As we discussed, John the baptizer stands out as an extreme example of what it looks like to follow after God. He not only calls us to a radical change, he points to some specifics when asked pointed questions. John's message and life were certainly radical and impacts every level of his culture just as our message and life should impact all of those with whom we come in contact. We all have a long way to go as disciples of Jesus.
This coming study in many ways confronts us with the challenge all followers of Jesus have faced from the beginning. We will now see Jesus "kicking off" His ministry. In this we will see the core of his message as well as what happens when you seek to live out the call of God on your life, especially among those who knew you before. Below are some of the questions we will consider this week. Spend some time in prayer about them and be sure to read and re-read the text.
Luke 4:16-6:11
1) Why does Luke give more detail than the other gospels in the story of the rejection at Nazareth? Why does he place it at the very first of Jesus’ ministry, rather than later, as in the other gospels?
2) Comment on this statement: Gospel writers were not always strictly concerned with chronology; thus, they moved stories around to suit their purposes.
3) When you first became a disciple of Jesus or even later as your level of commitment to follow Him increased, have you experienced rejection from family, friends or coworkers? Explain.
4) Though Jesus only did good, there were those who disliked him intensely. Why? Would you?
5) When you witness “total commitment” in the lives of others, whether religious, political, environmental, etc. what thoughts do you have?
6) In Jesus’ Sabbath controversies (6:1-11), was Jesus changing the Sabbath law, or deepening it?
7) Do the comments in this chapter about Simon and Levi – who left everything to follow Jesus – overstate the case, or is Luke making a point here and throughout the gospel about the total call to follow Jesus?
1) Why does Luke give more detail than the other gospels in the story of the rejection at Nazareth? Why does he place it at the very first of Jesus’ ministry, rather than later, as in the other gospels?
2) Comment on this statement: Gospel writers were not always strictly concerned with chronology; thus, they moved stories around to suit their purposes.
3) When you first became a disciple of Jesus or even later as your level of commitment to follow Him increased, have you experienced rejection from family, friends or coworkers? Explain.
4) Though Jesus only did good, there were those who disliked him intensely. Why? Would you?
5) When you witness “total commitment” in the lives of others, whether religious, political, environmental, etc. what thoughts do you have?
6) In Jesus’ Sabbath controversies (6:1-11), was Jesus changing the Sabbath law, or deepening it?
7) Do the comments in this chapter about Simon and Levi – who left everything to follow Jesus – overstate the case, or is Luke making a point here and throughout the gospel about the total call to follow Jesus?
It's interesting to me that the chapters for this week's study mention on two different occasions that Jesus went to lonely/solitary places to pray. If Jesus found that this was so important to His ministry, I can't help but wonder how much more as mere humans we need to be seeking God in this manner.
ReplyDeleteAlso, we see that Jesus used gracious words (4:22) that made a real impression on people (it amazed them). As disciples, shouldn't we strive to speak gracious words to draw others to Christ? What a pleasure it must have been to hear the gracious words of Jesus!
Excellent thoughts. I hope you will expand on this in the morning. Looking at Jesus through disciple eyes forces us to really consider not only what He said but even more of what He did. I'm reminded of His words "come and see" or "follow me" which is more related to our observation of Him rather than just listening.
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