The Gospel of Luke: Week 9

This week's teaching covers chapters fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen of the Gospel of Luke. To dig deeper into this study, you can use these discussion questions: Review the story of the Great Banquet. Who are the elite and who are the “spiritual outsiders”? Which one do you relate to best right now & why?Jesus spends a lot of time in the “lost parables”. What does it teach us about those who do not know God or have fallen away from Him? Why do you think Jesus spent so much time on this concept?In the story of the Rich Man & Lazarus, we see a foreshadowing of what’s to come for Jesus. What specific parallels can you draw from this story? (Hint: think about the trial of Jesus.)On Your Own: “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ “ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”‭‭-Luke‬ ‭16:27-31‬ ‭NIV‬‬This story can be hard to read when you think about the rich man, calling out for mercy from Hades. It feels impossible to wrap our minds around the idea of eternity. We oftentimes think our current time on earth will last forever—but we know this is a tiny piece of what’s to come! It’s even harder to imagine Hell waits for many as well. It’s not something we like to dwell on. However, it should motivate us to share the good news of Jesus! That’s why we call it GOOD news—because all have fallen short of the glory of God. Scripture says our best works are like filthy rags, there’s nothing we could do to set ourselves righteous before Him. We desperately need a Savior, and we know that’s why Jesus came—to be the ransom for many. This surely is good news to ALL people! In this story, we see a parallel between the brothers of the rich man, and Israel’s stubborn leadership refusing to accept Jesus’s resurrection. They won’t be convinced! Pray tonight and ask God to reveal places in your life that are hardened. What’s something you want God’s wisdom on? And are you willing to accept if He gives it? Ask for this wisdom tonight, and hold out your palms in front of you as a sign of acceptance if you’re willing.