July 12 – Luke 17-18

Focus before you read. . .

Today’s reading focuses on Jesus’ teachings on faith, the kingdom of God, and prayer.  In each parable or lesson, Jesus targets a specific audience and communicates a specific message. As you read these teachings, pay close attention, not just to the story itself, but to the context of the parable.  Also keep in mind that Jesus always knows the hearts of his audience and, as the ultimate teacher, delivers just the right words for the situation.  When the Pharisees ask Him about the timing of the kingdom of God, for instance, Jesus addresses their misconceptions about the very nature of the kingdom.  As you read today, examine your own heart.  If you were literally walking with the Lord, hearing his teachings, what parable or lesson would He have for you?

Questions to ask as you read. . .

1. In 17:21 Jesus says that “the kingdom of God is within you.”  What does this mean?  How is this idea different from the teachings of the New Age movement that instruct followers to “find the god within them”?
2. What does Jesus teach about the end times?  What does He instruct his followers to do?
3. What is the rich young man’s real heart issue?  Why do you think Jesus required him to sell his possessions?  What larger point is He making?

Application to make after you read. . .

“How hard it is for the rich man to enter the kingdom of God?  Indeed it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”  While some scholars believe that the “eye of the needle” referred to a narrow mountain passage which was difficult for a camel to go through, others believe that Jesus was speaking figuratively and was referring to a sewing needle.  Regardless, Jesus’ message is clear: “What is impossible with men is possible with God” (18:27).  The rich man’s problem was his dependence on his material possessions.  The same could be said of any of us—rich or poor—who in our self-reliance and self-sufficiency fail to realize our need to come to Jesus.  What gifts has God given you?  Are you depending on those gifts, or are you depending on the One who gave those gifts to you?

Prayer

Lord, forgive us for our self-reliance.  Lead us in our daily journey from pride to humility.

July 5 – Luke 15-16

Focus before you read…

Luke 15 reminds us of God’s heart towards the unsaved, sinful world. He places great value on seeking after the lost, those individuals who are separated from God and need to hear the “good news” of Jesus.  As you read today’s passage, notice where Jesus focuses His attention and where he instructs His followers to focus our hearts and actions towards others.

Questions to ask as you read…

1. What is the key take-away from the three parables that Jesus teaches in Luke 15:4-7, 5-9, 11-31?
2. What do you think was the attitude of the Pharisees towards “sinners” based on the description in Luke 15:2?  Is this a problem in today’s church?
3. What does it mean to “leave the ninety-nine… and go after the lost sheep” in Luke 15:4?
4. How does the phrase “light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully” in Luke 15:8 apply to us and our interactions with others?
5. What can we learn about the choices that people make from the story of the younger son in Luke 15:13-20?
6. What is the significance of the gifts and celebration for the lost son detailed in Luke 15:22-24?  How does this apply today?

Application to make after you read…

God’s love for lost men is great.  In Luke 15:2, we see an attitude emerging from the teachers of the Law that sinners are to be avoided.  Jesus corrects their thinking by sharing three parables.  We learn from these parables that we are to love and actively seek after the lost people that God has put in our lives and to rejoice and celebrate when they chose to follow Jesus Christ.  We see in Luke 15:13-20 that people will make poor choices and that the consequences sometimes can be great. The father’s tenderhearted attitude towards a repentant son culminated in a celebration of the son’s return.

Do you realize that God has placed you where you are today (your neighborhood, place of employment, etc.) to help deliver the “good news” to the unsaved people that encounter each day?  These people can learn of God’s love and grace through your practical help, words of encouragement, and testimony of God’s work and faithfulness in your life.  Is your attitude toward them that of judgment and disdain or love, grace and tenderness?  Are you avoiding these people or embracing the opportunity to be used of God to positively influence them for Christ?  Identify the individuals in your life who need the Lord, seek and pray for God’s wisdom on what He would have you do, and take an active step in faith to seek after them today!

May 31 – Luke 5-6

Focus before you read…

Luke 5-6 deals with the miracles and teaching of Jesus’ ministry.  In Luke 5, we see Jesus interacting with his disciples and with the public performing many miracles and rewarding those who approach him in faith believing that they can be healed.  As you read this week’s passage, pay special attention to those individuals who encounter Jesus’ miracles and who approach Him in faith believing that He is able to meet their need.  Also, notice how Jesus emphasizes “others” throughout this chapter.

 

Questions to ask as you read… 

 

1. In Luke 5:5, what does this passage reflect about Peter’s faith?

2. What does Jesus mean in Luke 5:10 about making them “fishers of men”?

3. What does Luke 5:12 reveal about the man with leprosy’s faith in Jesus?

4. In Luke 5:17-20, what was it that allowed the paralyzed man to be healed (v. 20)?

 

Application to make after you read…

In Luke 5, we see Jesus performing many miracles.  After the disciples had spent a considerable amount of time fishing with no success, Jesus instructs them to cast their nets, and the catch was so large that the disciples needed the help of others to get all of the fish into the boats.  Peter was so amazed at the miracle that he fell to his knees and expressed his shortcomings.  Jesus comforted him and called the disciples to become “fishers of men.”  This passage reminds us that we must rely on Jesus to meet our needs and that our focus should be on serving and ministering to others.  Jesus did not say we are to be “hunters” of men.  Fishing takes patience, time, and skill.  Are you taking time, being patient, and developing the skills to serve and minister to others?  This is the key to being an effective witness for Christ.  In Luke 5:17-20, we see the story of a group of men whose great faith caused them to do extraordinary things for a friend.  They cut a hole in the roof of a house to lower their friend down to Jesus so that he could heal him.  Jesus was so impressed by the friend’s faith that he healed the paralyzed man.  What a wonderful picture of how we need to encourage, and take action on behalf of someone in need.  Look around today for a loved one or friend in need; do they need your strong faith to help them through a tough time? 

May 24 – Luke 3-4

Focus before you read. . .

Last week we concluded with the twelve-year-old Jesus dazzling the religious leaders in the temple.  This week we fast forward nearly two decades to the final preparation stage for Jesus’ public ministry.  As you continue your study of the gospels today, take note of how Luke prepares us for the start of Jesus’ ministry.  Just as John the Baptist is preparing the way for Jesus, Luke is preparing us as readers for Jesus’ entrance on the scene.  Pay close attention to these events:

•  John the Baptist’s ministry
•  John’s baptism of Jesus
•  The genealogy of Jesus
•  Satan’s temptation of Jesus
•  Jesus’ entrance into ministry

 

Questions to ask as you read. . .

• 1. What is John’s message?  What are the consequences of his preaching?  How does he “prepare the way” for Jesus?

2. Why does John baptize Jesus?  What is the significance of the baptism?

3. How is Luke’s genealogy unique?  What does it emphasize?

4. What principle does Jesus demonstrate through his response to each temptation from Satan?

5. How does Jesus start his ministry?  On what authority does He base his words and actions?

 

Application to make after you read. . .

We can’t help but wonder what Jesus was doing in the two decades before his public ministry began.  We know simply that he “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (2:52).  In today’s reading Jesus undergoes a period of testing and trial that serves in some ways as a final stage of preparation.  After an incredible forty day period of fasting and temptation from the devil, the time is now right for Jesus, the Son of God, to begin his preaching and healing ministry.  In what ways has God prepared you to do His work?  Have you undergone a period of testing?  Who has prepared the way for you to enter the scene?  As you look back at your life, can you see now how God was preparing you for something you could not have foreseen?  In a culture where “preparation” is often defined by degrees and programs, God’s preparation program may seem inefficient and costly.  Think what Jesus could have done had he started in his early twenties, a 21st century CEO might ask.  God’s preparation program is never defined by semesters of study or professional credentials.  While He may use formal education as tools for our growth, He also uses scars, tears, and time to prepare us for what He has called us to do in His perfect will.  

 

Prayer

Lord, give us the patience and the perspective to submit to your preparation program, not our own.  Help us to trust in Your plan, even when we think we have a better way.

May 17 – Luke 1-2

Focus before you read…

Today we begin the study of the gospel of Luke.  Luke was a physician and historian who writes an “orderly account for you” of the events surrounding the life of Jesus Christ.  He begins Chapter 1 by introducing the miraculous births of John and Jesus Christ.  The birth of Christ is provided in painstaking detail.  As you read through Luke’s divinely inspired record notice how he portrays the humanity of Jesus as one who understands your weaknesses and cares for your needs.

 

Questions to ask as you read… 

 

1. Luke 1:28 describes the angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary.  How do you think this made Mary feel?

2. Luke 1:29 describes her response.  Why do you think Mary felt “great trouble?”

3. Gabriel shares more details about God’s plan to use her to bring Jesus into the world.  How do you think Mary felt at this point?

4. Why do you think God chose to bring Jesus to earth through the Virgin Mary?  What does this reveal about God’s character?

5. What was Mary’s response to Gabriel?  What can we learn from this response?

 

Application to make after you read…

The first chapter of Luke recounts the miraculous birth of Jesus through the Virgin Mary.  It must have been startling to have been approached by the angel Gabriel with a greeting from God.  After being reassured, Mary learns God’s plan to bring a child into the world whose “kingdom will never end.”  Not fully understanding how God was going to accomplish this task, she innocently asks Gabriel how this will happen since she is a virgin.  Gabriel responds that the Holy Spirit will come upon her, and she will conceive a son because “nothing is impossible with God.”  Mary’s response showed great humility and a heart that was willing to serve God more than anything else.  Her response is a great lesson for all of us.  Have you fully surrendered your life to the will of God?  Is your life available to Him to be directed or re-directed for his purposes?  God is looking for this same attitude in all of us—full allegiance and being available to do his will.  Pray today that your heart is abandoned to God’s will and that you are willing, as Mary was, to say “may it be to me as you have said.”

May 10 – Mark 15-16

Focus before you read…

The passage this week recounts the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  As you read, pay special attention to many people involved in the conspiracy to have Jesus arrested and killed.  Also, notice Jesus’ response to those that conspire to have him arrested and those who abuse him and those that attempted to help Jesus throughout the trial.  Finally, identify who is not mentioned during these events.  

 

Questions to ask as you read… 

1. Why did the Jewish leaders hand Jesus over to Pilate (Mark 15:1)?

2. Why do you think Jesus refused to respond to his accusers in Mark 15:3-5?

3. What do you think was Pilate’s main concern in Mark 15:8-15?

4. What was significant about crucifixion in Roman culture (Mark 15:13)?

5. Why do you think Jesus declined the wine mixed with myrrh in Mark 15:23?  

6. How would your life be different if Mark 15:37 was the end of the story?

7. Why do you think the disciples are not mentioned in these passages? 

 

Application to make after you read…

The Jewish leaders conspired to have Jesus arrested and executed.  They handed him over to Pilate (the governor of Rome) so that Jesus could be executed (something that only a Roman leader could order).  They wanted him to suffer death on a cross because this was a painful and humiliating form of punishment.  Also, it was part of the plan to convince the Jewish people that Jesus was a rebel and criminal. Pilate knew that Jesus was being framed, but he gave into the crowd’s desire to have Jesus put to death.  There is no mention of Jesus’ disciples as these events unfold.  They went into hiding most likely because of their fear of the Jewish leaders and the strong resistance to Jesus from the crowds. Barabbas, who was convicted of murder, was set free instead of Jesus.  Jesus, as God, could have saved himself at any point but instead chose to make himself nothing, take on the nature of a servant, and humble himself, accepting death on a cross as the ultimate act of love towards sinful man (Philippians 2:5-8).  But thankfully the story doesn’t end there!  Through God’s miraculous power, Jesus is resurrected from the dead opening the way for all of us, by placing our faith in Jesus Christ, to be saved from death and to experience eternal salvation.  Jesus is alive today and his wonderful act of sacrifice assures that his followers will be resurrected from the dead to spend eternity with him in heaven.  Have you taken the step of placing your faith in Jesus Christ?  If so, thank God today for his sacrifice on your behalf.  If not, meditate on this story now and take this important life changing step now!

May 3 – Mark 13-14

Focus before you read…

In Mark 13, Jesus tells his disciples about what they can expect in the future.  Peter, James, John, and Andrew ask him how to know when the time is near.  As you read today’s passage, look for the signs and warnings about the end times when Jesus returns to judge all people. Jesus’ instruction provides a clear picture of how we are to live today to prepare for the future.

Questions to ask as you read…

1.  In Mark 13:5, Jesus warns us to watch out for those who will come in his name and deceive many people.  Do you see this happening today?

2.  In Mark 13:7-8, Jesus speaks of things that will happen that mark the beginning of the last days.  Do you see any of these things happening today?

3.  In Mark 13:14, what is the “abomination that causes desolation standing where it does not belong” refer to?  Has this occurred yet?

4.  In Mark 13:22-23, Jesus speaks of the power of those who come to deceive.  What is his answer to these false teachers?

5.  What are the specific clear signs in Mark 13:24-29 that mark Jesus’ return?

Application to make after you read…

The exact day of Jesus return is impossible to predict (Mark 13:32). Today’s passage teaches us that Jesus’ return is certain and we will know it happens when we see him in the clouds.  Until then, we need to be prepared and watchful for His return.  Jesus tells us to be on guard and ensure that we are not deceived by false teachers, to be willing to share with others our relationship with Christ, and to make sure our life makes a difference for God.  Don’t focus on the timing of His coming, but rather focus on preparing for His coming!

April 26 – Mark 11-12

Focus before you read. . .

Today’s reading begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and ends with his words of praise for the poor widow’s offering.  In between these events, Jesus fields questions from “the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders,” primarily questioning his authority, the necessity of paying taxes, and the nature of resurrection.  While Jesus answers each question differently, he reveals the hypocrisy of his questioners in each response.  As you read today, pay close attention to Jesus’ responses to these questions as you consider your own questions to God.  What do our own questions to God reveal about our motives?  Are we questioning to truly understand, or for some other reason?   

 

Questions to ask as you read. . .

1. Why does Jesus clear the temple?  How would Jesus respond to His church today?  How do we preserve the church as a “house of prayer”?

2. How do Jesus’ answers to questions reveal the hypocrisy of his questioners?

3. Why does Jesus give such high praise to the widow for her offering?

Application to make after you read. . .

God calls us to love him with all of our heart, soul, strength, and mind.  We are, as Paul instructs, to engage in the process of “renewing our minds” so that we can conform ourselves to Christ.  Jesus, the greatest teacher of all time, often engages his students in intense discussions, filled with questions and answers.  One can easily imagine Jesus, walking along the road, pepperinghis disciples with thought provoking questions and answering their own questions as well.  While Jesus seems to welcome this type of dialogue, his responses to the questions of the power structure of the day take on a different character.  “But Jesus knew their hypocrisy,” Mark tells us, for their questions were not asked genuinely to receive an answer, but delivered with the intent to trap Him.  Why do we ask questions of God?  Do our circumstances, for instance, ever cause us to question God’s authority and his intentions?  Do our questions presume that we know better than God how to handle our own lives and the universe?  Contrast the condescending tone of the religious officials with the humility of the poor widow, whose gift was small but represented all that she had.  What is your attitude towards God this week?  

Prayer

Lord, we acknowledge our weakness and your strength, our ignorance and your knowledge, our sins and your perfection.  May our approach to you and our actions with others be marked by humility, grace, and love.

April 19 – Mark 9-10

Focus before you read. . .

In today’s passage, the transfiguration of Jesus is recounted where His divine nature is revealed. This was a significant milestone as it revealed that Jesus was the fulfillment of both the Old Testament and New Testament prophecies. Elijah and Moses both appeared at the transfiguration and God stated “this is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” God chose Peter, James and John to be with him and to witness this marvelous revelation of his glory. He instructed them to not tell anyone about what they witnessed until after He had risen from the dead. The apostles began to discuss what “rising from the dead” meant. Jesus concludes His teaching by sharing that he will have to suffer much and be rejected for God’s plan for mankind to occur. Think about the difficulty in hearing that message as a follower of Jesus!

Questions to ask as you read. . .

1. Why do you think Jesus chose Peter, James and John to join him on the mountain (Mark 9:2)?

2. Why were Moses and Elijah present at the transfiguration (v. 4)?

3. Why do you think Jesus instructed Peter, James and John to avoid telling anyone about what they had witnessed until after His death and resurrection (v. 9)?

4. What do you think the disciples talked about in Mark 9:10?

Application:
Jesus revealed his divine glory through the transfiguration to Peter, James and John. These three apostles were in Jesus’ inner circle. Perhaps Jesus included them because he connected with them best and because their hearts were prepared to understand what was happening around them. Moses and Elijah were present to show that Jesus was sent by God to fulfill both the law (Moses) and prophecies (Elijah) and that he was greater than both in authority and power as God’s only son. Jesus asked them to not tell anyone about what they had witnessed until after his death and resurrection because he knew that they would not understand it until these events unfolded. The disciples discussed what it meant for Jesus to “rise from the dead.” It was natural that the disciples were confused by what they had witnessed since Jesus death and resurrection had not yet taken place. However, these events have all been clearly laid out for us today. Is your heart prepared for understanding who Jesus is and how God used him to redeem mankind from sin? Do you recognize that you are a sinner who is need of a savior? Have you come to a place where you fully understand what it means that Jesus died and rose from the dead for you? Because of Jesus’ sacrifice and the miracle of his resurrection, you can have eternal life! He has paid the penalty of your sins. Have you accepted this great truth by putting your faith in Jesus Christ? If not, take this step of faith today!

April 12 – Mark 7-8

Mark 7-8

Week 14

 

Focus before you read. . .

Today’s reading features a wide-ranging combination of narrative and teaching, as we learn of Jesus’ healings and feeding of the four thousand as well as his teachings on inner purity, His identity as the Christ, and the cost of following Him. As you read today, continue to keep in mind the facts of the gospel that give authority to Jesus’ teachings. Pay close attention to the type of life that Jesus demands of his followers.

 

Questions to ask as you read. . .

1. What according to Jesus makes something “unclean”? What is the proper relationship between the traditions of men and the commands of God?

2. Tyre, the city that Jesus visits in 7:24, was known for its materialistic culture and wealth. How would His message of inner purity relate to this culture? How does it connect to our own culture?

3. Why does Jesus find his disciples so “dull”? What do they fail to understand?

4. What does Jesus mean in 8:35? How can you “save your life” by “losing your life”?

 

Application to make after you read. . .

Jesus draws a clear distinction between outward observance of religious tradition and inner purity. It is not what goes into a man that makes him unclean; it is what comes out of a man that reveals his true heart. Referencing the prophet Isaiah, He declares that our outward observance of religious rules and our verbal expressions of worship are “vain” if our hearts are not right. Even young children understand this concept of hypocrisy, yet we sometimes try to cover over the evil desires of our hearts with our outward expressions of devotion. Does this mean that we can only come to God if our thoughts and motives are 100% pure? Does this mean that we should stay home from church if we don’t feel like worshipping? No. While Jesus certainly wants our best, He already knows the content of our hearts. His major problem with the Pharisees was their lack of transparency before the Lord and thus their failure to admit their need for Christ. What are you trying to hide from God? He already knows!

 

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

We confess that we have attempted to cover over the evil in our hearts with outward acts of worship. Help us to reveal to You the true nature of our hearts, so that you can make us clean. Open our eyes to our own hearts so that we might see our need for you more clearly.