Good evening!  Tonight, we are going to continue our study of the book of Luke.  So, far we have looked at chapters 1-16.  Tonight, we will discuss chapter 17 and 18.

Before we get started though, let’s open with a word of prayer.  Let’s pray!

As we get started tonight, we will be taking a look at sin, faith, and duty.  So, whoever has the first key, go ahead and read that for us.  (READ 17:1-10)

What might be an example of Jesus’ meaning in verse 1?

How could you practice verses 3-4 without reinforcing bad behavior?

What attitudes should Jesus’ followers have in serving Him?  (Verses 7-10)

Now, before we move on, does anyone have anything to add?

If there is nothing else, we will go ahead and move on to our next section.  In this section we are talking about giving thanks.  As we get started, how are you at showing appreciation?

At this time, whoever has the purple key, since you had a short section, go ahead and read that passage for us as well.  (READ 17:11-19)

In this story Jesus meets a group of 10 men with leprosy.  Due to their disfiguring disease, lepers were considered “unclean” and were required to keep a distance from others.

Only after being declared healed and “clean” by a priest could a leper renter society.  At least 1 of the 10 was a Samaritan, whom Jews generally despised as ethnic and religious half-breeds.  So, what happened was interesting.

What do you think it was like to be a leper?

Why do you think Jesus sent them to a priest rather than just healing on the spot?

What might have been some of the “excuses” of the other 9 not to go back to Jesus?

Now, before we move on, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?

Well, if that is all, we will go ahead and take a look at the rest of chapter 17.  And whoever has that next key, go ahead and read that for us please.  (READ 17:20-37)

When answering the Pharisees’ question, what does Jesus say about the kingdom, as to when, how, or where it is?

How will those days be like the days of Noah and Lot?

What is so bad about the lives people were living in verses 27 and 28?

What was meant by the warning about Lot’s wife?

At this time, allow me to read for you what the commentary had to say about chapter 17.  In the commentary it says, (READ COMMENTARY)

Now, before we move on, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?

Well, if there is nothing else, let’s go ahead and move to chapter 18.  In chapter 18, we begin with the Parable f the persistent widow.  So, whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us please.  (READ 18:1-8)

Secular judges in Jesus’ time were known for being corrupt.  Without influence r bribe money, people might find it impossible to have their cases settled.  Jesus uses this parable to teach the disciples about the importance of persistent prayer.

What was this woman’s problem?

What method did this woman use as she approached the judge?

How is God like and unlike this judge?

What does this parable say to you?

Now, before we move on, does anyone have anything to add?

Well, if there is nothing else, we will go ahead and take a look at this next section.  And since that last section was a short one, whoever has that same color key, go ahead and read the next section for us as well.  (READ 18:9-14)

How would the people in Jesus’ day view these 2 characters?

This parable is about 2 very different men.  The Pharisee was from a religious group whose prime concern was keeping the Law of Moses.

The tax collector was in a profession where many were considered traitors and thieves, because they collected taxes for the Romans from their fellow Jews, usually with great personal profit.

Why do you think the Pharisee acted the way that he did?

Why do you think the tax collector acted the way that he did?

Why did the tax collector go home justified rather than the Pharisee?

What was Jesus’ point in this parable?

Now, does anyone have anything else for this section?

Well, if that is all, let’s go ahead and the next couple of sections.  Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us please.  (READ 18:15-30)

How did the disciples feel about all of these parents bringing their babies to Jesus?

Why?

What does the rich ruler’s question about eternal life imply he believes about it?

Considering the man’s religious obedience, what is ironic about verses 23-25?

Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?

Well, if that is all, let’s go ahead and finish this chapter.  Whoever has the last key, go ahead and read that for us please.  (READ 31-43)

Why is this new teaching misunderstood by the disciples?

Why hide the meaning of it from them?

From the last story, what do we know about the man’s handicap?

What do we know about his faith?

What do we know about his intensity?

Have you ever felt hat Jesus was too busy for you?  If so, why?

If Jesus asked you, “What do you want me to do for you?” what would you say?

At this time, allow me to read for you what the commentary had to say about chapter 18.  It says, (READ COMMENTARY)

Now, before we close this evening, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?

Well, if there is nothing else, for next week, we will be taking a look at Luke chapters 19 and 20.

Announcements/Prayer Concerns

Closing Prayer!