Luke 9 - 12:31

Two things really strike me about this week's readings: The emphasis on prayer and the harsh words Jesus says about living like a Pharisee. If anyone ever tries to portray Jesus as a weak, soft man who had a few good things to say - they certainly have not read these chapters in Luke. Jesus here is direct, almost angry, and persistent in his teaching that we live authentically and righteously. To live less than a righteous life is a life not worth living. He also emphasizes God's provision for those who seek Him. While the life Jesus calls us to live is demanding, it is also doable because of the Holy Sprit and prayer. We are not to be discouraged, rather energized because Jesus provides us with the tools and fuel to live this life.

Begin your reading with prayer - ask for an open heart and mind to hear/see what God wants to reveal to you. Receive it with grace and action.

1. Luke 9:1 & 10:1 - Jesus sends out the apostles in the chapter 9 and "seventy-two others" in chapter 10. Note they are told to go simply - really they are told to take nothing. They are to count on others for their provisions. Their mission is urgent and they must not be distracted. Ok, so where does God need you to go? Urgently. Where is your harvest ground? Are you traveling to it with the assurance of Jesus' provision? Or are you waiting for something else?

2. Luke 9:20 "But what about you?" he (Jesus) asked. "Who do you say I am?" Put yourself in this scripture conversation...how does the conversation go between you and Jesus. Take a moment and write out the conversation. What do you learn?

3. Prayer - The Transfiguration (9:28-36), The Lord's Prayer (11:1-4), Pray boldly (11:5-13). As you read these scriptures what do you learn about God? What do you learn about prayer? Take a few moments and really let yourself linger with these questions.

4. Luke 10:25 The Good Samaritan Parable. Put yourself in this parable as one of the characters. If you were half dead and your rescuer is of a race or political persuasion you mistrust, how do you respond? What happens to your outlook? If you are the religious leaders who do not respond with compassion, how do you justify your behavior? If you are "the expert in the law" who asks the question, how do you respond to Jesus? Jesus has just taken your neat and tidy world and blown it apart.

5. Luke 10:38 Mary & Martha. In my Bible I have my name written above Martha. The verse reads like this: "Jana, Jana," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed." I pause here and look at my Lord and simply say, "I know." I will slow down and remember your presence is in ALL things. Heavy sigh.

6. Through most of chapter 11 and the first part of chapter 12 warning us about how we live. Take some time with these verses. I find myself in the role of the Pharisee more often than I care to admit. What about you?

7. Try this exercise with Luke 11:42-44;12:1-3. "Jesus Christ is reflected in us through the seamless integrity of our worship---expressed both in the words we whisper privately and in the love with which we carry out our deeds. The 'yeast of the Pharisees' - hypocrisy of the heart--must be rooted out. Read this passage twice, slowly the second time. Sit quietly, allowing a word or phrase to stand out. Reflect on this word or phrase or action. Why is it meaningful to you? Use that word or phrase to pray back to God the truth God has given you. Be quiet before God and attentive to anything God may be showing you." (page 1380, The Spiritual Formation Bible, Zondervan Publishing House)

8. Greed. Luke 12:13 - There is nothing like money or wealth to get us off track spiritually. Either too much money or not enough money will distract us from our walk with God. Again Jesus says put God first. Exceptions do not work here.

9. Do Not Worry....my response, "yea, right!" This ties right in with the greed conversation doesn't it? We become consumed with money many times for the right reasons. It's a good thing to provide for our families; it's a good thing to think ahead and save; it's a good thing to spend wisely and frugally. However, when money or things regarding money consume us, we need to talk to God at some length. Luke 12:22-31 is all about perspective. How is yours?


As always, appreciate your comments. Would love to know if you're using the questions to help you study or meditate.