What is strange about the fact that the Jewish elders plead on his behalf?
What might this tell us about the place for ʻ“oppressors” and “foreigners” in the Community of Jesus?
How would you compare your relationship with the people in your neighborhood with the relationship of the Centurion and the Jews? Are there similarities? Differences?
Day #2
Read 7:1-10, but focus on vv. 6-10.
Lectio with vv. 6-10.
Consider the following questions:
What other qualities do we see in the Centurion in these verses?
How does Jesus respond to the Centurionʼs request, and to the message he sends? How will his hearers respond to “not even in Israel have I found faith as great as this”? (Think back to his opening sermon in Lk 4)
How do you understand the authority of Jesus? Your “faith” in him?
What common wisdom exists among the people in your neighborhood, from their life experiences, which gives them an understanding of faith that you can learn from?
Day #3
Read 7:11-17, but focus on vv. 11-14
Lectio with vv. 11-14
Consider the following questions:
What do we learn about Jesus by his response to this widowʼs plight?
As a Jew, what would touching a dead body mean for him? (Num 19:11,16)
Who are people in your neighborhood who are like this woman? What is your response to them?
Notice that Jesus is demonstrating part of his mission: raising the dead to new life. What in you might Jesus be touching and bringing to life?
Day #4
Read 7:11-17, but focus on vv. 15-17
Lectio with vv. 15-17
Consider the following questions:
The line “Jesus gave him to his mother” is the same as in 1Kings 17:23 when Elijah restores life to the Widowʼs son at Zarephath. Luke shows the people making this connection, noting that “this view of him” (v.17)(i.e. as a prophet) is captured by the witnesses of this miraculous event.
How do the people respond?
What does this tell you about your prophetic vocation as part of the Body of Christ, and as part of InnerCHANGE?
Day #5
Read 7:18-23, but focus on vv. 18-20
Lectio with vv. 18-20
Consider the following questions:
What might have caused John the Baptist to doubt, when his disciples told him “all the news”? How might Jesus have stretched Johnʼs concept of God?
What causes, or has caused, you to doubt Jesus? How has he stretched your concept of God through these studies, and through your ministry?
In what circumstances do you find doubts popping up? What do you do with your doubts? What did John the Baptist do?
Day #6
Read 7:18-23, but focus on vv. 21-23
Lectio with vv. 21-23
Consider the following questions:
How does Jesus respond to John the Baptist? What authenticates Him?
How does what Jesus say and do relate back to his mission (Lk 4/ Is. 61)?
How does your ministry–and that of InnerCHANGE–relate to Jesusʼ mission?
Do you know people for whom this kind of compassionate, boundary-breaking ministry is a “cause of falling”? (Notice that this phrase hearkens back to Maryʼs song, and to Simeonʼs prophecy in the Infancy narrative).
LUKE DEVOTIONAL COMPANION #14
Week 14: Luke 7: 24-50
Jesus’ Testimony to John (24-35)
The Pardon of the Sinful Woman (36-50)
Day #1
Read 7: 24-35, but focus on vv. 24-30
Lectio with vv. 24-30
Consider the following questions:
How does Jesus use John the Baptistʼs prophetic mission to explain his own?
Can you relate your ministry in InnerCHANGE to that of John the Baptist?
Who are the ones who are accepting and rejecting the Kingdom message (Johnʼs baptism)? In your experience?
How have you at times accepted or thwarted Godʼs plan for you?
Day #2
Read 7: 24-35, but focus on vv. 31-35
Lectio with vv. 31-35
Consider the following questions:
Have you experienced pressure from other Christians to live up to their image of who you should be, and what you should be doing?
Gene Thomas once said, “Christians are those who know how to laugh, and know how to cry”. When do you find yourself close to Godʼs heart in this? How do you sense God calling you to grow in this area (responding with the “emotions of God”– righteous anger, grief, rejoicing)?
For what is Jesus criticized? In your life and ministry in InnerCHANGE, are you doing similar things? Have you been criticized for them?
Have you criticized others for not responding the way you want them to?
Day #3
Read 7:36-50, but focus on vv. 36-38
Lectio with vv. 36-38
Consider the following questions:
Notice that Jesus does accept the invitation of the Pharisee. Are there “Pharisees” (perhaps those who donʼt accept the folks among whom you are ministering)in your life whom God has called you to evangelize through friendship and your example?
Have there been moments when you have been overflowing with love at the feet of Jesus like this woman?
What do you imagine has gone on before in the life of this woman, and her relationship with Jesus to produce so great a display of affection? Can you relate?
Day #4
Read 7:36-50, but focus on vv. 39-43
Lectio with vv. 39-43
Consider the following questions:
What causes Simon to respond to the sight of this woman in the way that he does? Can you recall a time when you might have responded in a similar fashion? What people/circumstances/ insights have made the difference for you? Might God be calling you to grow even more in imitating his boundary-breaking love?
Why do you think Jesus responds with this story? Why not make his point in a different way? What does he want for Simon?
Day #5
Read 7:36-50, but focus on vv. 44-50
Lectio with vv. 44-50
Consider the following questions:
Notice v.44, “He turned to the woman and said to Simon.” Who are the Simons in your life? How can you speak to them= lovingly and prophetically, but keep your gaze fixed on the marginalized?
How can you hospitably welcome Jesus in your neighbors, in= the way this woman “welcomed” Jesus (as opposed to Simonʼs minimal welcome)?
Reflect on how much you have been forgiven, and how great is the love and mercy of God for you. Do you find your compassion for others stirred as you do this?
Day #6
Read 7:36-50 again, and focus on whatever part the Spirit directs you to.
Lectio with that section.
LUKE DEVOTIONAL COMPANION #15
Week 15: Luke 8: 1-21
Galilean Women Follow Jesus (1-3)
The Parable of the Sower (4-8)
The Purpose of the Parables (9-10)
The Parable of the Sower Explained (11-15)
The Parable of the Lamp (16-18)
Jesus and His Family (19-21)
Day #1
Lectio with vv. 1-3
Consider the following questions:
Notice Lukeʼs emphasis on the women disciples who accompany Jesus. What do you notice about their backgrounds and their role?
What were some of the encounters/steps that led you to be a follower of Jesus? How did your discipleship begin to affect the use of your resources, and then lead you to InnerCHANGE?
What kind of community does Luke suggest by mentioning these followers?
In your local church, where is there room to grow towards this sort of community? In the church in general? Where have you seen it best modeled?
Day #2
Read 8: 4-15, but focus on vv. 4-8
Lectio with vv. 4-8
Consider the following questions:
Sticking just to the story, are their experiences in your life like that of this sower? Where you have seen differing outcomes/ responses to some activity of yours?
What relation, if any, does the phrase “Anyone who has ears for listening should listen!” to the parable itself?
Why do you think Luke uses the phrasing, “a large crowd gathering and people from every town finding their way to him” to introduce this parable?
Where do you feel you have seen fruit in your life? (Please donʼt limit this to “ministry”).
Day #3
Read 8: 4-15, but focus on vv. 9-10
Lectio with vv. 9-10
Consider the following questions:
What sets apart the disciples from the “rest”?
How do you understand the mystery of those who just donʼt get it?
What do you do when you are baffled in your walk with God?
Have you ever had the experience of looking right at something and not seeing it? What or who helped you to see it in the end? Any parallels for spiritual life?
Day #4
Read 8: 4-15, but focus on vv. 11-15
Lectio with vv. 11-15
Consider the following questions:
Can you identify times in your life when you have been like the edge of the path? like the rocks? like thorny soil? like rich soil? What circumstances surrounded those times? Try to trace your level of “listening” to God through those times as well. Any patterns?
In your ministry can you think of people who are responding to the Word in these different ways? What kinds of circumstances accompany each? What kinds of “listening”? Any patterns?
Why do those whom the rich soil represents yield their harvest by taking the word “to themselves”? Wouldnʼt you think it would be “to others”? What does a “noble and generous heart” have to do with their harvest?
Why do those whom the rich soil represents yield their harvest “through their perseverance”? What wears on your “nobility”? your “generosity”? your “perseverance”? What builds them up? What role has the very act of proclaiming the Word in word and works played in building up these qualities? Has the community played a part? Those whom you are trying to reach?
Day #5!
Lectio with vv. 16-18
Consider the following questions:
Notice how the theme of listening continues. Recall that the word “obedience” literally means “listening” or even “deep listening”. Has your notion of listening changed over time?
How might this passage give us insight into the connection between contemplation and action? Ministry as “being” rather than “doing”?
How do we listen to God in a way that we know the “secrets” of what Godʼs Word means for our everyday life, and those “secrets” become known by how we then live?
Day #6
Lectio with vv. 19-21
Consider the following questions:
Of whom is the family of God comprised? How does Jesusʼ definition compare to that of Christian communities today? (i.e. Who is accepted, who is see not) Compare (with compassion!) the churches in your neighborhood to the vision of the community of Jesus.
Note that in Luke, Mary is the model disciple who says “yes” to God, and therefore is not being excluded by Jesusʼ remarks at all (neither are the “brothers”), rather the point is what really forms the familial bond of the disciple to Jesus.
How has your concept of what it means to “hear the word of God and put it into practice” changed over time? Has the context in which you lived made a difference? The people with whom you associate? Your goals? Your way of praying?
LUKE DEVOTIONAL COMPANION #16
Week 16: Luke 8: 22-56
The Calming of a Storm at Sea (22-25)
The Healing of the Gerasene Demoniac (26-39)
Jairus’s Daughter and the Woman with a Hemorrhage (40-56)
Day #1
Lectio with vv. 22-25
Consider the following questions:
a. Note that in context we have men and women disciples in the boat together. Note also that in the OT (and in the ancient world in the Near East) the powers of chaos in the waters were venerable. God conquers the forces of chaos in creation (Ps. 29: 3-4) and saves the faithful on a ship in a storm-tossed sea (Ps. 107:23-32)NJBC. Therefore the question “who can this be?” is seen in this context, directed towards Lukeʼs community and us.
b. Have you experienced chaotic and “dangerous” moments in your life? Were you conscious of the presence of Jesus there? Did it feel like he had gone to sleep?
c. Lukeʼs Jesus responds a bit more softly than Markʼs to the disciples, but the issue of faith is raised in both. How might this passage encourage you, InnerCHANGE, and the Church in general in chaotic and dangerous times?
Day #2
Read 8:26-39, but focus on vv. 26-31
Lectio with vv. 26-31
Consider the following questions:
Note the tragic and tortured condition in which this man lived. All of his conditions (outside the city, living in the tombs, unclothed–tantamount to losing oneʼs identity– and demented) were caught up in a cruel isolation from the community, relegated to the dwelling place of the demons, cut off from family and friends. Note also that he is a Gentile in one of the cities of the Decapolis.
Who do you know who has been cut off from human community in similar ways? Can you identify “demonic forces” that keep their grip on him/her? How is he/she viewed by those all around? Have there been times in your life when you could identify with some of those problems?
What is Jesusʼ response? What can we learn about the forces of evil, as Luke presents them and the fruit of their work? What do we see about Jesusʼ heart, response, and authority when confronted with a man in these conditions? Can we glean anything about the holistic nature of “Spiritual Warfare”?
Notice the importance of naming the evil power, and thereby having control over it. Have you ever had clarity in your own life, or in ministry, in identifying oppressive forces and thereby moving towards freedom from them? It is interesting to note that in 12 step groups the first step is to admit and name the problem, “I am an alcoholic.”
Day #3
Read 8:26-39, but focus on vv. 32-39
Lectio with vv. 32-39
Consider the following questions:
Note that pigs were abhorrent in the Jewish world, unclean animals which were commonly used in the sacrifices of the Gentiles. Some commentators believe that the use of the word Legion (6,000 Roman soldiers) and the symbol of a pig, used for the Romans, might indicate this exorcism as a sign of future liberation. Notice also that in this passage, as in the storm passage, Jesus is clearly in charge.
The stark contrast of the healed and delivered man is impressive. He is in a right mind, he is clothed (his identity restored), and he is in the posture of a disciple, sitting at the feet of Jesus. He can now go back “home”. He can return to a nurturing community. All this is part of “salvation”. How does this square with your understanding of salvation?
Notice the response of the Gerasenes. Do you think they would have just preferred to have left the delivered man in his former condition? Do you know people like this? Might the current drive to build more prisons and create stricter sentences (in the U.S.) be symptomatic of this attitude?
Why doesnʼt Jesus allow the man to stay with him? Is it only forthe sake of the proclamation of the message? Or is theremore? Reflecting on this, what might holistic salvation look likeor some of the folks among whom you are ministering in yourcommunity?
Day #4
Read 8: 40-56, but focus on vv. 40-42
Lectio with vv. 40-42
Consider the following questions:
Notice how Luke continues to alternate between men and women in these miracle stories. Notice too that he alternates between people of different economic, social, and religious status, as well as ethnic background.
Jairus has an only daughter (cf. “only son” of the Widow at Nain) who is at marrying age. One commentator points out that she is just beginning to menstruate, while the woman in the passage which follows has a chronic menstruation. Recall that a woman was considered “unclean” and “untouchable” during menstruation.
Notice the crowds pressing around Jesus. Do you ever feel this way? How do you discern with whom to spend time?
Day #5
Read 8: 40-56, but focus on vv. 43-48
Lectio with vv. 43-48.
Consider the following questions:
Notice that the woman in this passage has faith that she will be healed, and “made clean” by touching Jesus, rather than Him becoming “unclean”.
Why do you suppose it was important for Jesus to stop in the midst of all the foot traffic around him, the life and death demand of Jairus, and find out who touched him? How does this continue to show us Lukeʼs picture of the full meaning of “salvation”?
Have you ever been approached by someone who seemed to just want a simple “touch” or a solution to their problem? How might Jesus model for us some new possibilities in ministry?
Have you ever just wanted to be an anonymous Christian? Just to touch Jesus, receive from Him, and stay in the background? How does Jesusʼ response to this woman present challenging, but good news? How does community fit?
Day #6
Read 8: 40-56, but focus on vv. 49-56
Lectio with vv. 49-56.
Consider the following questions:
Apparently the worst possibility has taken place: in the delay Jairusʼ daughter has died. Have you ever had the experience of attending to one person, and finding out that tragedy has occurred elsewhere? Did you feel guilty? What encouragement can you find in this passage?
Notice the ridicule of the mourners? Has your faith been tested by the ridicule of others? Do you think the company of Peter, James, and John has any special meaning here?
Who is in your “inner circle” of friends who can believe with you in faith and prayer when no one else can?
Notice the role of the touch of Jesus, and that the girl is given food, a sign of fully restored health.
LUKE DEVOTIONAL COMPANION #17
Week 17: Luke 9: 1-27
The Mission of the Twelve (1-6)
Herod’s Opinion of Jesus (7-9)
The Return of the Twelve and the Feeding of the Five Thousand (10-17)
Peter’s Confession about Jesus (18-21)
The First Prediction of the Passion (22)
The Conditions of Discipleship (23-27)
Day #1
Lectio with vv. 1-6
Consider the following questions:
What are the Twelve sent out to do? What have you been sent to do?
Why do you suppose Jesus sends them out without any provisions? How might this principle work in your ministry with InnerCHANGE? What happens when we move into ministry with “all our provisions”? What role does that leave for the people among whom we minister?
Think about how much weight Jesus puts on peopleʼs openness to welcome the disciples. They are traveling as homeless, penniless missionaries. Might that relate to peopleʼs openness today to receive the poor?
What do you make of Jesusʼ admonition to stay in the house they enter?
Day #2
Lectio with vv. 7-9
Consider the following questions:
Notice how this passage is sandwiched between the sending out of the 12 apostles, and their return. What do you think is implied in the connection between the fate of John the Baptist and that of Jesus and His followers?
Notice that Herod does not finally see Jesus until His trial. Perhaps Lukeʼs community had already seen martyrs.
Day #3
Lectio with vv. 10-17
Consider the following questions:
Notice the missionary pattern (v.10). They come back from their mission with the intent of meeting alone with Jesus in their team meeting/retreat to do their Luke Community Reflections (. See how Jesus uses the Action/Reflection model?
How does Jesus respond when the game plan changes? How do you respond?
What do you think of the disciplesʼ request to send the people away? Do you ever feel like saying to Jesus, “Just send them away”? Why does Jesus put the responsibility back on them to provide food for the people? Have you ever felt that the resources you and your team, and even the church in general has, are such a drop in the bucket in the face of overwhelming needs? What might be Jesusʼ message to you?
Notice the Eucharistic pattern in v.16. This of course would be a familiar part of worship life in Lukeʼs communities who “devoted themselves to the apostlesʼ teaching, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of the bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:38-42) Why do you suppose he sat them down in groups of 50?
Day #4
Lectio with vv. 18-21
Consider the following questions:
Notice that the people continue to associate the ministry of Jesus with the prophetic tradition.
What is Jesus doing before the key insights of the following verses take place?
Notice how the question of Jesusʼ identity is a recurring one (remember the wind and the waves). Peterʼs response is a real breakthrough. It is important to note that the “Christ” for Peter cannot have meant the second person of the trinity, there is still more revelation to come in the Christian community over time.
What might have changed if the disciples had begun to proclaim that Jesus was the Christ at this point?
Day #5
Lectio with v. 22
Consider the following questions:
Why does this verse immediately follow the glorious revelation, through Peter, that Jesus is the Christ? Notice the foreshadowing as in vv. 7-9, preparing the disciple in Lukeʼs community, and ours, for the realities of the journey.
Who are the ones who will reject Jesus? Who will raise him up?
Day #6
Lectio with vv. 23-27
Consider the following questions:
What has it meant for you to renounce yourself, as a follower of Christ, and take up your cross daily? Have you experienced rejection?
Where is the “rub” for you personally in seeking to take care of yourself, or trusting in Jesus, even when the path looks risky?
Have you ever felt ashamed of Jesus, and your faith? What circumstances or people have been involved in your feeling that way?
How does this message square with Western societyʼs message?
LUKE DEVOTIONAL COMPANION #18
Week 18: Luke 9: 28-50
The Transfiguration of Jesus (28-36)
The Healing of a Boy with a Demon (37-43a)
The Second Prediction of the Passion (43b-45)
The Greatest in the Kingdom (46-48)
Another Exorcist (49-50)
Day #1
Read 9: 28-36, but focus on vv. 28-31
Lectio with vv. 28-31
Consider the following questions:
Notice how in v.28 Luke tightly connects the transfiguration with the previous section. Why do you think that is?
What activity of Jesus is associated with his transfiguration? What does that suggest to us?
What do Moses and Elijah represent? (Take a look at 24:26-27) What do Moses and Elijah share in common with Jesus?
v.31 says that they were literally speaking of his “Exodus” to be accomplished in Jerusalem. Notice that they are on a mountain. What would that bring to mind in the stories of the life of Moses and Elijah?
This passage clearly marks the beginning of a journey (exodus) motif, culminating in Jerusalem and ultimately at the right hand of God in Jesusʼ ascension. This framing of Jesusʼ life (and therefore the discipleʼs and the churchʼs life) as journey is unique to Luke. The main journey section will begin in v. 51 of this chapter and continue to 19:27.
Day #2
Read 9:28-36, but focus on vv. 32-36
Lectio with vv. 32-36.
Consider the following questions:
Peter and crew apparently slept through the conversation of Jesus, and faced with the glory of God, Peter tries to make sense of it (perhaps associating this moment with the feast of Tabernacles?) Have you ever had moments in prayer or life that are difficult to comprehend or explain
What does the voice from the cloud bring to mind from the beginning of Jesusʼ ministry? What is the message to Peter, James, and John, and to us? How is this consistent with passages weʼve seen thus far? With Lectio Divina?
Day #3
Lectio with vv. 37-43a
Consider the following questions:
Have you had ʻmountain topʼ experiences followed by being plunged into the crying needs around you? What are keys to being prepared?
Once again we have a parent with an only child who is ill (due to an unclean spirit), which emphasizes the tremendous mercy of Jesus. (Remember John Hayesʼ line that God doesnʼt put the poor first because they are best, but because the world has placed them last.) Again, think of people in your neighborhood who are like this. What is Jesusʼ heart toward them?
Once again the phrase “gave him back to his father” (mother in the other passage) is used, tying this healing to the prophetic tradition of Elijah.
How do the people respond to the exorcism/healing?
Day #4
Lectio with vv. 43b-45
Consider the following questions:
Why does Jesus hammer on this point with his disciples? What risks are there for their faith if they do not grasp this point?
What does this reminder of Jesus mean to you? What does it say about power and powerlessness on the faith journey?
Day #5
Lectio with vv. 46-48
Consider the following questions:
Notice how Luke places this passage right after the second prediction of his passion, and soon after the transfiguration account. Why do you think that is?
What donʼt the disciples understand about following Jesus?
When have you been tempted to compare yourself with other Christians, and to be focused on who is “the greatest” (i.e. correct doctrine, better moral behavior, more knowledgeable, more compassionate, better ministry methods, more recognized by leaders, etc.)?
How can the “visual aid” of the child be a help to us in keeping our priorities and attitudes straight?
Day #6
Lectio with vv. 49-50
Consider the following questions:
Is John getting the message?
Have you ever felt the urge to condemn others who preach and minister in the “name of Jesus” but donʼt belong to your brand of Christianity?
How does this challenge you? How is this good news?
LUKE DEVOTIONAL COMPANION #19
THE JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM: LUKE’S TRAVEL NARRATIVE
Week 19: Luke 9:51-10:16
Departure for Jerusalem; Samaritan Inhospitality (9:51-56)
The Would-be Followers of Jesus (9:57-62)
The Mission of the Seventy-Two (10:1-12)
Reproaches to Unrepentant Towns (13-16)
Day #1
Lectio with vv. 51-56
Consider the following questions:
Note how Luke frames the whole journey in v. 51: the destination (“to be taken up”); the path (through Jerusalem, suffering, and death). In the light of receiving vision and clarity in prayer on the mount of Transfiguration, he “resolutely turned his face toward Jerusalem”. Thus he frames our path as well as disciples of Jesus. Are you accustomed to thinking this way about the Christian life? Have you ever been influenced by more “victorious” Christian ideologies?
Why do the Samaritans not want to receive Jesus? What kinds of racial and religious bigotry have you been confronted with? What was/is your reaction?
Ask God to help you see any tendencies in yourself to looking down on people of another race or religion, and to help you gain his heart and perspective.
The journey begins with opposition. Have you experienced some opposition to your ministry from people in the neighborhood? Why or Why not? Have you ever felt like responding like James and John? If you have experienced opposition, what do you think lay behind it?
Day #2
Lectio with vv. 10: 57-62.
Consider the following questions:
What are the three challenges presented here to following Jesus? Can you identify with any of them?
How have you struggled with priorities in your life? c. What are some of the sacrifices involved in following Jesus? How have you been able to make those sacrifices in your own life? Where have you struggled?
Day #3
Read 10:1-16, but focus on vv. 1-3
Lectio with vv. 1-3
Consider the following questions:
72 is a number which symbolized the nations of the world.
Why do you think Jesus sends out his disciples in pairs? Luke Devotional Companion
Do you pray for more laborers? How are the disciples the immediate answer to their own prayer? Have you ever been Godʼs answer to your own prayer? In your calling to InnerCHANGE?
Have you ever felt like a “lamb among wolves”? What do the wolves signify for you?
Day #4
Read 10:1-16, but focus on vv. 4-12
Lectio with vv. 4-12
Consider the following questions:
Here we have several “missionary prep” items from Jesus. Note the similarities to when He sent out the 12.
How does Jesus prepare his disciples for rejection?
How is receiving part of the ministry? Has that been your experience?
What is the basic ministry of the disciples?
Day #5
Read 10:1-16, but focus on vv. 13-16
Lectio with vv. 13-16
Consider the following questions:
Some commentators see these verses in their Lucan context as admonitions to Lukeʼs communities to not be like those towns that rejected Jesus.
Note the intimate identification of Jesus with the disciples (compare this to 9:48). How does this empower you as a missionary?
Day #6
Read and meditate on 9:51-10:16
Allow God to speak to you about your personal journey, your journey with InnerCHANGE, and your journey together with the entire Christian Community.
LUKE DEVOTIONAL COMPANION #20
Week 20: Luke 10:17-24
Return of the Seventy-Two (17-20)
Praise of the Father (21-22)
The Privileges of Discipleship (23-24)
Day #1
Lectiz
Lectio with vv. 21-22
Consider the following questions:
What gives Jesus joy? Who is the source of that joy? Where does he direct that joy? Do you find that same movement in you?
Why does Jesus bless the Father for hiding these things from the “learned and the clever” and “revealing them to little children”? How should this shape our own posture before God?
How might this passage relate to our ministry? Where might we expect to find God revealing Godself in the world? How might that shape our posture before our neighbors?
How is this consistent with what weʼve seen in Luke so far? (e.g. Maryʼs Song in Ch. 1)
Day #3
Lectio with vv. 23-24
Consider the following questions:
Jesusʼ private message to his disciples in this moment was perhaps particularly honed for them. However, can you hear these words for yourself? For your neighbors?
Notice again the pattern of drawing his disciples aside, this time not for instruction, but for encouragement. How does this empower the disciples? Could you use this ʻtechniqueʼ with people you are discipling/mentoring?
Day #4-6
The issue of identity in Christ is so fundamental to our Luke Devotional Companion lives as Christians, and our ministries, that we would ask you to take these days to reflect on how much you are loved by God. Rejoice that you are united to God through Jesus, and together with your sisters and brothers in the Lord are filled with the Holy Spirit. It is God who has chosen you, God who has opened your eyes to reveal to you more of what God is about. Jesus rejoices in you, with you and over you! As you pray, listen to God, and allow God to gently bring to mind those areas where you may still be attached to “externals” (i.e. being clever and learned) or where you rejoice more with your “successes” than in your relationship with God and the fact that you are loved and forgiven. Another sign to watch for is if your self-image goes down when there are few visible signs of “success” in your life and ministry. Allow God to embrace you and love you just as you are.
LUKE DEVOTIONAL COMPANION #21
Week 21: Luke 10: 25-37
The Greatest Commandment (25-28)
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (29-37)
Day #1
Lectio with vv. 25-28
Consider the following questions:
A lawyer stood up to test Jesus. Have people asked you questions just to test you? How did you respond?
How does Jesus respond? Might this be a helpful technique in similar circumstances?
What is the centerpoint of the law of God? How do we get distracted from this?
Notice how Jesus becomes the teacher. “Do this and life is yours”. How can we tell whether we are indeed “doing” it?
Day #2
Read 10:29-37, but focus on vv. 29-30
Lectio with vv. 29-30
Consider the following questions:
When have you felt a need to justify yourself?
Can you identify with the lawyer in any phase of your life where you were more concerned about defining the limits of your Christian duty than developing a heart of compassion?
Notice that Jesus uses a story to make his point. Do you use stories like this in your ministry?
What are the forces that have attacked you during your life (the “bandits”)? What are the forces which harass and “beat down” the people in your neighborhood? What are some of the systemic root causes at work?
Day #3
Read 10:29-37, but focus on vv. 31-35
Lectio with vv. 31-35
Consider the following questions:
With whom do you identify most in the parable: the man on the road, the Priest or Levite, the Samaritan, or some combination? Why?
Notice the phrase used of the Samaritan-“moved with compassion”-a trademark of Jesus throughout the gospel of Luke. The Priest and Levite would have become unclean had they touched the man–a major inconvenience. What are some things that move your heart away from compassion, and keep you from approaching some needy people? What moves your heart toward compassion?
Notice the time and care invested in this unknown man. When has God called you to minister in this way? What are some of the wounds you find yourself bandaging? What are some wounds that others are healing and bandaging in you?
In InnerCHANGE we often see the “Inn” in this passage as a symbol of the Church. In the local churches I your neighborhood, where do you see them acting as “Good Samaritan churches”? Where are they lacking? If you take someone in need to one of these churches, will they find help? What kind of help? How are the “innkeepers” (pastors and leaders) doing?
Day #4
Read 10:29-37, but focus on vv. 36-37
Lectio with vv. 36-37
Consider the following questions:
How has Jesus changed the lawyerʼs question? What does it mean to “be a neighbor”?
Jesus makes a hero out of a total outcast in Jewish society–very distasteful for this lawyer! What is the message being communicated here about the place of Samaritans–and Gentiles, sinners, outcasts, etc.–in the Kingdom? (Look back at 8:21) What does he force the lawyer into admitting?
In your meditation, in order to sense some of the original effect this must have had on Jesusʼ hearers, try to replace “Samaritan” with someone from a group that is difficult for you to accept: perhaps a lesbian? a Jehovahʼs witness?
How does this parable give us vision for racial/ecclesial reconciliation and unity? For unity in general?
Day #5-6
Continue to meditate and pray about the significance of this parable for your life and ministry.
LUKE DEVOTIONAL COMPANION #22
Week 22: Luke 10:38-11:13
Martha and Mary (10:38-42)
The Lord’s Prayer (11:1-4)
Further Teachings on Prayer (5-8)
The Answer to Prayer (9-13)
Day #1
Lectio with 10: 38-42.
Consider the following questions:
Mary takes the posture of a disciple (sitting, listening at the feetof the teacher), again showing Lukeʼs depiction of Jesusʼ radical challenge to cultural norms–all are welcome, especially those who have been excluded.
With whom do you identify in more in the parable?
Why is Martha concerned about Maryʼs actions? Might there be cultural norms involved in her frustration with Mary? What are things that worry you as you go about your ministry? How can this passage be a call back to the one necessary thing for you as a disciple of Jesus?
Day #2
Lectio with 11:1-4
Consider the following questions:
Jesusʼ disciples asked Him to teach them to pray, and he responds by teaching them this “model prayer”, which is still our hallmark prayer (in Mtʼs form) today.
Note that Jesusʼ referring to God as Father (Abba: “Daddy”) is radically new in the Jewish concepts of the time. He teaches his followers that all are called to share in the same intimate relationship which he enjoys with the Father.
We ask that the name of the transcendent God be always held as Holy, yet we also ask that Godʼs Kingdom come in the here and now, as has been exemplified thus far in the life and ministry of Jesus. When you pray “your kingdom come,” what images come to mind for your own life, your neighborhood, and the world? Are they consistent with the tone of Jesusʼ mission to bring the Kingdom as seen in Luke? How are they similar or different?
We ask for daily bread-only what we need each day (like manna). We do not just pray for my daily bread, but that all might have what they need, implying that those who have extra should share–it is thus a prayer for justice as well.
Godʼs ministry of reconciliation works through us as we show forth the mercy of God for all by forgiving others, and thus fully receive forgiveness ourselves. How easy is it for you to forgive others? To receive forgiveness?
Day #3
Lectio with vv. 5-8.
Consider the following questions:
What connections do you see here with intercessory prayer? With asking for “daily bread”?
What do you do when you feel you have absolutely nothing to offer?
Is it easy or difficult for you to be persistent in prayer about something? What have been the results when you have been persistent?
What makes the friend get up? Is God like that? Why does he have it so that we need to be persistent in prayer?
Day #4
Lectio with vv. 9-13
Consider the following questions:
When have you asked, searched, and knocked and found this passage to come true? Have there been times when you felt that it did not come true?
What kind of a father is God? Does God feel like a compassionate father to you? When has God felt that way to you? When has God not felt that way to you?
What is the promise that the Father will give? Why do you suppose that is?
Day #5-6
Spend time praying the Lordʼs prayer slowly, line by line, letting the Holy Spirit bring to mind experiences, people, etc. to fill it out as you pray.
Lectio with just v. 13, and allow God to reveal to speak to you about your image of God as Father. Are there difficulties? What makes it! difficult?
LUKE DEVOTIONAL COMPANION #23
Week 23: Luke 11:14-36
Jesus and Beelzebul (14-23)
The Return of the Unclean Spirit (24-26)
True Blessedness (27-28)
The Demand for a Sign (29-32)
The Simile of Light (33-36)
Day #1
Read 11:14-23, but focus on vv. 14-18.
Lectio with vv. 14-18
Consider the following questions:
Have you ever been accused of having something evil at the heart of your ministry? Is so, what do you think was going on in the situation? If not, have you suspected it of another? Why/ Why not?
Have there been people in your life who want some kind of proof of God? People who will “believe it when they see it,” meaning they need to see some extraordinary miracle? How did you respond? How does Jesus respond?
What would you recognize as signs/fruit of the presence of evil, given Lukeʼs perspective up to this point? Signs/fruit of the presence of God?
Day #2
Read 11:14-23, but focus on vv. 19-23
Lectio with vv. 19-23.
Consider the following questions:
Notice how Jesus puts the question of Beelzebul back on them in such a way as to leave them without an answer.
The phrase “the finger of God” comes from Ex. 8:15, implying that what God has done in the past to rescue Godʼs people from the oppression of slavery is being continued by Jesus, in whose ministry Godʼs Kingdom power is being manifested. (NJBC 43:130)
How do you see Satan, as the “strong man” binding people and systems in your neighborhood? What are his weapons? Who are his victims? Knowing that Jesus is the stronger one, who has defeated evil, how can you see Jesus taking away the weapons the evil one has used in peopleʼs lives, and taking back people for Him?
What do you see as your role in this battle? Your teamʼs role? The Churchʼs role? Does v. 23 help clarify it?
Day #3
Lectio with vv. 24-26.
Consider the following questions:
Do you know anyone who has been released from an addiction or from a demonic stronghold in their life, but has not continued to walk with Jesus? or at least follow up with a 12 step group (based on scriptural principles)? What happened as a result? Any thing similar to this passage?
Have you been personally released from any strongholds? What has kept you well?
What does holistic ministry mean in cases like this, to see Godʼs salvific work brought to completion in someone? What does it imply for follow-up? Have we seen other clues to this in previous passages?
Jesus conquers evil!
Day #4
Lectio with vv. 27-28
Consider the following questions:
What is the key to intimacy with Jesus? How have you looked for it in different ways in your life? (Right theology, right church, right fellowship, right style of ministry, being close to “spiritual leaders” etc.)
From what you have seen so far in Luke, what is new about the word we are to hear and keep?
Notice that this gives the key to the previous passage for the necessary follow-up, so that our ʻdemonsʼ do not return in force.
How do you practice this habit of hearing and doing the Word of God? What disciplines, and what people are helpful to you in so doing?
Day #5
Lectio with vv. 29-32.
Consider the following questions:
Now Jesus responds to those who were seeking a sign in 11:16. Have you ever sought a particular answer from God by which to test God? Do you know anyone else who has? What lies behind that desire?
What did Jonah do, and how did the people of Ninevah respond? What is the comparison Jesus is making with himself? Notice how the Lucan theme of outsiders and foreigners continues: it is the Ninevites, and the Queen of the South who are truly “blessed” because they recognized wisdom, and repented of their sins. It is not those who are related physically to Jesus or to Abraham who are part of the Kingdom, but those who hear and respond to the preaching of Jesus (and his followers for Lukeʼs communities).
Who or what has been a “sign” to you that has drawn you to Jesus for wisdom or meaning in your life? Who or what has been a “sign” to you that has drawn you to repentance?
Day #6
Lectio with vv. 33-36.
Consider the following questions:
How have you sensed Godʼs call to be light for others?
What does it mean for you to have your “eye clear”? Notice that, in context, this would seem to imply that as we devote ourselves to persevering prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit, and as we are released from the control of the evil one, and ʻgatherʼ with Jesus, and as we hear the word of God and keep it, we will be filled with light in such a way as to be a sign to others who are in darkness.
What relation might this passage have with the parable of the sower? (Look at 8:4-18)
LUKE DEVOTIONAL COMPANION #24
Week 24: Luke 11:37-54
Denunciation of the Pharisees and Scholars of the Law (37-54)
Day #1
Read 11:37-54, but focus on vv. 37-39
Lectio with vv. 37-39.
Consider the following questions:
What is the Pharisee focused on? What are certain forms of behavior by which you tend to categorize people (Christians in particular)? What upsets you in others?
Do you know people and/or churches that become unduly focused on externals (legalists)? What happens? What tends to get ignored? Have you ever fallen into this?
Notice how this passage amplifies and makes concrete the passage above about being filled with light and darkness.
Day #2
Read 11:37-54, but focus on vv. 40-42
Lectio with vv. 40-42.
Consider the following questions:
What is most important here to Jesus? In what manner is Jesus calling the Pharisees to ʻgive almsʼ?
What is it that brings true cleanliness? In Lucan context, this goes even further, for we see Jesus breaking the rules and boundaries of clean/ unclean and calling others to do the same (e.g. Good Samaritan) for the sake of mercy, justice, and love. c. Notice that Jesus does not condemn the Pharisees for their expanded legal/ritual system, but rather for what they have neglected. How have the Pharisees neglected justice and the love of God? Can you trace how God has led you on a journey towards justice and the love of God? What have been key milestones along the way?
Day #3
Read 11:37-54, but focus on vv. 43-44
Lectio with vv. 43-44
Consider the following questions:
Why is seeking honor illusory in Luke?
Has this ever been a struggle for you?
Day #4
Read 11:37-54, but focus on vv. 45-46
Lectio with vv. 45-46
Consider the following questions:
How do we as Christians sometimes set the hurdles too high for those we are trying to reach? How do we place unnecessary burdens on others in what we require of them?
How can we avoid these pitfalls?
Day #5
Read 11:37-54, but focus on vv. 47-51
Lectio with vv. 47-51.
Consider the following questions:
What is it that Jesus is criticizing?
How are the lawyers receiving the prophetic message in the moment? (v. 45b)
How might this be a message to the Lucan communities and their “prophets and apostles” who were being sent and persecuted? To us, who strive to follow in the prophetic tradition of Jesus?
Day #6
Read 11:37-54, but focus on vv. 52-54
Lectio with vv. 52-54.
Consider the following questions:
Notice the warning that comes through chastising the lawyers:What should it caution us against?
Have you ever felt attacked by those who have “innumerable questions”? How do you respond? What solace might you find in this passage?
