* Read Luke chapter 5-9. * Video 4A - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=972 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 4.A drop box provided in the Unit 4 folder. * 4.A.1 As Jesus heals many in chapters 4 and 5, what effect does that have on the crowds and disciples? When reading these chapters, would one expect to see Jesus go to the cross in the end? * 4.A.2 Discuss the Sermon on the Plain, 6:20-49. What value does Jesus place upon poverty, hunger, and sorrow? What danger is there to prosperity, fullness, and joy? How does God work beyond a person's social or economic status? * 4.A.3 How do the verses 6:35-38 show a generosity to God's nature and a chance for us to share in that nature? * 4.A.4 Does 6:37 prohibit all judgment? William Barclay quotes an old saying: "There is so much bad in the best of us and so much good in the worst of us that it ill becomes any of us to find fault with the rest of us" (Barclay, Luke, 81). Is Barclay saying what v. 37 means? See also 6:39-42. * 4.A.5 What is the essential meaning of the good/bad tree comparison of 6:43-45? * You can't hide who you are; your true nature is going to come out. * You can't change who you are; just accept what you are. * You reveal more about yourself than you really should. * Another meaning? * Video 4B - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=973 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 4.B drop box provided in the Unit 4 folder. * 4.B.1 What power and authority did the centurion understand Jesus to have, 7:1-10? Why was this such remarkable faith? * 4.B.2 Did John actually doubt the identity and mission of Jesus, or was this a way for him to encourage his followers to see Jesus as the Messiah, 7:18-23? * 4.B.3 The sinful woman anoints Jesus and weeps over him. How is she an example of good fruit coming out of a formerly bad tree, a tree which now has been transformed by faith and forgiveness? * 4.B.4 After Jesus healed the demoniac, 8:26-39, the townspeople were terrified, literally "gripped with a great fear," 8:37. What was so frightening now that the man was healed? * 4.B.5 In 8:50, Jesus tells Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe and she will be healed." Why did Jairus have reason for fear and what had just happened in 8:43-48 which could give him hope? * Video 4C - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=974 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 4.C drop box provided in the Unit 4 folder. * 4.C.1 Why does Jesus send the disciples out with so little? Why does he also send them out two by two? * 4.C.2 The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels. Why would this miracle alone be so important as to be included in each Gospel? * 4.C.3 Jesus first asks the disciples who others think him to be. Then he asks them who they think he is. Why does he push them to answer this question on their own? * 4.C.4 Jesus is transfigured for such a brief time and to so few. Why was his transfiguration important? But also, why was it necessary that it be so brief and seen by so few? * 4.C.5 When Jesus is baptized, the Father announces that he is his Son. Then immediately Jesus faces the devil's temptations, 4:1ff. Why is it fitting then that Jesus faces a demon-possessed boy immediately after being transfigured? * Read Luke chapter 10-11. * Video 5A - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=975 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 5.A drop box provided in the Unit 5 folder. * 5.A.1 Jesus sends the disciples out in a distinctive way, 10:1-16. How does their going match, at least in a small way, his own ministry and his own manner of life? * 5.A.2 The disciples come back rejoicing, 10:17, but Jesus gives them several things to celebrate, 10:18-20. Which of those things would you consider most important? * 5.A.3 In considering the parable of the Good Samaritan, why was there such hatred and opposition between the Jews and Samaritans? Your study Bible will likely help with this question. The Concordia Self-Study Bible, for example, has notes on pp. 1463, 1566, 1569, and 1610. * 5.A.4 What did the lawyer want Jesus to do, v. 29? What did Jesus insist on doing instead? * 5.A.5 After hearing the story of the Good Samaritan, what, do you imagine, did the lawyer do, 10:37? Why doesn't Luke tell us specifically what the man did next? * Video 5B - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=976 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 5.B drop box provided in the Unit 5 folder. * 5.B.1 Jesus told Martha that Mary had found the one thing that was needful, 10:42. What is the one thing that is needful? * 5.B.2 When have you been Martha and when have you succeeded in being Mary? * 5.B.3 What are the advantages of having in the Lord's Prayer the exact words that one can use in prayer? * 5.B.4 How does the Lord's Prayer show a balance between our needs, praises to God, and concern for others? * 5.B.5 The video presentation suggested that, in the Lord's Prayer, daily bread comes like a long-awaited shower and forgiveness comes like a daily flood. How might you have experienced this distinction of waiting for daily needs but finding forgiveness to be overwhelming in abundance? * Video 5C - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=977 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 5.C drop box provided in the Unit 5 folder. * 5.C.1 In describing prayer as a friend pounding on the door at midnight, 11:5-8, what does Jesus intend? * Prayer is a relentless asking which awakens God * Prayer is an exercise of faith and is fueled by our urgency * Prayer depends on the importance and even desperation of our requests * 5.C.2 Jesus' promises on prayer, 11:9-13, are seemingly limitless. What limits however do exist on what one can expect to receive in prayer? * 5.C.3 In 11:14-16, Jesus' opponents seek an explanation for his power. How does Jesus turn their arguments around, 11:17-20? * 5.C.4 Jesus uses an image of light from a lamp, 11:33-36. How can you be sure that "the light within you is not darkness"? What would a life full of true light be like? * 5.C.5 Summarize Jesus' arguments against the lifestyles of the Pharisees and the experts in the Law, 11:37-52? How do one or more of these statements capture what's wrong with them? * You are useless and will soon be forgotten * You are cruel, caring nothing for others' needs * You are an empty show, looking good only on the outside * Write a brief paragraph that tells the theme of the Gospel of Luke.

* Choose two events in the Gospel of Luke that demonstrate the theme that you have chosen in question 1 above.

* To whom does Luke write the Gospel?

* What characteristics of the Gospel of Luke make it unique? List and briefly describe at least three.

* In chapter one, an angel appears to both Zechariah and to Mary. How are the angel's visits and messages similar for both Zechariah and Mary? How are their responses to the angel different and what might have caused that difference?

* How does the birth of Jesus in chapter 2 fulfill one or more important themes of Luke?

* How do the two natures of Jesus, human and divine, come through in chapters 1-2 of Luke? Why is it important to see both the humanity and divinity of Jesus?

* What did John the Baptist require of his hearers?

* How is John a fitting forerunner of Jesus? Think especially of the history known of hime in chapters 1-3 of Luke.

* Jesus is baptized, though John knows that Jesus is the “Great One” that he has ben expecting. Why was Jesus baptized by John?

* Describe the nature of Jesus’ three temptations in chapter 4. How does Jesus meet them and what is the importance of his victory over these temptations?

* Recall Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, Luke 6:20-49. Find one to three verses in that section which exemplify the message of Jesus and his life. Discussion briefly why you have chosen those verses as the heart of Jesus’ work.

* Jesus is transfigured in Luke 9. What is the importance of this moment with Elijah, Moses, and the words of the Father?

* The Good Samaritan parable of Luke 10 is well known. How does this parable express some of the key features of the Gospel of Luke?

* Read Luke chapter 12-15. * Video 6A - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=978 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 6.A drop box provided in the Unit 6 folder. * 6.A.1 In 12:4-7 Jesus gives several commands concerning fear. Summarize his directions about what and whom we are to fear and what not to fear. * 6.A.2 What is the meaning of the parable of the rich fool, 12:13-21? * Poverty is next to godliness * Your life can be ended in a moment; you can't predict or be ready for it * Stop grasping after your possessions * Another explanation? * 6.A.3 In 12:22-34, Jesus says, "Do not worry about your life..." What sort of worry does Jesus prohibit? What reasons does he give that would free you from such worry? * 6.A.4 Despite the freedom from a type of worry, disciples are called to be alert, 12:35-48. When Jesus says that you must be ready, v. 40, of what sort of readiness is he speaking? * 6.A.5 Jesus brings not only peace but discord to the earth. Why would he make this a part of his mission? * Video 6B - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=979 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 6.B drop box provided in the Unit 6 folder. * 6.B.1 What was the easy comfort people got from hearing that the tower had fallen in Siloam, 13:1-5? What was Jesus warning to us when similar tragedies strike others but not us? * 6.B.2 What sort of fruit is God looking for from us, according to the image of the fig tree, 13:6-9? How long will he wait to find it? * 6.B.3 Jesus heals two people on the Sabbath, 13:10-13 and 14:1-3. What was the problem for the Pharisees with these healings? What was the point, besides compassion, that Jesus was making by such healings? * 6.B.4 In 13:22-25, Jesus uses the image of the narrow door. What makes the door leading to eternal life narrow and difficult? (Be careful that your answer doesn't center only on the Law, that is, our accomplishments.) * 6.B.5 In contrast to such a narrow, difficult door, the parable of the Great Banquet, 14:15-24, seems to show that heaven is open and eager for people to come in. What is the point of this parable and how does it balance the image of eternal life being seen as a narrow, challenging door? * Video 6C - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=980 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 6.C drop box provided in the Unit 6 folder. * 6.C.1 When have you met someone like the lost sheep, someone deliberately, foolishly running from God? What can be done for them? * 6.C.2 Who has been the lost coin in your experience, that person lost more by the action of others than by his or her own doing? * 6.C.3 What makes the younger son "come to his senses" and desire to return to his father? * Love of the father * Hunger and poverty * The hope that he might regain his status as a son * Another reason? * 6.C.4 How did the older brother feel towards his father and the time they had spent together? How does the older brother demonstrate the attitude of the Pharisees, 15:2? * 6.C.5 What was the point Jesus was making to the Pharisees, 15:1-2, by telling these three parables? How do these parables demonstrate a range of emotions and actions on the part of God? * Read Luke chapter 16-18. * Video 7A - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=981 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 7.A drop box provided in the Unit 7 folder. * 7.A.1 Contrast between interpreting the parable of the Shrewd Manager, 16:1-9 correctly and incorrectly: * A. You missed the point of the parable if you think that it says... * B. You got the point of the parable when you say that... * 7.A.2 How have you seen the general truth of 16:10 in action? * 7.A.3 Jesus warns that no one can serve God and money at the same time. Why would someone want to serve both equally? Why is this ambition of serving God and money doomed to failure? * 7.A.4 The rich man in the parable, 16:19-31, doesn't improve after death. How does he show the same selfishness that he had before he died? * 7.A.5 How could it be that even a man raised from the dead won't convince someone of the truth of eternal life? If that won't do it, what does it take to bring such faith? * Video 7B - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=982 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 7.B drop box provided in the Unit 7 folder. * 7.B.1 In 17:3-4, how does Jesus balance seriousness towards sin with a gracious attitude towards the sinner? * 7.B.2 How does the thankful leper in 17:11-19 express some common themes in Luke concerning healing, compassion, and the inclusion of outcasts? * 7.B.3 When have you seen dramatic healing followed by great thankfulness to God? * 7.B.4 Read again 17:20-21 and its context. How is the kingdom of God found among and around you today? * 7.B.5 In 17:22-37, Jesus describes the nature of the world when he returns. What will the world be like when he comes back? Is there any advice for us in this description? * Video 7C - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=983 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 7.C drop box provided in the Unit 7 folder. * 7.C.1 Jesus clearly shows the reason for the first parable, 18:1-8. Why do we need these reminders and encouragements to pray and not give up? * 7.C.2 How does each mean, the Pharisee and the tax collector, 18:9-14, understand God? How does this understanding shape each man's prayer and God's response? * 7.C.3 Why would the disciples try to keep the children away from Jesus and why was he more determined to bring them near, 18:15-17? * 7.C.4 What do you imagine the rich ruler expected Jesus to tell him to do, 18:18, 22? Would anything have been enough to satisfy his insecurity about having done enough to inherit eternal life? * 7.C.5 The disciples are given a prediction of what is going to happen in Jerusalem, 18:31-34, but they don't understand it. How is it fitting that the next man we meet in the text is a blind man who is eager to follow Jesus? * Read Luke chapter 19-21. * Video 8A - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=984 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 8.A drop box provided in the Unit 8 folder. * 8.A.1 How does Jesus transform Zacchaeus? Also, how is Zacchaeus similar and different from the last two men to meet Jesus, the rich ruler, 18:18-23, and the blind man, 18:35-43? * 8.A.2 Jesus summarizes the parable of the minas with 19:26. Using that verse, summarize the meaning of this parable. * 8.A.3 The entry into Jerusalem is a picture of joy for everyone except the Pharisees, 19:39, and Jesus, 19:41. Why is there sorrow for them while everyone else celebrates? * 8.A.4 In 19:42, Jesus says, "If only you had known what would bring you peace..." What would have brought peace to Jerusalem? * 8.A.5 Jesus cleanses the Temple during this last week of his life. Why would cleansing the Temple be important as he comes to the end of his ministry? Remember the important role of the Temple throughout chapters 1 and 2. * Video 8B - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=985 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 8.B drop box provided in the Unit 8 folder. * 8.B.1 Why does Jesus link the issue of his authority with the question of the authority of John, 20:1-8? * 8.B.2 When the people in 20:16 say, "May this never be!" to what are they referring? What are some of the events that are predicted in this parable? * 8.B.3 When they asked Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar, 20:20-22, what was the trap that they hoped to make for Jesus? How did he avoid it? * 8.B.4 What beliefs lie behind the Sadducees' question about the woman who was married seven times? Why do they hope that this question will catch Jesus? * 8.B.5 How does Jesus demonstrate that the saints in heaven are not limited like we are on earth and that God exists among the living, not the dead? * Video 8C - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=986 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 8.C drop box provided in the Unit 8 folder. * 8.C.1 In 21:1-4, the widow's gift is exceptional. Would you recommend a woman in a similar situation doing the same today? How is this gift a reflection of the coming sacrifice of Jesus? * 8.C.2 Why is it appropriate that Jesus links the destruction of the world with the coming destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem's fall in 70 AD? * 8.C.3 In 21:12-19, how does Jesus combine both serious warning with comfort for his followers? * 8.C.4 Jesus says that the essence of the coming of the kingdom of God will happen to the present generation 21:32. How does the kingdom of God come even during the generation living in the time of Jesus? * 8.C.5 Summarize Jesus' final advice about how to prepare for the end of the world, 21:34-36. * Read Luke chapter 22-23. * Video 9A - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=987 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 9.A drop box provided in the Unit 9 folder. * 9.A.1 Two difficult questions for which we have no absolute answer: Did Judas understand the significance of what he was doing? How much did he understand of Jesus' divinity and mission? * 9.A.2 Jesus predicts the arrangements for the Passover meal, 22:10-13. How might this have strengthened the disciples' faith concerning his promises of his coming death and resurrection? * 9.A.3 In 22:19, Jesus says, "Do this in remembrance of me." What specific things might the disciples and we remember of him? * 9.A.4 How could the disciples sit through the meal with Jesus and then so quickly return to their debate over who was the greatest? * 9.A.5 What was Jesus especially concerned about while he prayed, 22:39-44? * Video 9B - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=988 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 9.B drop box provided in the Unit 9 folder. * 9.B.1 Jesus notes in 22:52-53 that he has long been available for arrest in the daylight and in the Temple. But now, in darkness, the arrest comes. Why is it fitting that the arrest of Jesus comes in the dark and that darkness covers the world at his death, 23:44-45? * 9.B.2 To what degree was Peter conscious of what was happening as he denied Jesus in the courtyard, 22:54-61? At what other times do familiar, forewarned temptations overwhelm us? * 9.B.3 What was in the look that Jesus gave to Peter, 22:61? * 9.B.4 If Jesus had spoken fully of whom he was, 22:68-69, or done the miraculous signs that Herod wanted, what might have been the outcome? * 9.B.5 Pilate knows what he should do - free Jesus - but he can't bring himself to do it. What fears drive him to crucify Jesus? * Video 9C - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=989 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 9.C drop box provided in the Unit 9 folder. * 9.C.1 The crowd challenges Jesus, "If he is the Christ...", 23:35. How does this recall the temptation in the desert at the beginning of Jesus' ministry? * 9.C.2 Why is a God who won't save himself inconceivable for the crowd? * 9.C.3 How is the thief on the cross, 23:40-42, a remarkable witness and example of faith? * 9.C.4 What immediate comfort for the thief and lasting comfort for us does Jesus give this man? * 9.C.5 How does Jesus show acceptance and faith even in the darkest moment of his death, 23:46? * Read Luke chapter 24. * Video 10A - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=990 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 10.A drop box provided in the Unit 10 folder. * 10.A.1 How did the women likely feel as they approached the tomb? How are they similar in this emotion to other people whom we have met in the Gospel? * 10.A.2 How are they transformed in their feelings and actions by the angels? Again, how are they similar in this change to people previously encountered in Luke? * 10.A.3 Why was it so difficult for the disciples and the women to remember and act on the words of Jesus which promised his resurrection? * 10.A.4 If they had believed his words about the coming resurrection, what would have been different about the women and the disciples? * 10.A.5 Consider how the Gospel began in chapter one. Why is it fitting that the Gospel ends with angels bringing a message concerning the Savior who will soon be seen? * Video 10B - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=991 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 10.B drop box provided in the Unit 10 folder. * 10.B.1 When you get to the end of 24:12, what do you expect will be the next thing to happen? How does the episode of the Emmaus Road disciples either fulfill or change that expectation? * 10.B.2 How did the two disciples act and speak as they were summarizing the life of Jesus, 24:17-24? * 10.B.3 What did the disciples expect of Jesus, both in his ministry and even in his resurrection, if he was resurrected, 24:19-24? * 10.B.4 Why then did Jesus conduct his ministry and his day of resurrection so differently? * 10.B.5 Why did Jesus focus on the Old Testament prophecies rather than explain what he did and prove who he was right away? * Video 10C - http://www.cuw.edu/videoserver/fullplayer.cfm?movieid=992 * Notebook Questions: Please submit your answers (4 to 6 sentences per question) in the 10.C drop box provided in the Unit 10 folder. * 10.C.1 In 24:36-43, why was it vital that the disciples believe that Jesus actually rose in his body and that he was not merely a ghost? * 10.C.2 In 24:45, Jesus opened up their minds to understand the Scripture. How does this fulfill a struggle to understand the Scriptures that's been going on throughout Luke? See also 2:50, 8:10, and 18:34. * 10.C.3 After the Ascension, 24:50-53, how are the disciples able to rejoice and worship, even though Jesus has left them? * 10.C.4 What was the most significant event in the Gospel of Luke for you? * 10.C.5 After studying Luke's Gospel in this way, what was something new you learned about the person and work of Jesus?

1. In chapter 12, Jesus speaks at length about riches and worry. Summarize what he teaches about wealth and our concern for the future.

2. In chapter 15 there are three parables. How do these three parables share a common message. However, what is distinctive about each of these parables?

3. How does the context of Luke 15:1-2 contribute to our understanding of the parables of chapter 15, especially the last parable with the younger and older brother?

4. In chapter 17, the thankful Samaritan returns after being healed. How do his actions demonstrate one or more of the key features of Luke's Gospel?

5. Chapter 18 begins with two parables about prayer. Summarize Jesus' teaching about prayer in these parables.

6. Write a paragraph that explains why Jesus sometimes taught through the use of parables.

7. How is Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, chapter 19, and his own reaction both what we might expect and also a bit of a surprise?

8. Summarize Jesus' actions and teachings in Jerusalem on the last days before his death, Luke 19-20.

9. In chapter 22, Jesus celebrates the Passover with the disciples just before his death. Why is it appropriate that he share this meal as his last time with the disciples?

10. Read Luke 23:39-43. How do the words of the thief on the cross fulfill one or more of the themes of the Gospel of Luke?

11. Read Luke 24:17-35. What was Jesus' frustration with the disciples on the road? If they had understood what he explained to them, how would this have comforted them in their sorrow and given hope for the resurrection?

12. Choose any story or episode from the Gospel of Luke which is a good example of Luke's presentation of Jesus and the Gospel. Why is this section important to your understanding of Jesus and his work?