Day 20: Luke 14-16

Jesus at a Pharisee's House - Luke 14:1-14

Understand It

• How did most people seat themselves at a wedding feast? (14:8)
• Whom was the host not to invite to a luncheon or dinner? (14:12)
• In what way would the host be repaid? (14:14)

Apply It

• What steps can you take to lessen the importance of position, title, or other status symbols in your life?

The Parable of the Great Banquet - Luke 14:15-24

Understand It

• What excuses did people make? (14:18-20)
• How did the master find out about the excuses? (14:21)
• What was to become of the original guests? (14:24)

Apply It

• Whom can you invite to the kingdom banquet? How?

The Cost of Being a Disciple - Luke 14:25-35

Understand It

• What consequences result from not counting the cost before building? (14:29-30)
• How did a king determine his odds in a war? (14:31)
• How did Jesus use the examples of building a tower and preparing for war? (14:33)

Apply It

• What relationships or other loyalties do you need to pray about to strengthen your loyalty to Jesus?

The Parable of the Lost Sheep - Luke 15:1-7

Understand It

• What does a conscientious shepherd do when one of the flock is lost? (15:4)
• What happens when a shepherd returns to his home and flock after finding a lost sheep? (15:6)
• How does heaven react when a sinner repents? (15:7)

Apply It

• What can you do this week to help a fellow believer who may be straying from God’s ways?

The Parable of the Lost Coin - Luke 15:8-10

Understand It

• How do we know that the woman lost something valuable? (15:8)
• What did the woman do when she finally found the lost coin? (15:9)
• What emotions are obvious from the woman’s statement to her friends? (15:9)

Apply It

• With whom do you want to share the news of God’s persistent love? How can you?

The Parable of the Lost Son - Luke 15:11-32

Understand It

• How did the father respond to the younger son’s return home? (15:20)
• Why did the father call for a celebration? (15:22-24)
• What complaints did the older brother bring to his father? (15:29-30)

Apply It

• To what "undeserving" person can you extend God’s love and forgiveness this week? How?

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager - Luke 16:1-15

Understand It

• What plan did the manager devise to secure his future? (16:4-7)
• How did the rich master react to the dishonest dealings of the manager? (16:8)
• How does Jesus want us to use money? (16:9)

Apply It

• What can you do during this next week to become a better steward of the resources God has given you?

Additional Teachings - Luke 16:16-18

Understand It

• What relation does the section on divorce have to the previous verses about the Law? (16:18)
• What two conditions constitute adultery? (16:18)
• How does Jesus view divorce? (16:18)

Apply It

• What could you do to help a person who is experiencing marriage difficulties?

The Rich Man and Lazarus - Luke 16:19-31

Understand It

• What does this parable reveal about heaven and hell? (16:22-31)
• What did the rich man see from his place in hell? (16:23)
• What was the other reason why Lazarus could not help the rich man? (16:26)

Apply It

• How many people like Lazarus do you know who could benefit from your compassion today?

Tomorrow: Luke 17-19