All in The Family
The further we go in Luke, the more we see Jesus inviting people in: He is preaching and demonstrating the Kingdom of God, but ultimately he’s looking for people who will really hear him and join him. He isn’t interested in large crowds. He doesn’t want to just upend religion and question the status quo. He wants to build a family — a spiritual family of brothers and sisters — who will be with him and do the work of preaching and demonstrating the Kingdom with him. Jesus has come to reweave the fabric of Shalom, and as individuals experience him, his ministry, and his message, they become participants with him in the work. To be a part of Jesus’ family means we not only listen and receive from him, but that we also get involved and do the work alongside him.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Read Luke 8 this week. What stands out? Who are the major players, and what do they encounter in Jesus?
2. Spend some time on the parable (v.4-8) and Jesus’ explanation of it (v.9-15). What makes for good soil?
3. Notice how the description of good soil (v.15) is similar to Jesus’ description of his true family (v.21). What’s he saying?
4. In what ways are you a hearer or recipient of the ministry of Jesus? How has the good news met you?
5. In what ways are you a doer or participant in the ministry of Jesus? How is the good news going forward through you?
November 6, 2022 - Steve Hart