Luke 6: 27-36 – Loving Our Enemies

Central Truth: Jesus calls us to live a life that is categorical different from what the world calls “normal.”.

“…Jesus offers what became known in the sixteenth century as the "golden rule": Do to others as you would have them do to you. The verse has Old Testament roots (Lev 19:18). In addition, numerous such ethical statements existed in ancient Jewish and Greek culture. Jesus' formulation of the rule, however, is the least self-focused. Jesus is not saying, "Do good deeds for others so they will return the favor." Instead he is calling for actions of love regardless of how the other responds. Nor is he saying, "Think of what you like, then do that for others." Rather, we are to be sensitive to the needs, feelings and concerns of others and seek to meet them. Sensitivity in love means listening and serving. This does not mean ignoring moral limits, as Jesus' own ministry makes clear, but it does mean caring enough to be concerned about how others feel. The old adage "walk a mile in my shoes" may fit here: look at things from another's perspective and then act with concern.” – Intervarsity Bible Commentary

Verses 27-31 - 27 - "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 - bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 - If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30 - Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 - Do to others as you would have them do to you.

The three examples Jesus gives us are illustrations of situations where we must love our enemies and how we might respond in those situations:

1. The fist had to do with rejection – perhaps rejection based upon our role as followers of Jesus. A slap with the back of the hand would be a way of symbolizing exclusion from the synagogue.
2. The situation is theft of personal belongings – perhaps while we are in the course of doing missionary work. This happened to us in Mexico several years ago where we had money stolen from our van. We were vulnerable and had the choice to stop giving or continuing to give, risk, and share the love of Jesus. We chose to continue.
3. The third situation is the occasion to be generous with others without keeping a running account.

The overriding principle is love as summarized in the Golden Rule.

From The Message: 27-30 – “"To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. “

"Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!

q Read verse 27 in both translations. What are some ways that God can use or has used enemies to bring out the best in you and others?

q What are some practical ways that we can do good to those who hate us?

q Why is this diffcult? Where can we get the strength to follow this teaching of Jesus?

q In v. 28, Jesus advises us to have two love responses to our enemies: (1) Bless them, (2) Pray for them. What are some practical ways of accomplishing these actions?

q Look at the three examples of practical applications of the principle in verses 27-30. Which of these is most challenging and why? Which have you experienced and how? What was the outcome?

q Why is verse 31 often called “the Golden Rule?” What does it mean to you?

q The Message says – “Grab the initiative.” How important is that and what effect/affect can it have on others?

Verses 31-36 - 32 - "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33 - And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34 - And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35 - But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 - Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Here Jesus teaches through restating in the context of this statement that I paraphrase: It is no big deal or credit to you to love the loveable. You are called to be different like your Father. Living that way brings great rewards.”

From The Message: 32-36 – “If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that. I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.“

q What are some rewards of living this way? Are any of them earthly rewards? Explain.

q Describe mercy. How have you received mercy?

q What, from this scripture, is our prime motivation for living a life of mercy?

What are some ways we can practice mercy and kindness this week

People I Can “Bless” How I Can Bless Them

Luke 6:17-26

Discussion:

Verses 17-19: He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.

q How would you describe this scene in your own words? What if it were to be set in America in our times?

q What do you think it means when he says that power was coming from Him? What would it mean today?

q Have you ever felt power come from you?

Verses 20-22: Looking at his disciples, he said:
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when men hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.

q What does the word, “blessed” mean ?

q Read The Message. How would you paraphrase these verses for your own life?

q What do we learn here about humility and dependence on God?

Verses 23-26: "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.
"But woe to you who are rich,
for you have already received your comfort.
Woe to you who are well fed now,
for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will mourn and weep.
Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.

q What do the woes teach us about the dangers of becoming callous and comfortable??

q Read The Message. How would you paraphrase these verses for your own life?

q What will you apply from these verses?

Luke 6:12-16 – Choosing the 12

Central Truth: Jesus specifically, prayerfully, and deliberately chose those who he would call to discipleship..

12 - One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 - When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 - Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 - Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 - Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

(NIV), © 1984, International Bible Society

Discussion Questions:

q Tell about a time when you had a decision to make that was so important that you withdrew yourself from people and activities to spend a significant period of time in prayer. How did God guide you?

q What are some decisions about which we need this kind of prayer?

q Why was the choosing of the 12 so important in Jesus’ ministry? How is it important to us?

q With which of the 12 do you most identify? Why. What others of the apostles have had a special impact on your life? How and why?

q What lessons have we learned from various apostles?

q In what ways does Jesus deliberately, specifically, and prayerfully call us today? In what ways and to what ministries have you sensed His call?

q What role do we have in calling disciples to Jesus? What can we learn from the way in which He went about this important work?

q For whom would you like to pray today that God will make His call clear?

Luke 6:1-9

Luke 6:1-2 - -1 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. 2 - Some of the Pharisees asked, "Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?"

The Message: © 2002, Peterson: (1-2) On a certain Sabbath Jesus was walking through a field of ripe grain. His disciples were pulling off heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands to get rid of the chaff, and eating them. Some Pharisees said, "Why are you doing that, breaking a Sabbath rule?" (3-4 ) But Jesus stood up for them. "Have you never read what David and those with him did when they were hungry? How he entered the sanctuary and ate fresh bread off the altar, bread that no one but priests were allowed to eat? He also handed it out to his companions."

Verses 3-4 - 3 - Jesus answered them, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 - He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions."

The Message: © 2002, Peterson: (3-4 ) But Jesus stood up for them. "Have you never read what David and those with him did when they were hungry? How he entered the sanctuary and ate fresh bread off the altar, bread that no one but priests were allowed to eat? He also handed it out to his companions."

One suspects that the disciples are doing what they have always done – feeding themselves whenever they were hungry. They were not Pharisees. Nor were they trained holy men. But now they were under a microscope because they were following Jesus. The Pharisees wonder why Jesus dos not rebuke their crude, irreverent, and “unlawful” behavior. His answer comes from 1 Samuel 21:1-7 and 22:9-10.He seems to suggest that people and their needs are more important than ritual regulations.

q Have you ever seen new believers criticized because they do not know and observe all the “house rules of decorum?”

q What are some traditions and rules that exist in churches that may not be biblically mandated but we use to judge people?

Verse 5-Then Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

The Message: © 2002, Peterson: (5)Then he said, "The Son of Man is no slave to the Sabbath; he's in charge."

From the NIV Commentary: Jesus' analogy is neat, because it raises an example, sanctioned by Scripture, where the letter of the law was not kept. Thus Jesus becomes an interpreter of the law, either by interpreting its real intended scope or by bringing a new law that shows the old law is passing away. … the declaration of Jesus' authority is clear, for he explains, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

The question for us is this: Is Jesus Christ the Lord of all my religious beliefs, rules, practices, devotions, and “opinions” or am I trying to please someone else or meet some other standard.

q What does it mean for Jesus to be Lord of the Sabbath and Lord of all our religious practices.

NOTE: The Sabbath is a tricky issue and not really the core subject of this lesson. Sunday is not a Christian version of the Jewish Sabbath. The Jewish Sabbath is what it has always been. We are not under that covenant, but we are under the spirit of the law that teaches that one day out of seven should be devoted to rest and refreshment, physically and spiritually. Questions over whether to keep Saturday as a Sabbath, Sunday as a day of rest, or the Lord’s day as a day of worship and some other day as a day off can be handled at a later time.

Verses 6-8 - 6 - On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. 7 - The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. 8 - But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Get up and stand in front of everyone." So he got up and stood there.

The Message: © 2002, Peterson: (6-8)On another Sabbath he went to the meeting place and taught. There was a man there with a crippled right hand. The religion scholars and Pharisees had their eye on Jesus to see if he would heal the man, hoping to catch him in a Sabbath infraction. He knew what they were up to and spoke to the man with the crippled hand: "Get up and stand here before us." He did.

Some people try to avoid controversy; Jesus invites it by His actions and does so intentionally to make a point. He could have waited a day to heal the man with the shriveled hand or He could have done so privately, but He wanted to teach this lesson. The religious people just wanted to catch Him. Jesus was not afraid of being “caught.”

q First: do we ever try to sneak around to do what we know is right because we are afraid of criticism? How is Jesus’ example different?

q What are some other reasons Jesus healed the man then and there?

Verse 9 - 9 - Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?"

The Message: © 2002, Peterson: (9)Then Jesus addressed them, "Let me ask you something: What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?"

q What are some good things that can be done on a holy day of rest?

q Which do you think Jesus felt was more important – helping people or dotting the letters of the law? Why?

q What contemporary applications might there be for this principle?

Verses 10-11 - 10 - He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was completely restored. 11 - But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.

The Message: © 2002, Peterson: (10-11) He looked around, looked each one in the eye. He said to the man, "Hold out your hand." He held it out—it was as good as new! They were beside themselves with anger, and started plotting how they might get even with him.

q Did Jesus do good or evil on that Sabbath?

q How about the Pharisees and religious leaders?

q What would be some good things we could do on the Lord’s day?

q How would you state the key principle(s) of this lesson?

q How would you apply them?

Scriptures are quoted from the New International Version, (NIV), © 1984, International Bible Society

Luke 5:31-32

Verses 31- Jesus heard about it and spoke up, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? (the Message)

Let us back up to go forward. After Levi throws his own, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus Party” for his rowdy friends and Jesus attends, the religious leaders are offended. He restates His mission for them in no uncertain terms, making it clear that He has come for people who know that they have needs. Jesus is Lord over His own mission and over ours. He came to invite outsiders to come to Him.

q Have you ever offended any religious folks by doing what you knew to be your mission from Jesus Christ?

q How often do you go to the doctor? How do you know when you need to go?

q Have you ever needed medical attention, but believed you were perfectly healthy?

q What are some signs that people need a spiritual doctor these days? List some of them here:

o ______________________

o ______________________

o ______________________

o ______________________

o ______________________

q Discuss these words, “Jesus heard about it and spoke up. Are there some things that Christians do to exclude people that Jesus might want to speak up about these days?

q In what ways is Jesus like a doctor? What are some ways we can be on His healing team?

o ______________________

o ______________________

o ______________________

o ______________________

o ______________________

Verse 32 - I'm here inviting outsiders, not insiders—an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out." (the Message)

Jesus had attended a party at the invitation of Levi in order to invite people to a changed life?

q What are some places we can go to find outsiders? How can we meet them?

q How can we develop our invitation to a changed life so that we are ready to offer it?

q What is an “outsider? Have you ever been one?

q What is it like to be changed inside and out?

Luke 5:27-31

Verse 27 - Luke 5: 27 - After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him,

There is not a great deal that we know about Levi except what we learn here. Mark adds that he was the son of Alphaeus. Matthew calls him, “Matthew,” thus identifying himself. Mark does the same. We know that he became an apostle. We also know that James was also called the “son of Alphaeus.” Matthew was a tax collector. Rome auctioned off tax territories to various individuals. The tax-collectors would then gather the amount they had bid. After that, any money that was left over was their profit. There was a great deal of room for abuse in this system and most abused it Many tax collectors became rich by cheating and coercing people. Tax-collectors were considered to be so dishonest that they could not testify in courts of law. They were also considered to be traitors to Israel. This was the sort of man that Jesus zeroed in on that particular day and said, “Follow me.”

q Who are some people (and professions) that our society looks down upon these days and considers to be dishonest and unlikely to follow Jesus?

q Are you ever surprised when Jesus calls and uses certain people?

q Have you been surprised by the testimony of any “public” people lately?

q How can we avoid discounting or disqualifying anyone for kingdom service?

Verse 27 - 28 - and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.

There was such immediacy to Levi’s response. No hesitation is noted or recorded. No questions are asked and no price is spared. Levi leaves it all and that includes a very lucrative profession. One wonders what sort of experiences, teachings, or thoughts had prepared him for this moment. God is working behind the scenes in people’s lives in ways that may not be readily apparent. He is creating memories, frames of reference, and connecting points that lie dormant until the time when someone comes along and issues the call of Jesus to follow. We may be surprised at their receptive responses, but it is likely that they did not come to the point of receptivity over night. What is of most importance is that we, who know the Master, be as eager and ready to respond to His call as this tax collector was.

q Have you ever witnesses what seemed to be a “sudden conversion” in a person’s life? When? What was your response?

q Has Jesus ever called you to make a sudden change in your living circumstances in order to answer a call? Tell us about it.

q What would it be like to receive such a call today? Could you leave everything and follow Him?

29 - Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. 30 - But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"

Leaving everything apparently did not leave Levi homeless, but it meant that His home was now a place where he could invite all of his friends to meet Jesus. He filled his house with former business associates and other people of bad reputation. It was no doubt an unscrupulous, loud, and perhaps, vulgar company of people and Jesus was among them He did not compromise anything of His character by keeping company with this lot. He maintained His dignity, but He also bestowed dignity upon these who had become outcasts of religious society – just by His presence and acceptance of them as people of value. The religious contingent that had been stalking Him was incensed. Their impression of holy people was that they kept themselves removed from sinners. This was not the pattern of Jesus and it is not the pattern He has for us.

Note: It is important to consider the company we keep. This example does not negate the need for people to break old behavior patterns by breaking off certain old associations. What it does say, that the church cannot be the salt of the earth and the light of the world by removing itself from all contact with people. Jesus set the example by spending time with sinners.

q There was a controversy about Jesus’ behavior. Do we have similar controversies in the church today?

q What are some ways that people can follow Jesus example today without engaging in sinful or destructive behavior?

31 - Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 - I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Here we have Jesus’ rationale for His behavior and for our ministries. We are not called to spend so much time with fellow believers that we have no time at all for non-believers. Jesus was intentional about His association with people who needed to receive His message. He communicated His love for them first with His presence. Can we do any less?

How can we be more intentional about spending time with non-believers?

Practical Applications

q Name one or two people who do not know but need to know Jesus with whom you will seek to cultivate a relationship. OR ->

q If you cannot name such people, where will you find them and what will be your plan for making friends with people who need the Lord?

q How can you cultivate deeds of service that will give you this opportunity?

q Pray specifically for each other in support of these goals.

Luke 5:12-15 Bible Study

Verses 12: Luke 5:12 - While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.^[a] When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

a. Luke 5:12 The Greek word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily leprosy.

Luke uses the words, “while Jesus …” to remind us that so many things happen in our lives while something else is going on. Think of times when you were about one sort of business and another opportunity arose. Luke tells us that “ a man came along ..” While you are about your business, people “come along.” These are often people with real needs, people to whom you can minister if you will. The man recognized Jesus and fell on His knees. Part of that may have been his desperation and part may have been recognition of Jesus’ greatness. Either way, He makes a great statement, “If you are willing, you can …”

q Share some ministry opportunities that have come to you while something else was happening in your life.

q Can you think of some people who have just “come along” in your life and have been key contacts for ministry?

q What was it like to have leprosy in the first century? (hint: being ostracized from community, considered unclean.) What does this do to a person?

q Are there people who are like lepers in our society today? How can we reach out to them?

q How would you describe this man’s faith based upon His words and actions?

q What do you believe that God can do if He is willing? Does that affect your praying?

Verse 13: Luke 5:13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him.

Jesus did not hesitate to reach out to the man. He defied social norms and any concern for His own well-being to touch a man who was not only considered unclean, but was thought to be highly contagious. He told the man that He was willing to heal him. Since many people believed that leprosy was a sign of sin in a person’s life, Jesus might be seen to be forgiving this man of sin without even mentioning any sin in his life. Immediately, the leprosy left the man. This can be seen as a symbol of how the stain of sin immediately leaves our lives when we are forgiven.

q Tell about a time when Jesus touched you even though you felt dirty and unworthy.

q What are some ways that we can touch people who deeply need to be touched by Jesus, but are considered (or consider themselves to be) unclean?

q Jesus was willing to do what it took to restore this man to health, well-being, and spiritual restoration.

q What do you believe that Jesus is willing to do in your life?

Verse 14: Luke 5 14 Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them."

Jesus was interested in this man’s whole being as well as his reintegration into society. That required that he approach the civil/religious authorities based upon their established laws. Because his disease was also a form of ritual uncleanness, he needed to take care of his responsibilities in that arena before he could mingle with people again. You can announce that you are whole, saved, forgiven, and cleansed, but the real proof is in your life. Be willing to be scrutinized.

q Once we are healed and forgiven, what sorts of responsibilities do we sometimes have before being fully restored as a whole person in society?

q How do we help people take the necessary steps in follow through after Jesus has brought them healing and forgiveness?

q We understand why Jesus might not want the demons testifying about Him, but why not this man? (Hint: It had more to do with the man’s need to follow through on his change than about Jesus).

q What does it mean today for us to “show ourselves to the priests?”

Verses 15-16: Luke 5: 15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses.

These things cannot be kept silent. When real life change and forgiveness come to people, the news spreads and others gather to hear about it. Nothing beats word of mouth for getting the word out about anything. The change in the leper’s life was obvious. People everywhere are hurting and burdened by sin and

q How does news about Jesus spread today?

q Do you think people are as hungry today for a genuine word from Jesus Christ, forgiveness, and life change as they were in Jesus’ day?

q Why aren’t more people coming to Jesus today? What would make the difference?

Verse 16 - Luke 5: 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Jesus’ whole life mission was to seek and to save the lost. He was successful at that mission in many ways. He enjoyed large crowds and miraculous events that gathered around His ministry. However, He did not let success “go to His head.” Nor did He rely on His human strength to carry on. Jesus knew what we must know: No matter how desperate the need or successful the message in meeting that need, one must withdraw from time to time. Time alone with God for prayer and reflection is essential to our lives and to our ministries. If Jesus needed that, we do.

q Have you ever been so overwhelmed with the needs or carried away with success that you neglected your own spiritual nurture??

q In what ways is it true that in order to care for others, we must care for ourselves?

q In what ways is it difficult to leave the masses of people that God wants to heal and forgive and retreat to a quiet place for prayer? How do you overcome that?

q What are some things that you love about your personal quiet time?

q How does your quiet time better equip you to share God’s love and forgiveness?

Note: Jesus was not looking for the leper when He found him. Like Jesus, we must remain in a state of constant preparedness if we are going to be ready to communicate God’s cleansing power to people in need that we meet around every corner?.

Practical Applications

q In what ways are you ready for an encounter like the one Jesus had with the leper?

q In what ways are you not ready??

q How can you prepare yourself spiritually this week so that you will be ready?

q What are one or two things you can do starting today or tomorrow to make your quiet time more meaningful?

Scriptures are quoted from the New International Version, (NIV), © 1984, International Bible Society

Catching Up

Here are some from my files - perhaps some repeats and some rough notes:

Luke 2:22-35 (New International Version)

²²When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord ²³(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), ²⁴and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons." ²⁵Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. ²⁷Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, ²⁸Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

²⁹"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss^] your servant in peace.
³⁰For my eyes have seen your salvation,
³¹which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
³²a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."

³³The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. ³⁴Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, ³⁵so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

Sermon Notes: Simeon’s Gift

1. We know his location:
2. We know his orientation:
3. We know his vocation:
4. We know his motivation:
5. We know his consecration:
6. We know his invocation:

Luke 3 (NIV)

¹In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— ²during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in t desert. ³He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁴As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:

"A voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
⁵Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
⁶And all mankind will see God's salvation.' "

The Voice in the Wilderness

q God’s Word Comes to Us.

q We Discover Our Place in His Plan.

q He Gives Us a Vision.

q We Proclaim a Life Changing Message.

q God Brings the Results.

Luke 3 (NIV): ⁶And all mankind will see God's salvation.' "

The background is found in Isaiah 40:5 (NIV)

q We are called to be part of the revelation of God’s glory. “And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,”

q God wants all to see His glory. “… and all mankind together will see it.”

q God has spoken and that is that. “For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Luke 3:3, 7-10 –

Fruits of Repentance: Meaning Business with God

Luke 3 (NIV): (3) He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (7)John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? (8)Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. (9)The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." (10) "What should we do then?" the crowd asked.

Discussion

What is the difference between true repentance and just wanting to have a “quick” religious experience?

What does it mean to really mean business with God? Why is it important?

What are some practical ways we show we want change in our lives?

What is the significance of the question in verse 10 – “What shall we do?”

Do these verses remind you of something that you need to do to show that you mean business with God?

Ethics of Repentance: What Shall We Do?

Luke 3:10-14 (NIV): ¹⁰"What should we do then?" the crowd asked. ¹¹John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same."

¹²Tax collectors also came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" ¹³"Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them.

¹⁴Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay."

Discussion

q What does the word, “ethics” mean to you? (Hint: It is the study of right and wrong and how we determine which is which).

q John calls people to practical repentance. What does that mean? How might it be different for different people?

o What was it for ordinary folks?

o What was it for tax collectors?

o What was it for soldiers?

q Respond to this statement: Different people struggle with different issues and temptations.

q What might be some modern applications to these practical evidences of real repentance?

q What does the possibility of life change mean to you? How can we communicate it?

March 26 – Lk. 3:15-20 – One More Powerful –Who Baptizes with the Spirit.:

q What do you see as the significance of John’s life? What was his role according to his own testimony?

q How does that role apply to us?

q Why is it important to point people away from us to Jesus? How can we do that?

q What does it mean to be baptized with the Holy Spirit?

q What does it mean for chaff to be burned? Is this another picture of baptism? Why or why not?

q What was so good about John’s good news?

One More Powerful –Who Baptizes with the Spirit.:

Lk. 3:15-20(NIV): ¹⁵The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. ¹⁶John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. ¹⁷His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." ¹⁸And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them. ¹⁹But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother's wife, and all the other evil things he had done, ²⁰Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

Discussion

Have a time of prayer and read the scripture together.

q What do you see as the significance of John’s life? What was his role according to his own testimony?

q How does that role apply to us?

q Why is it important to point people away from us to Jesus? How can we do that?

q What does it mean to be baptized with the Holy Spirit?

q What does it mean for chaff to be burned? Is this another picture of baptism? Why or why not?

q What was so good about John’s good news?

Bible Study

The First Step Toward the Cross – The Baptism of Jesus

Why was Jesus baptized? (from lecture – obedience, identification, demonstration)

What was God pleased with? Why do you think he announced His pleasure?

Have you ever felt Heaven opened up as you were praying?

Describe your feelings about/experience of baptism. What did it mean to you – or would it mean to you if you are not yet baptized?

What is the relationship between baptism with water and with the Spirit?

Luke 4:1-2 –

The Forty Factor
Luke 4:1-2 : And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

Lucas 4:1-2 - Jesús, lleno del Espíritu Santo, volvió del Jordán y fue llevado por el Espíritu al desierto. Allí estuvo cuarenta días y fue tentado por el diablo. No comió nada durante esos días, pasados los cuales tuvo hambre.

The Bible is full of "40"s.

q 40 years in the wilderness for the children of Israel,

q 40 years reign of Saul, David and Solomon,

q 40 days and nights flood

q 40 days fasting by Jesus in the wilderness.

q 40 years in a generation

q The spies were in Canaan for 40 days.

q Elijah fasted 40 days.

q After His resurrection, Jesus was with the disciples for 40 days,

1. He deprived Himself.

q He was full of the Holy Spirit.

q He was led by the Holy Spirit.

2. He was depleted.

Isaiah 53:4-6: Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Ciertamente él cargó con nuestras enfermedades y soportó nuestros dolores, pero nosotros lo consideramos herido, golpeado por Dios, y humillado. Él fue traspasado por nuestras rebeliones, y molido por nuestras iniquidades; sobre él recayó el castigo, precio de nuestra *paz, y gracias a sus heridas fuimos sanados. Todos andábamos perdidos, como ovejas; cada uno seguía su propio *camino, pero el Señor hizo recaer sobre él la iniquidad de todos nosotros.

Hebrews 4:10:For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

porque el que entra en el reposo de Dios descansa también de sus obras, así como Dios descansó de las suyas.

This temptation was severe because of two factors:

q His weakened condition.

q His weary consecration

3. He was done.

q The test is real.

q The trust is even more real.

q

Be not dismayed.
The Father knows your needs.
Be not swayed.
It is His hand that feeds you.
When come the tests of time
And all your strength is past,
You've only begun to climb,
This is God's chosen fast.
© ) 2006, Tom Sims

Three Great Areas of Temptations of Jesus:

q Significance

o It was a personal attack and a primary attack.

q Surrender

o Two things count: God’s purposes and God’s ways. To these only must we surrender.

q Success

o Beware of: Shortcuts and Sensationalism.

Luke 4:3-13

And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

Si eres el Hijo de Dios --le propuso el diablo--, dile a esta piedra que se convierta en pan. Jesús le respondió: --Escrito está: 'No sólo de pan vive el hombre.'*Entonces el diablo lo llevó a un lugar alto y le mostró en un instante todos los reinos del mundo. Sobre estos reinos y todo su esplendor --le dijo--, te daré la autoridad, porque a mí me ha sido entregada, y puedo dársela a quien yo quiera. Así que, si me adoras, todo será tuyo. Jesús le contestó: Escrito está: Ádorarás al Señor tu Dios, y a él sólo servirás.'* El diablo lo llevó luego a Jerusalén e hizo que se pusiera de pie en la parte más alta del templo, y le dijo: --Si eres el Hijo de Dios, ¡tírate de aquí! Pues escrito está: "'Ordenará a sus ángeles que te guarden con cuidado; te sostendrán en sus manos, para que no tropiece tu pie con piedra alguna.'* También está escrito: 'No pongas a prueba al Señor tu Dios.'* --le replicó Jesús. Así que el diablo, habiendo agotado todo recurso de tentación, lo dejó hasta otra oportunidad.

Three Great Areas of Temptations of Jesus:

q Significance

o It was a personal attack and a primary attack.

q Surrender

o Two things count: God’s purposes and God’s ways. To these only must we surrender.

q Success

o Beware of: Shortcuts and Sensationalism.

The Great Calling : Luke 4:14-20

14 -And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

Lesson # 1 – Walk in the Spirit and Listen for the Buzz.

15 - And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

Lesson # 2 – Settle on Your Identity in Christ and Be Yourself.

16 - And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

Lesson # 3 – Don’t Be Afraid to Go Home and, when in Doubt, Let the Scriptures Speak for You.

17 - And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

Lesson # 4 – If You Want to Be Sure of Your Calling, Prepare Your for Life by Immersing Yourself in the Sacred Scriptures.

18 - The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Lesson # 5 – You Are Not the Messiah, but You Are Indwelt by Him. Therefore, speak with Confidence.

Lesson # 6 – It’s Not All About You. It IS All About the Message.

Lesson # 7 – Jesus Has Set the Pattern for Our Individual Callings with His Great Calling.

q Are the poor being told the good news?

q Are the brokenhearted being healed?

q Are captives being delivered?

q Are the blind seeing?

q Are we setting people free?

q Is it happening?

19 - To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 - And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 - And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

Lesson # 8 – This Is the Time to Proclaim Christ and That Is Our Highest Calling.

Luke 5:12-18 - Ministry

Verses 12: Luke 5:12 - While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.^[a] When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean

Luke uses the words, “while Jesus …” to remind us that so many things happen in our lives while something else is going on. Think of times when you were about one sort of business and another opportunity arose. Luke tells us that “ a man came along ..” While you are about your business, people “come along.” These are often people with real needs, people to whom you can minister if you will. The man recognized Jesus and fell on His knees. Part of that may have been his desperation and part may have been recognition of Jesus’ greatness. Either way, He makes a great statement, “If you are willing, you can …”

Ministry Happens

q Ministry happens when you are making other plans.

q Ministry contacts come along and Sometimes they are among the “unclean,” with great faith.

q What do you believe that God can do if He is willing?

Verse 13: Luke 5:13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him.

Jesus did not hesitate to reach out to the man. He defied social norms and any concern for His own well-being to touch a man who was not only considered unclean, but was thought to be highly contagious. He told the man that He was willing to heal him. Since many people believed that leprosy was a sign of sin in a person’s life, Jesus might be seen to be forgiving this man of sin without even mentioning any sin in his life. Immediately, the leprosy left the man. This can be seen as a symbol of how the stain of sin immediately leaves our lives when we are forgiven.

Ministry Happens with Touch.

q Jesus touched you when you felt dirty and unworthy.

q We can touch people who deeply need to be touched by Jesus, but are considered unclean. We are the hands of Jesus for touching people.

q Jesus is willing. Are we?

Verse 14: Luke 5 14 Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them."

Jesus was interested in this man’s whole being as well as his reintegration into society. That required that he approach the civil/religious authorities based upon their established laws. Because his disease was also a form of ritual uncleanness, he needed to take care of his responsibilities in that arena before he could mingle with people again. You can announce that you are whole, saved, forgiven, and cleansed, but the real proof is in your life. Be willing to be scrutinized.

The Ministry of Touch Transforms

q It changes us.

q It challenges us.

q It channels us.

Verses 15-16: Luke 5: 15-16 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed

These things cannot be kept silent. When real life change and forgiveness come to people, the news spreads and others gather to hear about it. Nothing beats word of mouth for getting the word out about anything. The change in the leper’s life was obvious. People everywhere are hurting and burdened by sin and

News of Ministry Travels

q How does news about Jesus spread today?

q Are people hungry?

q Why aren’t more people coming to Jesus today? What would make the difference?

The Calling - Matthew 4:18, Luke 5:1-10

Matthew 4:18-22 (New International Version)

¹⁸As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." ²⁰At once they left their nets and followed him.

Observation 1: He saw them.

Luke 5:1-11 (New International Version)

¹One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, ²he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. ³He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

Observation 2: He involved them.

⁴When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."

⁵Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."

⁴Cuando acabó de hablar, le dijo a Simón: --Lleva la barca hacia aguas más profundas, y echen allí las redes para pescar.

Observation 3: Hechallenged them.

⁶When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. ⁷So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. ⁸When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"

Observation 4: He startled them.

⁹For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, ¹⁰and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."

Observation 5: He calmed them.

Observation 6: He inspired them.

¹¹ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Observation 7: He called them.