Luke: Lenten Bible Reading Plan Questions & Resources

Week One:

Discussion Questions

  • If you could, like Luke, write an account of the life of Jesus, what would you choose to focus on? In other words, what events, themes, miracles, teachings, etc. would you highlight above all others? What would you be tempted to minimize about his life?

  • Think about, or go back and skim the story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 11-21. What similarities do you notice between the birth stories of John and Jesus to Isaac with Sarah and Abraham? Why do you think Luke makes these connections?

  • If you could write a song to God about something God has done in your life, what would you write about?

  • We’re officially in the Lenten season, yet this week we’re reading the Christmas story. How does knowing where Jesus’ story ends – with his death and resurrection – change your perspective on how the story begins?

  • The angels testify that Jesus’ birth is “good news of great joy!” How has Jesus’ presence in your own life been good news for you, or brought you great joy? Are there moments where that hasn’t seemed to be the case for you?

Resources

Week Two:

Discussion Questions

  1. What stuck out to you about the reading from this week? Was there a verse or idea that was particularly meaningful or challenging for you?

  2. Jesus begins his ministry by healing those who are sick, teaching about the Kingdom of God, and performing miracles. If you were given the opportunity to begin a ministry of your own, what would you focus on? What kinds of things would you do if you knew resources were not an obstacle?

  3. Luke’s Gospel highlights how Jesus welcomes society’s outsiders and outcasts into God’s Kingdom. Who gets left out from the circles you belong to–at church or in your daily life? What are the ways we can be intentional about including and welcoming those who might be considered outcasts by society?

  4. In this week’s reading, Jesus calls his first disciples from around the region of Galilee. Being a disciple simply means being a follower or student of that person. Take a moment to write down all the different people, organizations, or trends you follow. Now circle your top three or five. What are these people, organizations, or trends you follow leading you toward–and is that a place you want to go? Finally, are there any people in your life who you are actively discipling? How can you be more intentional about leading your disciples well.

Resources

Week Three:

Discussion Questions

  1. The reading features many of the teachings and parables from Jesus’ earthly ministry. If you could sit face-to-face with Jesus and learn about any one thing, what would you choose and why?

  2. Read Luke 6:27-36. What kinds of people do we consider enemies, and what does it mean for us to practically love our enemies today?

  3. Read Luke 6:46-49. What does it mean to build our foundation upon the rock–what even is the rock? Where do you feel like your foundation currently rests?

  4. In Luke 9, Jesus sends out the twelve disciples ahead of him to preach the gospel and heal those in need. In what ways are you going forth as a disciple of Jesus–what does that practically look like in today’s world?

  5. In Luke 9:18-20, Jesus asks Peter the famous question, “Who do you say that I am?” Take some time to reflect on how you would answer Jesus’ question–who is Jesus to you? What are some of the things you believe about Jesus? What are the expectations you have of him? As Peter would quickly learn, some of his ideas about Jesus needed to be uprooted. Spend a few moments in prayer asking God to bring to light any false ideas, expectations, or assumptions you have about Jesus.

Week Four:

Discussion Questions:

  1. In Luke 9:57-62, Luke speaks to the cost of following Jesus as a disciple. In your own experience, what have you needed to give up in order to follow Jesus? What have you gained in return?
  2. When Jesus is asked the meaning of the Law, he responds by saying, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” What does this mean to you? What does it look like to practically live this out?
  3. Read Luke 10:38-42, the famous story about Martha and Mary. Which of the sisters do you identify with more and why? Where do you feel tempted to do for Jesus instead of being with Jesus?
  4. Read The Parable of the Rich Fool found in Luke 12:13-21. How would you summarize the main point of this parable? Where does our culture tempt us to store up treasures for ourselves rather than being “rich toward God?”
  5. Luke 12:22-34 speaks about the futility of anxiety. Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.” The idea being expressed here is less about simply being concerned, and more about a deep, consistent fretting that takes over your mind and energy. Take a moment to write down all of the things giving you anxiety right now. Then read this passage in Luke, slowly. What do you think God might be trying to say to you amid your worry? Finally, take your list of worries and offer it up to God (feel free to even crumple it up and throw it in the trash can if it helps!).

Resources

Week Five:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What stuck out to you about the reading from this week? Was there a verse or idea that was particularly meaningful or challenging for you?
  2. What does it mean to “produce fruit?” What kind of fruit do you think Jesus is expecting us to produce? Are there times where you feel like your tree is empty? Why is that?
  3. Jesus describes the cost of discipleship as putting God first–even over our own family. What does this look like practically for you? What does it mean to put God first in your life? Are there areas where you’re tempted not to do so?
  4. How should the way of Jesus change the way we conduct our business affairs? Is it right to take advantage of loopholes in the system or shrewd practices if it helps us get ahead, even if they go against the teachings of Jesus?
  5. Jesus warns the disciples not to fall victim to the model of the Pharisees. Who do you think Jesus would warn us against following today? Who are the people you find yourself modeling your own life after these days?

Week Six:

Discussion Questions:

  1. We all want to think of ourselves as independent or self-sufficient. What does that look like for you? Where are you tempted to believe that you are in complete control of your life rather than dependent upon God?
  2. What do you consider to be your treasure? What would you be sad to lose if Jesus asked you to give it up? Why do you think this particular thing, idea, or whatever comes to mind for you has such a hold in your life?
  3. Take a moment to think about the things God has entrusted you with. How are you using these talents, gifts, resources, etc. to make investments in the kingdom of God? Where might you be tempted to just hold on to them for safe keeping or self preservation?
  4. Think about how you use your resources–your time, talents, gifts, money. What do they say about the things you value? Are you only giving when it’s easy or convenient? Or do you give to the point where you feel like you’re really sacrificing? What would this practically look like for you–to give to the point where it begins to hurt?
  5. Jesus calls his disciples to stand firm in the face of violence and persecution. What does this look like for us today? What are the challenges we face that may tempt us away from faithfulness to God and how might Jesus be calling us to persevere in the face of them?

Week Seven:

Discussion Questions:

  1. In a world where people are constantly striving and clawing for power, Jesus reveals the true nature of leadership—to serve others in humility. What does it look like for you to reshape your idea of leadership following Jesus’ example?
  2. What would it look like when you are facing temptation to adopt Jesus’ prayer from the garden? Not my will, but your will, God. How does this change the way you think about the challenges you might currently be facing?
  3. The Pharisees are so blinded by their hatred for Jesus that they can’t see him for who he truly is. Do you think this might be true for us too? Who are those people for whom your emotions are so strong that you are now blinded to who they are, or to who God says they are?
  4. We don’t literally echo the call for Jesus to be crucified today. But what are the ways we are also guilty of betraying Jesus? Are there moments where we’re unfaithful to God, where we trust in our own wisdom?
  5. What expectations or assumptions do you have about Jesus? Where do you think these come from? Are there any that might be blinding you to the truth about who Jesus is?
  6. How has studying the Gospel of Luke changed or challenged the confidence you have in your faith? What are you taking away from this journey?

Resources: