Good evening. Well, tonight we are going to begin our look at the book of Luke. And as we get started, we are going to take a brief look at an introduction to the book, and then we are going to take a look at chapters 1 and 2 this evening.
Before we do that though, let’s begin with a word of prayer. Pray!
As we get started, who do you suppose was the author of the book of Luke?
Well, while the book itself is anonymous, traditionally it is thought to be the work of Luke the physician, a companion and co-worker of Paul’s. Luke is the only non Jewish author in the New Testament. The Gospel of Luke (The story of Jesus) is volume 1 in Luke’s 2 part account. The book of Acts (The story of the church) is volume 2.
It is believed that the book of Luke was written somewhere between 59 to the mid 70’s A.D. The book of Luke has a main theme, and that is that Jesus is the Savior of the whole world.
Luke wrote this book for a Gentile audience. And even though Luke covers a lot of what is found in Matthew and Mark, there is still plenty to learn for this book as well. Luke puts a new spin on things. Luke is also the longest book in the New Testament.
At this time, let me go ahead and read for you what the commentary had to say about the introduction to the book of Luke. It said, (READ COMMENTARY)
So, at this time, we will go ahead and jump into the first chapter of Luke. As we do that, what is a recent surprise that you have experienced?
Well, in this first chapter of Luke, we find several people receiving surprises. So, whoever has the first key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ 1:1-25)
What do you learn from verses 1-4 about the reason that Luke wrote this Gospel?
What stands out to you about Zechariah and Elizabeth?
How would the birth of a son affect these 2 parents?
Why would Zechariah have feelings of doubt?
Now, while Zechariah was in there, how were the people outside feeling?
What did they think when he came out of the temple, and was unable to speak?
What was the last thing that caused you to doubt God?
What does this story teach you?
How might you be able to prepare people for the Lord?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?
Well, if there is nothing else, we will go ahead and move on to the next section. If and angel came and told you that you were going to have a child this year, how would you react?
Well, in this next section, we see Mary being told the same thing. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that at this time please. (READ 1:26-38)
The fact that God became man is the miracle of all miracles. He didn’t come as a powerful, and invincible warrior, which the Jewish people expected. Instead, He came as a little baby in a stable.
How do you think Mary felt about the angel’s message?
What do you think was the hardest thing for Mary to understand?
Why do you think the angel told Mary about Elizabeth’s condition as well?
Does anyone have anything else form this section before we move on?
Well, if that is all, we will take a look at our next section. When you have good news, who is the first person that you share it with?
Well, in this next section, we are reading about Mary going to see Elizabeth. Mary serves as a wonderful example to us as she gives God the glory in the midst of what must have been a difficult situation. In this Bible story, Mary is visiting Elizabeth who is 6 months pregnant with the child who will be known as John the Baptist. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that. (READ 1:39-56)
Why do you suppose Mary went to visit Elizabeth?
Would Mary consider you God’s humble servant, or a proud and rich ruler?
Does anyone have anything to add about that section?
Well, if there is nothing else, we will go ahead and finish this chapter. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that passage. (READ 1:57-80)
How did the neighbors and relatives respond to the events surrounding the birth of John?
John prepared the way for people to meet Jesus, who prepared the way for you?
At this time, allow me to read what the commentary had to say about chapter 1. It says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we move on to chapter 2, does anyone have anything to add?
Well, if that is all, we will go ahead and begin chapter 2. In chapter 2, we are reading about the birth and first events surrounding Jesus. The story of Jesus begins with His birth. It is amazing that of all the ways God could have come, He chose to come as a helpless baby. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that. (READ 2:1-20)
How do you think Joseph and Mary felt about the timing of the census?
Why was it important that Jesus be born in Bethlehem? (Mic. 5:2)
Why tell the shepherds first?
What 3 titles are given to Jesus in verse 11, and what significant about each?
Do you think Mary and Joseph fully understood what was happening?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?
Well, if there is nothing else, we will take a look at our next section in chapter 2. Whoever has that last key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ 2:21-40)
Joseph and Mary now fulfill 3 Old Testament requirements for parents, circumcision, the ritual purification of the mother, and the dedication of the firstborn.
Why was this such a meaningful experience for Simeon?
What do you learn about Mary and Joseph from this passage?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we finish this chapter?
Well, if there is nothing else, I will go ahead and read the last section. Before I do that though, do you ever get lost?
Well, in this last section, we find that Jesus got lost from His parents once, but it was really intentional. Listen to the rest of chapter 2. (READ 2:41-52)
How do you maintain a balance between daily responsibilities and serving God?
At this time, allow me to read for you what the commentary had to say about chapter 2. It says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we close this evening, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if that is all, for next week we will be looking at chapters 3, 4, and 5.
Announcements/Prayer Concerns
Closing Prayer!
|
