I want to take this time to thank all of you my readers. This blog started several years ago with just a few followers and now has grown to almost 1,000 followers. I’ve found it to be a great tool in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are keeping me accountable to daily Bible reading and study. We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing.
As the journey continues through God’s Word next week, below are questions for reflection for the study of Luke which will help focus some thoughts to share in posts over the next few weeks. Luke is an educated Gentile – physician, historian, and traveler. In Luke’s concern for the development of the Gospel, he explains that the kingdom of God is not contained within the boundaries set by Jewish religious leaders. He set out to explain that the Gospel proclaimed by Jesus is for all that would like to follow including the poor, the sick, and the outcasts.
Luke 1:1-25
What does Luke’s own introduction reveal about his reliability, source material, purpose, and distinction? Why did Zechariah want proof from the angel that he would have a son? In what ways have you questioned God’s purpose in your life?
Luke 1:26-38
In what ways are Elizabeth’s and Mary’s situation similar and different? What does the angel reveal about the identity and destiny of Jesus? In what situations have you chosen between the approval of others or submission to God with a resulting stigma? What choice have you mad? Why?
Luke 1:39-56
How does Elizabeth know Mary’s secret? In the song Mary recites, what does she say concerning the character of God, His actions and activity, and His attitude toward people? For which of God’s attributes can you praise Him today? How can you view immediate problems in the perspective of past and future history as Mary does?
Luke 1:57-80
What does Zechariah say about the purpose of the Messiah and the purpose of his own son?Measure the purpose of your life with verses 73-75 and 79. What is significant about both Zechariah’s and Mary’s referring to the broad sweep of history?
Luke 2:1-20
Imagine the hardship of the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Describe the conditions surrounding the birth of Jesus. How much hardship, frustration, and inconvenience are you willing to endure as God’s instrument? The Shepherds were at work when told about Jesus. Do you listen for God’s message to you as you go about your daily work (v. 2:8 and 1:8)?
Luke 2:21-39
How do Joseph and Mary comply with God’s demands (See Gen. 17:9-13; Ex 13:2, 13; Lev. 12)? What is Simeon doing in the Temple (v. 27)? What does he prophesy about Jesus?
Luke 2:40-52
Where was Jesus when Mary and Joseph saw that He was not with them on their return back home? With what are you occupied when not involved in the daily routine of life? From verses 40 and 52 describe Jesus’ childhood. Are you growing in similar directions?
The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
