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.