11: Middle Galilean Ministry (2) (Lk 7:1-50)

I.       The Basics

A.     Setting

Jesus had concluded His sayings and began to go from one place after another to carry out His ministry. In this lesson, we see Jesus meeting the needs of various individuals and grasping every opportunity to teach the people important truths. Typical of this Gospel, Luke focuses on Jesus’ interest in people. At the same time, he also takes note of the different responses to the Lord’s words and deeds.

B.     Key Verse

            “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me’” (7:22-23).

C.     Did You Know…?

1.      Elders of the Jews (7:3): highly respected Jews of the community, though not necessarily rulers of the synagogue.^5/1551

2.      Denarii (7:41): A denarius was worth about a day’s wage.

II.    Observation

A.     Outline

(7:1-10)

(7:11-17)

(7:18-35)

(7:36-50)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

III. Segment Analysis

A.     7:1-10

1a. On what basis did the elders beg for Jesus’ help?

1b. How is this different from the approach of the centurion?

2. In what ways did the centurion show his great faith?

3. Explain the centurion’s words in verse 8.

4. How did Jesus heal the servant? What does this demonstrate about Jesus? (cf. Mt 8:13)

5. What is significant about Jesus’ comment in verse 9?

B.     7:11-17

6. Record what it is about this miracle that moves you.

7. How is this miracle different from, and in a way greater than, the other miracles we have read thus far?

8. What impact did this miracle have on the people?

C.     7:18-35

9. Where was John at this time? (cf. 3:19-20)

10. Why do you think John began to have questions about whom Jesus was?

11. What was the point of Jesus’ response in 22? (cf. Isa 35:5-6; 61:1)

12. Explain 23. How does this apply to us?

13. How can we regain our faith in Christ when harsh circumstances make us question His love and power?

14. What did Jesus mean by “he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he”?

15. Explain the reactions of the two groups of people in 29 and 30.

16. What does the parable in 32 illustrate?

17. Explain verse 35 according to its context.

D.     7:36-50

18a. Luke records the woman’s actions in detail. According to Jesus, what motivated her actions?

18b. In contrast to the woman, what do we know about Simon the Pharisee from his thoughts (39) and inaction (44-47)?

19. What important teaching can you learn from Jesus’ parable in 41-42 about what motivates us to love the Lord?

20. What does the woman’s action teach us about how we should love the Lord?

21. Why were the woman’s sins forgiven? Does 47 teach that she was forgiven on the basis of her love for the Lord?

22. Jesus said to the woman “Your faith has saved you.” What can we learn from this story about the   meaning of faith?