Scripture Reflections Lk 1-16

**PLEASE WRITE RESPONSES IN DIFFERENT COLOR**

1. What details of the lives of Jesus and Mary do you find in the first 2 chapters of Luke that aren't recorded in the other Synoptic Gospels we've read?

2. It makes most sense that Luke got his extra details from spending time with Mary. Imagine those conversations. What did that look like/feel like? Where would they have been? Did Mary make dinner or what!? What did you learn from Luke and/or Mary, that you can apply in your life? Ponder this scenario in your heart...and let me know what you come up with.

3. Did you realize that completing #2 is a very simple form of prayer? (Yes/no) You can do this with any scripture story--just imagine you're in it and learn from it in your heart.

4. What might it mean in Lk 3:16: He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire?

5. Jesus was tempted in the desert (Lk 4:2). We are tempted every day at PND, sports, online, on the weekends. Does that make Jesus sinful, too? What is the difference between how He handled temptations, and how we sometimes do?

6. Notice in Lk 4 the devil was unable to harm Jesus in the desert. But he did say to Jesus: throw yourself down from the pinnacle of the temple. What does this mean for us as well: can the devil do any final damage to us without our cooperation/acceptance?

7. What do we learn from Simon Peter's obedience to Jesus request to lower the nets one final time? (5:4). "Put out into the deep" says Jesus...and Simon Peter obeys. How does Jesus call you to "Put out into the deep"? Are you responding?

8. What does Jesus do (all night) before making the important decision of selecting his 12 Apostles in 12:1ff? List the Apostles as well. After listing them, tell me how many Apostles names you can remember by name without looking.

9. What major differences do you spot between Luke's version of the Beattitudes and Matthews?

10. Cf: 6:37. "Judge not, and you will not be judged." Why do you think it is so stinkin' easy to see the speck/splinter in our brother's eye, while we've got a full "log" in our own? Why is it so easy to take God's job, and judge others?

11. 7:1-10. Why was Jesus so impressed by the Centurian?

12. Explain the connection you seee in Lk 7:47-50, between faith and love. What might one say about someone's faith who fails to love well?

13. Lk 11. What is different/missing about Luke's version of the Lord's Prayer? Why might this be?

14. "A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Lk 12:15. Has your heart's stance changed at all reading these themes of simplicity? On a scale of 1-10, how drawn are you by the lure of material things, like ipods, cars, clothes, etc. Be honest--no penalties here.

15. 12:51 Jesus came for division, not peace? What gives?

16. Read again 14:7-11. What do you make of folks rushing/running to be first in line at lunch. Is that Christian--at ALL???

17. Considering we've all sinned...what line from Ch 14 makes us sinners comforted, knowing there is great rejoicing in heaven for our type--when we are converted?