WELCOME TO OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CHURCH!
“PARABLES OF JESUS IN THE GOSPELS OF MATTHEW AND LUKE”
April 13, 2013
Welcome! We are glad you have joined us for our Bible Study. We are excited to take a look at some of the Parables in Matthew and Luke’s Gospels, and we will discuss how they relate to our lives today. It is our goal to provide a prayerful and meaningful Bible Study experience for everyone.
We will meet for six (6) consecutive weeks on Saturday mornings. The dates are as follows: April 13, 2013 through May 18, 2013. Each session will be held either in the Music Room or in the MacCarthy Center from 9:00 - 11:00 A.M. There will be a notice via email of the next venue.
Guidelines for our study are listed below:
Weekly schedule of material covered: (may be subject to change)
Weekly time schedule: (approximate)
9:00 - 9:15 Hospitality & Sign In 10:00 - 10:10 Short Break
9:15 - 9:30 Welcome & Opening Prayer 10:10 - 10:40 Group Discussion
9:30 - 9:40 Sacred Space 10:40 - 10:50 Next Week’s Lesson
9:40 - 10:00 DVD Presentation 10:50 - 11:00 Closing Prayer
Once again, welcome! It is our hope that everyone will benefit from this study and that we will be able to put what we learn here into practice in our everyday lives. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Thank you, and God bless!
Rey Genaldo Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish mobile (714) 872-2278
Esther Herrera Annunciation Parish mobile (626) 483-2390
Kathy Holland St. Dorothy Parish mobile (626) 428-0589
April 13, 2013
Welcome! We are glad you have joined us for our Bible Study. We are excited to take a look at some of the Parables in Matthew and Luke’s Gospels, and we will discuss how they relate to our lives today. It is our goal to provide a prayerful and meaningful Bible Study experience for everyone.
We will meet for six (6) consecutive weeks on Saturday mornings. The dates are as follows: April 13, 2013 through May 18, 2013. Each session will be held either in the Music Room or in the MacCarthy Center from 9:00 - 11:00 A.M. There will be a notice via email of the next venue.
Guidelines for our study are listed below:
- We will make every effort to begin on time, so please try to be prompt.
- Please do the readings before coming to class if possible. In this way, we will all benefit from vibrant discussions. If you don’t get the readings done, please come anyway!
- Please answer questions. We all learn from each other’s insights.
- Keep your answers concise and on topic. We have a limited amount of time and much material to cover each week.
- Allow others a chance to speak. Do this by raising your hand and letting one of the facilitators call on you. We want everyone to have a chance to share.
- Always maintain confidentiality. This helps us honor everyone’s integrity and privacy.
- By sharing our own thoughts, we won’t be tempted to correct or critique others’ answers.
- Please be kind and respectful of other group member’s opinions. We all come to this study with different backgrounds and experiences. That’s what makes life interesting!
Weekly schedule of material covered: (may be subject to change)
- Apr. 13th Program Introduction, Themes in Matthew, Parable of the Lost Sheep
- Apr. 20th Parables - Unforgiving Servant Mt. 18:23-35 and Wedding Feast Mt. 22:2-14
- Apr. 27th Parables - Ten Virgins Mt. 25:1-13 and The Talents Mt. 25:14-30
- May 4th Themes in Luke - Parables – The Sower, Lk. 8:4-15 and Barren Fig Tree, Lk. 13:6-9
- May 11th Parable – Good Samaritan, Lk 10:25-37 and Great Feast Lk. 14:7-24
- May 18th Program Conclusion – Parables – Prodigal Son Lk. 15:11-32 and Rich Man & Lazarus Lk. 16:19-31
Weekly time schedule: (approximate)
9:00 - 9:15 Hospitality & Sign In 10:00 - 10:10 Short Break
9:15 - 9:30 Welcome & Opening Prayer 10:10 - 10:40 Group Discussion
9:30 - 9:40 Sacred Space 10:40 - 10:50 Next Week’s Lesson
9:40 - 10:00 DVD Presentation 10:50 - 11:00 Closing Prayer
Once again, welcome! It is our hope that everyone will benefit from this study and that we will be able to put what we learn here into practice in our everyday lives. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Thank you, and God bless!
Rey Genaldo Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish mobile (714) 872-2278
Esther Herrera Annunciation Parish mobile (626) 483-2390
Kathy Holland St. Dorothy Parish mobile (626) 428-0589
WEEK 1 - APRIL 13, 2013, Discussion Questions
Read together “The Parable of the Lost Sheep.” Discussion follows.
Matthew 18:12-14:
- In what type of setting does Matthew place this parable?
- Who is Jesus talking with/to?
Luke 15:4-7
- In what type of setting does Luke place this parable?
- Who is Jesus talking with/to?
- When it comes to finding the lost sheep, what is the key difference between Matthew’s account and Luke’s account?
- How is the parable of the shepherd an example of God’s love?
- How is the parable of the shepherd a lesson in leadership?
- Any closing comments/questions?
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Is Luke, of the Gospel According to Luke, a Physician?
Small "t" tradition assign Luke the Beloved Physician in Colossian 4:14, as Luke, the evangelist and author of the Gospel According to Luke. Modern biblical scholarship however, based on the evidence from the Gospel itself, finds Luke a highly educated Greek-speaking, and most likely a Hebrew, evangelist. The difficulty of assigning the Physician as the Evangelist Luke is that at the time of Jesus, physicians did not rank well in society. The writings of Luke, however, shows a very highly refined upper-crust man, who ministers to believers of similar social standing.
Some evidence that scholars point to are the following:
Luke uses language (Greek) that only that upper class use. He changes the words from the Gospel according to Mark (Luke's primary source) that are either Hebrew (Or Aramaic) or Latin into their Greek equivalents. Hebrew and Latin languages were considered vulgar by the Greek speaking people of that time, and are spoken only by workers of society - definitely not the standing that Luke displays. Another style of writing that Luke uses, the optative mood, is only spoken by royalty, or well educated people. Although this style was used by almost everyone in earlier times, by the time Luke ministers to his well-heeled community, only the upper class, foreign ministers, and royalty use that style of speaking. Those in the lower classes stopped using it. The most famous example in fact is spoken by Mary, the Mother of Jesus, in Luke 1:38,
"Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
Here, the second verse (May it be done to me ... ) is the optative mood used only by the well-to-do and well educated people at that time. The implication is that Jesus comes from a highly refined, well-behaved and respectable upbringing.
Additionally, these were the salaries of the people about 200 years before Jesus. The time frame is much earlier, but according to Fr. Pat Mullen, PhD and lecturer in the Catholic Bible Institute, the math should still apply.
The Foreman: 7 1/2 sacks of grain
The Scribe: 7 1/2 sacks of grain. Scribes are well trained and very educated
The Laborer: 5 1/2 sacks of grain
The Physician: 1 1/2 sacks of grain
According to Fr. Pat, the physicians at that time were the barbers!
So, decide: Is Luke the Beloved Physician?
Some evidence that scholars point to are the following:
Luke uses language (Greek) that only that upper class use. He changes the words from the Gospel according to Mark (Luke's primary source) that are either Hebrew (Or Aramaic) or Latin into their Greek equivalents. Hebrew and Latin languages were considered vulgar by the Greek speaking people of that time, and are spoken only by workers of society - definitely not the standing that Luke displays. Another style of writing that Luke uses, the optative mood, is only spoken by royalty, or well educated people. Although this style was used by almost everyone in earlier times, by the time Luke ministers to his well-heeled community, only the upper class, foreign ministers, and royalty use that style of speaking. Those in the lower classes stopped using it. The most famous example in fact is spoken by Mary, the Mother of Jesus, in Luke 1:38,
"Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
Here, the second verse (May it be done to me ... ) is the optative mood used only by the well-to-do and well educated people at that time. The implication is that Jesus comes from a highly refined, well-behaved and respectable upbringing.
Additionally, these were the salaries of the people about 200 years before Jesus. The time frame is much earlier, but according to Fr. Pat Mullen, PhD and lecturer in the Catholic Bible Institute, the math should still apply.
The Foreman: 7 1/2 sacks of grain
The Scribe: 7 1/2 sacks of grain. Scribes are well trained and very educated
The Laborer: 5 1/2 sacks of grain
The Physician: 1 1/2 sacks of grain
According to Fr. Pat, the physicians at that time were the barbers!
So, decide: Is Luke the Beloved Physician?
TO PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK
In Matthew’s Gospel, please read and become acquainted with the two parables listed below:
How do these parables affect you, and what do they mean to us today?
THANK YOU FOR COMING, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU NEXT SATURDAY!!!
- Parable of the Unforgiving Servant Matthew 18:23-35 What lesson does this parable teach about the importance of forgiveness?
- Parable of the Wedding Feast Matthew 22:2-14 What could an early Christian audience have understood about the significance of attending this wedding feast w/o wearing the proper garment?
How do these parables affect you, and what do they mean to us today?
THANK YOU FOR COMING, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU NEXT SATURDAY!!!
WEEK 2 - APRIL 20, 2013, Discussion Questions
OLG Church Saturday Parables Bible Study
Week Two Discussion Questions April 20, 2013
What lesson does the parable of the king and the unworthy servant teach about the importance of forgiveness
In this parable, what evidence is there to suggest that the king might represent God?
The chief priests and the elders approached Him as He was teaching.
The Pharisees are also there. It is likely the disciples are there also.
What could an early Christian audience have understood about the significance of attending this wedding feast without wearing the proper garment?
What biblical images of God and the covenant people might a wedding feast have brought to the minds of those who heard it?
Why is this important to us today?
The Pharisees had tested Him, and now He is speaking with the disciples.
In this parable, what unfairness do the first laborers that were hired feel the landowner has committed?
What do the last hired in the vineyard realize about the nature of their pay that the first hired fail to understand?
Week Two Discussion Questions April 20, 2013
- Review the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Matthew and Luke. Any questions or comments?
- Read together “The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.” Matthew 18: 21-35 Discussion.
What lesson does the parable of the king and the unworthy servant teach about the importance of forgiveness
In this parable, what evidence is there to suggest that the king might represent God?
- Read together “The Parable of the Wedding Feast.” Matthew 22:1-14 Discussion.
The chief priests and the elders approached Him as He was teaching.
The Pharisees are also there. It is likely the disciples are there also.
What could an early Christian audience have understood about the significance of attending this wedding feast without wearing the proper garment?
What biblical images of God and the covenant people might a wedding feast have brought to the minds of those who heard it?
Why is this important to us today?
- Time permitting….Read together “The Workers in the Vineyard.” Matthew 20:1-16 Discussion.
The Pharisees had tested Him, and now He is speaking with the disciples.
In this parable, what unfairness do the first laborers that were hired feel the landowner has committed?
What do the last hired in the vineyard realize about the nature of their pay that the first hired fail to understand?
- Any closing comments/questions?
TO PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK
In Matthew’s Gospel, please read and become acquainted with the three parables listed below:
- Parable of the Faithful or Unfaithful Servant Matthew 24:45-51 In this parable, what distinguishes the two kinds of servants from each other?
- Parable of the Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-13 In this parable, both the wise and the foolish virgins fall asleep. Is there a difference between falling asleep and not being prepared?
- Parable of the Talents Matthew 25:14-30 How does the parable of the wise and foolish use of talents reinforce the message of the two previous parables in this lesson?
How do these parables affect you, and what do they mean to us today?
THANK YOU FOR COMING, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU NEXT SATURDAY!!!
Week 2 Hand Outs
The Lost Sheep
This week we are going to learn about another parable. Do you remember what a parable is? It is a story that Jesus told in order to teach a lesson. The story should be easy to remember and should have a special meaning so that we can understand it.
This is the story of the lost sheep. Jesus started to tell this story to some men known as tax collectors and Pharisees. These men believed that they were more important than others and they were not very nice. They were always talking bad about Jesus and how he should not be eating and talking to sinners.
It is absurd that they should think this way because we are all sinners, we all do things we should not do. The tax collectors and Pharisees believed they were better than anyone else. As a matter of fact, they believed that they did not need to repent for anything or to tell God that they were sorry for doing wrong.
Have you ever felt really bad for something you have done? Perhaps you hit your brother or sister and when you thought about this you wished you had not done it. When you truly feel sorrow for something you have done or said and you tell that person that you are sorry, this is called repentance.
Just as with our family or friends, etc. we need to tell God that we are sorry when we do something that is wrong. The Pharisees and tax collectors did not believe they had to do this because they believed that they were better than others.
Jesus knows very well how they thought and so he told this parable:
If one of you had one hundred sheep and you lost one of them, would you leave the ninety nine sheep to go look for the one sheep until you find it? The shepherd went out to find the one sheep, and when he found it, he was so joyful that he carried it in his arms and took it home. Then he called his friends and neighbors and celebrated because he had found the lost sheep.
Jesus then explained the parable: In the same way in which there was a great celebration over one sheep, there will be a feast in heaven for one sinner who repents than for ninety nine who believe to be perfect and does not need to repent.
When you say that you are "sorry" to the person you have hurt and to God all of heaven will have a great feast because of what you have said. God is very happy when we tell him that we are sorry and is sad when we act as if nothing had happened and we think we do not need to repent.
Jesus continued telling another parable. Listen to see if it sounds like something you have already heard.
There was a woman who had ten coins (ten one dollar coins) and she lost one. She lit all the candles, swept the entire house and searched with much care until she found the coin she had lost. When she found it, she called her friends and neighbors and celebrated a great feast because she had found the lost coin.
Just as with the lost coin, there will be much joy in heaven with all of God's angels when one sinner repents.
The lesson we are teaching is that no one is perfect (only God, of course). It is very important to understand that when we make a mistake, when we truly realize that we have done something wrong, we should ask the person or persons we have wronged that we are sorry and tell God we are sorry. This is called Reconciliation.
Take some time to make an examination of conscience. Then go to the priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation where he will counsel you, pray with you, you will make an act of contrition, and you will receive penance and absolution from the priest who does this in the name of Jesus.
Reconciliation should always include the community. For this reason the Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated with other penitents with: prayer, song, reading from scriptures, on act of contrition, Our Father, individual confession, penance or satisfaction and absolution.
The priest will welcome you home with much joy!
Other Handouts
This week we are going to learn about another parable. Do you remember what a parable is? It is a story that Jesus told in order to teach a lesson. The story should be easy to remember and should have a special meaning so that we can understand it.
This is the story of the lost sheep. Jesus started to tell this story to some men known as tax collectors and Pharisees. These men believed that they were more important than others and they were not very nice. They were always talking bad about Jesus and how he should not be eating and talking to sinners.
It is absurd that they should think this way because we are all sinners, we all do things we should not do. The tax collectors and Pharisees believed they were better than anyone else. As a matter of fact, they believed that they did not need to repent for anything or to tell God that they were sorry for doing wrong.
Have you ever felt really bad for something you have done? Perhaps you hit your brother or sister and when you thought about this you wished you had not done it. When you truly feel sorrow for something you have done or said and you tell that person that you are sorry, this is called repentance.
Just as with our family or friends, etc. we need to tell God that we are sorry when we do something that is wrong. The Pharisees and tax collectors did not believe they had to do this because they believed that they were better than others.
Jesus knows very well how they thought and so he told this parable:
If one of you had one hundred sheep and you lost one of them, would you leave the ninety nine sheep to go look for the one sheep until you find it? The shepherd went out to find the one sheep, and when he found it, he was so joyful that he carried it in his arms and took it home. Then he called his friends and neighbors and celebrated because he had found the lost sheep.
Jesus then explained the parable: In the same way in which there was a great celebration over one sheep, there will be a feast in heaven for one sinner who repents than for ninety nine who believe to be perfect and does not need to repent.
When you say that you are "sorry" to the person you have hurt and to God all of heaven will have a great feast because of what you have said. God is very happy when we tell him that we are sorry and is sad when we act as if nothing had happened and we think we do not need to repent.
Jesus continued telling another parable. Listen to see if it sounds like something you have already heard.
There was a woman who had ten coins (ten one dollar coins) and she lost one. She lit all the candles, swept the entire house and searched with much care until she found the coin she had lost. When she found it, she called her friends and neighbors and celebrated a great feast because she had found the lost coin.
Just as with the lost coin, there will be much joy in heaven with all of God's angels when one sinner repents.
The lesson we are teaching is that no one is perfect (only God, of course). It is very important to understand that when we make a mistake, when we truly realize that we have done something wrong, we should ask the person or persons we have wronged that we are sorry and tell God we are sorry. This is called Reconciliation.
Take some time to make an examination of conscience. Then go to the priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation where he will counsel you, pray with you, you will make an act of contrition, and you will receive penance and absolution from the priest who does this in the name of Jesus.
Reconciliation should always include the community. For this reason the Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated with other penitents with: prayer, song, reading from scriptures, on act of contrition, Our Father, individual confession, penance or satisfaction and absolution.
The priest will welcome you home with much joy!
Other Handouts
Week 3, April 27, 2013
Week Three Discussion Questions April 27, 2013
Note, the hand out for this session is the side-by-side comparison of the Parable of Jesus according to the Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke.
Any questions or comments from last week’s discussion?
**This week’s parables deal with faithfulness and vigilance. We must be watchful and ready for Jesus’ return. **Keep in mind that in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus has left the temple area and is now sitting on the Mount of Olives speaking with His disciples.
Read together “The Faithful or the Unfaithful Servant.” Matthew 24: 45-51 Discussion.
Read together “The Parable of the Ten Virgins.” Matthew 25:1-13 Discussion.
Read together “The Parable of the Talents.” Matthew 25:14-30 Discussion.
Summary Question:
Time permitting….read together “The Judgment of the Nations.” Matthew 25:31-46 Discussion.
Note, the hand out for this session is the side-by-side comparison of the Parable of Jesus according to the Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke.
Any questions or comments from last week’s discussion?
**This week’s parables deal with faithfulness and vigilance. We must be watchful and ready for Jesus’ return. **Keep in mind that in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus has left the temple area and is now sitting on the Mount of Olives speaking with His disciples.
Read together “The Faithful or the Unfaithful Servant.” Matthew 24: 45-51 Discussion.
- In this parable, what distinguishes the two kinds of servants from each other?
- What important duty had the master assigned his servants?
- What service has Jesus made you responsible for in your life?
Read together “The Parable of the Ten Virgins.” Matthew 25:1-13 Discussion.
- The wise virgins/attendants brought oil in their lamps in order to light them. What do you associate with light that is appropriate to greeting the Lord at His return?
- In this parable, both the wise and foolish virgins fall asleep. Is there a difference between falling asleep and not being prepared?
- What do you think it means for a Christian today to be prepared for the Lord’s return?
Read together “The Parable of the Talents.” Matthew 25:14-30 Discussion.
- How does this parable of the wise and foolish use of talents reinforce the message of the two previous parables in this week’s lesson?
- What theme in Matthew is reflected in the treatment given the servant who buried the single talent?
- What has the Lord entrusted to you that would be considered of immense value in His eyes?
Summary Question:
- In Matthew 24 & 25, for what event is Jesus urging His followers to be ready?
Time permitting….read together “The Judgment of the Nations.” Matthew 25:31-46 Discussion.
- How would you describe God’s expectations of you?
To prepare for next week
In Luke’s Gospel, please read and become acquainted with the three parables listed below:
Parable of the Sower Luke 8: 4-15 In this parable, what is responsible for the seed taking root and growing until the harvest?
Parable of the Barren Fig Tree Luke 13:6-9 How has the previous parable about the seed prepared us to understand the problem the owner has with the fig tree?
Parable of the Mustard Seed Luke 13:18-19 What message about the kingdom of God does this parable convey to you?
How do these parables affect you, and what do they mean to us today?
Parable of the Sower Luke 8: 4-15 In this parable, what is responsible for the seed taking root and growing until the harvest?
Parable of the Barren Fig Tree Luke 13:6-9 How has the previous parable about the seed prepared us to understand the problem the owner has with the fig tree?
Parable of the Mustard Seed Luke 13:18-19 What message about the kingdom of God does this parable convey to you?
How do these parables affect you, and what do they mean to us today?
Week 4, May 4, 2013
**We now begin taking a look at some of the parables in the Gospel of Luke. There are many themes to think about. Some of these include: hospitality, forgiveness, universalism, repentance, faith, perseverance & the reversals of this world’s values.
Read together “The Parable of the Sower.” Luke 8: 4-8, 8: 9-10, 8: 11-15 Discussion.
**In this parable, Luke is teaching a great crowd of his disciples and a large number of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal region of Tyre & Sidon. Jesus stresses the need for discipleship, faith and its link to salvation.
Read together “The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree.” Luke 13: 6-9 Discussion.
**Jesus and his entourage are making their way to Jerusalem, and they have received reports of Pilate putting some Galileans to death. Jesus warns His followers of the need for repentance.
Read together “The Parable of the Mustard Seed.” Luke 13: 18-19 Discussion.
**Luke continues to picture Jesus traveling to Jerusalem followed by a mix of disciples and opponents. This parable illustrates that despite small beginnings, God can and will give abundant growth.
Read together “The Parable of the Sower.” Luke 8: 4-8, 8: 9-10, 8: 11-15 Discussion.
- As told in Luke, what is responsible for the seed taking root and growing until the harvest?
- How does Luke emphasize the abundance produced by a faithful response to the word?
- Luke’s version of the sower and the seed reminds us that both anxieties and pleasures can choke the seed’s growth. How are anxieties and pleasures similar, and which is a greater threat to you?
**In this parable, Luke is teaching a great crowd of his disciples and a large number of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal region of Tyre & Sidon. Jesus stresses the need for discipleship, faith and its link to salvation.
Read together “The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree.” Luke 13: 6-9 Discussion.
- How has the previous parable about the seed prepared us to understand the problem the owner has with the fig tree?
- What does the parable of the barren fig tree teach us about both God’s forbearance and the urgency of our need for repentance?
**Jesus and his entourage are making their way to Jerusalem, and they have received reports of Pilate putting some Galileans to death. Jesus warns His followers of the need for repentance.
Read together “The Parable of the Mustard Seed.” Luke 13: 18-19 Discussion.
- What message about the kingdom of God does the parable of the mustard seed convey to you?
**Luke continues to picture Jesus traveling to Jerusalem followed by a mix of disciples and opponents. This parable illustrates that despite small beginnings, God can and will give abundant growth.
To Prepare for next week
In Luke’s Gospel, please read and become acquainted with the two parables listed below:
Parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10: 25-28, 10: 29-37 How does the scholar‘s desire to justify himself reveal an attitude at odds with the example of the Samaritan in this parable?
Parable of the Great Feast Luke 14: 15-24 Jesus told the host of the meal to invite the poor and the marginalized to his banquets. Beyond just feeding them, what lesson would such a banquet teach for all involved?
Review the Parable of the Wedding Feast in Matthew chapter 22 so we can compare the two parables of the feasts.
How do these parables affect you, and what do they mean for us today?
Parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10: 25-28, 10: 29-37 How does the scholar‘s desire to justify himself reveal an attitude at odds with the example of the Samaritan in this parable?
Parable of the Great Feast Luke 14: 15-24 Jesus told the host of the meal to invite the poor and the marginalized to his banquets. Beyond just feeding them, what lesson would such a banquet teach for all involved?
Review the Parable of the Wedding Feast in Matthew chapter 22 so we can compare the two parables of the feasts.
How do these parables affect you, and what do they mean for us today?
Week 5, May 11, 2013
Week Five Discussion Questions May 11, 2013
Review question from last week: What is something you have learned about the kingdom of God through the parables we studied last week?
**We continue to look at some of the parables in Luke’s travel narrative. Jesus is bound for Jerusalem, and Luke is concerned with the preparation of the disciples to witness to all Jesus says and does. Jesus’ instruction is becoming urgent and emphasizes that the disciples must have faith, perseverance and wisdom. Jesus knows the disciples will face temptation and persecution. He teaches them using simple stories that invite the disciples to catch a glimpse of the kingdom of God.
Read together “The Parable of the Good Samaritan.” Luke 10: 25-28; 10: 29-37 Discussion.
Read together “The Parable of the Great Feast.” Luke 14: 7-14; 15-24 Discussion.
Jesus is dining at the home of a leading Pharisee and the people are watching him carefully. The banquet scene is found only in Luke and gives an opportunity to teach on humility.
Let’s compare Matthew’s parable of the Wedding Feast (22:1-14) with the parable of the Great Feast in Luke ((14:15-24). (Please see the comparison side-by-side sheet).
Summary Question: How can you apply discipleship in your life today?
Review question from last week: What is something you have learned about the kingdom of God through the parables we studied last week?
**We continue to look at some of the parables in Luke’s travel narrative. Jesus is bound for Jerusalem, and Luke is concerned with the preparation of the disciples to witness to all Jesus says and does. Jesus’ instruction is becoming urgent and emphasizes that the disciples must have faith, perseverance and wisdom. Jesus knows the disciples will face temptation and persecution. He teaches them using simple stories that invite the disciples to catch a glimpse of the kingdom of God.
Read together “The Parable of the Good Samaritan.” Luke 10: 25-28; 10: 29-37 Discussion.
- In this parable, how does the scholar’s desire to justify himself reveal an attitude at odds with the example of the Samaritan?
- Why was the Samaritan a surprising example of what it means to be a neighbor?
Read together “The Parable of the Great Feast.” Luke 14: 7-14; 15-24 Discussion.
Jesus is dining at the home of a leading Pharisee and the people are watching him carefully. The banquet scene is found only in Luke and gives an opportunity to teach on humility.
- Jesus told the host of the meal to invite the poor and marginalized to his banquets. Beyond just feeding them, what lesson would such a banquet teach for all involved?
- How might we use our own eating and drinking to better demonstrate the values of the kingdom of God?
- How is Jesus’ own ministry to his people reflected in the events of this parable?
Let’s compare Matthew’s parable of the Wedding Feast (22:1-14) with the parable of the Great Feast in Luke ((14:15-24). (Please see the comparison side-by-side sheet).
- What similarities do you find?
- What differences strike you the most?
Summary Question: How can you apply discipleship in your life today?
Thank you.
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/5/9/11590644/3611932.gif)
To prepare for next week
In Luke’s Gospel, please read and become acquainted with the two parables listed below:
Parable of the Lost Son (Prodigal Son) Luke 15: 11-32 Why is this parable of the prodigal said to be more about the father than either son?
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus Luke 16: 19-31 What have the rich man and Lazarus done in life that would explain their separate situations after death?
How do these parables affect you, and what do they mean for us today?
Parable of the Lost Son (Prodigal Son) Luke 15: 11-32 Why is this parable of the prodigal said to be more about the father than either son?
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus Luke 16: 19-31 What have the rich man and Lazarus done in life that would explain their separate situations after death?
How do these parables affect you, and what do they mean for us today?