The book called The Gospel of Luke was one of the earliest biographies of Jesus to be written, probably in the second half of the first century CE, while many of the eye-witnesses of the events it describes were still alive. The author, Luke, was a medical doctor (then as now one of the better educated people in his world), and the only non-Jewish author to be included in the collection of founding Christian documents known as the New Testament.
In the preface to his book, he explains that, although there were many stories circulating about Jesus at that time, he “decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus.” (Theophilus, which means “lover of God,” may be a real person but may also be a literary device.)
Each of the four biographies included in the New Testament has its own distinctive character. Luke’s Gospel tells more stories about women, and includes more poetry, more about prayer and more about joy than the other books. The Christmas story of the shepherds and some of Jesus’ most famous parables are found only in Luke’s Gospel.
These four studies look at some of the most important parts of the book—one of Jesus’ more controversial miracles, three of his most famous parables, his death and his return to life—his resurrection. They are intended as a “taster,” and will hopefully inspire you to read the whole biography!
1. Jesus heals a paralyzed man:Luke chapter 5:17-26
(a) What is the most interesting, puzzling, or surprising thing to you in this story?
(b) Jesus notices that the friends have faith (20). How does this suggest Jesus would define faith?
(c) Why does Jesus forgive the man’s sins when what he really wants is to be healed?
(d) Who do you identify with in the story: the Pharisees (21)—“Who does he think he is?”—the crowd (26)—“This is amazing”—or someone else?
(e) What is the take-away value of this story for you?
2 Jesus explains himself through stories: Luke chapter 15:1-32
(a) What is the most interesting, puzzling, or surprising thing to you in this story?
(b) How are the stories of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son similar? How are they different?
(c) Some regard the story of the second son (page 60, 25-32) as a fourth parable. If so, who does the older brother stand for? What is Jesus’ point?
(d) What do you learn about God from these stories? What do you learn about yourself.
3. Jesus dies: Luke chapter 23:26-49
(a) What is the most interesting, puzzling, or surprising thing to you in this story?
(b) How many different reactions to Jesus’ death can you count?
(c) How do you react to this story? What image or words will stay with you?
4. Jesus comes back to life: Luke chapter 24
(a) What is the most interesting, puzzling, or surprising thing to you in this story?
(b) Why do you think the disciples on the road didn’t recognise him?
(c) Why do you think they felt “a fire burning in us” (32) as Jesus talked to them?
(d) In your opinion, what was it about breaking the bread (30) that enabled them to recognise him?
(e) If this story is true, what difference does it make to the world? What difference might it make to you?
Conclusion
(a) What is the main thing you have learned through these studies?
(b) What is the main question you are left with?
(c) What (if anything) do you think you should do next?
The Wycliffe College Institute of Evangelism
5 Hoskin Avenue, Toronto ON, M5S 1H7
www.institute.wycliffecollege.ca
January 2013
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