Monday – Luke 16:1-13 The Parable of the Shrewd Manager
1. Moving from a parable of a son who squanders his inheritance (Luk 15:13), Jesus tells of a manager who wastes his master’s possessions. Trace the events of the shrewd manager from vv. 1-8a.
2. Jesus commends the manager’s shrewd solution for one reason: he uses money to win friends for himself in the world to which he is committed. From vv. 8b-12, summarize the application of this parable for believers.
3. With His final remarks, Jesus likens money to a trust, not a possession. Specifically, how would it look in your life to treat money as a trust from God, not as a possession to be idolized?

Tuesday – Luke 16:14-18 The Law and the Kingdom of God
1. The Pharisees, “who were lovers of money,” quickly ridicule Jesus’ teachings. Place yourself in the crowd, what sort of things do you hear the Pharisees saying?
2. Consider the sharp words Jesus has for the Pharisees, how does His answer refute the Pharisees’ ridicule (cf. Luk 20:47a), traditions (cf. Mrk 7:9-13), and practices (v. 18; cf. Mat 19:1-9)?
3. An alternate reading for v. 16 is, “the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is forcefully urged into it.” In what ways is Jesus forcefully urging everyone into His kingdom? Why do many, like the Pharisees refuse His entreaty?

Wednesday – Luke 16:19-31 The Rich Man and Lazarus
1. Continuing His rebuke of the Pharisees, Jesus tells the story of a “certain rich man” and “Lazarus” (he whom God helps). How does the parable contrast the state of the two men before their deaths, at their burial, and after their deaths?
2. The rich man is a dramatic example of what happens when one uses God’s possessions wrongly. Why do you think the rich man ignored the plight of poor Lazarus?
3. In torment, the rich man wishes to spare his brothers from his mistakes. What do you make of the rich man’s request and Abraham’s response? How does v. 31 connect back to the admonition of vv. 16-18?

Thursday – Luke 17:1-4 Temptations to Sin
1. Turning back to the disciples, Jesus issues a stern warning on temptations. In your own words, restate vv. 1-2. How do you see the warnings about temptation to sin relating to Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness?
2. Jesus’ approach to forgiveness continues Luke’s theme of presenting Jesus as a Messiah that’s different from expectations (cf. Luk 9:18-22). Reflect on the nature of Jesus’ approach to forgiveness.
3. Jesus is the ultimate example of servanthood forgiveness. How is forgiving someone like making yourself their servant instead of their master?

Friday – Luke 17:5-6 Increase Our Faith
1. Upon hearing Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness (vv. 1-4), the apostles said to Him, “Increase our faith!” Why do you think they would emphatically ask for more faith?
2. Jesus’ comparison between a mustard seed and the mulberry tree is simple - a little faith can do great things. Too often this truth is applied to all sorts of things except its context! What is Jesus showing with this image regarding temptations and forgiveness?
3. Where do you need to apply a mustard seed-sized faith in forgiving someone?

Monday – Luke 14:12-24 The Parable of the Great Banquet
1. After rebuking the guests for jostling for places of honor (vv. 7-11), Jesus turns to reprove His host. Summarize Jesus’ words. Why is the best hospitality given and not exchanged?
2. Suddenly, a man blurts out “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” (cf. Isa 25:6-8; Luk 13:29). Why do you think he does this? In what ways does Jesus’ parable challenge the assumption the Pharisees will enjoy God’s feast?
3. To what degree, if any, are you going out into the “streets and lanes of the city” to bring people into God’s banquet? How should “and there is still room” at the Lord’s table, motivate you?

Tuesday – Luke 14:25-33 The Cost of Discipleship
1. With a large crowd following Him, Jesus unflinchingly spells out His conditions for discipleship. While we could say that He is engaging in typical Middle Eastern exaggeration to make His point (cf. Mrk 9:42-50), nonetheless what is His point?
2. List examples of what it looks like to “hate” your family and yourself, while bearing your cross. There’s certainly a present cost to following Jesus, but what’s the future cost of not following Him on His terms?
3. As His two parables explain, the decision to follow Jesus should not be undertaken lightly. Why? 

Wednesday – Luke 14:34-35 Salt Without Taste is Worthless
1. Earlier, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus stated, “You are the salt of the earth.” What does this suggest to you about the disciple’s role in the world?
2. Jesus has been talking about the cost of discipleship. How is a would-be disciple who decides he or she can’t bear the cost (vv. 25-33), like salt that has lost its saltiness?
3. Useless disciples are discarded and “trampled under people’s feet” (Mat 5:13). Prayerfully resolve to be a salty-disciple for the Lord and list three ways you’ll be more useful for Jesus.

Thursday – Luke 15:1-10 The Parable of the Lost Sheep and Coin
1. What complaint prompts Jesus to tell the three lost parables? Compare the way the Pharisees see “sinners” to the way Jesus sees them.
2. Outline the details of the parables of the Lost Sheep and Coin. In your own words, restate Jesus’ “Just so…” application from each story.
3. Place yourself in the crowd as Jesus tells these two parables. What do you see from the Pharisees? From the tax collectors and sinners?

Friday – Luke 15:11-32 The Parable of the Prodigal Son
1. The parable of the Prodigal is one of the most beloved stories Jesus tells. Trace the events of the younger son’s journey from home and back. How is the prodigal an illustration of all sinners? 
2. What do the father’s actions and attitudes toward the prodigal suggest about God’s affection toward the repentant “tax collectors and sinners”? How does His grace serve as motivation for you to repent and confess your sins?
3. The parable ends with the older brother (the Pharisees) offended by the father’s joyous reception of the younger brother. Identify the reasons why he won’t join the party. Why do you think grace is so offensive to the older brother? How can you overcome this tendency?

Monday – Luke 13:18-21 The Mustard Seed and the Leaven
1. Continuing from vv. 10-17, Jesus speaks to the nature of His kingdom. What aspects of God’s kingdom does the deceptively small mustard seed and a little leaven emphasize?
2. Reflect on how Jesus’ parable of the kingdom brings hope to people like the healed woman and the crowd, but a warning to the likes of the synagogue ruler in vv. 10-17.
3. The kingdom continues to be a present power throughout the world. What are the practical implications of these two parables for your faith, work, and view of the power of the gospel?

Tuesday – Luke 13:22-30 The Narrow Door
1. As Jesus continues to travel toward Jerusalem (cf. Luk 9:51), someone asks Him about the number of those who will be saved. Instead of answering the question directly, what does Jesus do?
2. On what basis will some people try to enter the kingdom after it is too late? Explain in your own words what Jesus is getting at.
3. Evaluate the following statement, “Focusing on a few will be saved motivates us to stay on the straight and narrow, while focusing on many will be saved (cf. Mat 8:11-12) motivates our evangelism.” Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

Wednesday – Luke 13:31-35 Lament Over Jerusalem
1. Informed by some Pharisees that Herod seeks to kill Him, Jesus continues to Jerusalem where He will be killed. Why is Jesus not worried about Herod? How is the narrative that started back in Luk 9:51 still moving forward?
2. In the middle of a death threat, Jesus laments over Jerusalem. How is the tender compassion of Jesus on full display even for a people who will reject and kill Him?
3. Reflect on the picture of Jesus as a hen who protects her young under her wings (cf. Deu 32:11; Ruth 2:12; Psa 17:8; 91:4). What does this image suggest about Jesus’ relationship with you?

Thursday – Luke 14:1-6 Healing a Man on the Sabbath
1. For a third and last time, Jesus dines with a Pharisee (cf. Luk 7:36-50; 11:37-54). Why do you think Jesus keeps accepting these invitations when each meal is an unpleasant experience?
2. As Jesus enters the home, before Him is a man with dropsy (severe swelling of the legs and arms). Contrast how the Pharisees use this pitiful man with how Jesus treats him.
3. These Pharisees were willing to set aside their Sabbath rules for one of their sons or animals. If they would do this but disallow the healing of a stranger, what was wrong with their priorities? Do you sense Jesus challenging your priorities and religious traditions with His words? Explain.

Friday – Luke 14:7-11 The Parable of the Wedding Feast
1. With the meal commencing, Jesus watches as the Pharisees scramble to “choose the places of honor.” Place yourself in the scene, describe what you see as grown men jostle for position around the triclinium.
2. Jesus uses the wisdom of Pro 25:6-7a in His criticism of the Pharisees’ actions and attitudes, but He’s not speaking merely about table manners. What do you think is His point with this rebuke?
3. Why does the kingdom of God operate on the principle of, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (v. 11; cf. Luk 1:51-52; 18:14)?

Monday – Luke 12:49-53 No Peace But Division
1. As Jesus travels closer toward Jerusalem, the cross looms larger and larger on His mental horizon (cf. Luk 9:51). Write several adjectives to describe the tone you imagine Jesus using in this scene.
2. Even though peace is announced at Jesus birth (Luk 2:13-14), He now says “Do you think I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” In what ways is Jesus challenging common understandings about His mission and message? How would you explain this to a friend?
3. Following Jesus may strain family relationships and loyalties. Recount a time when following Jesus brought division in your life. While division is not the goal, why should you willingly risk such tensions (cf. vv. 8-12)?

Tuesday – Luke 12:54-59 Interpreting the Time and Settle with Your Accuser
1. Why do people care enough about the weather to predict and prepare for it but not for eternity?
2. In your own words, apply Jesus’ parable on settling a personal debt before it goes to trial to a person’s spiritual condition (cf. Mat 6:12; Luk 7:36-50).
3. What relevance might Jesus’ rebuke and counsel have for you, living nearly two thousand years after the events that have happened that Jesus is referring to (cf. 2 Pet 3:1-13)?

Wednesday – Luke 13:1-5 Repent or Perish
1. Prompted by Jesus’ previous statements (vv. 54-59), someone in the crowd remarks about a recent tragedy involving Galilean worshipers. What basic assumption underpins their telling of the story (cf. Jhn 9:1-5)?
2. Instead of speaking about political issues, Jesus turns the incident into an opportunity to tell of another tragedy and issues a warning. In your own words, elaborate on His warning.
3. Reflect on why judging others as sinful (or at least less-than-spiritual) is easier than checking your spiritual condition (Luk 6:37-42). How can you overcome this tendency?

Thursday – Luke 13:6-9 The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
1. Furthering the discussion on a faithful response to other’s tragedies (vv. 1-5), Jesus tells the parable of the Barren Fig Tree. Unpack the details of the story.
2. What does the parable tell you about the response the Lord desires from His people? God’s judgment and patience through Jesus? What are the results of responding to or not responding to God’s grace?
3. How does this parable amplify Jesus’ previous statement, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (vv. 3, 5)? Where in your life do you need to bear the fruit of repentance (cf. Luk 3:7-9)? 

Friday – Luke 13:10-17 A Woman with a Disabling Spirit is Healed
1. For the last time in Luke’s gospel, Jesus is teaching in a synagogue on the Sabbath day (4:14-30, 31-37, 44; 6:6-11). Describe the woman who catches His eye as He teaches and what He does for her.
2. Hypocrisy is a recurring theme in Jesus’ words for His people, (cf. Luk 12:1-3, 56). How did the synagogue rulers show hypocrisy in their attitudes toward people, animals, Jesus, and the Sabbath?
3. In what ways is Jesus doing for this woman what He longs to do for you, your friends, family, and neighbors? How can you avoid being a hindrance to His work? How can you join Him in loosening others from the grip of Satan?

Monday – Luke 12:4-7 Have No Fear
1. Jesus must now prepare His disciples for later persecutions. In what ways does the journey to Jerusalem, (that started back in 9:51; cf. 9:21-27, 43b-45), cast a shadow over His instructions here?
2. Elaborate on Jesus’ differentiation between the wrong kind of fear and the proper kind of fear. 
3. Reflect on how the illustrations of sparrows and hairs should encourage you to shun hypocrisy (vv. 1- 3), and fearlessly proclaim your faith (vv. 8-12) even in the face of opposition?

Tuesday – Luke 12:8-12 Acknowledge Christ before Men
1. In your own words, summarize Jesus’ teaching about confessing Him or denying Him. 
2. Peter disowns Jesus three times (Luk 22:31-34, 54-62), and yet he is not only welcomed back into the fold (Jhn 21:15-19) but becomes a leader of the church (cf. Act 1:15; 2:14). What, then, is the overall force of Jesus warning? How does it apply to disciples today?
3. It’s been said, “There are no secret disciples. Either the secret will destroy the disciple, or the disciple will destroy the secret.” When are you tempted to deny Jesus by outright denial or by remaining silent about being His disciple? What steps will you take to boldly proclaim your allegiance to Christ?

Wednesday – Luke 12:13-21 The Parable of the Rich Fool
1. While Jesus is discussing the dangers of hypocrisy and succumbing to persecution, a man interrupts him. What does the man want? Why do you think he interrupts Jesus?
2. While Jesus refuses to judge between the two brothers, He does speak to the man’s motivation in v. 15. How does the parable of the Rich Fool illustrate the truth “that one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possession”?
3. Applying Jesus’ conclusion in v. 21, when are you tempted to horde treasure for yourself? Define what it means to be “rich toward God.” Reflect on how this helps overcome “all kinds of covetousness” (v. 15).

Thursday – Luke 12:22-34 Do Not Be Anxious
1. Turning to His disciples, Jesus instructs them to “not be anxious” about what they will eat or wear. In context, how is worrying about such things related to not being ready for the Lord’s return (vv. 35- 48), greed (vv.13-21), not acknowledging God (vv. 8-12), fearing man (vv. 4-7), and hypocrisy (vv. 1- 3)?
2. List as many reasons as you can for why, according to Jesus, worrying about your life is unnecessary. How does worry dishonor our God who cares for His children?
3. Sometimes we make life much harder than it needs to be. What are the similarities and differences between the anxieties of Jesus’ day and the anxieties exhibited today among disciples? Reflect on all the ways trusting God instead of worrying for these things, frees you to “seek His kingdom.”

Friday – Luke 12:35-48 You Must Be Ready
1. Moving from teachings on worry, Jesus now directs the disciples to “Stay dressed for action” (v. 35). In your own words, summarize the parables Jesus tells to emphasize the need for a state of readiness.
2. Meditate on v. 48, and consider what material goods, abilities, knowledge, and responsibilities you have been given. How will you use these to store up treasures in heaven?
3. If you knew Jesus would return next week, to what degree, if any, would it change your agenda for the next few days? Explore how your answer aligns with Jesus’ teaching on being ready at any moment.