Reading Luke and Acts in 2020
Week 17 | Luke 17
Luke 17 Reflections and Questions
By Rev. Richard D. Winn, Sr.
Luke Chapter 17 provides the reader with a smorgasbord of information. It includes the following:
- Chapter 17:1-10 – Forgiveness and Faith
- Chapter 17:11-19 – Healing Ten Men with Leprosy
- Chapter 17:20-37 – Jesus and the Coming of the Kingdom of God
In order for us to maximize our devotion, I will use the above categories. William Barclay in his Luke Study Bible Series, introduced me to the breakdown and for me it worked very well. He also stated that Luke was a Gentile, and he has the unique distinction of being the only New Testament writer who was not a Jew. Luke was a doctor by profession and according to Barclay, that very fact gave Luke the wide sympathy he possessed.
I view Luke’s gospel as approachable, adaptable, and easy to digest. It can be attached to many of our life’s events.
Wednesday, April 22
Please read the entire 17th Chapter of Luke today. As you read, please note that there are three distinct sections in this chapter. Verses 1-10 – Forgiveness and Faith, Verses 11-19 – Healing of the Ten Lepers, and Verses 20-37 – Jesus and the Coming of the Kingdom of God.
As you read, try and seek everyday applications to your life or someone you know. Jot down at least five applications per section. If you cannot locate five, do as many as you can, up to five. Once you have done this, pray for each application. Pray according to the need.
Thursday, April 23
Today, I want you to think instructions. Read the three sections and locate all areas of instruction, i.e., what did Jesus instruct the disciples to do, the ten lepers to do, and how did he instruct the disciples referring to the Kingdom of God. Be detailed in your search. Oftentimes, Jesus’s instructions will come as a result of mini-stories, look for them. Choose one and really investigate its potential for our lives.
I sought out the one where Jesus told the lepers to go show yourselves to the priest. As I thought about this, I thought about the Coronavirus. Those who were quarantined had to go to the authorities in order to receive a pass. The purpose of the pass was to go back to a normal life.
The virus itself knew no boundaries. It attacked the old, the young, the rich, the poor, and all ethnic backgrounds. The common tragedy in the text was leprosy. The common tragedy in my example is the Coronavirus. The issue of ingratitude in the text surfaced when only one came back to thank Jesus. To date, I have not seen ingratitude with the Coronavirus. Do you?
Friday, April 24
Answer the following from Luke 17:20-37:
1. What is your understanding of the Kingdom of God?
2. What did Jesus mean when he said the Kingdom of God is within you?
3. Is the Kingdom of God coming with signs we can see?
Saturday, April 25
Read the entire 17th Chapter of Luke again.
1. How did it speak to you? Be specific.
2. Can you translate its message to a relative or friend?
3. Pray for good worship on Sunday, April 26.
PEACE!
Rev. Richard D. Winn, Sr. is superintendent of the Griffin District. |
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