachers of the Law, for you lay heavy burdens on the people, which are very difficult for them to bear, and then don't even lift a finger to lighten the load!
47 “How terrible for you, because you build memorials to the prophets that your ancestors killed[, acting as though you honor the prophets]. 48 Your testimony [against me] shows you agree with your ancestors, when they killed the prophets! 49 Therefore, it is the wisdom of God that says, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles [fulfilled in the New Testament times since there were no Old Testament apostles], and some of them they will kill and some they will persecute.’ 50 Thus you will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets, from the foundation of the world to the present generation, 51 from the blood of righteous Abel [Genesis 4:8] to the blood of Zechariah [2 Chronicles 24:20-21], who was slain between the altar and the Temple. I am telling you the truth, this generation shall pay the price for all of it.”
[God stores up the consequence of sin, but when it reaches its fullness, then payment comes due. In 70 AD, this generation did indeed pay a terrible price of their own blood as Jerusalem was trampled into the dust. If they had repented for their ancestors' sins and received Jesus and his followers, then the penalty would not have come on them.]
52 “How terrible for you, teachers of the Law, for you have removed the key of knowledge. [You understand every reference in the scripture that would validate that I am the Anointed One, but you have refused to use your knowledge to access the truth.] You won't enter into the truth yourself, and you get in the way of those who want to enter in.” 53 As he was leaving, they attacked him verbally, trying to get him to rise to the bait 54 and say something they could catch him in [so they could discredit him].
Discussion questions
1. Jesus makes two primary points about prayer. One is that persistence is rewarded. The other is that God desires to give us what we need and ask for. If God desires to give us what we ask for, why then is persistence required? Why did he warn them they needed to be more excited about their salvation than about their authority over demons?
2. Why were the people always looking for more proof that Jesus was from God, and so ready to believe that he was empowered by the enemy instead? Why are those resistant to belief in danger of being judged at the Judgment Day?
3. Why did Jesus say the generation of religious leaders who were resisting him would bear the judgment for the sins of many generations?
Luke Chapter 12
Fearing God not man
1 Meanwhile, thousands of people had gathered together in one place to the point they were stepping all over each other. Jesus spoke to his disciples, “[Before I speak to the crowd,] first, watch out for the leaven [influence] of the Pharisees [in everything they do], which is that they pretend to be better than they are. 2 For whatever you think you have completely covered up will inevitably be revealed, and whatever is secret will undoubtedly be made known. 3 In fact, whatever you talk about in the darkness will be talked about in the light, and whatever you whisper in your closet will be shouted from the rooftops. [Trying to hide who you really are will never work. It always eventually gets exposed.]
4 “Let me tell you my friends, don't be afraid of those who can destroy your body, but after that there is nothing more they can do to you. [You saw how the Pharisees wanted to trap me and kill me, but I am not afraid of them, and neither should you be.] 5 But I will tell you whom you should fear - He [God] who can destroy your body and has the authority to throw you into Hell. He's the only one you should fear [and whose opinion should count]!
6 “Aren't five sparrows sold for a couple of small coins, and yet not one of these little birds is forgotten by God. 7 Even the very hairs of your head are numbered. [God cares about every single part of you!] Don't be afraid - you are more valuable than many sparrows [and since he is watching over you, you should be willing to trust him].
8 “I also want to say to you, that whoever is willing to publicly acknowledge their belief in me before other men[, risking the anger of the authorities], I will acknowledge before the angels of God [on the Day of Judgment]. 9 But he who rejects me before other men, I will reject him before the angels of God. [It is your public relationship with me on earth that will determine how you will be treated in the afterlife.]
10 “If someone [doubts me in some area and] speaks a word against the Son of Man, the penalty will be dismissed against him. [In fact, I myself will forgive him.] But if he speaks against the Holy Spirit[, treating the works of God as though they were done by Satan], he will not be forgiven. [For the Holy Spirit is the best and final witness to God's love and character.] 11 And when they bring you into the synagogues and before rulers and authorities [because of following me], 12 you don't need to figure out how to reply or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will himself show you what to say exactly when you need it.”
Heavenly versus earthly treasure
13 Then someone from the crowd said to him, “Master, tell my brother to share our inheritance with me.” 14 Jesus replied to him, “Sir, it's not my job to be the judge or legal expert of inheritances for you.” 15 Then he said to the disciples, “Notice what's at stake here - it's an issue of greed. The measure of abundance of a person's life is not how much they possess.”
16 Jesus told them [in the crowd] a story to illustrate his point, “There was a certain rich man whose land produced a rich yield of crops. 17 And he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I don't have enough room to store all of my crops.’ 18 So he said, ‘I know what I'll do. I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and then I'll be able to store all my crops and riches. 19 Then I'll be able to say to myself, “You now have enough stored for many years. Take it easy, now. It's time to eat, drink, and celebrate.”’
20 “But God said to him that very night, ‘You fool, it's time for you to give up your soul back to me. Now, who will all your possessions belong to?’ 21 It is not the one who stores up treasure for himself, but rather towards God, who is truly rich.”
22 Turning to his disciples, he said, “I am telling you, don't give a worry to your own life, [for instance,] what you will eat, or how you will clothe your body. 23 Your life is more than food and your body more than clothes.
24 “Think about the ravens. They don't sow seed or harvest a crop. They don't have either storerooms or barns [to store up food for tomorrow], and yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable are you than birds?
25 “For which of you through your worry can add a single moment to the length of your life? 26 And if you can't even accomplish that, why worry about any other part of your life?
27 “And look at the lilies! They don't have to work hard and spin thread [to make their clothes], and yet, I say to you, Solomon in all his glory was not wrapped in such splendor as one of these. 28 If this is the way God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is burned up, then how much more will your heavenly Father clothe you, [even though] you possess little faith.
29 “And don't [waste time to] look for what you will eat or what you will drink. Don't even be concerned. 30 For these are the things people seek all over the world, and your Father knows you need them. 31 But instead, look for His kingdom[, what God wants to do,] and these things [that you need] will be automatically provided. 32 Don't be afraid, little flock[, my small band of followers], for my Father really enjoys bringing about the kingdom for you. [His favorite thing is to make things happen for you that only he can do.]
33 “Sell your possessions and give money to those in need[, completely trusting him]. Provide yourself a wallet that won't wear out and a treasure that will never run out - in the heavenly places, where no thief can get to it and no moth destroy it. 34 For where your treasure is, your heart will be also. [You will spend your time and energy protecting and adding to your treasure, either an earthly one which you won't even be able to keep or a heavenly one that will last forever.]
Watching for God
35 “[The treasure you are destined to receive depends on your willingness to serve your master.] Have your belts on [and your clothes hiked up, ready to serve,] and your lamps burning. 36 Be like men waiting for their lord to return from a wedding feast, so when he comes and knocks, you will immediately open the door for him. 37 How blessed will be those servants whom their lord will find watching for him. This is the truth - he will [be so pleased to see them he will] hike up his own clothes, have them sit down to eat, and he will serve them himself. 38 Especially if he comes during the second or third watch[, late at night], he will be pleased to find his servants ready and waiting. [Your Father is ready to reward you who give up their own comfort or pleasure to put yourselves at his disposal.]
39 “You can be sure, if a homeowner knew what time a thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 40 Likewise, you should always be ready, for the Son of Man will return at the time you least expect. [Don’t put off your service to God for some later time in your life.]”
Accountability of servant leaders
41 Then Peter said to him, “Lord, were you telling that story to us only or to everyone?” [Jesus is about to explain the way he regards his followers in terms of caring for one another, especially those with leadership responsibilities.] 42 The Lord responded, “Who do you think then is the reliable and watchful manager, whom the master will appoint to manage the household and give out to the other servants what they need when they need it? 43 It will be wonderful for any servant whom the master finds caring for the others of the household when he returns. 44 Truly, the master will appoint him to manage all his possessions. [All followers of Jesus are responsible for caring for others. Those who always care for others will be doing so when Jesus returns, and they will be promoted and given greater responsibility during his reign on the earth.]
45 “But what if a servant thinks, ‘My master isn't coming back any time soon,’ and he begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink, and even get drunk? 46 The master of that servant will return when the servant least expects, at an unknown time, and he will punish that servant severely and will assign him to the place of the unbelievers [for the judgment]. [A leader that takes advantage of his position of power and harms those he should be serving, at the time of Jesus’ return will be removed from responsibility and treated as an unbeliever – that is, as one who never did believe.]
47 “If a servant knows what his master wants and does nothing to get ready or carry out his will, that servant will receive a severe beating. 48 But a servant who is unaware [of his master's will] but does things [which violate his master's instructions] worthy of a beating, shall be beaten only a little. For to whomever much [understanding] is given, much will be expected, and to whom much is entrusted, much will be asked.”
[All followers of Jesus are servants and have a responsibility to love and care for one another. We are also responsible for getting ready for the return of the Lord. We do that by caring for others, taking care of his creation, sharing faith, discipling others, each one of us according to the assignments we have received, by our position in life and through personal revelation. When Jesus returns, even believers will be judged, not for eternal life but for rewards and position during Jesus’ reign. Did we understand what God wanted of us and did we carry it out? To the extent we did, we will receive greater reward and position during Jesus’ reign. To the extent we did not, we will lose reward, and endure punishment, but not lose salvation.]
Kingdom advances through division
49 “[Getting back to my purpose,] I have come to set the earth fully ablaze, and how I wish the fire were already going. [I am in the process of starting the fire, but my death and resurrection is what will really get it going.] 50 I have a baptism [the cross] I must go through first, and how restricted I am until it has been accomplished. 51 Did you think I came to the earth to bring peace? No, I tell you - division! [Change requires division - someone needs to be first to change, and then others will follow, but in between there will be strife.]
52 “So from this point forward, a household of five will be divided [over who I am] - three against two, and two against three. 53 [As the scripture says in Micah 7:6,] father will be against son, and son against father, mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law-against mother-in-law.”
Settling up with God
54 And he spoke also to the people, “When you see a cloud coming up from the west, don't you immediately say it's going to rain, and so it does. 55 And when the wind blows from the south, you say it's going to be hot, and it is. 56 Hypocrites! If you're smart enough to be able to read natural things like the earth and sky, how can you possibly not be able to tell what time in history it is? [You know the signs of the Messiah, and yet you act like you're not seeing them happen right in front of you! Soon it will be too late to reconcile with God.]
57 “Decide for yourselves what's right to do. [It’s time to turn your life over to God instead of resisting him.] 58 When you go with your opponent to see the judge, do your best to settle things with him so you can be released from his claim, or he will force you to go to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and the guard will throw you in prison. 59 And, I am telling you, you won't get out until you've paid the very last amount you owe. [I am your opponent, and I have a great case against you, and you don't want to go before God, the great judge, having opposed the one whom he has sent! It will not go well with you in the Judgment!]”
Discussion questions
1. Jesus didn’t want the disciples to be worried about what anyone else thought of them except for God only. How does it affect you if you want to please men? How does it affect you if you want to please God? Can you do both?
2. Why does Jesus say, it’s not a huge deal if someone resists him personally, but it is a big deal if they treat miracles that came from the Holy Spirit as though they came from an evil source?
3. Jesus describes believers as servants and says we will be judged on how well we take care of each other. Who are the other servants around you and how is God showing you that you could care for them?
4. Why in the world would people resist Jesus, since he was fulfilling all the prophesied signs of the Anointed One? What will happen to those fighting against Jesus at the time of the judgment?
Luke Chapter 13
Repentance or destruction?
1 Some who were there at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans Pilate had killed, mixing their blood with the blood of the sacrificial animals they had brought [to Jerusalem]. 2 Jesus responded, “Do you suppose the Galileans who suffered in that way were any worse sinners than the other Galileans? 3 No, but I tell you, unless you reform your thinking [and turn towards God], you will also be destroyed. 4 How about the eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell? Do you think they were worse sinners than everyone else in Jerusalem? 5 No, but unless you reform your thinking [and turn towards God], you will also be destroyed. [Your life will be over before you are ready, and you will be destined for eternal separation from God rather than eternal life.]”
6 Jesus also told them this story, “There was a man who had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he kept coming to look for fruit on it and didn't find any. 7 The man said to his vine keeper, ‘I've been looking for fruit on this tree for the last three years and there has been nothing. Cut this tree down! It's been using up the ground too long!’ 8 And the vine keeper replied, ‘Lord, why not keep it one more year, and I will dig around it and apply fertilizer. 9 And if it bears fruit, then you will keep it, but if not, you can cut it down.’ [Can't you see that the patience of your heavenly Father wears thin wanting to see you respond to his care for you with fruitfulness? I am fertilizing you through my words and miraculous actions. But your future life hangs in the balance of how you respond! Jesus’ ministry had lasted for three years, and the fig tree (the people of Israel) had little time left to respond.]”
Healing on the Sabbath
10 On a Sabbath, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues. 11 There was a woman there who had [been afflicted by] a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years. She was bent over to the point of being doubled up, and she could not straighten her back at all. 12 When he saw her, he called out to her, “Woman, you are released from your infirmity.” 13 And he laid hands on her, and immediately she became straight, and she gave praise to God. [Her restoration required both something to be removed (a demon) and something to be added (healing).]
14 But the response of the leader of the synagogue was anger, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. He [the leader] said, “There are six days where a man can work. Come and be healed in any of those six days, but not on the Sabbath day!” 15 But the Lord replied, “Hypocrite! Doesn't each one of you, even on the Sabbath day, untie his ox or donkey and lead them to water. 16 Then, shouldn't this woman, a daughter of Abraham, who has been tied up by Satan for eighteen years, be untied from her bondage and set free, even on a Sabbath day?” 17 When he said these things, it brought shame to those who were against him. But the people rejoiced because of the many wonderful things he did [and said].
How faith spreads
18 Next, he said, “What is the kingdom of God like? What can I compare it to? 19 It is like a tiny grain of mustard seed that a man threw into his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds nested in its branches.” 20 And again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like a woman taking some yeast and folding it into three large sacks of flour until all the flour begins to rise. [One act of obedience to God may not seem like it will change the world, but the next thing you know, the response to that one act will spread everywhere and everything will change because of it.]”
Known by God
22 Jesus continued through the towns and villages, teaching, as he made his way towards Jerusalem. 23 Then someone asked him, “Lord, will there be only a few who are saved?” And Jesus said to them, 24 “Strive with all your heart [while there is still time] to enter in by the narrow door, for many will try to enter but will not be able[, not because of the standard of behavior required but because of the humility needed to submit to God]. 25 When the master of the house gets up and locks the door, those of you standing outside will knock at the door and say, ‘Master, open up for us,’ but he will say, ‘I don't know you at all.’
26 “And you will start to say, ‘[Of course you know us!] We ate and drank in your presence and you taught in our streets,’ 27 and he will say, ‘I'm telling you, I don't know you at all. Get away, sinners. [Unless you love me enough to turn your life over to me, I will not acknowledge you in the afterlife, and without me you are still a sinner.]’ 28 It will be agonizing to you when you see [the heroes of the faith and your ancestors,] Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves are thrown out.
29 “And people will come from the east and west, the north and south, and sit down [at the banqueting table] in the kingdom of God. 30 And, notice, some who are last [in men's eyes] will be first [in God's eyes], and some who are first [in men's eyes] will be last [in God's eyes].”
Jerusalem’s destiny
31 That same day, some of the Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “[You’d better] get out of the area [which was still Galilee]. Herod wants to kill you. [And we don't want you around either.]” 32 Jesus replied, “Go and tell that [sly] fox, I will keep on casting out demons and performing healings today and tomorrow, but on the third day my job will be complete. [Herod is not an obstacle to my fulfilling my task - in fact, there is a ‘third day’ coming (the day of my resurrection from death) when I will complete my task.] 33 Anyhow, I must keep traveling today and tomorrow and the next day too, for it is outside God’s plan that [I as] a prophet die outside of Jerusalem. [Jesus knew God’s plan, and God would not allow a plot of Herod or any other obstacle keep him from Jerusalem. He clearly saw that in Jerusalem he would confront the chief priests and they would kill him there.]
34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I wanted to gather your children together like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you wouldn't allow me. [You, Jerusalem, are the city that I wanted to give a special love, but you never accepted my words and acts of love!] 35 I now leave you the responsibility for your own house. You will not see me again until the time comes when you [are ready to] say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’ [My return to you, Jerusalem, will not come until you are ready to embrace me.]”
Discussion questions
1. Why does God show mercy and try one more time with those that didn’t bear fruit? How much time is guaranteed for anyone?
2. If the woman who was severely bent over due to an evil spirit afflicting her were examined by doctors before Jesus healed her, how do you think they might have diagnosed her? Do you think medical conditions can have spiritual roots?
Luke Chapter 14
Healing at Pharisee’s house
1 One Sabbath day, Jesus went to eat [the Sabbath meal] at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and they watched him carefully [to see if he would heal on the Sabbath]. 2 Right in front of Jesus there was a man with dropsy [his body was swollen with water]. 3 And speaking to the interpreters of the Law and the Pharisees, Jesus asked, “Is it allowed to heal on the Sabbath or not?”, 4 but they kept quiet[, afraid he would make them look foolish.] Jesus placed his hands on the man and healed him, then let go of him. 5 Speaking to them, he said, “Which of you, if your son or an ox of yours fell into a pit would not immediately pull him out [and do work] even on a Sabbath day?” 6 And they couldn't argue with his logic.
Inviting those who can’t invite you
[Jesus acted as a rabbi, teaching those around him, wherever he went. After first setting things right by healing the sick, he taught those attending the feast, including the host, the way they should act if they wanted to truly honor God.] 7 Seeing how those who were invited chose the places of honor at the feast, Jesus spoke to them, using this as an example, 8 “If someone invites you to a wedding, don't take the seat of greatest honor. What if someone more important came and the host asked you to give up the seat of honor to that man? 9 Then you would have the shame of having to move to the lowest seat [since all the others would be taken]. 10 Instead, take the lowest seat. Then the host will come and say, ‘Friend, move up to a higher place’, and you will be honored in front of all those gathered with you at the feast. 11 For whoever lifts himself up high will be brought low, but whoever lowers himself will be lifted up.”
12 Then he spoke also to the Pharisee who had invited him, “When you make a special brunch or dinner, don't invite your friends, your brothers, other family members, and your well-off neighbors, knowing that they are well able to pay you back by inviting you in return. 13 Instead, when you hold a feast, invite the poor, the disabled, the lame, and the blind, for they can't pay you back. 14 You will receive your reward at the Resurrection of the Just[, when it matters for eternity].”
15 And one of those sitting with him said, “How happy will be the man who eats a meal in the Kingdom of God.” 16 But Jesus said to them, “There was a certain man who held a great feast and invited many. 17 And, when it was time, he sent his servant to those he had invited, saying, ‘Come, the feast is prepared.’ 18 They all began to make excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I need to go see it. Please excuse me.’ 19 Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I need to go examine them. Please excuse me.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have just gotten married. I can't come.’
21 “So the servant returned and reported what had happened. The master was angry and said to the servants, ‘Go to the main streets and side streets and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the weak, and bring them here.’ 22 The servant returned and said, ‘Everything has been done as you commanded, and still there is more room.’ 23 And the master said, ‘Go to the highways and city walls [where the homeless live] and get them to come, so that my house may be full. 24 I tell you, none of those I originally invited will have a single taste of this feast.’”
[The religious leaders were the first invited to participate in the kingdom life that Jesus demonstrated yet had many excuses why they weren't interested. This is frequently the case for leaders and members in the church - we are too busy to invite and pay attention to those all around us. It was the poor, sick, weak, and homeless who were willing to receive, and they are the ones who will enter the heavenly banquet, but the leaders will miss out entirely.]
Cost of following Jesus
25 As Jesus continued to travel, there were large crowds that walked with him, but he turned to them and said, 26 “Anyone who comes to me cannot be my follower, unless he hates his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters, and yes, even his own life. [Following me may well cost you every other relationship that you hold important, and even your own life.] 27 Unless you are willing to carry your own cross and go wherever I go[, expecting you will die for it], you cannot be my follower.
28 “If any of you wanted to build a watchtower, wouldn't you sit down and calculate the cost to make sure you had enough to finish it? 29 Or else, after getting the foundation laid, if you couldn’t complete it, people would make fun of you, 30 saying, ‘He started it but he couldn't finish it.’ [Decide from the beginning what it truly means to follow me. It could cost you everything, just as it will cost me everything.]"
31 "Or what ruler, going to make war with another ruler, doesn't stop to consider whether, with ten thousand troops, he can successfully confront the other, who has twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still at a distance, he will send him a representative to seek terms of peace.
33 "So, based on those examples[, let me tell you the cost of following me.] Anyone not willing to give up everything that he has, cannot be my follower. [You won't be able to follow me to completion.]
34 “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its flavor, how can you restore its seasoning? 35 It's not fit for fertilizer or even for the trash pile. [Someone who claims to follow me but who holds on to the world is incapable of changing the world, and at the same time gives a bad name to believers.] He who has ears, let him hear! [If you are willing to hear the truth, here it is!]” [Jesus made this declaration to spiritually unclog ears.]
Discussion questions
1. Jesus suggested we invite people we don’t know to our parties. Have you ever done that? Jesus’ story about the wedding feast implies that the ones who will come to faith may be those we least expect. How can we find them to invite them?
2. Are we willing to give up everything to follow Jesus, including putting at risk every relationship we have? If we are to watch over what we’ve been given, how can we also put it at risk for the sake of the kingdom?
Luke Chapter 15
Value of individual souls
1 The tax collectors and [others considered by religious leaders to be] sinners drew close to him to hear what he was saying. 2 But the Pharisees and teachers of the Law muttered, “Look, this man associates with sinners and even eats with them!”
3 So Jesus told them this story, 4 “Which of you, if you had a hundred sheep and lost one of them, won’t leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go searching until you find the lost one? 5 And then you will carry it on your shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when you come home, you will gather your friends together and tell them, ‘Look, I have found the sheep that was lost!’ 7 In the same way, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous men who have no need to repent!
8 “And what woman, if you have ten silver coins but lose one, will not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? 9 Won't you call your neighbors, telling them, ‘Celebrate with me - I've found the coin I lost!’ 10 In the same way, the angels celebrate in heaven when even one sinner turns his thinking around towards God.”
Story of two sons
11 Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me my portion of the estate.’ The father went ahead and distributed his wealth.
[Jesus is telling the story to show the value of every person to God and especially of when one who has turned away from God turns back to God. Jewish inheritance gives the oldest son two shares in the estate and each other son one share. In this case, with only two sons, the younger will be given one-third. However, the younger son asks for it in advance. This would never be done in Jewish society, but the Father complies with the son’s wishes. This primarily means he wants to use it all for himself. Many of us want to use all of what we have been given for our own enjoyment. If the younger son had waited, the entire family would gain from the use of the resources, and the father might actually invest the resources so both sons would have more.]
13 “After only a few days, the younger son gathered his possessions together and took off for a foreign land, where he wasted everything in a senseless manner. 14 And after he had spent it all, a terrible famine arose in that land, and he became needy. 15 He was employed by a man who lived in that land, who sent him into the fields to feed the pigs. 16 He desired to fill himself on the carob husks he fed to the pigs because no one had given him anything to eat.
17 “Finally, he came to his senses and said, ‘My father has many hired servants, and they have plenty to eat, while here I am dying of hunger. 18 I will go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against God and in your eyes. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me one of your hired servants.”’
20 “So he got up and went to his father, and when he was still a distance away, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion. He ran to him, and hugged him, and kissed him tenderly. 21 And the son said to him, ‘I have sinned against heaven and in your eyes. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him and place a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. [Even though you spent your portion, I am restoring your position and once again giving you authority as a son in my household.] 23 Get the fattened calf and kill it. Let's eat and have a celebration, 24 for this son of mine was dead and now he is alive. He was lost, but now he is found!’ So, they began to celebrate.
25 “Now, the elder son was in the field, and as he came near to the house, he heard music and dancing, 26 so he called over one of the servants and asked him what was going on. The servant said to him, 27 ‘Your brother has arrived and your father has killed for him the fattened calf, to celebrate his safe return.’
28 “The older brother was angry and would not go in, so the father came outside to encourage him. 29 The older son said, ‘Look, I have been with you all these years, and never rebelled against any of your rules, but you have never given me even a baby goat to have a party with my friends! 30 But as soon as this son of yours, who spent all of your money on women, arrives, you kill him the fattened calf [as though he did something worth celebrating].’
31 “The father replied, 'Son, you have indeed remained with me. [Don't you know?] Everything I have is yours. 32 But it was right to celebrate, because your brother was dead and now he has been restored to life. He was lost, but now he's found.’”
[Those who stay close to God always have access to everything that’s His. We need only ask for it, and God is glad to give it to us. But we don't understand the value of a human being! When they are restored to good relationship to God, that is the greatest thing on earth! Furthermore, what God owns is never in fact depleted by what is given to his followers.]
Discussion questions
1. Jesus has been making the distinction between what God calls sinful and what man does. Why is there so much energy around finding that which was lost and restoring it?
2. In Jesus’ story, how much energy does the Father put into making the returned son feel bad about needing to be restored? How quickly does the Father restore his status and even his authority in the household? What should our attitude be towards “sinners” and those newly restored?
Luke Chapter 16
Using worldly wealth for eternal reward
1 Then he told [this story to] his disciples, “[I have told you about how patient our heavenly Father is towards his children concerning their life decisions. Now let me tell you about how a child of God should steward his life’s resources.] There was a rich man who had a manager who worked for him, who had been accused of mismanaging the rich man's possessions. 2 So the rich man called him in and said, ‘What's this I hear about you? Bring me a final accounting of my possessions you are managing, because you are fired as my manager.’ 3 The man said to himself, ‘What can I do? My management job has been taken away. I'm not strong enough to work as a laborer. I'm too ashamed to beg. 4 Ah, I know what to do so that when I no longer have this management job, people will welcome me into their homes.’
5 “So he called in each person who owed goods to his master, and when the first one came in, the manager said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 And the man said, ‘One hundred barrels of olive oil,’ so the manager said, ‘Sit down for a minute. Let's quickly change that to fifty.’ 7 And to another, the manager said, ‘How much do you owe?’, and the man said, ‘One hundred measures of wheat,’ so the manager said, ‘Make it eighty.’ [The manager likely was paid through the commission he received from each transaction, but now he was giving up his commission for future good will from his clients.]
8 “[When the master heard what the manager did,] the master praised the dishonest manager because what he did was smart. For the sons of this age are wiser in dealing with their own kind than the children of light are in dealing with their generation. 9 I'm telling you, use unrighteous wealth to make friends [by investing it in the kingdom during this life], so that when your time is done, your friends will be there to welcome you into an eternal home.
[Dishonest, worldly people are smart enough to use wealth to make friends, even if what they did seems crooked to us. Followers of God, instead of holding on to their wealth, would be smart to invest it in others and the work of the Kingdom of God, thus making friends with God, with the result they will be greeted with a heavenly reward, though to their worldly friends they may look foolish. Every action, whether selfish or generous, is recorded in heaven. Those who benefitted from our generous actions no doubt testify on our behalf at the judgment of our lives. Our greatest reward in heaven is gaining eternal life. Beyond that, however, we are rewarded based on heaven’s assessment of our generosity.]
10 “He who is trustworthy with the smallest things [like money and worldly possessions] will be trustworthy with greater things [like spiritual gifts and assignments from heaven] as well. Someone who can't be trusted with the smallest things can't be trusted with greater things either. 11 So if you can't be trusted to handle unrighteous wealth, how can you be trusted with true wealth? 12 And if you can't handle someone else's wealth [such as serving God or an employer with honesty and loyalty], who will trust you with your own [by helping you launch your own business or ministry]? 13 No servant can serve two masters, because he will either hate the first one and love the other, or be loyal to the first one and look down on the other. You can't serve both God and wealth.”
True righteousness
14 The Pharisees also heard all Jesus had said, but they loved money, and they sneered at what he said. [They thought, “What could Jesus know about money since he himself is poor”.] 15 But he said to them, “I know what's in your hearts. You are the ones who make yourselves appear righteous before men, but what men consider great is detestable in God's sight. 16 The Law and the prophets were [the only guide] until John the Baptist came, but since then the good news of the Kingdom has been proclaimed [and illustrated through miracles]. As a result, everyone is pushing to get in. [It is no longer a kingdom of the rich and self-righteous, but for the poor and sinners made righteous by trusting God’s representative, Jesus.]
17 “It would be easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for a single point of the Law to become invalid. [But you who sneer at the poor and sinners have yourselves been trying to invalidate the Law for your own purposes. For instance, you promote divorce for ungodly reasons.] 18 Whoever divorces his wife to marry another woman commits adultery, and whoever now marries the woman who has been illegally divorced also commits adultery. [Stop trying to get around the Law.]
Story of the rich man and Lazarus
19 “[Everyone will face judgment for their attitudes and how they live this life.] There was a rich man who dressed every day in purple and fine linen and celebrated with lavish feasts. 20 There was also a poor man named Lazarus, who every day was laid at the gate of the rich man. Lazarus was full of sores 21 and he longed to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. Even worse, dogs came and licked his sores. [The name of the poor man, Lazarus, is remembered, but not the rich man.]
22 “There came a day when the beggar died and was carried by angels into [the place in the afterlife known as] the Bosom of Abraham. Likewise, the rich man died and was buried. 23 And, in Hades[, the place of the unrighteous dead], he was in torment, but lifting his eyes, he saw Abraham far off and Lazarus nearer him. 24 And the rich man cried out, ‘Father Abraham, would you send Lazarus to come and dip his finger in water to cool my tongue? I am in such pain from this flame!’
25 But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that in your life you received only good things and Lazarus only evil things, but now he is comforted and you are in pain. 26 Besides, can you not see that there has been established a great chasm between here and there, so that no one from here can cross to you, and likewise no one can cross from there to here?’
27 “The rich man said, ‘Then Father, please send him to my father's house, 28 for I still have five brothers, so that Lazarus can testify to them, or else they may also end up in this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said, ‘They [already] have Moses and the prophets - your family needs to listen to them.’ 30 The man said, ‘No, but Father Abraham, if someone came back from the dead and told them, they would change their ways!’ 31 But Abraham said, ‘If they wouldn't listen to Moses and all the prophets, neither will they listen to someone who comes from the dead.’” [Jesus was anticipating what would happen when he himself rose from the dead. He would then become a witness to believers, not unbelievers. There is ample evidence for those who are alive to turn to God, and many do not. This was especially true of the religious leaders.]
Discussion questions
1. Many Christian programs teach us that it is righteous to accumulate and save up money. Is Jesus telling us the opposite – spend it on the poor and for kingdom works?
2. Jesus seems to be saying that how we handle our material resources is a dress rehearsal for how we might handle much greater resources both in this life and the afterlife. How do you think he is grading you?
3. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, what is Jesus telling us? Will hell be our destination if we are selfish?
Luke Chapter 17
Sin and forgiveness
1 But Jesus said to his disciples, “It is impossible to avoid people who lead others into sin, but how terrible it will be for those people. 2 It would be better [for those people] if a millstone were tied around their neck and they were thrown into the sea, than [the punishment they will receive at the judgment] if they cause even one of the little ones to sin. [While “little ones” expressly means children, it also includes anyone with less experience in life who is listening to a more experienced person or leader.]
3 “Yet watch out for yourselves! [Even though sin is terrible and has a corresponding penalty, be careful how you look at someone who makes a mistake.] If someone sins against you, then correct him, but if he changes his ways, forgive him. 4 And even if he sins against you as many as seven times in a day, and seven times he turns to you and repents, then forgive him each time.”
5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith [so we can carry out your instructions].” 6 Jesus said to them, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, uproot yourself and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you! [The heart of faith is not how much of it you have but acting on it!]” [Sycamine trees are large, deep-rooted trees found throughout the Middle East, similar to a mulberry or fig tree but with bitter fruit, so Jesus’ reference indicated a decision to use faith to remove deep roots of bitterness.]
Right attitude toward serving God
7 “[Here’s an example of the kind of attitude God expects.] Which of you, when your servant comes in from working the field or tending the sheep, says to him, ‘Go, relax, and have your dinner’? 8 Wouldn't you say instead, ‘Go and prepare my dinner, get ready for service and wait on me, and after I have had my food and drink, go and eat yourself’? 9 You don't thank the servant for doing his duty. 10 You also, when you have done everything you were commanded, should say, ‘We have done nothing special - we have only done what was expected!’ [Don't think all these things I'm telling you to do are too difficult, or that you are anything special when you do them - these are the basic things that any believer must do!]”
Healing and gratitude
11 As Jesus continued toward Jerusalem, he passed between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As Jesus entered a certain village, he encountered ten lepers, who stood together at a distance [as required by the Law so no one would catch their disease]. 13 And they lifted their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 And he said to them, “Go present yourselves to the priests [so they can examine you and declare you healed].” [Rather than touching them to heal them, Jesus activated their faith. They would not have left Jesus if they did not believe they would receive the healing.] As they went, they were cleansed [of their leprosy].
15 And one of them, when he saw that he had been cured, returned, and cried out with a loud voice, glorifying God, 16 and he fell at the feet of Jesus, giving thanks. This man was a Samaritan. [A Samaritan might not have been accepted by a Jewish priest. Regardless, the man considered gratitude to be much more important than being able to go back to his former life.]
17 And Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed of their leprosy? And yet where are the other nine? 18 Was no one else found to return and give glory to God except this foreigner?” [Any or all of them could have come back to thank Jesus before or after going to the priests. Our attitude toward what God has done for us wets the stage for how much more God can do for us, and how we will live our lives.] 19 And Jesus said to him, “Get up and go your way. Your faith has healed you! [You had faith in me, and your faith resulted in your healing. But it was also faith when you returned to give thanks, and that is part of your wholeness.]”
Return of the Son of Man
20 Just then, the Pharisees asked him, “When will the kingdom of God come?” [They were trying to catch him talking about his future kingship since they had heard he was claiming to be the Anointed One, not recognizing that every miracle was a sign of the kingdom already having come.] And Jesus replied, “The kingdom isn't coming with external show and announcements of ‘Here it is’ or ‘There!’ The kingdom of God is already in the midst of you. [Wherever I go, I bring the kingdom.]”
22 Jesus said to the disciples, “There are days coming when you will wish to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you won't see it. [You will remember our time together fondly and be looking forward to the time of my return.] 23 People will indeed say [in coming days], ‘Look over there’ or ‘Look here,’ but don't follow. 24 For when my day [of return] comes, it will be like lightning that appears in one part of the sky but lights up all the sky. [You won't be able to miss it.]
25 “But before these things can happen, the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. [The time of rejection must precede the time of return and triumph.]
26 “Just as it was in the time of Noah, so it will be in the time of the Son of Man[, when I return]. 27 In those days, people were eating and drinking, men were taking wives, and women were being given in marriage, right up to the day Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed all [Genesis 6-9]. 28 Likewise, in the time of Lot, people were eating and drinking, buying and selling goods, planting crops, and building buildings. 29 But the same day Lot departed, fire and sulphur rained down and destroyed all who remained [Genesis 19].
30 “It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed[, when he suddenly returns like lightning in the sky]. 31 In that day, if someone is on his roof and all his possessions are in the house, he must not go down to get them. Or if someone is in the field, he shouldn't return home. 32 Remember Lot's wife [who turned into a pillar of salt for ignoring the warning to not turn back (Genesis 19:17-19,24-26)].
33 “For whoever tries to save his life will lose it and whoever is willing to lose his life will keep it. [When Jesus is suddenly revealed, don't try to keep your family, possessions, and earnings, or you will indeed lose everything, including your life. Wait for him where you are, and you will keep your life and all you need will be preserved.] 34 On that night, if two are in bed, one will be taken and one left. 35 If two are grinding grain, one will be taken and one left.
[This seems to be referring to the angels gathering the believers at the return of the Lord. The other alternative is the Romans coming, but they would not take one and leave one, as they were reported to be merciless in the overthrow of Israel in 70 AD. Luke reports more of what Jesus said about the coming judgment of Israel and his Second Coming in Luke 21.]
37 The disciples responded, saying “Where [will all this take place], Lord?” Jesus answered, “Where there is a body, the eagles will gather.” [This may refer to the Roman legions surrounding Jerusalem as the eagle is the symbol of Rome. It may also refer to the body of Christ at the point of the rapture, as angels can also be referred to as eagles.]
Discussion questions
1. What does Jesus say that makes clear that God cares about sin? What does he then say about the attitude he wants us to have towards the person who commits sin?
2. Why do you think the Samaritan leper returned to give Jesus and God thanks? Why do you think the other nine didn’t? And why is Jesus disappointed that the others didn’t? What difference does it make in our life when we take the time and trouble to thank God for the way he has blessed us?
3. There is much controversy about whether Jesus in verses 20-37 is referring to his return in judgment of the Jewish nation in 70 AD or the Final Judgment at his Second Coming. What do you think is the relevance of this passage to the time in which you live?
Luke Chapter 18
Intercession for God’s justice
1 And Jesus told them this story so men might always pray rather than being discouraged [that the Lord has not returned to complete his kingdom]. 2 He said, “There was a certain city judge who neither feared God nor cared what men thought. 3 And there was a widow in that city who came before him and said, ‘Give me legal justice against my enemy.’ 4 For awhile he ignored her request, but afterwards he said, ‘Even though I neither fear God nor care what men think, 5 still that woman will keep coming and tormenting me, so I will give her a legal judgment against her enemy.’”
6 And the Lord said, “You hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God bring justice to his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night, even though [it may seem] he waits a long time [to answer]? 8 I tell you, he will bring them [complete] justice quickly [enough]. But when the Son of Man comes [to bring justice to the whole earth], will he find faith on the earth? [How many will he find persevering in prayer, believing that he will faithfully answer? Jesus is encouraging us to believe that God is willing to make a judicial decree on our behalf to change our circumstances. When we or those around us are suffering from ongoing harassment or injustice, if we will persevere in appealing to God, he will answer our requests. This is called "appealing to the courts of Heaven".]”
Humbling yourself to be lifted up
9 And he told another story for those who were sure they themselves were righteous but looked down on everyone else, 10 “Two men went up to the Temple to pray - one of them was a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed like this, ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other men - bandits, sinful men, adulterers, or even people like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, and I pay a tenth of all I own.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing a distance away, would not even lift his eyes towards heaven, but smacked himself in the chest, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this is the man who returned to his house counted as righteous, not the first man. For whoever lifts himself up will be brought low, but he who makes himself low will be lifted up. [If you acknowledge your sin, God will forgive you, but if you ignore your own sinfulness, God will hold you accountable.]”
Receiving like little children
15 At this point, they were bringing little babies to him so that he might touch [and bless] them, but the disciples prevented them. 16 But Jesus called them to come back, saying, “Let the little children come to me and don't keep them away, for the kingdom of God belongs to those who are just like them. 17 I tell you the truth, unless you receive the kingdom of God just like one of these little children, you will never enter it. [They see and believe with no trouble, and never reason away the amazing things God wants to do.]”
Obstacle of riches
18 A certain important person came to him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what do I need to do to inherit eternal life?” 19 And Jesus replied to him, “Why do you call me good? There is only one who is good, and that is God. 20 You know the commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not lie, honor your father and mother.’” 21 And the man said, “I've obeyed all these since my youth.” 22 Jesus replied to him, “But there is one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions, and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me as my disciple.”
23 And at this, the man was very sad for he was extremely rich. [Jesus saw that the man equated ‘good’ as one more thing to obtain but was not willing to move from 'owning' to 'relationship'.] 24 Jesus, seeing his response, was also very sad, and said, “How difficult it is for those who are rich to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God [because it’s hard for a rich man to desire God’s kingdom when they have so much of earth’s kingdom].” 26 Those who were listening said, “Then who can be saved? [If rich and influential men who appear to be blessed by God can't achieve eternal life, who can?]” 27 Jesus answered, “Things that are impossible for men are possible for God. [Men really can do nothing to earn their own salvation, but only God himself can grant it when we seek it.]”
28 But Peter said, “But see, we have given up everything and come to be your disciples.” 29 And Jesus said, “Anyone who has left their home, brothers, wife, parents, and children for the sake of [pursuing] the kingdom of God, 30 will gain many times over [what he gave up] even in this life, and afterwards receive eternal life.”
Prediction of the crucifixion
[Continuing to teach what must be given up for the sake of the Kingdom,] 31 Jesus took his disciples aside and told them, “We are heading for Jerusalem, where everything will be fulfilled that the prophets have written concerning the Son of Man. 32 For he will be turned over to the non-Jews, who will make fun of him, insult him, and spit on him, 33 and he will be whipped, and put to death, and he will rise again on the third day.” 34 But the disciples didn't get what he was talking about - the whole thing was hidden from them - they didn't understand any of it. [The concept of the Anointed One suffering and dying was so foreign to them, it didn't make any sense to them at all.]
Healing the blind beggar
35 After this, as they neared Jericho, there was a blind man begging by the side of the road. 36 Hearing the crowd going past, he asked what was going on, 37 and they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was coming that way. 38 And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Those at the front commanded him to shut up, but he cried out all the louder, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 And Jesus stopped and commanded the man be brought to him. When he got there, Jesus said to him, 41 “What do you want me to do [for you]?” The man said, “That I might receive sight,” 42 and Jesus said, “Receive your sight! Your faith has made you whole.” 43 And immediately he received his sight, and he followed him, giving glory to God. And the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Discussion questions
1. To what degree do you believe God is testing his people as they persevere in prayer? What is the value of waiting?
2. Are you a rich person? Is your following God in second place to your taking care of what you possess? Do you want to change? Jesus said that “what is impossible for man is possible with God”.
3. The blind man is one more example of perseverance. Do you have things that need to be healed or changed, but you are reluctant to bring attention to yourself or afraid of being disappointed?
Luke Chapter 19
Repentance of a rich man
1 And Jesus entered Jericho to pass through it [on the way to Jerusalem]. 2 There was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 He was trying to see who this Jesus was [of whom he had heard so much] but could not because of the crowd and Zacchaeus was of such small size. 4 So he ran in front of the crowd and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see better, since the crowd was headed that way. 5 When Jesus arrived at that place, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay with you this day. [I have received orders from my Father].”
6 So Zacchaeus did hurry and come down, and he was joyful to entertain Jesus at his house. 7 And when the people saw that, they grumbled and said, “Look, he has gone to stay with a sinner.” [How amazing that someone others would judge to be so far from God was actually so ready to give his life to God!] 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, I am giving half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have gotten money from anyone dishonestly, I will pay them back four times what I took.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today, salvation has come to this household, since this man is also a son of Abraham [and has shown himself so by his receiving of me and by his faithful actions]. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those that were lost [and heading for destruction].”
Handling God’s investment
11 As they were listening to all Jesus said, nearing Jerusalem, he added this story, because they were expecting that God's kingdom was about to appear [when he reached Jerusalem]. 12 He said, “There was a man of noble birth who went away to a far land to receive a kingdom and then he would return [to rule]. 13 He called his ten servants to him and gave them each a coin [worth about three month’s wages] and told them, ‘Use this to conduct business [and make money] until I come back.’ 14 But the inhabitants of the land hated him and even sent a letter to where he was going saying, ‘We don't want this man to rule us.’
15 “So when the man returned, having received his authority to rule this kingdom, he called for the servants to come so he could see how much money they had earned through their businesses. 16 The first servant told him, ‘Master, look, I have used the coin you gave me to earn ten more.’ 17 The master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Because you have been faithful with a small amount, I will give you authority to rule over ten cities.’ 18 And the second servant came and said, ‘Your coin has earned five more.’ 19And the master said, ‘Well done. I want you to rule over five cities.’
20 “And the other one came and said, ‘Look, here is the coin you gave me. I have kept it saved up in this cloth. 21 You are a demanding man who takes what you did not invest and reaps when you did not sow. [I didn't want to make money that you would just take from me.]’ 22 The master replied, ‘You evil servant. I will judge you based on what you yourself have said. You knew that I was a demanding man, taking what I did not invest, and reaping what I did not sow. 23 Why didn't you at least put the money in a bank, so that when I returned I would gain the money back with interest?’
24 “And turning to the other servants who were standing by, he said, ‘Take from him the one coin and give it to the one who earned ten coins.’ 25 ‘But Master,’ they said, ‘that man already has ten coins!’ 26 He replied, ‘Those that have shall receive more, but to those who have not, even what they have will be taken away.’ [I will invest more in those who are working the most to increase my kingdom, and for those who don't even care about me and my kingdom, I will remove what I originally invested in them.] 27 As for those enemies who didn't even want me to rule over them, bring them in front of me and execute them!’”
[The fullness of the kingdom will be when Jesus returns to rule over the whole earth. There is a purpose for the intervening time. For those who follow him, from the time we believe, we each have been given our salvation, with the same authority and commission to make disciples through our personal witness. Our witness brings other souls into the kingdom, thus multiplying the master’s investment in us. Our diligence in sharing the kingdom is what will determine our assignment in the millennial kingdom in helping Jesus to rule. Those who never share their witness will likewise forfeit their authority to rule in Jesus’ kingdom. Those who resisted Jesus’ rule altogether will never become part of his kingdom.]
Triumphal entrance to Jerusalem
28 After he said these things, he departed, walking in front of the disciples, climbing up towards Jerusalem. [Jericho is below sea level but Jerusalem is in the hills, a steep climb of 3400 feet in about seventeen miles.] 29 And when he got near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the hill called Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, 30 and told them, “Go into the village directly across from here, and as you enter, you will see a young donkey tied up, never ridden before by any man. Untie the donkey and bring it here. 31 If anyone asked you why you are taking the donkey, simply tell them, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
32 So, following his directions, they went and found the young donkey, just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the donkey, the owners asked, “Why are you taking it,” 34 and they replied, “The Lord has need of it.” [This was either a prearranged signal for the supporter of Jesus who owned the donkey, or the Father had shown Jesus that there was a man waiting for the Anointed One to come who was ready to help fulfill Zechariah’s prophecy.] 35 When they had brought the donkey to him, they all threw their cloaks on it [to make a comfortable saddle] and sat him on the donkey. [They all knew they were fulfilling prophecy. Zechariah 9:9 prophesied that the Anointed One would come triumphantly riding into Jerusalem.]
36 As he went, the people spread their garments along his path. 37 And when they reached the place where the road descends from the Mount of Olives, all his disciples began to shout and praise God in a loud voice, declaring all they had seen of his mighty works, and saying, 38 “Blessed is the king, who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in all the heavens and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, restrain your disciples! [By praising you they are insulting God.]” 40 He answered them, “I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would have to cry out! [If people did not celebrate my kingship, then God himself would cause natural things to respond!]”
Jerusalem’s judgment
41 And when Jesus was near enough to Jerusalem to look out over it, he wept, 42 saying, “How I wish that you recognized those things that would bring you peace, but as it is, they are hidden from you! 43 For the days are coming when your enemies will throw up battle ramps against you, and they will hem you in on every side. 44 They will level your walls and cast down your children to the earth, and not one stone will be left upon another, because you did not recognize the day when God was visiting you. [Your sin is bringing this punishment on you, but if you recognized who I am and accepted me, your sins would be washed away, and the punishment would not be necessary.]”
Cleansing the Temple
45 And he entered the Temple and began to throw out those who bought and sold there, saying, “It is written in the scriptures, ‘My house will be a house of prayer’ [Isaiah 56:7], but, ‘You have made it into a den of thieves’ [Jeremiah 7:11].” [A house of prayer is a place where the people seek the will of God and ask for it to come on earth, but a den of thieves is where anti-God forces plan their next outrageous action and believe they are safe from being caught. He is not talking only about money-changers but the whole exploitative religious system which brought its leaders money and power.] And he taught daily in the Temple, but the chief priests and the scribes, and some of the leaders of the people looked for a way to kill him [because he was threatening their authority]. But they saw nothing they could do, since the people hung on every word that he said.
Discussion questions
1. Jesus makes two primary points about prayer. One is that persistence is rewarded. The other is that God desires to give us what we need and ask for. If God desires to give us what we ask for, why then is persistence required? Why did he warn them they needed to be more excited about their salvation than about their authority over demons?
2. Why were the people always looking for more proof that Jesus was from God, and so ready to believe that he was empowered by the enemy instead? Why are those resistant to belief in danger of being judged at the Judgment Day?
3. Why did Jesus say the generation of religious leaders who were resisting him would bear the judgment for the sins of many generations?
Luke Chapter 20
Story of the vineyard tenants
1 Then, one of the days that Jesus was preaching in the Temple and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, he was approached by the chief priests and experts in the Law, who were supported by the elders of the people. 2 They said to him, “Tell us what gives you the authority to do these things[, such as clearing the Temple and preaching here daily], or who gave you this authority [to do these things. We are the authority here.]” 3 Jesus replied, saying, “I will also ask you one question for you to answer - 4 John's baptism, did it come from God or only from men? [Where did his authority come from?]”
5 They talked it over, saying to each other, “If we say it was from heaven, then he'll say, ‘Then why didn't you believe him?’ 6 But if we say it was from men, the people will stone us, because they are convinced John was a prophet.” 7 So they told him they didn't know which was true. 8 Jesus replied, “Then neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. [If you had any regard for the truth, you would see that the answer for the source of John's authority is the same as the answer for mine.]”
9 Then Jesus turned again to the people and began to tell them this story, “A man planted a vineyard that he leased to some tenant farmers to work it, and then he went away to another country for a long time. 10 At the right time, the owner sent a servant to collect some of the vineyard's product, but the tenant farmers beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 Then he sent another servant and they also beat him, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed too. 12 And he sent a third servant and they beat him to the point of injury and threw him out.
13 “Then the lord of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I know, I will send my beloved son. Perhaps they will show him respect.’ 12 But the tenant farmers said among themselves, ‘Look, this man is the heir. Let's kill him, and perhaps his inheritance will become ours.’ 15 So they chased him out of the vineyard and they killed him. What then will the lord of the vineyard do to those men? 16 He will come and destroy those tenant farmers and give the vineyard to others.” Those listening said, “God forbid! [May such a tragedy never happen!]”
17 He turned and looked at them and said, “[If you don’t get that this story is about you rejecting me as the rightful heir,] then what do you think is the meaning of the scriptures, ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief capstone. 18 Whoever falls on that stone shall be broken to pieces’ [Isaiah 8:14-15], but ‘whomever the stone falls upon, will be ground to dust’ [Daniel 2:34-45]?” [They will indeed reject the very one who is to be the highest expression of their faith but, like the tenant farmers in Jesus’ story, they will not survive the encounter.] 19 The experts in the Law and the chief priests wanted to get their hands on him that very hour, except they feared the people, for they had understood that he had told this story against them.
Jewish leaders' traps for Jesus
20 Watching for an opportunity, the Jewish leaders sent spies posing as sincere men, hoping to catch him by his words. [Perhaps he would make some claim or say something controversial] that would allow them to turn him over to the authority and power of the [Roman] governor. 21 And they asked him a question, "Master, we know that you speak straight without worrying about what any person thinks, but always teach the truth. 22 Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"
23 But perceiving their trickery, he said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose picture and inscription does it have on it?” They answered, “Caesar.” 25 He responded, “Then, give to Caesar what belongs to him and give to God what is God's.” 26 So they couldn’t catch him in front of all the people. In fact, they were amazed at his answer, which shut them up.
27 Then, a group of the Sadducees came to test him. The Sadducees deny there is any resurrection [from the dead]. 28 They posed him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote that if a man's brother died, and he was married at the time of his death but had no children, the man must marry his brother's wife, and produce children for her in his brother's name [Deuteronomy 25:5-6].
29 “[Well, in this case,] the man was one of seven brothers, and the first one took the wife [as his own], but he died with no children. 30 And the second man married the woman and died. 31 And the third brother took her in, and the same thing happened, and each in turn, until all seven had married, and died, leaving her childless. 32 Lastly, the woman herself died. 33 In the resurrection, whose wife will she be, since all seven had her as wife? [With theological issues like this, how can you believe there will really be a resurrection?]”
34 He answered, “It is only the children of this age [in our lives on the earth] that marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are worthy to attain to the next age and the resurrection from the dead no longer marry or are given in marriage, 36 nor can they die, for they are like the angels, sons of God, since they are sons through the resurrection.
37 “But now, as to whether the dead are raised, Moses demonstrated [the truth of] this even at the burning bush, when he called the Lord, ‘The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob’ [Exodus 3:1-6]. 38 For he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all are alive to him [for they are in his presence].” 39 Some of the scribes who were there responded, "Teacher, well said." [Jesus spoke as one who knew what it was like in heaven.] 40 After that, no one dared to ask him anything!
The Anointed One as Lord
41 But now he [turned the tables and asked them a question, and] said, “How is it that they say that the Anointed One is David's son, 42 since David himself in the Book of Psalms [Psalms 110:1], says, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand 43 until I make your enemies into your footstool.”’ 44 Since David called him ‘Lord,’ then how is [the Anointed One] his son? [Don't you realize that I am the Anointed One, and that though I am the son of David since I am descended from him through my mother, I am also God himself who came from heaven and will return to heaven to sit at my Father's right hand?]”
45 Then in the hearing of all the people, he said to his disciples, 46 “Watch out for the [hypocrisy of the] teachers of the Law, who love to walk about in long [dignified] robes, [be recognized and] receive greetings in the marketplace, sit in the front row at the synagogue, and have the place of honor at feasts, 47 but who are devouring widows' houses while making of a show of praying long prayers. [They have schemes to get a hold of people's money even though they appear to be devout].”
Discussion questions
1. Jesus almost never directly said who and what he was. Yet, in some of his later stories, he seems to more directly describe who he is. How does he describe himself in the story of the tenant farmers?
2. Capstones are the final stone in a building that completes it and proves it is built right in order for it to fit in its rightful place. How is Jesus the capstone if the building is the assembly of God’s followers? Why is it that people either trip on the stone or the stone falls on them, prior to it being put in place?
3. If the religious leaders are set on making use of other people’s money, are they enemies of Jesus? How will the Father turn them into the footstool for Jesus?
Luke Chapter 21
Poor widow’s offering
1 Looking up, Jesus noticed the rich people dropping their gifts into the Temple collection boxes, 2 and he also saw a poor widow putting in two small coins at the same location. 3 He said to the people, “Truly, this poor widow has made a greater contribution than all the others, 4 for they gave their gifts out of their abundance [so there was no risk to their living well] but, even though she is poor, she has given all she had to live on.”
Signs of coming destruction of the Temple
5 [Since Jesus had drawn attention to the Temple,] some of the people were talking about the beautiful stones of the Temple and how the gifts were used to provide the decorations on the walls. But he said to them, 6 “The stones you are looking at? There is a time coming when not one stone of the Temple will be left on top of another! They will all be thrown down!” 7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen, and what will be the sign this is about to take place?”
8 And he replied, “Watch out so you aren't led astray, for many will come in my name and say they are me [returning] and that the time [of the end] is drawing near. Don't go after them. 9 And, whenever you hear about wars and revolts, don't be afraid, for these things always happen, but they don't mean the end is near. 10 [In the future,] nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places. And there will be terrifying events and great signs in the skies.
12 “But before all these things take place, they will arrest you and persecute you and turn you over to the synagogue authorities and put you in prison. You will be on trial before kings and rulers because of my name. 13 This will require you to testify [about why you are following me]. 14 Decide in advance that you will not plan what to say, 15 for I will give you words and wisdom so [powerful] that your opponents will not be able to stand or argue against you.
16 “You will even be betrayed by [those closest to you -] your parents, brothers, family, and friends, and some of you will be put to death. 17 And you will be hated by all men because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will be lost. 19 By patiently enduring all of this, you will gain your lives. [Even though you die, you will live, and in the life to come you will not lose any capability that you have today and have much more besides.]
20 “And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that the time of its devastation is near. 21 May those who are in Judea [the area around Jerusalem] flee to the mountains. May those who are inside [Jerusalem], quickly get out, and those who are outside not enter in. 22 For these are the days of the vengeance [of God], which will fulfill all that is written [in the Scriptures, including Daniel 9:26, about the punishment of Jerusalem and Israel for rejecting their God and his ways],
23 “How terrible it will be for women who are pregnant or nursing their babies in that day! For there will be great distress throughout the land, as the people experience God's anger [for sin]. 24 They [who remain] will die by the edge of the sword, or they will be carried away [in exile] to the nations. And Jerusalem will be under the feet of the non-Jews, until the time in history of the non-Jews is complete. [Then the Jewish nation and Jerusalem shall rise again.]
Signs of Jesus’ second coming
“[The closing stage of history for the whole earth will have some similarities to the fall of Jerusalem.] 25 There will be signs that occur among the sun, the moon, and the stars, and all over the earth great distress among the nations. And there will be great anxiety because of the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 Men will be filled with fear and foreboding about what is coming upon the earth, since the heavenly powers [even the demonic hierarchy that has ruled over the earth] themselves will be shaken. 27 And then they shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to happen, lift your heads up [in anticipation], for your rescue is near!”
29 Jesus then gave them this illustration, “Consider the fig tree among all the trees. 30 When you see its leaves beginning to bud, you know that summer is near. 31 So likewise when you see these things [I have just described] begin to happen, know that the kingdom of God [when I come to rule on the earth] is near. 32 In fact, the generation [then living] shall not pass until all of this occurs. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. [They will all be fulfilled.]
34 “Watch out that your hearts not be weighed down by foolish living, drunkenness, or anxious cares, and then the day [of my return] will catch you unaware. 35 For it will come like a trap that is sprung on every single person on the earth. 36 Always keep watch, and ask God that you would be found worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and that you will remain standing before the Son of Man.”
37 Every day he was teaching in the Temple, and at night he was staying at the Mount of Olives. 38 And all the people got up early in the morning so they could hear him at the Temple.
Discussion questions
1. At the end of the previous chapter, Jesus said that the religious leaders “devoured widows’ houses”. When Jesus sees the poor widow give her coins, is Jesus talking about what she will lose, or exclaiming over what she will gain because of her fullness of faith in giving?
2. Jesus makes very clear that in the times of persecution to come, some of them would be put to death, yet he says, “pray that you would be found worthy to escape all these things”. Is he referring to surviving them, or staying courageous no matter what comes?
3. In verse 24, Jesus refers to “the time of the history of the non-Jews being complete”. Do you believe that the birth of modern Israel in 1948 was the beginning of this being fulfilled, since so many of the exiles have returned? Then, do the verses that follow apply to a final time before Jesus’ return or is Jesus still talking about the events leading up to 70 AD?
Luke Chapter 22
Judas’ betrayal agreement
1 It was nearly the time for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, also called the Passover. 2 The teachers of the Law and the chief priests tried to figure out how they could kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people.
3 Then Satan entered Judas, also called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve. [This could only happen because Judas had already engaged in evil thoughts disloyal to Jesus, but to the other disciples there must have been a clear difference in behavior in Judas after this point.] 4 And Judas went off to speak with the chief priests and religious leaders about how he might deliver Jesus to them. 5 And they were very happy and agreed to give him money. 6 And he agreed and looked for an opportunity to turn Jesus over to them when the crowd wouldn't be around.
Preparation for Passover
7 Then came the Day of the Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb must be killed. 8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover feast for us to eat.” 9 And they said to him, “Where would you like us to prepare it?”
10 And he said to them, “Listen, when you go into the city, you will come upon a man carrying a jug of water. Follow him into the house he enters, 11 and tell the master of the house, ‘The teacher says to you, “Where is the guestroom where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ 12 And he will show you a large, furnished room upstairs. Prepare the meal there.” 13 They went, and found it just as he said, and prepared the Passover there.
Establishment of Lord’s Supper
14 When it was time, he sat down for the feast, along with the twelve apostles. [They were already making the transition from being his followers to becoming his ‘sent out ones.’] 15 And he said to them, “I have greatly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I shall not eat another Passover until the Feast is completely fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” [He became the Passover lamb when he died for us, which when the truth of it is received by anyone, delivers them from death. Though he is with us all the time, and especially with us at the celebration of this truth in the Lord's Supper, its complete fulfillment will be his return to the earth, where he will eat the Passover with us again.] 17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and each of you partake of it, for I tell you, 18 I will not drink of the fruit of the vine again until the Kingdom of God comes.”
19 And he took bread and gave thanks, and broke it, giving it to them, and said, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me[, so that you can remember who I am and what I have done for you].” 20 Likewise, after supper he took the cup, and said, “This cup is the new covenant[, the promise to those who are willing to follow me,] in which my blood is poured out for you.” [In the old covenant, God promised to deliver from death all who placed the blood over the doorpost. In the new covenant, any who agree to follow Jesus, are receiving his death to bring them life, essentially placing his blood on the doorpost of their hearts.]
Betrayal, serving, and ruling
21 “But take notice, the hand of the one who betrays me is at the table with me. 22 For the Son of Man will die just as it has been determined [by the Father], but how terrible for the one who betrays him.” 23 And they began to ask each other, which of them might do such a thing.
24 This led to an argument about which one of them should be considered the greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “Among the non-Jews, the rulers of the people command them [and they have to obey], but even so, the rulers are called ‘friends of the people’. 26 But not so with you. Instead, let the greatest become like the least, and the one who would command as one who would serve. 27 For who is [considered] greater, he who reclines to eat or he who serves? It's he who reclines, right? But I am among you as one who serves.
28 “You are the ones who have stuck with me through my time of testing. 29 I [therefore] assign to you, just as my father assigned to me, a place to rule. 30 You will sit at the [head] table with me [at the banquet] in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.
The coming test
31 “Simon, Simon, pay attention! Satan has received permission to sift you like wheat [to see if he can distract you from your faith in me]. 32 But I have prayed [that you would be strengthened so] your faith will not be erased [when you fall], so that when you are restored, you can strengthen your brothers[, for they too will be tested].” 33 And Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison or even to death.” 34 But Jesus replied to him, “I’m telling you, Peter, that before the rooster crows this day, you will deny three times you even know me.”
35 And Jesus said to the disciples, “When I sent you out without a money purse, or a backpack for extra clothes, and without extra sandals, did you lack for anything?” And they answered him, “Nothing!” 36 And he said to them, “Now it is time for you to take a money purse and a backpack, and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you, this scripture about me [Isaiah 53:12] must be accomplished, ‘He was numbered among the lawless,’ for all things that are [written] about me must be fulfilled.” 38 And the disciples said to him, “Look, we have two swords already,” and he replied, “That will be plenty.” [They didn't need these things for provision and protection but only to fulfill what was written about him.]
39 He left the house and went to the usual place, the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 When he arrived there, he said to them, “Pray that you not fail the test.” [Jesus’ own test was going to test all of them to their limit.]
Jesus’ anguish
41 He withdrew from them about a stone's throw away, and he knelt down and prayed, saying, 42 “Father, take this cup [of suffering] from me. Yet not my own will but yours be done.” [The Father supernaturally placed on Jesus the sins of all men – he became sin and experienced the only separation from his Father that he had ever known. He took our place.] 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. [Jesus must have told his disciples about this later, after his resurrection, since he was alone.] 44 And he was in such anguish that he prayed more intensely, and his sweat became like large drops of blood that fell to the ground.
45 And when he rose from prayer, and went to his disciples, he found them having fallen asleep from their grief [about what he was going through and that they would be losing him]. 46 And he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? You need to get up and pray, so you will not fail your testing!”
Betrayal and arrest
47 Even while he was saying this, a crowd appeared, with Judas, one of the twelve [disciples] at the lead, and Judas approached him to embrace and kiss him. 48 But Jesus said, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss? [I can’t believe you would use a sign of love to show hate!]”
49 When Jesus' followers saw what was about to happen, they said to him, “Let's fight with our swords,” 50 and then one of them struck the servant of the high priest with his sword and cut off his right ear. 51 And Jesus said, “No more!”, and he touched the man's ear and healed him.
52 And Jesus said to those who had come to him - the priests, Temple soldiers, and elders of the people, “Have you come as though I were a bandit, with swords and clubs? 53 Was I not with you daily in the Temple, and you never stretched out your hand to touch me there? But this is your hour[, Satan,] and the time for darkness [that God has allowed for his purpose].”
Peter’s denial
54 Then they seized him and led him away and took him to the high priest's house, and Peter followed at a distance. 55 And after they had started a fire in the middle of the yard and sat down huddled together, Peter came and sat down with them. 56 But there was a female servant who looked at him sitting by the fire and, studying his features, she said, “This man was with him!” 57 But Peter denied it, saying, “Woman, I don't even know him.”
58 A little later, someone else said, “This man is one of them!” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 An hour later, another man strongly declared, “This man is definitely one of them, for you can tell he is a Galilean.” 60 Peter replied, “I don't even know what you are talking about!” While he was still talking, the rooster crowed.
61 The Lord then turned and looked at Peter, and Peter remembered what the Lord had declared, how he had said, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 62 And Peter left the scene and wept bitterly.
63 And the men that held Jesus made fun of him and beat him. 64 They blindfolded him, then asked him, “Prophesy now - who just hit you?” 65 And they said many other nasty things to him.
Jesus before Jewish Council
66 Just after the break of day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the experts in the Law gathered together [for an emergency meeting of the Sanhedrin - the ruling religious council of the Jews in Jerusalem]. They led him into their meeting, 67 and asked him, “Are you [claiming to be] the Anointed One? Tell us!” And Jesus answered, “If I tell you [the truth], you will not believe. 68 If I ask you questions [to prove who I am through the Scriptures], you will not answer. [But I will answer you anyway.] 69 After this time [of my execution and resurrection is completed], the Son of Man shall sit at the right hand of the power of God! [Psalm 110:1]”
70 They replied, “So are you saying that you are the Son of God?” [For only the son of a ruler is appointed to sit at his right hand, representing his power and authority.] And he said to them, “You have said it [correctly]. [That’s who] I am!” [By using the words, “I am” (Exodus 3:14), Jesus was declaring he was God himself, which to them was a terrible affront to God.] 71 And they said, “Why do we need any further witnesses? We have heard him say it [that he is both God and the Anointed One] out of his own mouth!”
Discussion questions
1. Jesus was intensely desirous of sharing the Passover with his friends for a last time of fellowship before his death. How important is our regular observance of “holy communion” given that Jesus lives in our hearts all the time?
2. Jesus seemed focused on fulfilling all the scriptures that he knew applied to the Anointed One. Did he need to stage that fulfillment by posing the disciples as “lawless”, or was it fulfilled anyhow in verse 52.?
3. Why do you think God allowed the disciples to be tested and to fail in their test? Do you ever feel like you yourself are going through a time of testing? Why does God allow it?
4. Throughout his ministry, Jesus never directly declares he is the Anointed One or God’s son to the religious leaders or the people. Why does he do so now at his farce of a trial?
Luke Chapter 23
Jesus before Pilate
1 Then the entire council rose and led him before Pilate [the Roman governor]. 2 They said to him, “We have found this man to be leading the nation astray, forbidding that the tribute tax should be given to Caesar, and calling himself "the Anointed One", a king. 3 And Pilate[, not treating the accusation seriously,] asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?”. Jesus replied, “The words are yours.” 4 So Pilate said to the chief priests and the rest of the group, “I find no crime [to accuse] in this man.”
5 But they became even more insistent, saying, “But he is stirring up all of Judea, from Galilee to this place!” 6 When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man were a Galilean. 7 As soon as he found out that his home location was within Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who happened to be in Jerusalem at the same time.
9 And Herod was glad to see Jesus because he had wanted for a long time to see him, having heard so much about him, and had hoped to see him perform a miracle. He asked Jesus many things, but Jesus didn't answer him. [Jesus knew the heart of men - Herod's questions must have been for the sensation of it rather than out of a sincere desire to know.]
10 And the chief priests and experts in the law stood and brought emphatic accusations against Jesus [about his claiming to be a king]. 11 So Herod and his soldiers treated Jesus like he was a fool and, making fun of him, dressed him up in a purple robe like a king, before they sent him back to Pilate. [Getting the joke,] 12 Pilate became friends with Herod that very day.
13 Then Pilate brought together the chief priest, the leaders, and the people themselves, 14 and said to them, “You have brought this man before me as one who leads the people astray, and I have examined him in front of you, and I find no offense in him concerning your accusations of him. 15 Neither has Herod, for I sent this man to him, and he found nothing worthy of death that he has committed. 16 Therefore, I will whip him and then release him.”
18 All at once the crowd screamed, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19 For Barabbas had been imprisoned for causing an uprising in the city and for murder. [There was a custom that the governor would release one criminal during the Feast for good will towards the Jews.] 20 Again, Pilate spoke to them, wishing to release Jesus.
21 But the crowd cried out, “Crucify! Crucify him!” 22 And Pilate responded a third time, “Why? What evil has he done? I have examined him, and he has done nothing deserving death! I will have him whipped and then I will release him.”
Jesus’ sentence and crucifixion
23 But the crowd was insistent and with loud voices demanded he be crucified. And they got their way. 24 So Pilate pronounced the sentence on Jesus just as they demanded. 25 He released to them from prison the one who had caused a riot and was a murderer [Barabbas], and gave Jesus to them to do with as they wished.
26 As they led Jesus away, they grabbed ahold of a man named Simon, from Cyrene, just arrived from the countryside, and made him carry the cross, following behind Jesus. 27 A large crowd followed him, including women who wept and mourned for him.
28 But Jesus turned to them and said, “Women of Jerusalem, don't weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For, mark my words, there are days coming when they will say, happy is the woman who was barren or could never give birth and who never nursed a baby. [It will be so terrible at that time,] 30 they will be saying to the mountains, fall on us, and to the hills, bury us alive [Hosea 10:8]. 31 If this is what they do to the green tree, what will they do to the dry? [Ezekiel 20:47] [If they kill the one who is rooted in and nourished by God, what will be the fate of all the others who don't even follow God?]”
32 And there were also two criminals led to the same location to be put to death. 33 And when they came to the place called Golgotha [the skull], they nailed him to the cross, and the two criminals, one to the right of him and one to the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don't understand what they are doing[, killing God's very son].” They divided up his clothes and cast lots to see who would get them.
35 And the people who stood watching, along with the leaders, mocked him, saying, “He saved others. Can't he save himself, if he is the Anointed One of God, the Chosen One?” 36 And the soldiers made fun of him too, coming over to him and offering him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If you are the king of the Jews, then save yourself.” 38 And also a sign was hung above him, with the words carved “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 And one of the criminals hanging next to him also mocked him, saying, “Are you [really] the Anointed One? Then save yourself and us too.” 40 But the other criminal said to him, “Don't you fear God? For we have received the same punishment as him, 41 but we have received it as a just sentence for what we did, and this man has done nothing to deserve it!” 42 And the man said to Jesus, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom [and become the ruler].” 43 Jesus[, already the ruler of his kingdom], replied, “I tell you the truth, [even] today you will be with me in Paradise [heaven][because you have believed].”
Death of Jesus
44 At this point, it was the sixth hour [noon] and darkness fell over all the land until the ninth hour [3 o'clock in the afternoon], 45 since the sun was darkened [like in an eclipse]. Then, the veil of the Temple was torn in two. [Jesus' death with his atonement for our sins removed the barrier between man and God.] 46 Then Jesus cried out with a loud voice and said, “Father, into your hands I trust my spirit”, and he breathed his last.
47 When the centurion [overseeing the crucifixion] saw what had happened, he praised God and said, “Surely this man was righteous!” 48 All who had gathered to watch [the crucifixion], saw all that happened, and went home beating their breasts [in guilt, recognizing that an evil and unjust thing had been done]. 49 And all his friends and the women who had followed him since [his days in] Galilee stood at a distance and observed all these things.
Jesus’ tomb and burial
50 Now, there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He was both good and observant of the Law, 51 and he had not agreed with the council and their actions [against Jesus]. He was from the town of Arimathea, and he had been waiting for the coming of God's kingdom. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked to take possession of the body of Jesus. 53 He took the body down [from the cross], wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that had been cut from stone, and which had been used for no other man. 54 That day was the preparation day [Friday, when everything is done so no work will need to be done on the Sabbath], and the Sabbath was about to begin [at sundown on Friday].
55 And some of the women from Galilee followed closely behind Joseph and saw the tomb and how Jesus' body had been laid. 56 And they returned [to where they were staying] and prepared spices and ointments [for his burial] and then rested [all day Saturday] to observe the commandment [to keep the Sabbath holy].
Discussion questions
1. There are many ways that Jesus was mocked in the events of the crucifixion. Who mocked him and why? Do you think that was a sign of a spirit that was behind the crucifixion?
2. In spite of Jesus’ great pain and impending death, his heart seems to be focused on others. For whom does Jesus express concern during his crucifixion?
Luke Chapter 24
Empty tomb
1 Very early the next morning, which was the first day of the week [Sunday], the women came to the tomb, bringing the aromatic spices they had prepared [for anointing Jesus' body], 2 and they found that the stone had been rolled away from [the entrance to] the tomb. 3 They entered in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus there. [According to John 20:2, Mary Magdalene at this point ran to tell Peter and John.]
4 As they stood there dumbstruck, all at once two men stood there, and they wore shining garments. [Undoubtedly, they were angels.] 5 As the women fearfully turned their faces away and towards the ground, the men said to them, “Why are you seeking for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but he has risen! Do you remember how he told you, when you were still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be turned over to sinful men, crucified, and on the third day he would rise again?” 8 And then they did indeed remember Jesus' words.
9 The women returned from the tomb and told all of the eleven disciples what they had seen, as well as all the others who were there. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary mother of James, and several others, who told the disciples these things. 11 And it seemed to the disciples like a silly story, and they didn't believe them. 12 But Peter got up, and ran all the way to the tomb, and looking in, saw the linen cloths by themselves [with no body], and then he left, wondering what had really happened.
[This paragraph summarizes and leaves out some details captured by the other Gospel accounts: 1) Mary Magdalene told Peter and John, who together ran to the tomb (John 20:4-10), 2) Mary Magdalene encountered the Lord at the tomb (John 20:11-18), 3) Then the other women reached eight of the disciples, since Mary Magdalene had told Peter and John separately.]
Encounter on road to Emmaus
13 That same day, two of Jesus' followers were walking to the town of Emmaus, about sixty stadia [seven miles] from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking together about all the things which had happened. 15 And as they walked along, talking and discussing, Jesus himself joined them and traveled along with them, 16 but something kept their eyes from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What is this conversation about that you were having as you were walking? And why are you standing there looking so sad?” 18 And one of the two, named Cleopas, answered him, “You must be a stranger to Jerusalem, if you don't know what happened in the last few days.”
19 And Jesus replied, “What things?” Cleopas answered, “The things that happened to Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word, before God and the people. 20 And how the chief priests and our lay leaders turned Jesus over to be condemned to death, and then crucified him. 21 And we had expected that he was the one who would redeem Israel! It's been three days since all these things happened.
22 “In addition to all that, some women from our group amazed us [with what they told us today]. They had gone early to his tomb 23 and his body was not there, so they came and told us. Angels also appeared to them and told them he was alive! 24 And some of our group[, Peter and John,] went to the tomb and found it just as the women said, but they didn't see him.” [Mary Magdalene also encountered the living Lord but this had not yet happened when the women told the group that included the two men now traveling with Jesus.]
25 And Jesus said to them, “You are foolish and slow to believe all that the prophets have written. 26 Don't [the scriptures tell us in Isaiah 53:12 and Daniel 9:26] the Anointed One had to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and going through all the prophets, he explained to them all the scriptures about himself.
28 As they were approaching the village they were heading for, Jesus acted as though he intended to go farther. 29 But they prevailed on him, saying to him, “Stay with us. It's nearly evening and there is little daylight left.” So, he stayed and went in with them. 30 And while he was eating with them, he took the bread, broke it, and gave them some. 31 And their eyes were opened [possibly because of the way he broke and blessed the bread], but as soon as they recognized him, he disappeared from their sight.
32 And they said to each other, “Didn't our hearts burn within us, as he talked with us along the road, and opened up the scriptures to us?” 33 And they immediately got up, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, along with the other followers, 34 who told them, “The Lord has indeed risen and has appeared to Simon [Peter].” [In his resurrected body, Jesus had no trouble visiting multiple places in a short time.]
Appearance to disciples
35 And so the two of them told of what had happened on the road, and how he became known to them in the breaking of the bread. 36 Even while they were still speaking, Jesus himself appeared among them and said, “Peace to you.” 37 Even so, they were startled and afraid, imagining they were seeing a ghost.
38 And he said to them, “Why are you so troubled, and why these imaginations in your mind? 39 Take a good look at my hands and feet. [You can see where the nails went through.] Touch me and see that I am real. A spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40 With that, he showed them his hands and feet.
41 Though they were joyful and amazed, they were having a hard time believing [that it was really him]. So, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”, 42 and they gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 which he ate in front of them.
Final words and commissioning
44 Then he said to them, “These are the words that .I spoke to you when I was still with you[, before my death and resurrection], that everything must be fulfilled that was written about me by Moses [in the Torah, or first five books of the scriptures], the Prophets, and the Psalms.” 45 Then he opened their minds, so that they could understand the scriptures. 46 He said, “Thus it is written that the Anointed One would suffer and then rise again on the third day. [Jesus is likely referring to Hosea 6:1-2.]
47 “And in my name, you are to declare both repentance [changing your mind and your ways] and pardoning of sins to every people group, beginning with Jerusalem. 48 You are my witnesses. 49 See, I am sending what my Father has promised upon you, [the Holy Spirit,] but remain in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
50 And he led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted his hands and blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he departed from them and was carried up into the sky. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem, filled with joy. 53 And they spent all their time in the Temple, praising God.
Discussion questions
1. The Gospel accounts of what happened on the day of Jesus’ resurrection seem a hodge-podge of surprise, doubt, and amazement, with quite a bit of variation in what’s reported. Does that cause you to doubt what happened, or does that seem consistent with what you would expect with such an amazing event?
2. Why does Jesus seem so hard to recognize after he has risen from the dead? What do you think that encounter would have been like on the road to Emmaus? What have your encounters with the Lord been like?
3. Why was it so important to Jesus that all the disciples understand all the scripture references concerning the Anointed One and how Jesus had fulfilled all of them? Have you ever studied the scripture references to Jesus yourself?