- Marks
of Jesus' True Disciples
- Luke
10:25-11:13
- Dec. 7
It is
sometimes hard to tell who is
a real Christian. This is not
necessarily because people
indiscriminately claim to be
Christian. One reason is that
many people sincerely live by
inherited Christian values and
even show fruit of the Spirit.
But they have no personal
relationship with God. On the
other hand, some claim such a
relationship to God but do not
live by his standards.
Among the many who followed
Jesus were those who also were
not clear about true
discipleship. So Jesus makes
it absolutely clear what marks
a true follower of his.
1. If you are not told, how
can you tell if a person is a
Christian?
2. Read Luke 10:25-37. The
conversation begins with a man
who “stood up,” indicating
he had been sitting with
others listening to Jesus
teach. What other facts about
this man can you pick up in
verses 25-29?
3. What does Jesus perceive
about his understanding of the
Law (vv. 25-28)?
4. To challenge the expert
Jesus portrays the hero in his
parable as a Samaritan. This
despised outsider proves
obedience to God’s law of
love by his actions. Note the
specific ways that he “took
pity” on the victim (vv.
33-35). What could be Jesus’
reasons for including such
details?
5. In verse 36 Jesus reverses
the expert’s original
question in verse 29. If you
were the expert, what effect
would this have on you?
6. The Samaritan exemplifies
the first mark of true
disciples. But what objections
to following his example would
some people raise?
7. Read Luke 10:38-42. Martha
displays both positive and
negative qualities. From your
observation of her and of
Jesus’ comment what is her
root problem?
8. To choose what is better is
the second mark of true
disciples. What qualities do
you observe in people who,
like Mary, “choose what is
better”?
9. Read Luke 11:1-13 for the
third mark of Jesus’ true
disciples—praying. In verses
2-4 Jesus is not giving a
prayer merely to be recited.
Rather, he is giving prayer
headings. What basic needs do
these headings cover?
10. By parable and commentary
Jesus urges his disciples to
pray with boldness. We can
dare to be bold because of who
God is—our Father and our
King (vv. 2, 13). How should
trust in such a God radicalize
your praying?
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