the luke journey days 1-42 · the luke journey days 1-42 day 1 - read luke 1:1-4 - what evidence...

The Luke Journey Days 1-42

Day 1 - Read Luke 1:1-4

- What evidence are we given that we can trust Luke's book? Does that surprise us?

- Dear Father, please help me to journey through this book with an open heart and mind that I might

become more certain of the things taught here. Amen


In Bible times, when a king arrived, a messenger would be sent to get people ready. Today is the

announcement about the announcer!

- What was going to be special about this baby John?

- Where might our hearts need to be turned back to others, and to God's wise ways?

This is more than Zechariah struggling to believe what God has said. He is really demanding God

give him a sign.

- Is there anywhere we are refusing to believe what God says?

- Dear Father, please help me to be a person who lives ready to meet the King. Help me to grow in

trust of the words you say. Amen


Today a young girl, Mary, finds 'grace' (undeserved kindness - it’s what the 'favour' word means) in

the eyes of the Lord. What news she is about to receive!

- Who will this child born to Mary be? What will he do?

- Think of the different kingdoms which have come and gone through history. Think of different

things we look to for security which seem so insecure at this time. How is it good news that 'his

kingdom will never end'?

- 'For no word from God will ever fail' How does that encourage you to trust God's words in Luke?

- Dear Father, please help me to trust in Jesus the King today that I might know the security that

comes from being part of his never ending kingdom. Amen


People are generally excited about the birth of a new baby - but this is something very different!

- Why are Elizabeth and the unborn John so excited about the baby Mary is carrying?

- Who does Mary say the Lord is? What has he done for her? What will he do in the world through

Mary's baby?

- God will turn the world upside down through Jesus - humbling the proud and self-sufficient, and

lifting up those who recognise their need before God and others. Are there areas of your life that

you are being proud or self-sufficient in how you relate to God or others? If so confess them and

turn back to him in humility.

- Dear Father, help me to live for your praise today. Help me to live humbly before you and others,

recognising I need you to be my mighty Saviour, just as Mary did. Amen


God's first promise of a baby comes true - but God is in the process of keeping many more

promises!

- How do Zechariah and Elizabeth surprise the neighbours? (57-66)

- What does Zechariah say the Lord is doing through the arrival of Jesus? (v67-75)

David and Abraham were the two key people in the Old Testament whom God made his promises

of rescue for the world to. Now they are coming about!

- What situation will Jesus take his people from, and to? (75-79)

- If we are trusting Jesus today, what will it look like for you to serve him without fear, and in

holiness?

- Dear Father, thank you for your tender mercy that breaks forth in Jesus. Help me to rely on you

alone to forgive and save me. Help me to live without fear today. Amen.


It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! But these verses aren't just for Christmas....

- Who looks like they are in charge of the events of this passage? (v1-2) But what signs do we get

that someone else is in charge (v4-7)

(Hint: God made promises to David that God's king would come from his family and town. Where

has this upheaval meant Jesus was born?)

- The birth of Jesus is 'good news' - what trues things do we see in these verses which help us to see

why it is 'good news?' (v8-21)

- How do these verses encourage you that God is in control, when today it looks like something else

is in control of our lives?

- Pause to ponder and thank God for one part of the 'good news' you've seen here, that you might

grow in joy at it.

- Dear Father, thank you that you are in charge, even when it seems others things control our lives.

Please would the news of Jesus the King and Rescuer become a source of joy for me today. Amen.


- What do Simeon (v25-27) and Anna (v36-38) have in common?

- As Simeon and Anna look into the eyes of this young child Jesus, what do they see God is doing?

(v29-32; v38)

- Jesus will cause the falling and rising of many. Do you find yourself turning to or from Jesus as we

journey through Luke?

- Where do you find patient trust of God hard? How can Simeon's and Anna's experience encourage

us?

- Dear Father, thank you that the light and forgiveness Jesus brings is for all people everywhere.

Help me to patiently trust you to keep your promises. Amen.


This is the only account we get of Jesus before he begins his adult ministry. So it must be important!

- What is the problem at the beginning of the passage (v41-46)? Where do they find Jesus?

- What is the reaction of those who hear Jesus (v46-47)?

- Mary and Joseph were in one sense understandably worried. But what are the first words we hear

Jesus say in Luke's gospel? What does it show about what Mary and Joseph (and us) need to learn

about Jesus' priority and mission?

- Jesus begins to show us the close relationship to the Father that he has as the Son. He shows us he

has come to be about the Father's mission. How will that encourage us to love Jesus more today?

What will it look like for us to be about 'His Father's business today?'

- Dear Father, thank you that Jesus is your beloved Son who came to carry out your mission. Help me

to grow to love him more as I see more of who he is. Amen.


- Why do you think Luke tells us so much detail about the beginning of John's ministry? (esp. v1-2)

How does Isaiah the prophet help us understand what John is called to do? (v4-6)

John warns the religious leaders that it is not family connection nor religious heritage which means

we are ready for Jesus' return. But rather a turning back to God, which shows itself a changed life.

- What will that look like in the lives of those who spoke to John? (v10-14) What will it look like in

your life?

- How is it possible to lived this changed life? (v15-16) What is the warning to us to make sure we

are ready by faith for Jesus' return? (v17-18)

- Dear Father, thank you that Jesus is the coming Lord. Thank you that he is able to change us deep

within by his Spirit. Help us to live lives turned back to him, producing good fruit. Amen.


- Yesterday, we saw baptism was a sign of turning from sin. Today Jesus is baptised. But he never

sinned, so he had no need! Why do you think he joined with the people in baptism? (v21-22)

- The kings in the Old Testament were called 'sons of God' and were anointed - how is Jesus

anointed here, and shown to be THE Son? (v22)

- Are there any names from the Old Testament you recognise in this list? In earlier days we've

mentioned God had made promises to rescue the world to two men - David and Abraham -

promises which would come through one of their descendants - can you find them in Jesus' family

tree? (v23-38). What is that telling us about Jesus?

- If Jesus was going to undo the chaos which Adam had caused, he would have to be fully human

like Adam. Who does Luke trace Jesus' lineage back to? (v38)

- If Jesus is God's loved son, how has Luke been helping you to love him too? God has clearly been

working through history here. Can you look back at your life and see times God has been working in

your history?

- Dear Father, thank you that Jesus is was willing to fully identify with us - by being fully human, and

by joining with sinners in baptism. Help me to look to him in trust today, knowing he understands

our human experience. Amen.


- What are the three ways the devil seeks to tempt Jesus? (v3, 6-7, 9-11) How is each temptation a

challenge to Jesus' mission?

- What does Jesus do in response to each temptation? (v4, 8, 12)

- Don't worry if you don't, but if you know any parts from earlier in the Bible, can you see any

similarities and differences between Jesus here, and Adam in the Garden of Eden and Israel in the

desert?

Jesus perfectly obeys and trusts his Father, where Adam failed in the Garden, and Israel failed in the

Desert and wandered for 40 years. Jesus is obeying in our place. He is the true Adam, the true Israel

come to bring a new humanity!

- How does this good news help us to trust Jesus all the more, especially when we recognise our

failure to obey God? Have you ever learnt a verse or two from the Bible to help you in temptation?

- Dear Father, thank you that Jesus is obeys where I fail. Thank you that he is the true Adam, the

true people of God. Help me to trust him to make me part of his new humanity. Help me to look to

you, through the Bible, as a means of help in trouble and temptation. Amen.


Local elections have been postponed. But if they had been on,we would have been receiving

manifestos of what the parties were going to do. Here is Jesus' opening manifesto!

- As Jesus takes up the words of Isaiah 600 years before, what does he say he has come to do? For

who? (v18-19)

- While Jesus will do some of these things literally - he will heal the blind, and show compassion on

the poor, God always meant this to be be a greater freedom on offer. What do you think that

freedom is?

- How do the home crowd respond to Jesus at the beginning? (v22) What about at the end? (v24-

29)

- The crowds think they know who Jesus is (local boy come good - v22 ) and they think they have a

claim over him (they can tell him what to do - v23). How can thinking we know who Jesus is or

thinking Jesus has to do what we want, lead us to not respond to him rightly? Is that true in any

area of your life?

- Dear Father, thank you that Jesus has come to bring good news. Help me to get to know Jesus on

his own terms, and so find true freedom in him. Amen.


We are bombarded with words every day - some true, others fake; some you can trust, others not

so much. But here are words which set themselves apart.

- What do the crowds recognise about Jesus? (v32; v36-37) How does Jesus do to demonstrate the

authority of his words? (v33-35; v38-41)

- Jesus has come to do away with evil. So it is no surprise that evil forces raise their heads more

during Jesus' ministry. What things do the evil spirits recognise about Jesus? (v34; v41)

- The irony is these evil spirits have grasped what the crowds have not yet understood. But why do

you think Jesus doesn't want the demons to be the ones who announce who he is?

- Jesus could have made his name drawing huge crowds as a healer (v42) But what is Jesus' priority?

(v43-44) How do you treat Jesus' words? Do you let them have authority in your own life? How do

you measure the others words we hear in life, against his?

- In the midst of the busyness - Jesus took himself off alone to pray (v42) Is that something that you

need to discover for yourselves?

- Dear Father, thank you that Jesus' words are good news, and carry your authority. Help me to find

life in hearing them, trusting them and obeying them. Amen.


Prepare to get wet feet today!

- How does Peter respond to Jesus’ words? (v5)

- How is Peter a model of being a follower of Jesus here (especially when we want to do something

different than Jesus’ words?)

-What happens when he does follow them? (v6-7)

- Why is Peter’s response to Jesus – a surprise? The right one? (v8-10)

- Peter is right – because of our sin, we can’t be in the presence of the holy God. But what is Jesus’

offer and promise?

-How might following Jesus be costly for you? What here encourages you that it is a cost worth

counting?

Dear Father, thank you that only through Jesus can we be unafraid in your presence. Thank you he

calls us into the family business. Help us to be fishers of people today. Amen.


We get two of three short episodes to help us understand the heart of Jesus' mission.

- What is the man's problem in v12-16? But what does this condition need more than just healing?

(a word is repeated 3 times in v12, v13, v14)

- How is Jesus willing to break boundaries? What is the amazing outcome? (v13)

The man's skin disease is a picture of humanity's 'sin' disease - it isolates us from others, it makes us

unclean before God and so isolates us from him.

- Considering all the miracles Jesus has been carrying out, what do you think the paralysed man's

friends expect Jesus to say? (v17-19) But what does Jesus say? (v20)

- A doctor will always treat the most pressing issue first. You would seek to mend a deep, bleeding

cut, before a little graze. What is Jesus saying this man's (and our) greatest need is?

Jesus then demonstrates that he has the authority to do what is unseen (forgive people's sin) by

doing the thing people can see (making the man walk again).

- Does it shock you that Jesus says your greatest need is to have your sin forgiven before God -

more than physical health, the perfect relationship, the career we want, a nice house, or

whatever..? Why do you think that is? Yet what is the wonderful encouragement of these verses if

we realise that?

- Dear Father, thank you that Jesus has authority on earth to deal with our biggest problem. Help

me to recognise my need of forgiveness before you, and to trust Jesus who is willing to make me

clean. Amen.


This is the third of three short episodes to help us understand the heart of Jesus' mission.

- What was Levi's job? (v27) What do you know about tax collectors in Jesus' day?

Tax people get a bad wrap today. But in Jesus' day they were seen as traitors collaborating with the

Romans, and thieves!

- So why is it a surprise that Jesus wants Levi on his team? What is the surprise of how Levi

responds? (v28-29)

- The religious leaders complain that Jesus is mixing with sinners (v30). How does Jesus' answer

explain what he is doing in coming to earth? (v31-32)

- Do you think that there is anyone in the 'healthy/ righteous' group that Jesus mentions? How do

the religious leaders show they are not in that group either?

- Jesus has come as the 'great physician' - but what do you need to recognise about yourself to

enjoy his 'healing' work? (v31-32) Are there ways you are tempted to look down on others as below

you or below Jesus?

- Dear Father, thank you that Jesus is the Great Physician. Help me to recognise that I am a sinner,

and so turn back to you. Help me to treat others as Jesus treats them. Amen.

Day 17 - Read Luke 5:33-6:11

Yesterday we began to see tensions between the religious establishment and Jesus' good news.

That only grows today.

- What is the religious leaders' complaint? (v33) How does Jesus response answer them? (v34-35)

(In the Old Testament the Lord himself was described as a Bridegroom!)

- The religious leaders are trying to fit Jesus into their system of religion. It was a system that sought

to honour God, but by adding extra rules to God's good commands they were actually rejecting

him, trying to prove themselves before God. How does Jesus' parable show that you can't just fit

Jesus into our existing patterns of thinking? (v36-39)

- What is the religious leaders' complaint? (6v2) How does Jesus response answer them? (v3-5) (In

the Old Testament think who it is that created the Sabbath!)

- What is the religious leaders' complaint? (v7) How does Jesus response show them up? (v8-10)

- Where might you be seeking to 'add' Jesus to your old pattern of life, rather than allowing him to

change your life? Where might you be seeking to add rules to what God has said to try to be 'good

enough' for him?

- Dear Father, thank you that Jesus brings a life that is totally new. Help me not to push Jesus aside

by trying to be good enough for you, but rely on him to be good for me. Amen.


Jesus begins to call a new people marked by a new attitude.

- What does Jesus do before he appoints the apostles? (v12-13) How is that a pattern for us, and a

challenge to us as we make decisions in life?

- How are the values of Jesus' kingdom topsy turvy from the values of the world around us? (v20-

26)

- What is it about having little in life (being poor) which often leads people to look to Jesus, which

we don't do when life is all fine? (v20)

- What is the uncomfortable mark of being a disciple which Jesus highlights twice? (v22-23)

- What encouragements do you find here to live out the upside down values of Jesus' kingdom?

- Dear Father, thank you that Jesus brings your blessing. Help me to be willing to embrace Jesus and

the upside down kingdom, even when that puts me at odds with others around me. Amen.


Jesus' new people will be marked by his kingdom values.

- What is the big command Jesus is giving his people (v27-31) How is that totally opposite from

what we normally would want to do?

- How did Jesus live this out though (think what he did from the cross?

- Jesus speaks in the strongest terms here to make his point. Of course there are times when giving

someone something they ask for would be the opposite of loving them, and letting someone slap

you is not about self-defence, but about not seeking revenge. But don't miss the startling point!

Where do you need to ask for Jesus' help to live his Kingdom way here - think specifically?

- If we find this hard (which we will!), how is God the Father and his treatment of us an

encouragement? (v35-36)

- What measure are you using in how you relate to others (be it criticism, generosity,

forgiveness...)? (v37-39)

- Dear Father, thank you that you are kind to the ungrateful and merciful to the undeserving. Thank

you that you loved me and forgave me in Jesus when I was your enemy. Help me to live this way to

others. Amen.


Jesus continues to show us what defines his kingdom people.

- Where does Jesus say our words and actions flow from? (v45) What picture does he give to show

this? (v43-44)

- What do your words show about your heart? (v45)

- How do these verses cause us to throw ourselves on the Father for mercy? (v36)

Our words and actions – though at times marked with kindness and love – also show up a problem

deep within. The short tempered word, the gossip, the white lie – they all show up a problem in our

heart. There is a problem with the tree of our heart. We need Jesus to forgive us and make us new!

- What is the difference between the two builders? (v48-49) What two different responses to Jesus

do they represent? (v47 and v49)

- How have you been seeking to hear Jesus’ words and put them into practice recently?

- Dear Father, please help me to be a wise builder. Help me to hear Jesus’ words, come to him and

put them into practice. Amen.


- What does the Centurion seek Jesus for? (v2-3) Why do the Jewish elders say Jesus should come?

(v4-5) How is the Centurion's response totally different? (v6-7)

- What does the Centurion understand about Jesus' words and their authority? (v7-8)

Jesus is amazed at the Centurion's faith - can you imagine that? Amazing, Jesus! Here is a Gentile (a

non - Jew) who shows great trust in him.

- Why is this second scene so sad? (v12) What two ways does Jesus respond in the face of death?

(v13; v14-15)

In one sense we are all in a procession heading towards the grave. We don't like to think about

that, but sadly that is reality. Jesus faces death with compassion (his heart goes out to the grieving)

and power (that one day he will raise all those trusting him to life) How does that encourage you to

trust Jesus with your death?

- Dear Father, help me to be humble before Jesus, knowing I am not worthy to receive from him.

Please help me to trust the power of Jesus' words - words which promise to raise me to life one day

as I trust Him. Amen.


Matthew's gospel tells us John was in prison when he sent his disciples to Jesus (v18). John had

preached the Messiah would bring great acts of judgement. But Jesus seems only to be doing works

of mercy. John is puzzled.

- What does John do? (v18-20) What answer does he get? (v21-22) If Jesus is a different king than

we expected, what encouragement is there in v23?

- There was no one greater than John in the Old Testament period (v27-28). But if you are trusting

Jesus what remarkable privilege to you have? Why? (Hint - what have you been able to experience

that John didn't?)

- What did Jesus compare the religious leaders to? How are they never satisfied with the way God

has revealed himself? (v31-34)

- Are there any ways you making excuses for ignoring the truth about Jesus or never satisfied with

how God is working in the world, or about His church?

- 'But wisdom is proved right by her children' As God's people acknowledge God's ways of working

are right - they show God to be wise (and themselves to be truly wise) What could you be praying

for yourself from these verses?

- Dear Father, help me to recognise that your ways are right, even when I don't understand them or

think you should be working differently. Help me to enjoy the privilege of being of knowing Jesus

and being in your kingdom. Amen.


'But wisdom is proved right by all her children.' Today we meet a lady, 'a child' who has understood

God's wonderful way, and a man who hasn't.

- What type of person is Simon? (v36, v39) Why type of person is the woman? (v37)

- How does the woman respond to Jesus? (v38,44-47) How does Simon respond to Jesus? (v44-47)

- How does Jesus' parable explain the difference in the woman and Simon's response? What is

Jesus' conclusion? (v47)

Jesus is not saying that her sin is forgiven because she loved lots. Her love for Jesus does not earn

his forgiveness. But that her great loves shows he has understood just how much she has been

forgiven.

- Do you realise just how big a debt of sin God has forgiven you, if you are trusting Jesus? If you so,

how should that begin to show itself in your life today?

- Dear Father, thank you that the eternal debt of my sin has been paid in full by Jesus. Help me to be

full of love for you and for others in response. Amen.


In each situation - whether to individuals (7:48-50) or to crowds (8:1) Jesus' establishes his kingdom

by his word. But how should we respond?

- What wonderful picture do we get of the make up of Jesus' early followers? What does Luke draw

our attention to? (v2-3)

- What are the four soil types in Jesus' parable? (v4-8) What doe each represent? (v11-15)

- Which of the four soils best reflects your response to Jesus' word in the Luke Journey? Why?

- Jesus' word reveals what we are like on the inside (v16-18). What is the the challenge/

encouragement of how we respond to Jesus' words? (v18)

- Jesus is not being mean to his family. He is showing that there is a greater family being created -

his people. What does it mean to be in that family? (v21)

- What are practical ways, with God's help, you can seek to put Jesus' words into practice?

- Dear Father, thank you that Jesus gives us knowledge of the kingdom when we ask him for it Help

me to be going soil - to hear and obey. Amen.


We saw that being in Jesus' kingdom meant responding to Jesus' word. Today we see how powerful

that word is.

- Luke highlights Jesus' power over the four great problems humanity faces. What are they? (v22-

25; v26-39; v43-48; v49-56) How do we see here, just how bad they are?

- How does Jesus overcome each of them?

- Jesus contrasts two different responses to life and him - fear and faith. Where can you see each of

those responses in the episodes?

- How does what we see of Jesus help us to turn to him in faith, not from him in fear? Are their

particular things which you are fearing? Bring them to Jesus in prayer.

- Jesus doesn't promise necessarily to heal those who follow him in the hear and now. He

sometimes still allows us to go through the effects of evil, nature, sickness and death. But one day

he promises he will do away with all of these when he brings his new creation. Jairus had a period

when he heard the promise of life for his daughter, but it was not yet a reality. How are we in the

same place? How do these verses help us keep going in the wait?

- Dear Father, there are many things in life which I can't control, and I often live in fear. Help me to

turn to Jesus and not away from him in these times, and trust him for the day he will make all things

news. Amen.


In Jesus' miracles we get a 'taste' of the kingdom. Jesus now sends the apostles out to make that

kingdom known.

- What instructions to the apostles get given for their task? (v3) Why do you think they are to take

so little?

- This is an urgent mission - they are not to stop to make special preparations - they are to go! What

does that tell us about the importance of Jesus' message?

- How is people's response to the disciples (for good or ill) a sign of their response to Jesus? (v4-6)

- If you are following Jesus, what different reactions can you expect as you live and share his

message with the world?

The question of Jesus' identity is becoming greater. Herod is worried and confused - he knows Jesus

can be John - he killed him (v7-9). Jesus now shows us who he is.

- In the Old Testament, the Lord God provided bread for his people in the desert. What does this

miracles tell us about Jesus' identity?

- The people ate, were satisfied - and there was food left over! How does this help you trust Jesus

when you worry about his provision, or the goodness of his ways?

- Dear Father, thank you that your Son is the true Bread of Life - help me to trust Jesus for eternal

life and physical life. Help me to be satisfied in him. Amen.


Herod has asked who Jesus is. The disciples earlier asked the same question. Now Jesus asks them...

- Who did different people think Jesus was? (v18-19) If Jesus asked that question today, what

answers might people give?

- Jesus gets very personal. Who does Peter come to realise Jesus is? (v20). It is as if Jesus asks that

question of you. Who do you believe Jesus is?

- Peter declares Jesus to be God's only chosen representative on earth. What then is the shock of

v21-22?

- What is the call that the crucified King makes to us? (v23-26) Why would ignoring Jesus (even if

you got everything you wanted in life in return) be a terrible exchange? (v25)

- What will it look like for you to 'deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me'? (v23

- Dear Father, thank you that Jesus is your chosen King. Help me to be willing to deny myself and

follow him, that I might enjoy the life he holds out to me. Amen.


Jesus has been declared the Messiah - God's King. But with the news he will be killed, it doesn't look

like he is. But today we get a taste in the present of what we will all see in the future...

- What happens while Jesus was up the mountain? (v28-31) What do you think they mean? (Hint: In

the Old Testament, the Lord was pictured as bright light, Moses and Elijah were the two most

important Old Testament messengers).

- Moses and Elijah speak about Jesus' 'departure' (v31) - literally that means his 'exodus'. The

Exodus was when the Lord rescued his people. What does that help us understand about what

Jesus is going to do?

- A voice again speaks from heaven. (v34-35) What does God the Father want us to know about

Jesus?

- Though the great prophets, Moses and Elijah, had been with Jesus - only Jesus is left. What do you

think that teaches us about Jesus' importance?

- It doesn't always look like Jesus is God's glorious king. Maybe we don't always live our lives as if he

is. How does this 'taste of the future' help change how we think and act?

- Dear Father, thank you for giving us a taste in the present of what one day all the world will see

Jesus to be. In the days I struggle to believe he is the king, or live as if he is, please help me to fix my

eyes on this future. Amen.

Day 29 - Read Luke 9:37- 50

We have been told to 'listen to Jesus' but now we have three short episodes where the disciples still

have much to learn...

- This is a terrible situation for this father and his son. But why haven't the disciples been able to

drive this demon out? (v41) How should have people been responding to Jesus' power?

- Everyone is marvelling at what Jesus could do. But what does Jesus want the disciples to have

fixed in their minds? (v43-45)

- The disciples can't understand Jesus would defeat darkness and evil, not through powerful

miracles, but his cross. What do we often look to defeat darkness and evil in our world?

- The disciples also struggle to understand that following a crucified Messiah will mean being

servants. What are they arguing about? (v46) How does Jesus correct them (v47-50) (Hint a little

child in Jesus' day had little status - welcoming a little child is about humbling yourself to welcome

the lowest)

- Where are we tempted to seek greatness through being more important than others, rather than

serving the least?

- Dear Father, thank you that Jesus was willing to welcome the least, and so welcome me. Help me

to leave my pride at Jesus' cross and become great through serving. Amen.


We face a turning point in Luke's gospel. The shadow of the cross begins to cast its darkness over

the scene. But Jesus knows what is to happen...

- What does Jesus know? (v51) What does it leads him to do? (v51)

- There was no love loss between the Samaritans and the Jews. What do the disciples want to do

when the Samaritans won't welcome Jesus? (vv52-54) What does Jesus do instead? (v55) Why do

you think that is?

Jesus is heading to the cross. He is God's king, and one day he will return as judge. But now is not

the time for that. Now is the time of rescue.

- Jesus now shows us the cost of following him. There are three promises to do so, two with

hesitations. What is Jesus' response to each? (v57-62)

- These are shocking verses about the cost of discipleship. Jesus is not calling us to be hurtful to our

families, nor neglect our responsibilities. Elsewhere Jesus models care for our families. Following

him should make us better family members. But he is challenging our priorities. Who will we put

first - Jesus or them? Where do we find our priorities between following Jesus, and our families

'rub'? Are there areas where we know they take priority over him?

- Dear Father, thank you that Jesus resolutely headed to the cross. He did not turn back, so that I

could be brought back. Help me to count the cost of following him, that he would be my number one

priority. Amen


With great privilege comes great responsibility. As Jesus sends out 72 disciples, both are true here...

- The 72 are sent out but Jesus tells them to pray for more workers. Why? (v2)

- That prayer is still needed today. Pause and pray that God would send out more workers to make

Jesus known in the UK and across the world.

- Jesus recognises that when some hear the news of his kingdom, they will respond. But others will

reject. Why will it be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah (two Old Testament cities judged for

their godlessness) on the last day than the towns in Jesus' day? (v13-15) What does that teach us

about about our responsibility to respond to what we know about Jesus?

The cities in Jesus' day had more revelation than Sodom and Gomorrah had. They had a taste of the

kingdom in the teaching and miracles of Jesus. With that greater revelation comes greater

responsibility to respond to what we have heard. Those who have received more revelation will be

judged more strongly on the last day. We as a nation have the Bible readily accessible, and live a

society founded on a Christian worldview. We have great revelation and so have greater

responsibility to respond.

- What are the disciples most excited about after their mission trip? (v17) What does Jesus says is

more important? (v20)

- What privilege do we experience that even people like Moses and the prophets didn't enjoy? (v22-

24) Pause and consider that privilege.

- Dear Father, thank you that for those who trust in Jesus, our names are written in heaven. Help me

to recognise the privilege of knowing Jesus. Help me respond rightly to what I know of him. Amen.


Yesterday we saw that the kingdom is revealed to little children (those who recognise they have no

status before God). Today we meet a meet a man who thinks he does...

- What is the man's question? What is his motive? (v25)

- How does Jesus answer the man's question? (v28) - How should that standard leave us feeling?

The man's answer is correct (v27). That is the standard required if we are to receive eternal. But far

from leaving us thinking 'I can inherit eternal life', like the man, we should be thinking 'I don't do

this - so how can I?' But the man pushes on. He wants to see how small a group his 'neighbour'

needs to be for him to to tick the box 'Loved neighbour', and so inherit eternal life himself.

- How does Jesus' parable explode the man's thinking?

- How does Jesus explode any hope of us inheriting eternal life ourselves?

The man wants to see how small a group his 'neighbour' needs to be. Jesus ask 'who are you being

a neighbour to!?' Being a neighbour means showing mercy without limits, even to our enemies.

None of us do this, let alone love God with everything. Jesus pulls the rug out from any thinking

that we can earn eternal life ourselves. But wonderfully that is what Jesus has come to bring for

those who trust him. And for those who do, the call to love neighbour is still there (v37).

- What will it look like for you to be this kind of neighbour this week?

- Dear Father, thank you that when we were battered and bruised from sin, enemies of yours, and

unable to help ourselves, Jesus didn't pass by, but bandaged us up and healed us. Help me to show

mercy without limit, just as he has. Amen.


We heard the voice at the Transfiguration say 'Listen to him', now we see that modelled in the life

of one woman...

- What is Martha's response to having Jesus in their home? What is Mary's? (v38-40)

- Why is Martha's response born out of a good desire?

- But how do the many preparations become the biggest thing? (v40-42) What do they lead to?

(v40-42)

- But how is Mary commended and why? (v42)

Martha is serving Jesus - busy, busy, busy, but ironically in the midst of that she has missed out on

the one thing that really matters - listening to Jesus.

- Where do you feel 'busy, busy, busy' in life? Where are they threatening to overwhelm or distract

you from Jesus? How can you make listening to Jesus a priority?

- Dear Father, thank you for the reminder that listening to Jesus is the most vital thing I can do in

life. In the midst of busyness, stresses and strains help me to keep listening to him. Amen.


Yesterday we thought about listening to Jesus. Today we learn about speaking to our Father...

- The disciples want to learn to pray. So in the 'Lord's Prayer' Jesus is not just giving words to say,

but a pattern to pray, and priorities to have. With whom does all prayer start? (v2) Pause and

reflect how amazing it is that the person trusting Jesus can call God, Father.

- What is to be our first priority in prayer? (v2) How is that a correction to many of our prayers?

- But though God's ways being worked out are to be our priority - Jesus still calls us to lift our needs

before God. What needs in particular does Jesus call us to be praying about? (v3-4)

- Our 'daily bread' is what we need (not want) for that day (not beyond that). How is it an

encouragement that we can pray for what we need - today?

- What do Jesus' first parable teach us about how we ought to pray? (v5-10)

- What is the encouragement in Jesus' second parable about the one we are praying to? (v11-13)

- Dear Father, thank you for the privilege of calling your 'My Father'. Thank you that you love to give

good gifts to your children. Help me to pray boldly and with your priorities. Amen.


We prayed yesterday 'your kingdom come'. But that is not the only kingdom at work. Which

kingdom will win?

- What accusation is made against Jesus and his miracles? (v14-15)

- How does Jesus answer their accusation? (v17-22)

- Jesus is driving out evil by the power of God. So what does that means is happening? (v20)

- Evil is real in this world. We might not see it necessarily in the forms that it was seen in Jesus' day.

But where do we see it at work today? Who does this passage help us see is a factor behind it?

- What is the encouragement of who Jesus is, when we feel helpless or doubt in the face of evil?

(v22)

- Why is simple moral transformation not enough to defeat evil? (v24-26)

The total defeat of evil by Jesus is what is needed. If evil is cast out, but not replaced by anything, it

is worst after, than it was before. But the Kingdom of God doesn't do that.

- Dear Father, evil is real in this world. It hurts and destroys. I recognise at times its presence within

me. Thank you that Jesus comes as the strong man who defeats Satan. Help me to cling to him.

Amen.


Jesus ended yesterday saying 'Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it'.

Today was have a test case...

- Why will those who heard King Solomon and Jonah speak stand in judgement over the crowds in

Jesus' day? (v29-32)

King Solomon and Jonah preached God's message to outsiders (the Queen of Sheba travelled from

a far, Jonah was sent to Nineveh). Their hearers listened and responded.

- Jesus said no more signs would be given to the people to convince them of who he is, other than

the sign of Jonah. (v29-30) Jesus is speaking about the resurrection (where Jesus was three days in

the tomb, as Jonah was in the fish). Jesus says the issue in unbelief is not a lack of evidence. How

does that give us confidence as we share Jesus with our community?

So why don't people believe. Jesus says it is all to do with our eyes.

- What role do our eyes have in sharing the benefits of light with our body? (v34) If our eyes our

bad, what negative effect does that have?

- Our spiritual eyes really matter. If they do not see rightly, then even what light there is within us

will be impacted (v35). We will not respond to Jesus or live his way. Similarly if our eyes are good,

our whole being is full of light - we will respond to him. How does that change how we pray for

ourselves? For the people we know and love who haven't responded to Jesus?

- Dear Father, please open my eyes that I might see Jesus as he really is. For (add the names of

people we know who don't trust Jesus yet), please open their eyes that they might see Jesus' light

and respond rightly to him.


We have been in a section where the tension between the Kingdom of God and human 'religion'

has been clear. Now it comes to a head...

- What complaint does Jesus' host (a religious leader) have against Jesus? (v37-38) What is Jesus'

complaint against the Pharisees' religion? (v39-41)

Jesus begins to expose the hypocrisy which religion without Jesus can often fall into. The 'outside'

of us might look very good, but the 'inside' is very different.

- What areas of hypocrisy does Jesus condemn in v42-52?

- How does this hypocritical religion impact others? (v44; v46; v52)

- How does this hypocritical religion react to Jesus, as his light shows them up? (v53-54)

- Where are there areas in your own life where your outside religion differs from what is going on in

your heart? Are there areas where you are more concerned with rules than mercy? Or human

traditions rather than loving Jesus?

- Dear Father, I recognise in myself a heart towards you and others which does not always match

the appearance I give. Forgive the hypocrisy in me, and through Jesus create a new heart within me.

Amen.


Yesterday we saw Jesus tackle hypocritical religion, and its reaction to him. Now Jesus prepares his

followers that it will reject them too...

- Will hypocrisy remain hidden for ever? (v1-3) How is that a challenge and an encouragement to

us?

- Jesus' disciples might even face death for following him (v4) But why are they not to be afraid?

Whom should they fear instead? (v4-5)

- Fear of the Lord in the Bible is different than being afraid of him. It means being in awe of him and

respecting him. What two reasons are given why we should be in awe of God? (v5-7)

There is a fate worse than death. Jesus warns it is being separated from God's good kingdom in hell.

God our maker and judge has power of our destination. But wonderfully for the one who

acknowledges Jesus (v8) we can be sure of God's care (v7) and a new future with him instead. With

that secure, it enables us to begin to not be afraid of other things.

- The Holy Spirit comes to be personally with the follower of Jesus. He works to enable us to turn

back to Jesus, and then make Jesus known. To reject the one who comes to help us trust the

Saviour puts us beyond forgiveness, for it means we are throwing back the lifebelt that is being

thrown to us. (v10). But what is the promise to God people (especially persecuted people) in v11-

12?

- Dear Father, I am often afraid in life. That fear holds me back from serving you and loving others.

Help me to fear you, trusting Jesus to give me a new future, and his present care, that I might live

unafraid. Amen.


Fear is a theme again today. Here it is fear around provision for our needs...

- How did the rich fool act as if life did consist in the abundance of his possessions? (13-21) What

was God's verdict? (v20-21)

- Are there ways that we operate the same - building up things around us - pensions, possessions,

insurance plans - thinking life and safety are ultimately found there?

- Life is more than possessing the things we need for life (v22-23). But we still need those things!

What encouragements are there to trust our Father for those needs? (v24-31)

- If abundant life does not consist in having things, what does it consist in? (v31-32) How is giving to

those in need an expression of trust in our Father and his kingdom? (v32-34)

- Does the way you use your money and possessions demonstrate a focus on God's kingdom? Are

their things you are worried about? How do these verse help you?

- Dear Father, help me to truly believe life is found in your kingdom, not my possessions. Help me to

seek your kingdom first, and be able to trust you for all my needs. Amen.


Yesterday we were called to focus on the kingdom - a secure kingdom - but we also see that it is a

future kingdom...

- What does Jesus call us to be like? (v35-36)

- What is the amazing promise that Jesus makes to his people when he returns? v37-38)

- How does that change how you view of Jesus' return?

- Why must we always be living ready ? (v39-40)

- How does Jesus' parable show us what being faithful while we wait looks like? (v42-46)

- God is just and fair (v47-48). What has God made known to you, and entrusted to you? What will

faithfully waiting look like in your life?

- Dear Father, thank you that Jesus will return. Thank you that day will be one of joy for his people.

Help me to live believing this, and serving faithfully while I wait. Amen.


Jesus is the Prince of Peace, but let's not misunderstand what his mission involves...

- Did Jesus come to bring peace? (v49-51) How does that surprise you?

- Where will that division be played out? (v52-53) Why do you think Jesus brings division?

- What is the crowd's problem? (v54-56) What do they refuse to do? (57-59)

Jesus brings division, even in the closest relationships. His words and actions provoke a response.

Some will 'be reconciled' to him, but others will see all the 'signs' (the evidence) and refuse to turn

back.

- Have you seen this at work in your own relationships? In others'? Have you responded to the signs

about Jesus? Pray for someone you know who is refusing to respond.

- Dear Father, thank you that you have enabled me to interpret the signs and respond to Jesus. I

pray for .... (add in name). Please help them to see who Jesus is and be reconciled to him. Amen.


Yesterday we saw the warning to 'read the signs' correctly. Today we see how we should and

shouldn't respond when we see tragedy in the world...

- What two disasters have happened? (v1; v4)

- When tragedies happen, what might people to be tempted to say about the victims? (v2;4)

- According to Jesus what should we not think when we see others suffer? (v3; v5)

- When we see suffering however, how should we respond? (v3;5)

Jesus will not let us point the finger when we see disasters and say the victims suffered because

they must have sinned terribly. He won't let us say 'they suffered, not me, because they must have

been worse.' But he does say when we see tragedy, we should respond in repentance. Suffering is

used as a wake up call by God. A warning in the here and now of the judgement to come.

- How should we be responding as we look at our world at present? Is that how you have

responded?

- What is the warning and encouragement of Jesus' parable? (v6-9)

- Dear Father, thank you that you are merciful and give us the opportunity to repent. Help me to do

so while there is time. Help me to learn the lessons you are seeking to teach me in suffering. Amen.


We get to see just what a king and kingdom Jesus call us to...

- What is Jesus' response to the women's plight? (v10-13) What is the synagogue leader's? (v14)

- But how is religious hypocrisy once again shown up? (v15-17) Who does Jesus show himself to be?

(v16)

- Are there areas in your life where you are more concerned with human rules or being religious,

than showing mercy?

- What two aspects of the Kingdom of God do the two parables teach us? (v18-21) (Hint - what size

is the mustard seed to begin, and what size is it at the end? What does a tiny amount of yeast do

through dough?)

- Where do you feel that God's kingdom looks weak, insignificant or powerless? How do these

parables help you think differently?

The Kingdom does at times look small and weak. But despite its small starts, it will become the

biggest, lasting kingdom in the world. It's work might seem unseen, but its effects are gradually

working its way through the world. One day its true value and impact will be seen,

- Dear Father, when I think following Jesus and living for him kingdom is worthless, help me to know

that one day all will see just how great a king and how great a kingdom it really is. Amen.


In the next few days we will see the need to respond to the king and enter the kingdom. We will see

the urgency, as well as the longing of the king...

- What is the person's question? (v22-23) How does Jesus makes things much more personal in his

answer? (v24-27)

The man wants to know 'how many?' Jesus doesn't answer that. He says 'Make sure YOU have

entered.'

- What two shocks will there be about who is in the kingdom on the last day? (v24-27 & 28-30)

These are shocking verses. There will be people we expect to be in God's kingdom who won't be

there, and people who we don't expect who will be. Some people will have expected to have been

there, yet will miss out. They thought they knew Jesus - they had connections to him and knew

about him (v25-26). But he never knew them. They never had a personal relationship with Jesus.

- Are there areas in your life where you are relying on a connection to church, or a knowledge about

Jesus , rather than having a personal relationship with him?

- Jesus warns some people will not be in the kingdom, but outside it in hell. But is that because of a

lack of love and work on Jesus' part? (v31-35)

- Dear Father, thank you that your kingdom is open to all. Thank you that your heart is to gather

people in. Help me to have entered through the narrow door as I put my trust in Jesus alone. Amen.


Hardness of heart vs God's welcoming heart are in view again today - this time at a meal table...

- Who is sitting in judgement over Jesus? (v1-4) But how do they find themselves judged? (v3,5-6)

- Jesus now seems to be handing out advice about table planning for weddings! But something

much bigger is going on. What does the seat we pick show about us? (v7-10) What is the heart of

Jesus' message? (v11)

- How does the attitude of humility or pride show itself in how we relate to others? (v12-14)

Never would you have thought where you sat at a meal, or who you invited would have eternal

consequences. But the point is meal is just one place where our inner attitudes are shown up.

- Are there times when you think of yourself as more important than others or relate in a certain

way because of their status? How should comparing ourselves against God rather than others

change our attitude?

- Dear Father, I am sorry for the times when I compare myself to others and so am proud. Help me

to compare myself to you and so recognise my true state. Help me to humbly welcome others, like

you have welcomed me. Amen.


Jesus' meal with a message continues...

- How is God's kingdom described? (v15-17) How does that excite and encourage us?

- What are the three excuses given? (v18-20) Why are they not really excuses?

The excuses show those invited don't want to come, rather than can't come. A field is not going

anywhere so you don't suddenly need to see it. You don't buy oxen before you try them. Marriage

brings new obligations, but it doesn't cancel others out. They simply thought other things were

more important than responding to the invitation. People are saved by responding to God's

gracious invitation, not by their own effort. But if people are lost, the parable shows it is by their

own actions.

- What excuses do people make for putting off responding to Jesus? Are you making any of those?

- But God's purposes to have a full kingdom will not be thwarted. How does the rest of the parable

show that? Why do you think the people in the byways needed compelling (persuading) they were

invited? (v21-23)

- What do you see of God's character today which leads you to praise him?

- Dear Father, thank you for your wide, wide love and welcoming heart. Thank you that you have

done everything needed for me to be at your banquet. Help me to accept Jesus' invitation. Help me

to act as your messenger today inviting others to the banquet too. Amen.


We've seen God's wide welcome, and the need to accept his invitation. But what will that mean for

us? Jesus now tells us of the cost of following him...

- What is the shock of Jesus' call to discipleship? (v25-27) What do you think it means?

Jesus uses strong words so that we know that following him will mean a change in everything in our

life - even our closest relationships. His strong language is to make a point. Of course, we are to

love our families - following Jesus should make us better family members. But we are not to lose

the sting of Jesus' words. Our love for them should seem like 'hate' in comparison to our love for

Jesus. He is calling us to be willing to put him first, even above our own life.

- Where currently do your family, or your own life, plans or comfort come above following Jesus?

- How do the two parables help us in weighing up the cost of following Jesus, and of not following

him? (v28-33)

Jesus wants us to sit down and 'do the math' - that is work out if we can afford to follow Jesus, and

whether we can afford to refuse his demands.

- Salt is good - it brings life and taste to things.(v34) Have you ever thought about your following

Jesus in this way? What is the challenge here too?

- Dear Father, thank you that Jesus was willing to give up everything for me. I can never pay him

back, and neither do you ask me to. But help me be able to count the cost and give my all for him.

Amen.


We return to the theme of God's welcoming kingdom. We meet a group that some others think

shouldn't be welcomed in...

- What is the religious leader's complaint? (v1) How do Jesus' two parables explain why he

'welcomes sinners, and eats with them'? (v3-10)

- What does each parable teach us about our condition before God? What does each teach us

about our value before God, despite our sin?

In the first parable the sheep is lost - it has wandered off from safe pasture. It teaches us that is

what we are like. We've turned away and wandered from God. But the coin reminds us we can do

nothing at all to get ourselves found again. The coin needs someone to find it. Wonderfully Jesus

has come on the Father's rescue mission - searching and finding lost sheep, sweeping and finding

lost coins.

- What is heaven like when someone repents and turns back to Jesus? (v7, v10) Do you have the

same joy in seeing people come to faith in Jesus?

- What is the response that God says is the most important thing before him? (v7, v10) How does

this parable encourage us to repent?

- Dear Father, thank you that your heart is wide. Thank you that in Jesus you search for lost sinners.

Thank you despite my sin, that I am precious to you. May the pattern of y life be one of repentance

and may I share your joy in the salvation of others. Amen.


We often call this the 'Parable of the Lost Son', but there are two lost sons in this story. Jesus wants

us to work out which we are...

- What is the first son's attitude to his father? (v11-12) What is the son's life like? (v13-16)

The son 'comes to his senses' - he realises that life is found with his father, not away from it. But he

also recognises he deserves nothing from his father.

- What is the shock of the father's attitude towards the first son? (v20-24)

- What is the second son's attitude to his father? (v25-32) How does that show itself in his attitude

to his brother? (v30-32)

- The second son was just as lost from the father as the first. The first rejected the father,

wandering off in wild living. The second son stayed close to home, but was just as far off. He did not

share his father's heart of mercy, nor did he know his father. He saw his father as as slave driver to

be worked for, not a generous father to be enjoyed.

- Which son are you? Is your life far from God because of your living? Or because you feel God is a

master who owes you something because of what you have done?

- How does your view of God's grace change how you view others?

- Dear Father, thank you that while I was far off, you were searching for me. Thank you that you ran

to me in the Lord Jesus, and welcomed me home. Help me to share your heart of mercy, that I might

rejoice in others who are lost, being found. Amen.


We have seen two groups emerging - those who have failed but are drawing near to Jesus; and

those who think they are fine, but are rejecting him. We see how those responses show themselves

in terms of our possessions...

- Who is this parable spoken to? (v1)

- What do you think the big point is? (v1-9, especially v9)

This is a strange parable and shocking. Here is a dishonest steward, but he is commended - by the

master, and by Jesus! But notice what Jesus draws attention too - it is the man's shrewdness and

his focus on the future, not his honesty. He looks to the future and uses his resources now to make

sure he had a home on that day. Jesus says his followers are to have the same view with eternity.

To use their resources with an eternal perspective, in a way which means our resources will

'welcome us' on that day. That is not earning a place in heaven, but using our resources now with

that great future in mind.

- Where do we see people using their money shrewdly in our society? If we are a follower of Jesus,

do we use our money with the same energy, but focused on heaven?

- Why is faithfulness to God with our resources so important? (v10-12)

- What does your use of money show that you are serving? (v14-15)

- Dear Father, thank you for all that you have given me. Help me to love you more because of your

generosity, not replace you with the generous gifts you have given me. Help me to use what I have

with eternity in mind. Amen.

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