Session 4: Luke Chapters 7-8 God Draws Near (Part 1)

This 12-session study looks at the heart of Jesus for all people, as seen in the book of Luke. It is in Luke’s gospel that we see the breadth of Jesus’ ministry to reach all people, to bring all into his arms and show them his heart for them personally. Since Christ and the Father are one (John 10:30), Luke provides the opportunity to see for ourselves how God interacts with his beloved, how he showers his beloved with goodness and mercy all of our days (Ps 23:6). And the good news is that you are his beloved! He delights in you (Zeph 3:17)!

This post is the first part of session four of the study, with each session opening with warm-up introductory questions, going on to a reading from Luke and questions related to the passage. Then the study goes to the comparative or referenced Old Testament passages found in the assigned reading with accompanying questions. Each study session ends with considerations for personal application. The study is appropriate for individual or small group application. Feel free to share the response to an application question or just comment on the study itself below.

Session 4: Luke Chapters 7-8 God Draws Near

Introduction

Hebrews 11:1 says, ‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.’ What is your definition of faith? Can you offer any examples that illustrate faith?

Do you have people in the family that are honorary aunts, uncles, grandmothers, etc? Why do some families do this?

Jesus is closely connected to the people he associates with. Despite demonstrating he is greater than the prophets of old, he does not let that distance him from the people he came to serve. He is called ‘friend of sinners’ and calls others his siblings. His power does not push us from him but in fact draws us near.

Read Chapters 7-8

Questions

We often see Jesus petitioned for healing, either by the sick or by friends on their behalf. He is not petitioned to raise the widow’s son from the dead, nor in the case of the demon-possessed man. What do we see of Jesus’ character in these accounts?

Why would Jesus say to John, ‘Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me,’ (Luke 7:23)?

What does the baptism represent in Luke 7:29-30?

Jesus sees the woman in Luke 7:37-39 as a ‘pardoned woman’. How does the Pharisee see her? How does this view carry through in the varied treatment of the woman?

Consider the similar incidents as follows and note three difference and three similarities of each pair.

Healed sick servant (7:10) and sick woman (8:48)

Raised boy for mother (7:14-15) and daughter for father (8:54-55)

 How does Jesus draw attention to faith in each of the following narratives? Which are encouraging and which are admonishments and why would that be the case?

Calming the storm (8:22-25)

Restoring a demon-possessed man (8:26-37)

Healing of a sick woman (8:43-48)?

In the Parable of the Sower and its explanation, Jesus describes the heart of the one who hears the gospel. In chapter 8, verses 14-15 he mentions fruit. Describe the difference in the two and how to mature the fruit.

The disciples say, ‘We are perishing!’ and Jesus responds that they must have faith. What cry to wake Christ would show faith and not fear?

How are faith and hope tied together in the healing of Jairus’ daughter, especially in verses 8:49-56?