Luke 17 and 18

General Observations:

• It may seem sometimes that Luke’s account is disjointed, seeming to jump from one subject to another. However, as Hendriksen points out, even though the account is not always chronological, Luke does mean for it to be “orderly,” as he states in Luke 1:3. Therefore, we seek to find continuity and theme in this study.
• A class member observed a theme in Luke 18: Dependence on God. As we answered the questions, we saw this emphasis again and again, much like we saw an emphasis on urgency in Luke 13-14.

1. 17:1-6 What should be our attitude toward those who sin against us and repent over and over again?
   Comments: Rebuke him (verse 3 – Also see Galatians 6:1-4), and if he repents, forgive him. Remember that this is an offense against us, not a sin of lifestyle. Rather than rebuking someone who offends us, we tend to avoid that person, which is not good for either party. The offender may go on making the same mistake, and we may have lost a friend because we’ve been too lazy or cowardly to confront the problem.
   In verses 1 and 2, we are warned against causing another to sin; in verses 3-6, we are instructed in how to prevent further sin. In the NKJV, verse 3 reads, “Take heed to yourselves.” Hendricksen translates this “Look out for one another.”
2. 17:7-10 How should we view our service to the Master?
   Comments: As unworthy servants. As our duty, not as some gracious deed for which we should be thanked.
   Continuity I see after reading from Hendriksen’s commentary: To forgive (vv. 3-6) requires help from above, so the apostles ask to increase their faith. Jesus compares faith to a mustard seed, which starts small and continues to grow and gain power. in . The servant in the example did only his duty. As our faith grows, so will our gratitude for our position as servants to the King – and to others. We will do more than is our duty to do.
3. 17:11-19 Which of the ten lepers thanked Jesus for healing him?
   Comments: Only a Samaritan. The others went their way – healed, but without giving glory to God – which is what Jesus wanted them to do. They didn’t recognize their dependence on the mercy of God.
4. 17:20-21 Is the kingdom of God spiritual or physical?
   Comments: It’s spiritual – inside of us – but being a Christian affects the physical world around us. The Greek word used here is basileia, which can be translated either kingdom  or kingship, indicating Christ as our Lord and our King. The Jews wanted a kingdom they could see – and show.
5. 17:22-37 Who can predict the Lord’s return?
   Comments: No one. We must always be ready. The final judgment will be sudden and final.
   There was some discussion about whether this refers to the destruction of Jerusalem or to the end of the world. It seems to use the language of both the destruction of Jerusalem (Mark 13:14-23) and the end of the world (Matthew 24:36-44). The point of Jesus’ teaching here is not to listen to those who claim to have special insight into the return of Christ. When he comes again, everyone will know. As vultures find a body – no matter how remote is may be – so the judgment of Christ will strike those who are not faithful – wherever they are.
6. 18:1-14 What do the stories of the widow and the tax collector teach us about prayer?
   Comments: The widow was persistent in her requests for judgment. The tax collector was humble. The Pharisee, on the other hand, relied on himself to get it all done. Both the widow and the tax collector relied on someone else for help. The justice that God gives may be even greater than what we’ve requested. Again, the theme of dependence on God.
   Note: Whereas the unrighteous judge took his time in gaining justice for the woman, the Lord’s vengeance will come quickly (v. 8).
7. 18:15-17 What did Jesus mean by “as a little child” in verse 17?
   Comments: Having a childlike faith – total dependence on God, never doubting. A child is humble, trusting, never too proud to turn down a gift. Children also show unconditional love. One of the women told the story of a grandchild, expressing his love for his aunt, who has a chronic bronchial condition. “I love your face; I love your breathing tube.”
8. 18:18-30 What kept the young ruler from following Jesus?
   Comments: His dependence on his wealth. People who have visited poorer countries observed that, even in all their poverty, they seem happy. Is it possible that because they don’t have things, they can’t depend on them and therefore they value their relationships more? Jesus loved the young ruler; he knew he would be happiest if he depended on God rather than on his wealth.
   This is not an indictment against being wealthy – only a misplaced dependence on it. People with financial means can do a lot of good with it.
9. 18:31-34 What was the prediction Jesus made about Himself?
   Comments: He would be mocked, insulted, spit upon, scourged, and killed. On the third day He would rise again. He also said that all the things written by the prophets would come true. The apostles didn’t seem to grasp what he was saying. Was it because he referred to himself in the third person? All these things would happen to the “Son of Man. “
   There was also some discussion of what Jesus went through mentally, knowing exactly what would happen to him, while knowing he had the power to prevent it. We also noted that he could have willed himself to die sooner, but he first made sure that all prophecy was fulfilled.
10. 18:35-43 What did the blind man do so that he would be healed? How did his faith heal him? What was the result of his asking for help?
    Comments: He cried out repeatedly, “Lord, have mercy on me.” He acted on his faith, even though others were telling him not to. He received his sight. He depended on the mercy and power of Christ.

Luke 15 and 16

1. 15:1-7 The shepherd looking for the lost sheep is a picture of whom? Who else might it be?
   Comments: Christ – and God. They love all their sheep. Note on verse 7: “…ninety-nine persons who need no repentance.” The Pharisees only thought they were righteous, needing no repentance, (Luke 5:31; 18:9). Hendriksen’s observations: Jesus was being consistent with his instructions (14:12-14); the publicans and sinners were following his instruction (14:35).
2. 15:8-10 What was the value of the coin to the woman? How useful was it while it was lost?
   Comments: The loss of it (worth a day’s wage in monetary terms) made her obsessive about finding it and needing to share her joy when finding it. The value? Priceless. Its use as long as it was lost? Nothing. Hendriksen: We can have four attitudes toward the lost: 1) hatred; 2) indifference; 3) welcoming; and 4) seeking.
3. 15:11-21 List some differences between the son who left home and the son who came back.
   Comments: The son who left was demanding (v. 12); wasteful (v. 13); extravagant (v. 14); rebellious (v. 13); hungry (v. 16). When he came back he was realistic (v. 17); repentant and humble – he had sinned against heaven (v. 19); willing to act (v. 20). The father described his son as dead, then alive; lost, then found (v. 32).
4. 15:20-32 The father in this parable is a picture of whom?
   Comments: God – who loves all his children equally (vv. 24 and 31) – the picture of forgiving love and divine mercy.
5. 15:25-32 How is the older son’s attitude a lesson for us?
   Comments: The older son was self-centered and jealous. Lessons for us? 1) We don’t begrudge the work we do nor do we expect a special reward. 2) We rejoice with those who rejoice. 3) We rejoice that one lost is found. 4) We are forgiving, trust in the repentance of others.
6. 16:1-8 For what did the rich man commend the steward?
   Comments: His shrewdness – not for his crookedness. As the steward made provision for his monetary future, so must we for our spiritual wellbeing. The master does not represent Jesus. Note: 100 measures of oil is equivalent to 800-900 gallons; 100 cor of wheat equivalent to 1000 bushels.
7. 16:9-12 What is Jesus’ example of “very little” in verse 10?
   Comments: Use money for good things to bless people; use your money for good works (v. 9). What is “very little” or “least” is material wealth (v. 10).
8. 16:13-18 Why did the Pharisees scoff at Jesus?
   Comments: Because they didn’t appreciate what he said about money. How could Jesus talk? He had no money! Note: Verse 13 repeats what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:24)
9. 16:19-23 How were the roles of the rich man and Lazarus reversed?
   Comments: The rich man received good things in this life, but was tormented after death; Lazarus was tormented in this life, comforted in the next (v. 25). The rich man became the beggar (v. 27). He had not made friends by mammon (16:9).
10. 16:24-31 What is more important than even someone being raised from the dead?
    Comments: Heeding what has been written. To illustrate what the actual response of his brothers may have been, note the response to the resurrection of Lazarus in John 11. The chief priests wanted to kill Lazarus, to remove the evidence of the miracle (John 12:9-11).

Luke 13 and 14

1. 13:1-9 Were the people who died worse sinners than others?
   Comments: No. Everyone – Jew and Gentile – must repent. Hendrickson: “Not for a moment should they imagine they can escape God’s judgment just because they are Jews.” Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 – Death comes to us all. Matthew 7:1-3 – Judge not, lest you be judged by the same standard. Note: In the first example, they were Gentiles; in the second example, they were Jews. We must ask ourselves, “When calamity strikes, what lesson is there for me to learn?” One lesson here: Look to yourselves! The time to repent is now.
2. 13:10-17 What was the ruler of the synagogue really concerned about?
   Comments: His man-man rules for the Sabbath, and a desire to discredit Jesus. (See 12:1.) The ruler shows his cowardice here: Notice he speaks to the crowd, not to Jesus. Other comments: He is jealous; as ruler of the synagogue, he feels like he must warn the crowd away; he is afraid Jesus will usurp his authority.
3. 13:18-21 How is the kingdom like a mustard seed? How is it like leaven? Consider: What is the kingdom of God?
   Comments: It is like a mustard seed in that it started small and grew to fill most of the world – it grew numerically. It is like leaven in its influence on society, making every community, every culture, better. See Mark 4:26-29 – God grows it. Neither the seed nor the  leaven can be seen as it does its work.
4. 13:22-30 How did Jesus teach that entrance into the kingdom is both inclusive (everyone can enter in) and exclusive (only a few can enter in)?
   Comments: As in John 3:16, salvation is available to all, but will be given only to those who believe and accept God’s grace. Philippians 2:12-13: We work, relying on God to work in us. “Make every effort” = strive = Greek for agonize. All who strive to enter in – before it’s too late – can enter. The time to repent is now.
5. 13:31-35 How did Jesus show both His courage and His compassion when told of Herod’s threat?
   Comments: He was not afraid of Herod; he laments over Jerusalem. John 1:11: His own people rejected Him. Note in Mark 3:6 and 12:13 how both the Herodians and Pharisees joined in opposing Jesus. It’s possible these Pharisees were sent by Herod.
6. 14:1-6 Why didn’t the lawyers and Pharisees answer Jesus’ questions?
   Comments: 1) They chose not to answer (See also 6:9), silently allowing to go ahead – waiting to see if He would? 2) They couldn’t answer, verse 6. It would show their inconsistency, that all they were trying to do was discredit Him.
7. 14:7-14 Jesus teaches lessons to both guests and hosts? What are those lessons?
   Comments: Guests: Wait to be asked to take a better place and avoid humiliation. See Proverbs 25:6-7. Hosts: Don’t limit your invitations to those like you. In doing so, you cheat yourselves.
8. 14:15-24 Why was the master of the house angry when those he invited made excuses not to come?
   Comments: He had prepared the feast, expecting them to come. It  appears they had initially accepted the invitations, then made lame excuses. Lesson: The kingdom is not limited to Jews. Again – Accept Christ’s invitation now.
9. 14:25-27 What are two requirements for becoming a disciple of Christ?
   Comments: 1) Following Christ is our top priority. 2) Bearing our cross means denying ourselves. See Galatians 2:20. Re: the use of the word “hate”:  In Genesis 29:31, Jacob “hated” (KJV) Lea in comparison to his love for Rachel. Matthew 5:44 tells us to love our enemies, so this must be a question of priority. The class had a good discussion about what it means to put Christ first. Does this mean we never miss worshipping on Sunday morning, no matter what, or is it more than that? The question is: If we had to deny Christ in order to keep our families, which choice would we make?
10. 14:28-35 What is the cost of becoming a disciple of Christ? Why is it so important to count the cost? Comments: The cost is our own selves – our time, resources, energy, personality. It’s important to count the cost so we’ll know how to respond when choices come, to prevent failure. Verse 29 – To prevent ridicule and defeat.

Luke 11 and 12

1. 11:1-13 How will God respond to our prayers?
   Comments: v. 3 – He will provide our daily bread; v. 4 – He will forgive our sins; v. 4 – He will protect us from evil; v. 8 – He will respond to our bold persistence; v. 10 – He will open a door for us; vv. 11-12 – He will give us what is best for us; v. 13 – He will give us the Holy Spirit. If we relate verses 9-14 to verses 1-4; if we pray for the kinds of things Jesus mentions in those verses, our prayers will be answered in the affirmative.
2. 11:14-26 What were two reactions from the crowd when Jesus cast the demon out of the dumb man? (esp. vv. 15-16)
   Comments: 1) Some accused Jesus of acting by Satan’s power; 2) Others tested him, demanding another sign – as if that sign wasn’t enough. They didn’t really want another sign; they wanted to ruin his reputation, cast doubt on the source of his power.
3. 11:27-32 Who does Jesus compare to Solomon and Jonah?
   Comments: Himself – the Son of Man. He was greater than Jonah, who was a sign to the Ninevites to repent; He was greater than Solomon, to whom the Queen of Sheba came for wisdom. And she was greater than His critics, because she wanted wisdom.
4. 11:33-36 What does Jesus say is “the lamp of our body”?
   Comments: The eye. (The Queen of Sheba had a better eye than the scribes and Pharisees.) We must not be too blind to see, to understand. When our eyes are opened, our souls are enlightened, and we are also a source of light for others.
5. 11:37-54 Why was Jesus so critical of the Pharisees and lawyers?
   Comments: vv. 39-41 – Hypocrisy; v. 42 – Misguided priorities; v. 43 – Coveting pre-eminence; v. 44 – Insidious danger to others; v. 46 – Mean-spirited; v. 47 – Aided and abetted murderers; v. 52 – Inhibited knowledge
6. 12:1-12 First, Jesus says “Fear Him,” then “Fear not.” What is he talking about?
   Comments: vv. 4-5 – Fear not man, who can merely kill you, but fear God, who can cast you into hell – Respect Him. vv. 6-7 – Do not fear Him who cares for you. Trust Him to do what’s best for you. v. 8 – Do not be afraid to confess Christ before others.
7. 12:13-21 What is covetousness, according to Luke 12, and why is it dangerous?
   Comments: An abundance of things, a dependence on them as a source of comfort. Trusting in things. Material possessions don’t last. Those who pursue after material possessions and pleasures lack focus and direction. God provides that focus and structure for His followers. We no longer wander around like lost Israelites.
8. 12:22-34 How can we rid ourselves of worrying about our physical needs?
   Comments: Consider how God takes care of even the birds and the grass. Seek the kingdom first. Have faith in Him who cares for us.
9. 12:35-48 What is the main lesson in this section (in five words or less, if possible).
   Comments: Always be prepared for God. Be dressed and ready for service. Christ will return: Be ready.
10. 12:49-59 In what way does Christ cause division?
    Comments: His followers depart from the worldly path, and sometimes others don’t accept it. Following Christ causes people to leave the past behind.

Luke 9 and 10

1. 9:1-6 What kind of power did Jesus give to the twelve apostles before He sent them out?
   Comments: 1) Power and authority over all demons: 2) to cure diseases; 3) to preach the kingdom of God; 4) to heal the sick
2. 9:7-17 What kind of doubt did the apostles have when there were so many who had followed Jesus to the desert place?
   Comments: This was beyond their experience, so they couldn’t imagine His ability to do such a thing. The same thing can be true of us. We tend to limit God’s abilities to what we have experienced or can imagine when in reality He can do more than we can imagine. (Hendriksen: They concentrated on the size of the crowd, not on Jesus.)
3. 9:18-27 What are two truths spoken about Jesus in this passage?
   Comments: v. 20 – He is Christ of God. v. 22 – He would die and be resurrected.
4. 9:28-36 What misunderstanding did Peter have that is evident in his suggestion about the tabernacles?
   Comments: That Jesus was just another special lawgiver or prophet – in the same category as Moses and Elijah. Moses was the representation of the Old Law; Elijah was representative of the Old Testament prophets. But Jesus is both lawgiver and prophet, the Son of God; now we listen to Him. (Hendriksen comment: Both Moses and Elijah departed the earth in unusual ways (Deuteronomy 34:6; 2 Kings 2:11).)
5. 9:37-62 What are some other weaknesses of the disciples as shown in this chapter?
   Comments: vv. 37-42 – Lack of faith. vv. 43-45 – Lack of understanding; vv. 46-48 – Pride; vv. 49-50 – Cliquishness; vv. 51-56 – Destructive anger, wanting revenge; vv. 57-62 – Misplaced priorities. Generally, a lack of faith.
6. 10:1-16 What were the main responsibilities of the seventy whom Jesus sent out?
   Comments: vv. 1-4 - To prepare the way for him, test the soil; v. 5 -  To take a message of peace; v. 9 - To preach the kingdom; v. 11 – To judge cities according to their response. Note the two meanings of “the kingdom of God has come near you.” One is a promise (v. 9); the other a warning (v. 11).
7. 10:17-20 What is more important than having the power to cast out demons?
   Comments: To have your name written in heaven. That power was important, but such power ends with death.
8. 10:21-24 How can we know God?
   Comments: Through the Son – Spending time with Him; reading the Word.
9. 10:25-37 How can we know if we love our neighbors as ourselves?
   Comments: By our acts of mercy and compassion; by our deeds. Treating others as we would be treated.
10. 10:38-42 What is the “good part” that Mary chose?
    Comments: To sit at Jesus’ feet and hear his word, undistracted by worldly concerns. Though Martha was serving, she wasn’t displaying a servant’s heart. She felt burdened by her duties and anxious about the outcome.