Lesson 5

Beginnings

Luke 4:14-5:16

Oct. 12

Sometimes people say, "Everything has been going so well that I feel something awful coming." They know enough about life not to expect good things to continue forever. But we need not be fatalistic. We can be both realistic and positive about expectations in life.
We have seen how well Jesus began. We shall also see how realistic he was about fickle human nature and how he drew out the best in people who wanted to follow him.

1. When you’ve felt rejection (on any level), what was your greatest fear?

2. Read Luke 4:14-30. What link do you see between Jesus’ temptations and the beginning of his mission (vv. 14-15)?

3. In his hometown of Nazareth Jesus makes the startling claim that he is the.Messiah of whom Isaiah’s prophecy speaks. Which aspects of the Anointed One’s work in verses 18-19 do you think Christians today are strong in carrying on?

Where are they weak?

4. Watch the people’s changing attitudes to Jesus (vv. 14-15, 20-22, 28-29).What has caused the radical change?

5. What prejudices can make people today object to Jesus’ good news or perhaps to Jesus himself?
How would you respond to these objections?

6. Read Luke 4:31-44. Having been rejected by Nazareth, Jesus now makes Capernaum his base of operations. Here Luke describes what may be a typical work day for Jesus. Identify his activities during that period (vv. 31-44).

7. Note how varied are Jesus’ activities, the places he went to and the people he helped. From the text how could you answer someone who calls Jesus a workaholic, a poor example to follow?

8. Read Luke 5:1-16. Note the progressive steps by which Jesus persuades.Simon Peter to leave everything and follow him. When you met Jesus, what tensions arose as you recognized the need to leave everything to follow him?

9. In its context Jesus’ healing of the leper appears to be a personal encounter, typical of his opening ministry. As such then, what do you observe about.Jesus as a people helper?

10. Think of your ministry to others. Which of Jesus’ ministering qualities do you want to have added or reinforced in your life?

Praise God for such a Teacher and Lord!