16: Teachings on Love, Priority, and Prayer (Lk 10:25-11:13)

I.       The Basics

A.     Setting

This study focuses on three of the Lord’s teachings, two of which involved the use of parables. Although each took place in quite a different setting, the truths in these teachings all served as important lessons for the disciples.

B.     Key Verse

            “‘So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?’ And he said, ‘He who showed mercy on him.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise’” (10:36-37).

            “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (11:13).

C.     Did You Know…?

1.      Jerusalem to Jericho (10:30): A distance of 17 miles and a descent from about 2,500 feet above sea level to about 800 feet below seal level. The road ran through rocky, desert country, which provided places for robbers to waylay defenseless travelers.

2.      Two denarii (10:35): Two day’s wages, would keep a man up to two months in an inn.

3.      A village (10:38): Bethany (cf. Jn 11:1), about two miles from Jerusalem.

II.    Observation

A.     Outline

(10:25-37)

(10:38-42)

(11:1-13)

(11:1-4)

(11:5-13)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

III. Segment Analysis

A.     10:25-37

1. According to the Lord, how can we inherit eternal life?

2. What is the intention of the lawyer’s question in 29?

3a. Why do you think Jesus used a priest and a Levite as characters in the story?

3b. In contrast, why did He use a Samaritan man to illustrate a good neighbor?

4. Describe the love of the Samaritan. What can you learn from Him about loving others?

5. How does this parable answer the lawyer’s question in 29 and correct his  mentality? Compare the meaning of “neighbor” in 29 and 36.

6. What does Jesus’ definition of a good neighbor teach you about whom you should love?

B.     10:38-42

7. How were Martha and Mary different?

8. What was wrong with Martha’s service? Have you been through the same experience in your service?

9. What “good part” has Mary chosen? Apply this to your relationship with the Lord.

10. Compare “many things” (41) and “one thing” (42). Why is that in worrying and being troubled about many things, Martha forgot about the one thing? What lesson can we gather from this?

C.     11:1-4

11. What led the disciple to ask the Lord to teach them to pray?

12. What can you learn from the Lord’s prayer about

12a. Our relationship with God?

12b. God’s rightful place in our lives?

12c. Our daily bread?

12d. Forgiveness?

12e. Temptation and the evil one?

12f. Praying for all men (cf. 1Tim 2:1)?

13. What do you usually pray for? What can you learn from the Lord’s prayer about your priorities in prayer?

D.     11:5-13

14. How is prayer like “asking,” “seeking,” and “knocking”? What attitude is involved?

15. How do verses 11-13 motivate our prayers? Do you have such motivation in your prayers?

16. What does the Lord teach about receiving the Holy Spirit?

17. Based on the Lord’s teachings on prayer, what makes an effective prayer?