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Lesson OneLuke–John: The Gospel According to Luke and John5 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson TwoJesus and John: Two Miracle Births5 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson ThreeWho IS This Man?: The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry5 Activities1 Assessment
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Course Wrap-UpCourse Completion1 Activity1 Assessment
Participants 96
Discussion Questions
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After learning about the gospel of John, why do you think he chose to focus the first half of his book on seven miracles or signs from Jesus? How did this help John accomplish his purpose that was discussed in the lesson?
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Dr. Blomberg says, “Luke clearly seems to have been a Gentile.” What significance do you see in this? How might this have affected how Luke’s gospel was written and how it was received at the time it was written?
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If Luke was a Gentile then he would understand the struggles and beliefs specific to Gentiles. Therefore, Luke’s gospel would reflect this.
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I think it is so important that this perspective was included for the sake of outsiders both in biblical times and now. Today, just as representation in media and cultural conversations are important, it is important that more diverse voices share in the authorship of scripture. This likely gave an access point to the gospel for those uncertain if they were welcome in a Judeo-centric movement. For Luke, I can see this being his moment to welcome in and reassure non-jews like himself. It is a signal flair to the Gentile world which said, “You are welcome. These are the facts and you can trust me because I am like you.” I see this as significant for today, as well. We see the early church, then, as a movement of unprecedented welcome, after which we ought to model the church of today.
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It is tremendously significant that Luke was a Gentile. Through his own life experience, he would know what other Gentiles’ experiences would have looked like at this time, particularly when it comes to feeling like the outcast, the poor, or the “less than.” This is more than likely why he chooses to focus on some stories that other gospel writers did not such as the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin and the parables of the rich fool and rich man and Lazarus. Demonstrating that Jesus had this love for the underdogs of the world would be something that moves the hearts of the Gentiles tremendously as they would see him as a loving Savior for ALL. Also, Luke loves to share stories (according to Blomberg, he writes about Jesus teaching parables twice as much in his book than the others) and he is also the first Christian historian. Having an accurate historical layout would also be appealing to the Gentiles.
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Luke has a unique perspective from the other three gospel accounts. While the overarching themes of Luke are salvation, prayer and joy, Luke also recounts many stories and parables that focus on those of a compassionate savior. Luke discusses many healings of paralyzed, sick and even dead individuals because Jesus had “compassion” on them, rather than because they were worthy in any way. Tax collectors and sinners, unclean women, even Mary Madeline, who essentially washed Jesus’ feet as she wiped her tears away from his feet and anointed his feet with perfume, were allowed to meet and even touch Jesus. His responses to the Jewish Pharisees who spoke out were always in defense of the lowly. I think that Luke does this in part to show his audience that Jesus is noble and true, a savior for all men and women.