Luke's Advent Day 22

Dec 22 -- Luke 22

1. How did the chief priests finally figure out how to get rid of Jesus?

2. What did Jesus pray for Simon Peter? What did he predict Peter would do? What does he say that indicates that Peter would have a future ministry? (22:32-34)

3. In Luke 6:27 Jesus says "Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you." What does Jesus do to obey this command in Luke 22:51?

Luke's Advent Day 20 & 21

Dec 20 -- Luke 20


1. What wise strategy did Jesus use to deal with those who were trying to trap him with their questions? (20:1-8)

2. What other ways did Jesus respond to those whose main goal was to trick him or catch him saying or doing something they could arrest him for? (20:9-19;20-28;27-40)

3. For what things would the Pharisees be punished by God? (20:45-47)



Dec 21 -- Luke 21


1. What is most important in the worth of our offerings to God? Does this mean we are to put all the money we have in the offering plate every week? (21:1-4)

2. What are some of the signs Jesus gave of the end times?

3. Will earth as we know it be around forever? What is the one thing mentioned in this chapter that will never pass away?

Luke's Advent Day 19

Dec 19 -- Luke 19


1. What hindered Zacchaeus from seeing Jesus? What criticism did the people have of Jesus for going to Zacchaeus' house to eat?
How did Zacchaeus show the change that had happened in his heart? (19:1-10)

2. How were the three servants judged? Did they do a good job completing the task their master had given them? What were the rewards/consequences of their faithfulness? (19:11-27)

3. In verse 41 we see Jesus overcome with sorrow over Jerusalem. Why was he so sad? What is it that brings peace? (19:28-44)

Luke's Advent Day 18

Dec 18 -- Luke 18

1. What can we learn in verses 1-8 about our attitude when we pray?


2. What can we learn in verses 9-14 about our attitude when we pray?


3. How did the blind beggar demonstrate the attitudes found in the above passages in his encounter with Jesus?

Luke's Advent Day 17

Dec 17 -- Luke 17


1. What is our responsibility towards others in regards to sin and forgiveness? (17:1-5)

2. What can we learn from the example of the Samaritan? (17:11-19)

3. As in the days of Noah and of Lot, people do not realize when the day of judgment is coming until it is upon them. What are some of the ways that people show that?

Luke's Advent Day 16

Dec 16 -- Luke 16

1. What did the manager do that was so clever? What was his purpose for doing it? (16:1-8)

2. How do we show that we can be trusted to handle large sums of money or great responsibility? (16:10-11)

3. What does this chapter teach us about hell? If someone were to return to earth from the dead and tell people specifically about heaven and hell, would it necessarily cause them to change their minds about the gospel?
(16:19-31)

Luke's Advent Day 15

Dec 15 -- Luke 15


1. Who were the "sinners" who were crowding around Jesus? How did he respond to them? What did the Pharisees think of all this? (15:1-7)

2. What is the main thing that all three stories in this chapter have in common? The sheep, the coin and the son?

3. What was the attitude of the lost son when he returned home to his Father? What was the Father's response? What should our attitude be towards God the Father? (15:11-31)

This chapter is very timely as just last night I was watching an excellent Christmas program by the AWANA kids in our church. The whole theme was on being LOST (both physically and spiritually) and our need for someone to come and FIND us. Praise the Lord, HE FOUND ME and saved my soul from it's lost condition. It is the whole reason I am able to celebrate this Christmas season with any kind of meaning.

Luke's Advent Day 13 & 14

Dec 13 -- Luke 13

1. Are there different degrees of guilt before God for our sins? What is the punishment for sin? (13:1-4)

2. What explanation did Jesus give for "breaking the rules" about working on the Sabbath by healing a woman on that day? Was it sin to disobey the laws of the Pharisees? (13:10-17)

3. Why was Jesus sad as he looked over Jerusalem? (13:31-35)




Dec 14 -- Luke 14


1. Yesterday's question #2 was the same thing Jesus asked the Pharisees in Luke 14. What was their answer? (14:1-6)

2. What does Jesus teach us about how we should view ourselves and others if we are to be truly blessed? (14:7-13)

3. What is the #1 characteristic of a true disciple (follower) of Jesus Christ? (14:25-33)

Luke's Advent Day 12

Wow! We're at the half way point. How are you enjoying this quick run through Luke?

Dec 12 -- Luke 12

1. What did Jesus tell his disciples about worry? What were they supposed to be doing instead? How is your heart and what is it showing you about where your riches (the things you consider most important) are? (12:22-34)

2. What does it mean to be like the servants who were ready at any time for their master to return? Who is your master? How can you be a faithful and wise manager of the things He has entrusted you with? (12:35-48)

3. This is the time of year when everyone is extra focussed on PEACE ON EARTH. What do you think Jesus meant when he said he did not come to grant peace on earth? How is Jesus a dividing or separating factor even within families? (12:49-53)

Luke's Advent Day 11

Dec 11 -- Luke 11

1. In Luke 11:1-13 Jesus teaches his disciples some things about prayer. What especially stood out in these verses and why? What areas of your prayer life need work?

2. According to verse 28, who will be blessed (happy) and why?

3. What did Jesus condemn in the Pharisees? How did they respond to his rebuke? (10:37-54)

Luke's Advent Day 10

Dec 10 -- Luke 10

1. The 72 returned with joy. Why were they glad? Why should they have been glad? (10:17-20)


2. What was the source of Jesus' joy? (10:21)

3. What are the two basic commands from God for us to follow?(10:27)

4. What did Jesus rebuke Martha for and what was the thing he commended Mary for? (10:41)

Back on track with Luke's Advent Day 9

Dec 9 -- Luke 9


1. Why did Herod want to see Jesus? (9:1-9)

2. The disciples saw the great need of the multitude and how far short their measly lunch fell of what was necessary to feed the people. Jesus took what they had and saw how He could take it and transform it to meet the need of the people. How do you normally come to God when you are overwhelmed with something "impossible"? How do you think God is viewing your current situation?

3. How do you know that Jesus did not just give the multitudes a bite or two -- just enough to quiet the hunger pangs -- but gave them more than what they needed? (9:16-17)

4. Several times in this chapter Jesus' disciples did or said something that showed that they really didn't understand what Jesus was doing or what he was teaching. Can you find any examples? Why do you think the disciples were doing/saying/asking these things? What was the specific instruction they had been given by God that they were missing? (9:35)

Belated post for Luke's Advent Day 7&8

Yikes! Where did this week go? I thought I had only missed one day but it appears I missed 2 days in posting and reading in Luke. Guess I best get caught up RIGHT NOW.

Dec 7 --Luke 7

1. The Roman commander had great faith in Jesus to heal his servant. What was the one characteristic of Jesus that this Roman understood and emphasized with his words and actions? (7:1-10)

2. What did Jesus do in verses 11-16? Do you ever think that your problem is too big or too hard for God to fix? How does it compare to what this widowed mother faced on her way to bury her only son? Thank God for his power over life and death today.

3. Why might John be needing reassurance from Jesus that he was who John had proclaimed him to be? (See Matthew 11:2) How did Jesus respond to John? (7:18-29)

4. According to Luke 7:36-50 who loved Jesus most? What is the normal response from one who has been forgiven of great sin or great debt? How does your demonstration of love and thankfulness to God compare to the woman in these verses?



Dec 8 -- Luke 8

1. In verses 1-3 Luke mentions some others besides the twelve disciples who were with Jesus. Who were they and why do you think they were recorded by name in this chapter?

2. In the parable of the sower and the seed, Jesus explained to his disciples the significance of the seed being God's message and the different soils representing the hearts of the different people who hear that message. What kind of soil are you? Does Jesus ever condemn the sower for "wasting" his seed by throwing in onto poor soil?

3. The remainder of chapter 8 tells of miracles performed by Jesus. Do you have a favorite story out of these? Why?

Luke's Advent Day 6

December 6 Day 6 in our Advent reading of the book of Luke. Here is the link to Luke 6 in the NIRV.

To think about:

1. What does it mean that Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath Day? (v. 5) Does this passage teach us to throw out all our religious traditions?

2. How did Jesus prepare himself before making a significant decision? (6:12-13)

3. What are some characteristics of Jesus that are seen in this chapter?

4. Do you have a tendency to be judgmental? What does Jesus have to say to you about that? (6:37-42) What is the "log in your eye" that you need to take care of today?

5 Reread verses 46-49. Is your life built on shifting sand or on the solid rock?

Luke's Advent Day 5

Monday, Dec 5. The busy weekend is done and I can get back on track with my Scriptural advent calendar. It has been tough (read impossible) to do this as a family yet but I, at least, am enjoying it inmensely.

Dec 5 -- Luke 5

1. This chapter records the names of some men that Jesus specifically called to be his disciples and follow him. Which ones are recorded in Luke 5 and what were their jobs? (verses 9-11, 27-28)

2. Jesus healed many people of disease and demon possesion. Which ones were mentioned in Luke 5 and what instruction(s) did Jesus give them once they were healed? (verses 12-14, 18-24)

3. How did Jesus deal with the pressure of crowds of people surrounding him and coming to him with such great needs? (5:16)
What should be the first thing on your "to do" list, especially on your most busy and stressful days?

4. What examples can we follow as we look at the people involved in the account of the man who could not walk? Can we see ourselves in similar circumstances? (5:17-25)

The man with the need:
The friends of the man with the need:
The onlookers who saw Jesus do a great work for the man with the need:

Luke's Advent Day 3 & 4

We were out of the house all day Saturday and Sunday and I did not have these discussion questions written up ahead of time (I am writing them as I do the daily readings) but I will go ahead and post them now so that I will have a complete set for future years.



Day 3 -- Luke 3

1. Who fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah?

2. John spoke to the people in two ways. What are the two types of message he had? (3:18)

3. How do we see the trinity (God in 3 persons) displayed in verses 21 & 22?


Day 4 -- Luke 4

1. Jesus was tempted by Satan three times. Can you see how the three temptations match up with the three descriptions of our sinful nature in 1 John 2:16?

2. How did Jesus respond to Satan at each temptation? What can you learn from his example when you are faced with temptation to sin?

3. What was it about Jesus's words and deeds that amazed the people? (4:32 & 36)

Luke's Advent Day 2

Did anyone join me in the countdown to Christmas by reading Luke 1 yesterday? Here is the link to Luke 2 in the NIVR and a few questions to get you thinking today.


1. What was the good news of great joy for all the people that the angels shared? Why is that good news? (2:11)


2. Describe how different groups reacted to the news of Jesus' birth. Which group or individual are you most like in your response to Jesus?

the angels:
the shepherds:
the people who talked with the shepherds:
Mary, Jesus' mother:
Simeon:
Anna:

3. Why do you think Simeon and Anna were able to recognize that this baby Jesus was the Messiah they had long awaited?

A New Twist on The Advent Calendar

A friend of mine on facebook mentioned her plan to read a chapter of Luke each day from today till Christmas Eve as her own personal "advent calendar" to see the full picture and be reminded of why Jesus came to earth. And then, on Christmas Day she plans to reread Luke chapter 2 to "rejoice with the angels" on Christ's birth. I thought that sounded like a great idea for myself and for my kids, or even to do as family devotions each night. With that thought in mind, I jumped over to Biblegateway.com and checked out the different Bible versions. I would guess that they have whatever your favorite version is or you could try a different version for these readings that might make these familiar passages come alive again for you. Since I still have one "young reader" I am thinking of having the kids read from the New International Reader's Version to see if things are a little easier for her to understand. To read today's passage in the NIRV click here.

If you want to go a step further with your kids, your family, or just yourself here are a couple of questions to think about as you read Luke 1.

1. Both Zechariah and Mary had an encounter with the angel Gabriel who gave them important information about an extraordinary pregnancy in their future. What is the difference in how each one responded to the news from the Lord? (luke 1:18-20, 34-38)

2. For what specific thing(s) about Mary is Elizabeth thankful? What happened that confirmed to her that Mary's baby was the Messiah she had been waiting for? (1:39-45)

3. Many people all over the world have gone one step further than Elizabeth and their praise of Mary has turned into worship of her, praying to her, referring to her as the "Mother of God", and even teaching that her own conception and birth were miraculous and without sin. What evidence do we have from Mary herself that she was a sinner just like everyone of us? (1:46-49)

4. Zechariah and Elizabeth's son was chosen for a very important task. What was that and what was the message he was to spread to the people? (1:67-80)