Blessings everyone!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Oaks and Derby Day!

Can you believe we are already to Week 4 of our Gospel of Luke study?   For this week, I have included a few notes along with some questions.  You are more than welcome to add your own comments and/or questions too on the Week 4 page.  Please also look at the questions in your Ignatius Catholic Study Bible for this week’s verse readings.

Remember: SHARE, SHARE, SHARE on the Week 4 page.

Read Luke 4:14-5:39 (The Ministry in Galilee – Part One)

In this week’s readings:

• We are told some reasons why Jesus was sent by the Father.  In verse 4:18, once again we are seeing an example of the “reversal of things” theme.  Here we read that Jesus has been sent to proclaim release to the captives, sight to the blind, and liberty to the oppressed.
• Jesus’ word is spreading (4:27; 5:1-3).
• Examples are given of how we should behave upon receiving God’s grace and truth.  As exemplified in  verse 4:39, we should serve the Lord, even more so when in thanksgiving for his blessings . . . for all that He does for us.  In addition, verses 5:12-15 is an example of how our actions speak louder than our words.  If God has touched you, your actions should show this.
• We see the theme that not everyone will listen to Jesus Christ; some follow, while others do not.  In verse 5:26, the witnesses glorify God.  On the other hand, in verse 5:29, Jesus was forced out of Nazareth.  They resented Jesus, someone whom they knew, preaching to them.
• Verse 5:34 is reminiscent of the Wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11).  Jesus is referred to as the bridegroom. Jesus is the bridegroom and the church is the bride.
• We read that people are reluctant to change.  However, we may have to change to be able to accept God’s grace and truth (5:39).

Questions: 

1. In verses 4:22-4:30, Jesus points out that it is harder to be accepted by those in your own hometown than from those outside of it.  Those who know you may have a harder time accepting your words and actions as they relate to God.  Jesus gives examples of this happening to some Old Testament prophets.  Do you find it harder to be accepted by your own family and friends more than by other people?  Has your faith caused rifts with those close to you?  Is it harder to profess your faith to them than to those outside your hometown/family?
2. In verse 5:8, after filling his boat with fish, Simon Peter said to Jesus, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”  Do you feel unworthy of God?
3. Our actions speak louder than our words. Are your actions an example of someone touched by God? (v. 5:12-15)
4. Our sins weigh us down.  They keep us from truly realizing God’s peace and grace.  Illness was associated with sins. Jesus shows that he has the power to forgive sins by healing the paralytic.  Are your sins paralyzing you?  (v. 5:17-26)
5. Does our society despise people in certain occupations or look “down” on them?  Who does the tax collector represent today? (v. 5:30-32)
6. People are reluctant to change.  However, change is sometimes necessary to fully receive God’s grace and truth (v. 5:39).  It can be hard to try new things; start new habits.   Are you willing to give up your old ways so that you can live a new life with God?