Luke 7:1-10 - The Faith of the Centurion

 Luke 7:1-10 - The Faith of the Centurion

     1. When you hear the word "authority," who first comes to mind?

     2. In what town did Jesus heal the centurion's servant? (7:1-2)

     3. Whom did the centurion send to present his request to Jesus? (7:3)

     4. What different character qualities were demonstrated by the centurion? (7:3-8)

     5. What message did the centurion send when he discovered Jesus was actually coming to his house? (7:6-8)

     6. How did the centurion understand the concept of authority? (7:6-8)

     7. How did Jesus react to the centurion's words? (7:9)

     8. To whom did Jesus remark on the uniqueness of the centurion's faith? (7:9)

     9. What happened to the centurion's servant? (7:10)

     10. What characteristics of the centurion's attitude and request would be helpful to remember when we ask God for help?

     11. Why is it difficult for us to be as dependent on God as the centurion was?

     12. Why is it important to be encouraged about the quality of our faith, even as Jesus affirmed the faith of the centurion?

     13. What are some of the ways in which Jesus is Lord of your life?

     14. How could you affirm the faith of someone who has been an example to you?

     15. How can you strengthen your friendships with other Christians this week?

Luke 15:1-7

Luke 15:1-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep

     1. As a child, when was a time you got lost from your family or a group?

     2. What were the Pharisees and teachers of the law doing? (15:2)

     3. What does a conscientious shepherd do when one of the flock is lost? (15:4)

     4. What happens when a shepherd returns to his home and flock after finding a lost sheep? (15:6)

     5. How does heaven react when a sinner repents? (15:7)

     6. What kind of people do not need to repent? (15:7)

     7. Why did the religious leaders miss the point of what Jesus' ministry was about?

     8. Why did Jesus choose a parable about sheep to make His point?

     9. In what ways do we go astray?

     10. How does the picture of "rejoicing in heaven" over repentance make you feel?

     11. In what situations are you most tempted to stray from God?

     12. What can you do this week to help a fellow believer who may be straying from God's ways?

     13. What practical step can you take to avoid tempting situations?

Luke 24:36-49 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples

    Luke 24:36-49 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples

     1. When have you ever been really surprised?

     2. How did Jesus approach the disciples? (24:36)

     3. How did Jesus try to calm and reassure the disciples? (24:38-39)

     4. How did the disciples react to the evidence and convincing words of Jesus? (24:41)

     5. What emotions did the disciples display? (24:41)

     6. When did the disciples finally understand the Scriptures? (24:44-45)

     7. What did Jesus explain would be the result of His resurrection? (24:47)

     8. What instructions did Jesus give to His disciples? (24:48)

     9. What was the "power from on high" to which Jesus referred? (24:48)

     10. Why did Jesus consider it important to teach the disciples from the Old Testament?

     11. What does this passage teach us about God's role in our understanding of the gospel?

     12. What causes us to disbelieve the Scriptures?

     13. What proof did you need to be convinced of the truth of the gospel?

     14. What responsibility do we have to share our faith with others?

     15. How can you become a more regular student of the Scriptures?

     16. What could you do this week to settle the doubts about salvation that your non-Christian friends have?

Luke 24:1-12 - The Resurrection

Luke 24:1-12 - The Resurrection

     1. When was a time you told a true story that other people found hard to believe?

     2. What did the women find once they arrived at the tomb? (24:2)

     3. What happened while the women were wondering what had happened to Jesus' body? (24:4)

     4. How did the women respond to the angels? (24:5)

     5. What did the angels tell the women about Jesus? (24:5-7)

     6. What did the women do after the men had told them that Jesus had risen from the dead as He had predicted? (24:9)

     7. Why did the apostles not believe the women? (24:11)

     8. How did Peter respond to the sight of the empty tomb? (24:12)

     9. Why is Jesus' resurrection central to the Christian faith?

     10. Why did the disciples express disbelief even though Jesus had told them clearly that He would rise from the dead?

     11. What does this passage teach us about witnessing and evangelism?

     12. How does this story encourage you to share your faith with others?

     13. What should you do if others reject you or your testimony when you share your faith?

     14. How can you reaffirm your faith in God's promises this week?

     15. How can you prepare yourself for your next encounter with someone who criticizes you or does not accept your testimony?

Luke 23:26-43 - The Crucifixion

Luke 23:26-43 - The Crucifixion

     1. When have you had to endure teasing or abuse?

     2. Why did the soldiers seize Simon of Cyrene? (23:26)

     3. Why did such a large crowd gather? (23:27)

     4. How did Jesus treat the women mourning for Him? (23:28-31)

     5. What did Jesus mean when He said, "If men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?" (23:31)

     6. What do Jesus' words on the cross reveal about His character? (23:34)

     7. How was Jesus treated by others while He was hanging on the cross? (23:35-39)

     8. What did the first criminal demand of Jesus? (23:39)

     9. What request did the second criminal on the cross make of Jesus? (23:42)

     10. How did Jesus respond to the criminal's plea? (23:43)

     11. What can you learn from the actions of the repentant criminal?

     12. What prevents many people from turning to Jesus?

     13. In what way are we all like the criminals on the cross?

     14. What do we need to approach Jesus for?

     15. What does this passage teach you about forgiveness?

     16. Why did Jesus choose not to save Himself from His suffering on the cross?

     17. Could you say thank you to Jesus this week for His gift of salvation?

     18. How can you place a new area of your life in Christ's hands?

Luke 18:35-43 - A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight

Luke 18:35-43 - A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight

     1. In what circumstances does the criticism of others not matter to you?

     2. How did the blind man know that something unusual was happening? (18:36)

     3. How did the blind man know who Jesus was? (18:37-38)

     4. How did the blind man respond to the situation? (18:38)

     5. What did the blind man do in response to the criticism of the crowd? (18:39)

     6. How did Jesus respond to the blind man? (18:40)

     7. Why did Jesus heal the blind man? (18:42)

     8. What role did the blind man's faith play in his healing? (18:42)

     9. How did the blind man and the crowds respond to the miracle Jesus performed? (18:43)

     10. What can we learn from this passage about persistence in prayer?

     11. What can we learn from the blind man in this account?

     12. How is faith involved in Jesus' miracles?

     13. How should you respond to group pressure?

     14. In what way do we all need healing from the Lord?

     15. Why do you think God heals some people and not others?

     16. What can you do this week to respond more appropriately to the criticism of others?

     17. What steps can you take to be persistent in your prayers this week?

Luke 18:18-30 - The Rich Ruler

Luke 18:18-30 - The Rich Ruler

     1. What is the best example of "materialism" that you can think of?

     2. What does the wording of the ruler's question reveal about his attitude? (18:18)

     3. How did Jesus respond to the ruler's question? (18:19)

     4. What does the ruler's response to Jesus reveal about his character? (18:21)

     5. What did the ruler lack? (18:22)

     6. How did the ruler respond to Jesus' instructions? (18:23)

     7. What was the rich man's problem? (18:24-25)

     8. What did Jesus reveal about how a person can inherit eternal life? (18:27)

     9. What did Jesus teach about sacrifice? (18:29-30)

     10. What prevents people today from following Christ?

     11. How did the rich man's money hurt him?

     12. How do you need to change your attitude toward money or your financial practices?

     13. What specific sacrifice do you think Jesus would ask of you if you asked Him, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"

     14. What rewards could someone who left home for the kingdom of God expect?

     15. What is one sacrifice God is calling you to make?

Luke 18:9-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Luke 18:9-14 - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

     1. How does it feel to be in the presence of someone markedly better than you at what you do best?

     2. How does our society regard the quality of humility?

     3. Why did Jesus tell this parable? (18:9)

     4. What did the Pharisee do? (18:11)

     5. What motivated the Pharisee to pray? (18:11)

     6. How did the Pharisee pray? (18:11-12)

     7. Why did the tax collector stand at a distance? (18:13)

     8. How did the tax collector pray? (18:13)

     9. What difference did it make how these men prayed? (18:14)

     10. What principle did Jesus stress? (18:14)

     11. What reputations did Pharisees and tax collectors have in Bible times?

     12. Who would be examples of "Pharisees" and "tax collectors" in our society today?

     13. How do we judge people according to outward appearances?

     14. How do you approach God in your prayers?

     15. What does this parable teach us about our prayer habits?

     16. In whose righteousness should we have confidence?

     17. Why does God honor the prayers of a humble person?

     18. In what area of your life do you want to combat a tendency to exalt yourself instead of Christ?

Luke 18:1-8 The Persistent Widow

Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow

     1. In what circumstances is persistence beneficial?

     2. What was Jesus' purpose in telling His disciples this parable? (18:1)

     3. How did Jesus describe the judge in the story? (18:2)

     4. Why was the woman in the story especially helpless? (18:3)

     5. How will God's actions differ from those of the unjust judge? (18:7)

     6. How will God's actions differ from those of the unjust judge? (18:7)

     7. What promise does this parable offer to Christians? (18:8)

     8. Why do people stop praying?

     9. What does it mean to be persistent in our prayers?

     10. How can we be sure we are praying for things that are within the will of God?

     11. What justice do you need to see administered in your life or the lives of others?

     12. How can you guard against the temptation to give up praying when you do not see immediate results?

     13. What changes in your daily routine can you make that will enable you to pray more persistently?

     14. For what need or concern will you commit to praying persistently?

Luke 17:20-37 - Ready for Christ's Return

Luke 17:20-37 - Ready for Christ's Return


     1. What would you do if you were told you only had a few months left to live?

     2. What prompted Jesus to say, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation"? (17:20-21)

     3. What did Jesus tell His disciples they would long to see? (17:22)

     4. How did Jesus describe what the days of the Son of Man will be like? (17:24-30)

     5. What will happen to the person who attempts to keep his life? (17:33)

     6. What "phenomenon" will affect people on the day of the Son of Man? (17:34-35)

     7. What would gather where there is a dead body? (17:37)

     8. How would you describe your readiness for Christ's Second Coming?

     9. For what reason did Jesus warn, "Remember Lot's wife"?

     10. How does Jesus want us to view our earthly lives?

     11. Practically speaking, how could Jesus' teaching about losing your life make a difference in your daily routine?

     12. What people could you pray for this week who are still trying to keep their own life?

     13. How can you reaffirm your commitment to follow Jesus whatever the cost?

Luke 17:11-19 - Real Converts

Luke 17:11-19 - Real Converts


     1. What are you most thankful for ?

     2. How would you react if you were suddenly healed of a disease or sickness?

     3. Where did the events of this story take place? (17:11)

     4. What did the ten men want from Jesus? (17:13)

     5. What happened to the men as they went to show themselves to the priest? (17:14)

     6. How did one man express his thankfulness to Jesus? (17:15-16)

     7. How did Jesus respond to the one man who returned? (17:17-19)

     8. How does Jesus want you to respond to the work He performs in your life?

     9. When have you ever failed to thank the Lord for something He did for you?

     10. When is it difficult to say thank you to God?

     11. Why does God desire our praise?

     12. What should we do when we need physical or spiritual healing from the Lord?

     13. Why is faith necessary for spiritual healing?


     14. What will you praise the Lord more faithfully for this week that you have neglected to notice in the past?

     15. Who is one person you could tell today about the great things God has done for you?

Luke 17:1-10 Responsible Servants

Luke 17:1-10 Responsible Servants

     1. What makes it difficult to forgive a person who has wronged you?
    
     2. What did Jesus say about people who tempt others to sin? (17:1)

     3. What advice did Jesus give His disciples about how to react when others sin against them? (17:3-4)

     4. Why did the disciples think more faith would help them forgive in the way that Jesus instructed? (17:5)

     5. Why was Jesus' example of the mustard seed so startling? (17:6)

     6. In the parable, whom do the master and the servant represent? (17:7-9)

     7. What attitude should we have in working for the Lord? (17:10)

     8. What should you do if you discover that you have encouraged another believer to sin?

     9. When have you found it difficult to forgive someone?

     10. What is our "duty" as Christians?

     11. What attitudes and actions indicate a spirit of humility?

     12. What relationship can you work toward healing this week? How?

     13. What "duty" would the Lord urge you to fulfill this next week?

Luke 16:19-31 - The Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16:19-31 - The Rich Man and Lazarus

     1. What do you imagine heaven and hell will be like?

     2. How did Jesus describe the rich man in the story? (16:19)

     3. What does the story tell us about Lazarus? (16:20)

     4. What role did angels play in this story? (16:22)

     5. What difference did the rich man's wealth make in his eternal destiny? (16:22-23)

     6. What does this parable reveal about heaven and hell? (16:22-31)

     7. How did Abraham respond to the request of the rich man? (16:25)

     8. What was the other reason why Lazarus could not help the rich man? (16:26)

     9. Why did the rich man want Lazarus to go to his father's house on earth? (16:27-28)

     10. Why did Abraham say that Moses and the Prophets should be enough for the rich man's brothers? (16:29, 31)

     11. If Christians believe in the reality of hell, what do you think stops them from sharing their faith with others?

     12. What do you think prevents people from accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ?

     13. How does this story affect your understanding of the afterlife?

     14. What things do you think have eternal value?

     15. How would this Scripture passage encourage Christians who are sick, poor, or disadvantaged?

     16. How has this parable changed your attitude toward witnessing to unbelievers?

     17. In the next few days, how can you demonstrate your thankfulness to the Lord for His provision of eternal life?

     18. How many people like Lazarus do you know who could benefit from your compassion today?

Luke 16:16-18 - Additional Teachings

Luke 16:16-18 - Additional Teachings

     1. What attitudes does our culture have toward divorce?

     2. What two eras did John the Baptist's ministry divide? (16:16)

     3. What is easier than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law? (16:17)

     4. Why did Jesus emphasize the importance of the Law? (16:17)

     5. What relation does the section on divorce have to the previous verses about the Law? (16:18)

     6. How has Jesus' life changed the importance of the Law? (16:16-18)

     7. What difference does it make that Jesus' ministry was a perfect fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets?

     8. What should be our attitude toward divorce?

     9. How do you think Jesus would want you to treat Christians who are divorced?

     10. If you have been hypocritical in your strict adherence to the letter of the law, what can you do to increase your commitment to the spirit of the law?

     11. What can you do this week to renew your obedience to the commands of Jesus in your everyday life?

     12. What could you do to help a person who is experiencing marriage difficulties?

Luke 16:1-15 - The Parable of the Shrewd Manager

Luke 16:1-15 - The Parable of the Shrewd Manager

     1. How is a shrewd businessperson viewed in our society today?

     2. How can the love of money hurt a person?

     3. How did the rich man respond to the manager who was "wasting his possessions"? (16:1-2)

     4. Why was the manager scared to lose his job? (16:3)

     5. What plan did the manager devise to secure his future? (16:4-7)

     6. How did the rich master react to the dishonest dealings of the manager? (16:8)

     7. Who are the "people of light" to whom Jesus referred? (16:8)

     8. What main principle should govern the way we use our resources? (16:10-12)

     9. Why is it impossible to serve two masters? (16:13)

     10. What did Jesus mean when He said, "Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves"?

     11. Why is it so difficult to keep a proper perspective on money?

     12. How can we be sure that we will be "welcomed into eternal dwellings"?

     13. How can you become more trustworthy in handling the money and things that God has given you?

     14. What can you do during this next week to become a better steward of the resources God has given you?

Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Lost Son

Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Lost Son

     1. How do you normally react when you feel you have been treated unfairly?

     2. What did the younger son ask his father to do? (15:12-13)

     3. How did the younger son live once he was out on his own? (15:13-20)

     4. Why did the younger son have to hire himself out for work? (15:14-15)

     5. What made the younger son decide to return home? (15:17-19)

     6. How did the father respond to the younger son's return home? (15:20)

     7. Why did the father call for a celebration? (15:22-24)

     8. What was wrong with the older brother's reaction to his brother's return? (15:25-32)

     9. Why did the father want the older brother to be happy? (15:31-32)

     10. What does the forgiving love of the father in this story represent?

     11. How have you been like the prodigal son in this story?

     12. When have you been like the older brother?

     13. From whom do we tend to withhold mercy?

     14. What causes us to harbor resentment when mercy is shown to someone else?

     15. What should we do when a vile person wants to be forgiven?

     16. How can you show compassion for those who have not believed in Christ?

     17. What does this parable reveal to you about the Lord's love?

     18. How can you guard yourself against feeling resentment when God shows mercy to people you think don't deserve it?

     19. To what "undeserving" person can you extend God's love and forgiveness this week? How?

Luke 14:15-24 - God's Invitation

Luke 14:15-24 - God's Invitation

1. What kinds of excuses do you most resent others using?

2. How does it feel when you plan a big event and it is poorly attended?

3. What was one person prompted to say when Jesus spoke of repayment for kindness to others? (14:15)

4. How did the man let his guests know that the time for the banquet had arrived? (14:17)
5. What excuses did people make? (14:18-20)

6. How did the master find out about the excuses? (14:21)

7. What happened when all the other people came to the master's banquet? (14:22)

8. How did the master ensure that the banquet hall would be full? (14:23)

9. What was to become of the original guests? (14:24)

10. What was wrong with the guests' excuses?

11. How did the character of the banquet change, given the "new" guest list?

12. How is the kingdom of God like this banquet?

13. How does our responsibility to God correspond to the servant's role?

14. Whom can you invite to the kingdom banquet? How?

Luke 13:22-30 - Who will Jesus save?

Luke 13:22-30 - Who will Jesus save?

1. In what areas of life do you tend to procrastinate?

2. What was Jesus doing on His way to Jerusalem? (13:22)

3. According to Jesus, what is worth every effort to accomplish? (13:24)

4. What happens once the door is shut? (13:25)

5। How will the owner of the house respond to those who want to go in after the door is shut? (13:25)

6. How successful will attempts to enter the house be after the door is shut? (13:27)

7. What will those who cannot enter hear and see? (13:28)

8. How will the usual order be turned around? (13:30)

9. What does the narrow door represent?

10. In what sense is the way to God narrow?

11. Who is the "owner of the house," and why will he refuse entry to people?

12. Why do people put off coming to God?

13. When are you tempted to put off responding to God's commands?

14. What was Jesus saying about human relationships when He said that the first will be last?

15. What can you do this week toward introducing someone to Jesus? How?

Luke 13:10-17 - Delighted to heal

Luke 13:10-17 - Delighted to heal

1. What rules about Sunday have you heard?

2. When was Jesus teaching in one of the synagogues? (13:10)

3. Whom did Jesus see in the synagogue? (13:11)

4. What led to the crippled woman's healing? (13:12-13)

5. Why was the synagogue ruler indignant? (13:14)

6. What example did Jesus give to justify His healing of the woman? (13:15-16)

7. How did different people react to what had happened? (13:17)

8. How did the Jewish leader view the Sabbath?

9. What do you think the crippled woman expected?

10. What restrictions do we foolishly put on God's work?

11. What opportunities to free others from physical or emotional pain do you know about?

12. What self-imposed rule or tradition do you need to modify to allow for God's work?

13. How can you help or comfort a person in pain this week?

Luke 13:1-9 - Get right with God

Luke 13:1-9 - Get right with God

1. What have been some of your frustrating experiences with gardening?

2. What did Jesus hear about a group of Galileans? (13:1)

3. What explanation for the tragedy did Jesus propose? (13:2)

4. How did Jesus reply to His own question? (13:3)

5. What was the story involving the tower of Siloam? (13:4)

6. What were Jesus' listeners to learn from the two stories? (13:3-5)

7. In the parable, what did the man seek from his fig tree? (13:6)

8. Why did the man want the fig tree chopped down? (13:7)

9. What did the vineyard tender suggest? (13:8-9)

10. Why do we often assume that people suffer because they are uniquely bad?

11. What can we do to keep from judging people by their circumstances?

12. What did Jesus mean by His warning, "But unless you repent, you too will all perish"?

13. What second chances have you been given?

14. What does God want us to do?

15. What godly characteristic do you want to focus your attention on this week? How?