Luke Part 2 Week 9

Day 1 

RECEIVE 

Luke 9:43b-45 

^43b While everyone was marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, ⁴⁴ “Listen to me and remember what I say. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies.” ⁴⁵ But they didn’t know what he meant. Its significance was hidden from them, so they couldn’t understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about it. 

Jesus wanted His disciples to listen and remember what He was about to say. He again predicted His death, but His disciples did not know what He was talking about. It must have sounded strange to them, but it was such a serious topic they refused to ask what He meant by it.  

REFLECT 

Have you sometime been told a statement that was so serious you did not want to ask details about what it meant? 

RESPOND 

Visit with a friend about what one does with elderly parents. If they talk about death and pre-arrangements for it, are you comfortable asking questions or not? If you do not, you will not know when they pass what they wanted done. 

Day 2 

RECEIVE 

Luke 9:46-48 

⁴⁶ Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. ⁴⁷ But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. ⁴⁸ Then he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.” 

It is strange that the disciples heard Jesus say something so serious they were afraid to ask questions. Then they began to debate who was the greatest among them. Jesus knew their thoughts and made statements that likely puzzled them as well. Jesus’ statement revealed how precious little children are to Him. Surely they wondered what He meant when He said, “Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.” 

REFLECT 

What do you think Jesus meant by His statement that someone who is least is really the greatest? 

RESPOND 

Join with a friend and talk about what it means to be humble. Read passages such as Ephesians 4:2; Philippians 2:3; James 4:4-10. Discuss these Scriptures and determine not to think more of yourself than you ought to think, but also realize that Christ is in you (see Colossians 1:27).  

Day 3 

RECEIVE 

Luke 9:49-50 

⁴⁹ John said to Jesus, “Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn’t in our group.” ⁵⁰ But Jesus said, “Don’t stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you.” 

This is a significant statement by Jesus. He told His disciples, “Anyone who is not against you is for you.” Sometimes the tendency is to think more people are against you than really are. One must ask the question, “Is this person really against me or is he neutral?” Do not pick arguments with those who are not opposing what you believe. They may be open to receiving more truth. 

REFLECT 

Give some thought about those who are not against you. Are they open to talking more about Jesus and the need to trust in Him as Savior?  

RESPOND 

Many are opposed to hearing the gospel message. Tell others about you being ready to enter eternity to be with Jesus whenever that time comes. If they acknowledge having trusted in Jesus, that is wonderful. If they do not say anything, you can consider you have planted the seed for them to think about. 

Day 4 

RECEIVE 

Luke 9:51-53 

⁵¹ As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. ⁵² He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. ⁵³ But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem.  

The Jews had nothing to do with the Samaritans, and the Samaritans had nothing to do with the Jews. This animosity existed from Old Testament times. When the Samaritans learned Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem they did not want anything to do with Him.  

REFLECT 

Do you know of groups today who refuse to associate with each other? Do you think that pleases the Lord? 

RESPOND 

Join with a friend to read about the history that caused this division between the Jews and the Samaritans. Read 2 Kings 17:5-6, 18, 24. When the 10 Northern tribes were taken captive by Assyria, others were brought to Samaria and intermingled with the Jews. The Jews in Judea considered the Samaritans to be a mixed breed and wanted nothing to do with them. Take time to read John 4 to see that Jesus had a heart for the Samaritans.  

Day 5 

RECEIVE 

Luke 9:54-56 

⁵⁴ When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” ⁵⁵ But Jesus turned and rebuked them.⁵⁶ So they went on to another village. 

John often referred to himself as, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” In this instance, however, it is seen John could have a hot temper. Others might say, “I love Jesus,” but John knew enough about himself he could not be that bold. Likely such is the reason he described himself only as the one whom Jesus loved.  

REFLECT 

Do you also understand expressing yourself as the apostle John described himself? Believers love Jesus because He first loved them (see 1 John 4:10, 19). 

RESPOND  

When He was on the cross, Jesus looked down and saw His mother and “the disciple whom He loved” (John 19:26). He asked John to care for His earthly mother and from that time John took her to his home (John 19:27).