Luke Bible Study Notes Chapters 14

3/31/2012

Luke 14

-Luke sets the context for the teachings in this passage by indicating where Jesus was here in chapter 14. Jesus in the house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees on the Sabbath and the Pharisees were paying close attention to him with pride and contempt. Thus, Jesus is making His key points and performing a miracle in this intimidating setting.

-Once again He proves that He is the Lord of the Sabbath by healing a man with dropsy (Luke, the physician, identifies this man’s condition, which is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in bodily tissues and cavities). This time, knowing their hearts, Jesus asks them if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not. These kept silent to see what He would do, and Jesus in fact kindly healed the suffering individual along with a question as to their willingness to help their own son or ox who may be in trouble on the Sabbath.

-Jesus then gives a parable to instruct on humility and proper exultation. *Application* Don’t assume to be great in your own eyes. Being presumptuous will end up humiliating you. Be content and wait for your moment of reward and recognition to come. The Heavenly Father sees and knows all and is the best One to receive from.

-The parable of the invited guests is expounded upon by the Christ. This earthly story with a heavenly meaning further illustrates the saying by Jesus, “Many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14).” A key reiteration in both of these parables that the Lord speaks on is the poor, crippled, lame, and blind. These types of people reveal the heart of man and are contextually important to the prideful and arrogant crowd He was speaking to. Another important word here for me is the term “compel (Luke 14:23).” *Application* This word in the Greek has a strong force to it, which indicates that we are to be persistent and eager in our witness for Christ. The Lord wants His house filled and we have a vital role in making that happen!

-Now Jesus lays it all on the line by teaching on the cost of discipleship. The wise will count up the cost and see what is entailed in following Him because it is certainly not an easy life on this earth. It will involve giving up the rights to all possessions and taking up your own personal cross each and every day in obedience to what the Lord wants from you. Those who cannot complete the course will be ridiculed and scorned. Dietrich Bonhoeffer became famous for his book “Cost of Disciplship.” He was convicted to stand for his Christian faith in Nazi Germany during the Second World War. This is an excellent treatise for everyone struggling with this concept that Jesus teaches here in the later part of Luke 14. *Application* "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die (Dietrich Donhoeffer)." This is something most of the Pharisees could never sees themselves doing because of their pride, how about us? Jesus’ words penetrate deep.

Verse to Memorize: Luke 14:11

Luke Bible Study Notes Chapters 13

3/30/2012

Luke 13

-The Lord begins this chapter with a call for all to repent because the Heavenly Father has put everyone into the same category under the curse of sin by man’s very nature. This is also an indication that, as it is said, the just and the unjust will have trouble in this world as well as the Lord’s blessing (Matthew 5:45, John 16:33).

-A parable on patience is given using the illustration of the unproductive fig tree. Jesus here is telling His listeners that there is still time to come to repentance and be saved if they only will. Otherwise the tree (or the soul) will be cut down (perish). *Application* God is patient and kind, but He is also just. Don’t get out of balance either way on His attributes here. There is a point when His patience runs out and then all will be called into account for what has been done (Exodus 34:6-7, Psalm 7:11-12, 2 Peter 3:9). Have we turned our lives over to the One who can save our souls?

-Jesus was then teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath when He healed a woman who had been bound (key word here) by a spirit which caused her sickness of her being doubled over not having the ability to straighten her back up to be standing erect. The synagogue official was indignant because of Jesus’ Sabbath “work” and rebuked Him severely. Jesus, in righteous indignation, replied by calling his kind hypocrites because they unbound their ox or donkey so that they could have food and water on the Sabbath. Yet, they would not allow for a daughter of Abraham to be set free from her bond. Jesus in this instance humiliated His opponents and the entire crowd was rejoicing over this incredible miracle. *Application* It is not always wrong to be angry and to say sharp words. Sometimes we need to rely on the Holy Spirit to give us these hard words in the face of a situation that we know injustice is being done. God will get the glory in it when we stand for righteousness.

-A teaching on the Kingdom of God is illustrated. It is compared to a mustard seed, which starts out small but grows into a large tree for birds to nest in. It is also compared to leaven, which raises the bread to new heights of fullness.

-As Jesus was continuing His way to Jerusalem, He teaching in each city and village that He would pass through. One person remarked to Him concerning how few the people were who were receiving His message and becoming saved. Jesus took the opportunity to teach about how the path to salvation is the narrow way and that many will seek to enter but will not be able. Jesus taught that there is a relationship with Him that is required for salvation. If a person does not know God they will not enter His Kingdom. The Lord also gives us here another indication that He came for the entire world as those from all over will recline at His table in the Kingdom of God. The last will be first and some of the first will be last.

-Jesus has more strong words in the face of a threat from Herod Antipas, who wanted to kill Him according to some Pharisees. Jesus remarks that on the third day He would reach His goal. This is a prophecy of His resurrection that is related to Luke by the eyewitnesses. His mission was clear; get to Jerusalem where the prophets had been rejected and killed and make sacrifice for the human race. His desire was to gather this city of Jerusalem unto Him for salvation but He knew the reality. However, He does look forward in time when they will say, “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the LORD (Luke 13:35, Psalm 118:26)!” This will happen at His second coming when they see Him come on the clouds of glory (Daniel 7:13, Zechariah 12:10, Matthew 24:30, Mark 13:26, Revelation 1:7).

Verse to Memorize: Luke 13:3

Luke Bible Study Notes Chapters 12

3/29/2012

Luke 12

-Jesus begins an instructional stanza on the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He begins with announcing that their hidden motives and agendas will be revealed. *Application* In fact we are in dangerous territory when we try to hide and conceal events and issues that are corrupt and wrong. Jesus is telling us here that the Lord sees it all and will expose the heart in every matter.

-There should be no fear towards those who will persecute or even kill the body. Keep the context in mind here. He is speaking concerning the religious establishment who will eventually lead Him to the cross and attempt to destroy the spreading of the gospel. Instead we are to fear God who has power and control to banish our souls to hell.

-Next, the issue of worry is dealt with. We have great worth with our Heavenly Father and He will take care of us. Don’t deny Him and the work of His Holy Spirit. This is the blasphemy that Jesus speaks of here. Remember that He is speaking of the Pharisees, who denied the Spirit’s power and authority coming through Jesus. This is a deliberate and ongoing rejection of God’s magnificent plan for man’s salvation. *Application* Many sincere and humble servants of the Lord have great fear and consternation when approaching this passage of Scripture. If this is your case, it is a good sign that you indeed fear the Holy Spirit and God’s power in your life. The blaspheming of the Holy Spirit is a denial of Him. That is all. The point Jesus makes over and over again in this passage is that we have the ability to receive Him and the Father accepts that cry unto Him. He will never reject us if we come to Him in humility. This is what the Pharisees could never understand or do. Don’t you ever fall into that category of Jesus’ message.

-Possessions are the next topic of discussion. Jesus teaches that it is foolish to build up treasures on this earth (the temporary things). Instead, be rich toward God who gives eternal rewards and even blessings on this earth, “all these things will be added unto you (Luke 12:31).” “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Luke 12:34).” *Application* God cares for us and will not let us fall. A mentor of mine shared with me this week about an instance that illustrates this well. His grandson was climbing a large tree in the yard while the grandfather was reclining in a lounge chair. The ambitious little boy got to the point where the grandfather warned him that he was too high up and to be careful because of the dangers associated. To the grandfather’s surprise the little boy exclaimed, “Catch me Papa!!!” as he leaped from his tall perch in the tree. Frantically, the grandfather leaped out of his lounging position in a desperate attempt to catch his grandson. In the nick of time he did catch the little boy as gravity pulled him to earth. What trust the little boy displayed that no matter what the situation looked like, Papa was going to make a way to catch him. The Lord is wanting that same kind of faith in our lives. Even when we may make silly decisions, like this little boy, our Abba Father will care for us and provide His covering. Fall into His loving arms and care today!

-Now Jesus warns to be ready for His second coming. His message is to be faithful and alert in serving the Master. *Application* Don’t let apathy and complacency invade and destroy your life. The Lord requires us to be good stewards of His endowments, gifts, and responsibilities. He will hold us accountable for what we do with our time, talent, and treasure. Do the Lord’s will and reserve nothing for yourself. He has bought us, as believers, with a price; therefore glory Him with all you have and be subject to Him alone (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23).

-Christ relates the division that He will cause with His coming crucifixion and resurrection. The belief in Him is the dividing line and it will separate even families. Jesus is making a plea for discernment and acceptance of the Lord’s will and plan for mankind. He is also realizing that those He is speaking about, again the unbelieving Pharisees, are in great danger of the judgment of God because of their unwillingness to accept the truth. *Application* Make the vital efforts to settle all of your accounts with God and man. Analyze the present time and understand in His wisdom. Judge what is right.

Verses to Memorize: Luke 12:31, 34

Luke Bible Study Notes Chapters 11

3/28/2012

Luke 11

-Prayer is dealt with first in this chapter as the disciples asked Him for teaching on it. He gave them the model prayer. *Application* For the Lord’s model prayer focus on the reverence and fear of the Lord (worship), the provision of God, the confession of sin, the forgiving of others, and ask not to be lead into temptation.

-Jesus goes on to teach about the goodness of God and His responses to us when we pray. The vital point here is threefold. Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened unto you. It is notable that the Lord ends His instruction with the fact that it is the Holy Spirit that is the ultimate answer to our prayers as far as receiving something or someone. Jesus will usher in a new dispensation with the Holy Spirit indwelling believers upon His departure from the earth (John 14:16; 15:26; 16:7).

-Jesus was then defending His ministry amidst hostile accusations as some wanted to associate His miracles to the work of Satan. Jesus makes His case on “a kingdom divided against itself (Luke 11:17-18). He also called them into accountability. If it is not Satan who is doing these miracles, which He proves was not, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. Then the Lord instructs on strength and how to overcome the enemy. *Application* He is speaking on spiritual warfare here in this section, which is important for us to note. We do not have the power to overcome these spiritual forces that come against us to try to destroy us. We may clean up our house (speaking of our being) with some temporary, feel-good antidotes, but Jesus teaches that only He has the authority for complete restoration and cleansing. Anything less will get worse in the final analysis. He ends the section by saying “blessed are those who hear the Word of God and observe it (Luke 11:28).”

-The wickedness of the generation in which Jesus came to minister was called out next. His condemnation on them was just because they were seeking external signs without believing in His righteous acts (i.e. the cross and resurrection). This is the sign of Jonah if we care to contemplate it. Here in this short Old Testament narrative we see that Jonah is revived after three days in the deep, the pit of death, inside a great fish (Jonah 1-4). Jesus was predicting His crucifixion and resurrection, which this unbelieving generation would cast aside. This is why we can see the Queen of the South and the men of Nineveh, who repented, standing against these faithless people in the judgment. It is interesting to note here that these are Gentile examples of faith, which shows us that the whole world was certainly on the Savior’s mind as He gave admonishment. These Jewish people were not recognizing the Greatness that was in there midst.

-After these statements, Jesus calls us to be lights and witnesses of His majesty. He focuses on the eyes. *Application* They say that the eyes are the window to the soul, and we see here that Jesus concurs. There is something about a look, a glance, a gaze that tells us the story about a person to the core of their being. Be sure there is light coming out of your eyes. Light comes from the heart.

-Jesus is then invited to a home of a Pharisee for lunch, which He accepted. The Lord knew exactly what He was getting into here and took the opportunity to criticize the hypocrisy of these religious leaders, lawyers also being among them. At the heart of Jesus’ teaching was that they disregarded justice and the love of God for selfish motivations and desires. For the lawyers they had a hand in taking away the key of knowledge and hindering those who were entering into a faith relationship (Luke 11:52). This infuriated the religious leaders and they began to be very hostile to the Lord and question with motives of tripping Him up on many subjects. They once again did not recognize the visitation of their Messiah. *Application* This is tragic, but shows the pride that can be in people wise in their own thinking. Always be humble enough to hear when the Lord is speaking to you.

Verse to Memorize: Luke 11:13

Luke Bible Study Notes Chapters 10

3/26/2012

Luke 10

-The 70 are sent out in pairs ahead of Jesus to where He was going to come. There was organization that we can see here in the ministry of Christ as He was asking them to beseech the Lord of the harvest for laborers. The Lord sends them out as lambs in the midst of wolves with no money, no bag, no shoes, and the instruction to greet no one on the way (steadfast determination in their purpose). They would meet opposition and the Lord was preparing them for it. *Application* The enemy will do much to distract and thwart if possible God’s will. Our full reliance must be on Him. Focus on Christ the author and completer of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).

-Jesus continued to instruct with a command to bless the houses that they would go to with a word of peace. If that is accepted there will be a peaceful situation with rest in that place. If not the blessing would return to the ones who were sent out. They were to stay in the houses of peace and receive what these would give out of their generosity. They were instructed not to move from house to house. They were to proclaim the nearness of the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. They were to shake the dust off their feet in protest to their rejection of the Kingdom of God if they were not received.

-Apparently Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum (where Jesus headquartered His earthly ministry) did not receive this prophetic word from the Lord. They would be severely judged because of their rejection of Jesus.

-The 70 returned with an excellent report and great joy as the demons were subject to them in Jesus’ Name. Christ’s remark is interesting. He was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightening. *Interpretative Issue* Is this Jesus stating what was about to happen with the initiation of His Kingdom at the cross and His resurrection? Or was He scolding the disciples because they may have come back with a source of pride, which led to the downfall of Satan originally? Scholars disagree on these points. The context to me indicates that this was a time of joy and celebration, which would lead to the conclusion that this statement depicts Jesus getting excited about the work He was about to do for mankind.

-The vital point here is salvation. The real reason to celebrate anything and have hope is because the believers’ names are recorded in heaven as God’s children. The infants (simple) can grasp these salvific comments whereas the earthly wise and intelligent have a hard time comprehending the grace of God. *Application* It comes down to sufficiency on the Lord. The pride of man can certainly keep him from coming to acknowledge his dependence on a Savior.

-Greatness, even Deity, was in these disciples midst and Jesus took the opportunity to teach them who He was at this point.

-We now get the story of the Good Samaritan. The real obedience to loving others is the one who demonstrates his love by tangible action. This is the point of the parable. *Application* We need to be people who are rich in compassion and mercy loving even our enemies. This is expressed not only in word and thought, but by deed.

-This chapter ends with the incident of Mary and Martha. Martha was so preoccupied with routine cleaning and hospitality issues that she forgot the more important things of relationship, fellowship, and abiding in the presence of Christ Jesus. Worry was Martha’s issue, and Jesus spotted it well. *Application* Make time for the most important things in life. God should be at the forefront of that. Abide in Him (John 15:5).

Verse to Memorize: Luke 10:17

Luke Bible Study Notes Chapters 9

3/25/2012

Luke 9

-The disciples are now beginning to be given power and authority over unclean spirits and to heal diseases as the narrative advances. They take nothing with them as they learn more and more how to live by faith. This also begins to teach them the power of community among what will be the early Christians. They will find acceptance in some, but shake the dust off their feet from those places and people that reject their message by not receiving them.

-Now the 5,000 are fed after the disciples returned and gave an account of all that they had done. Another faith lesson was demonstrated in the multiplication of the five loaves and two fish.

-The time sequence moves ahead without much information as Jesus questions them about who people were saying He was. This happens in Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13, Mark 8:27), which in that time would have been a significant journey from where the multiplication took place on the north side of the Sea of Galilee. The point in this city of pagan Greek and Roman influence was well taken by Peter. He is the first to identify Jesus as the Messiah in His public ministry as the “Christ of God (Luke 9:20).” This is extremely significant and Peter is out front as a leader of the group of disciples in making this confession. Jesus instructed them to tell no one. Why? This was His time of coming in the first incarnation as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53. There was heightened Messianic expectation, but Jesus knew that His time had not yet come. His response is pointed and calculated. “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day (Luke 9:22).” This was His mission the first time around on this earth and He would let nothing deter Him from that being accomplished. Then He stated something that must have left an indelible mark on His followers, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself (Luke 9:23-25)? *Application* The Christian life is still a life of denial, yielding, and surrendering. If you have not given your life completely over to Jesus, do so without delay. Your time on earth is the testing ground for eternity.

-Jesus is transfigured on the mountain as He speaks with Moses and Elijah. Peter, James, and John are with Him and awake to see this incredible sight. They also hear the voice of God as He claims Him as His Son and Chosen One. The One to whom they should listen.

-Coming down from that experience one would think would lead to supreme faith and power, but Luke notes that the very next day the disciples could not even cast out a demon from a boy. Jesus rebukes them for being an unbelieving and perverted generation. He expressed indignation for having to put up with this lack of faith. Then Jesus healed the boy and gave him back to his father.

-Jesus reiterated the fact that He was about to suffer under the hands of men. But His disciples did not understand what He meant because it was concealed from their perception. Plus they were afraid to ask Him about this statement.

-An argument arose among the disciples as to who was the greatest. Jesus presented them with a child and taught them humility. *Application* “The least among all of you, this is the one who is great (Luke 9:48).”

-Jesus then instructs John not hinder those doing things in the Name of Jesus, “for he who is not against you is for you (Luke 9:50).” *Application* The danger for us is to ridicule and denounce those who claim the Name of Christ yet are of another denomination than us. Christians need to stress unity rather than petty differences. Of course there may be significant doctrinal issues to consider and false teaching, but our warning is clear here from Scripture, those who are not against Jesus Christ are for Him. Be careful who you criticize.

-As Jesus determines to go up to Jerusalem He encounters the animosity of the Samaritans and takes advantage of this opportunity to teach James and John about grace and salvation. His point should be well taken that He rebuked the spirit that was behind them on this occasion. *Application* Do not get embroiled with personal disputes and character assassinations. Know the spirit behind them and attack that, not the person. Like the old saying goes, “love the sinner and hate the sin.”

-In the last section of this chapter, Jesus says some things to delve into our priorities. A list of excuses is given by diverse people as to following the Lord. *Application* Too often we want to put other things in front of doing the will of God in our lives. If we are not careful, we can get sidetracked and never accomplish His will for our lives. “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God (Luke 9:62).” In other words, get busy with the work of the Lord and enjoy His treasure rather than the status quo.

Verse to Memorize: Luke 9:48

Luke Bible Study Notes Chapters 7 & 8

3/25/2012

Luke 7

-This is a great chapter centered around faith, and in the case of John the Baptist and the Pharisees, a lack of it. This narrative passage brings us to the point of decision, using many examples, as to what to make of this Man. Who is He? What is His authority? His claims can only be that of Deity, and we see people here in this section wrestling with that conundrum. We see the great faith of the generous centurion and the sinful woman. We observe the continuous miracles and spectacles that became associated with them. Most of all we see the saving faith that gives one peace and contentment. *Application* Where are you at today in your own faith struggle? Are you like John the Baptist and the Pharisees trying to make sense of everything God is trying to reveal in your life? Or are you turning all authority and devotion over to the Lord like the centurion, widow, and sinful woman? Anoint Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life by faith trusting Him for all things temporal and eternal.

Verse to Memorize: Luke 7:50

3/25/2012

Luke 8

-Jesus taught in parables most often in His ministry. Luke 8 gives us the parable of the sower (those who give the testimony of the LORD) and the seed (the Word of God). As the seed goes out it lands on four different types of soils.

-The first type of soil is on the road where there is a trampling and easy fodder for flying birds. This soil, Jesus teaches, is people who have heard the truth of the gospel, but the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart. These never believe and therefore are missing salvation.

-The second type of soil is filled with rocks and cannot contain the moisture required for continual growth. These are people who hear the word and receive it, but as they go on their way (the follow through) they fall away (by definition apostasy, Hebrews 3:12; 6:1-9). There is a tasting of the Holy Spirit and the power of the age to come that comes through belief, but no sealing work is done (Ephesians 4:30) and in time of temptation, Jesus says, they fall away.

-The third type of soil has thorns that grow up with the seed and choke it out of productivity for bearing a crop. These are people who have heard, but go on their way and get choked out by the cares, worries, pressures, riches, and pleasures of this earthly life. No fruit comes to maturity with them. There is debate among biblical scholars as to the salvation of this group of people. On one side it could be said that these don’t really know God and are not genuine in their faith (Matthew 7:16-29). On the other hand, there is substantial evidence in the Scriptures that one can be carnal (worldly, fleshly, sinful) and still make it to the eternal Kingdom as through fire (1 Corinthians 3:11-16). In fact the book of 1 Corinthians is written to some believers who were very deep in sin and immorality, yet Paul addresses them as saints (1 Corinthians 1:2). This is the more proper position in my opinion, but I would never be dogmatic on this issue. *Application* The danger here is licentiousness. We can become so worldly that the things of God have little appeal to us. Our selfish pleasures are what end up consuming us and we become no good for the Lord. The Bible speaks of God’s severe discipline in cases like these (1 John 5:16, Hebrews 10:30-31; 12:5). God’s grace may be sufficient for salvation, but there are always consequences for disobedience and sin.

-The fouth type of soil is the good soil, which produces a crop a hundred times as great. These are the ones who have heard the word with an honest and good heart (it is always about the heart), and hold it fast bearing fruit with perseverance. The LORD is looking to and fro throughout the earth to strongly support those who in their heart are completely His (2 Chronicles 16:9). *Application* This is certainly our challenge and hopefully our destiny. The LORD shows up to aid His servants who are completely faithful. Have a heart that is after God (1 Kings 11:4).

-Jesus goes on to conclude that everything will be exposed and nothing will remain hidden. His point in verse 18 should be well taken. “Take care how you listen.” *Application* The voice of the Lord calls; are you listening?

-Increase is a major thrust in Jesus’ teaching here as well. *Application* Keep working hard to bring spiritual fruit.

-Next Jesus describes His true family. He is not being rude as His biological relatives come to see Him; He is simply making a point. “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it (Luke 8:21).” *Application* James picks up on Jesus’ teaching with his letter later on in the New Testament. Our actions reveal what we really believe.

-Jesus calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee and then asked the disciples where their faith was. He demonstrated power for even the forces of nature, which they had never seen before. This left them fearful and amazed. *Application* When was the last time you left someone stunned and amazed by your faith? Be daring and see what the Lord will do for you! This is the simple teaching from this harrowing experience.

-Now the miracle of Gerasene demoniac is narrated. Jesus demonstrates His power to heal a person who has no one to help and no hope for sanity. His response is different with this individual who wanted to follow Him. Jesus tells the man to return to his house and describe what great things God had done for him. This man did exactly that. He became an evangelist with an incredible testimony!

-The chapter ends with a couple of more healing miracles performed by Jesus. He heals a woman who had a twelve year hemorrhage because of her faith. Belief is also a requirement for the resuscitation from death of a twelve year old girl. Jesus tells them not to be afraid, only believe. *Application* Faith of this kind is certainly rare, but it can happen. Miracles happen every day. Have you ever realized that the simple act of thinking is a miracle and outside the realm of the natural (see C.S. Lewis, Miracles, especially chapter 3)? Thinking is supernatural event. Think about it J!

Verse to Memorize: Luke 8:15