Session 7: Luke Chapters 13-14 Citizens of the Kingdom (Part 1)
Session 7: Luke Chapters 13-14 Citizens of the Kingdom
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 seven 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.
Introduction
Bearing fruit is related to change or growth in our character and how we relate to others. What fruit have you and the Holy Spirit produced? If you are in a group, take a moment to share with the others the fruit you have seen in their lives.
Describe the perfect host or hostess of a banquet. What makes a banquet special to you?
Producing fruit is only one outward sign of our inward changes as we grow more like Jesus each day. As his followers, we are called to be more like him and bring him glory. Our daily activities are all part of his mission carried out by our hand. We see in chapters 13 and 14 that Jesus guides our actions to bring him glory and offers instruction more than once to ensure our understanding. His compassion for us is renewed each day.
Read Luke Chapters 13 and 14.
Questions
The teaching of the fig tree includes a number of figures (13:5-9). Who does each represent and what must be done to produce fruit? Consider the man, vineyard, fig tree, and vineyard manager.
Jesus again heals on the Sabbath. What did the healed woman do in the account? What do we learn of suffering and serving from the woman who is healed?
Chapters 13 and 14 describe a number of people. What are the characteristics of each figure from the following verses: 13: 7, 11, 19, 21; 14:2. How does this compare to a description of the followers of Christ?
Parable of the Great Banquet describes three excuses men gave for not attending the banquet. Why is each excuse insulting to the banquet host?
Consider the teaching on the narrow door (13:22-30) and the Parable of the Great Banquet (14:15-24). How are the two complementary teachings? What more does one say than the other?
Summarize the instruction Jesus gave in these two passages of Chapter 14 by completing the statement. Verses 7-11: Be ________________ . Verses 12-14: Be ________________.
Luke 14:28-30 and 31-33 describe not only the believer and what the believer must consider when following Jesus, they also describe the kingdom. What do these two passages say about the kingdom of God? What is the role of the citizens of the kingdom?
