Read Luke 12:1-13:35 (Journey to Jerusalem – Part Two)
Don’t forget to share with the group your thoughts regarding this week’s verses or questions! Use the comment box below.
Questions:
- What verse or verses stand out to you, touch you? Why?
- In verse 12:5, it states that we should only fear God. Then, in verse 12:10, it states that “who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” Here, in the United States, we are lucky to not have to fear dying for our beliefs. If you did not live in such a faith tolerant society, could you defend God and the Holy Spirit even under persecution and/or fear of death? Knowing verses 12:5 and 12:10, could you take a stand for your beliefs? (12:1-12)
- “Take care to guard against all greed for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” (12:15) How wealthy are you in the eyes of our Lord? (12:13-21)
- By eliminating our worldly concerns and replacing it with what matters to God, we will prepare ourselves for Heaven. Where does your treasure lie? Do you need to move your treasure? (12:22-34)
- Do you see how faith/religion can cause division within a family? Within our society?(12:49-53)
- Bad can happen to good people too. Are you prepared in case today is your last? (13:1-9)
- “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” (13:24) How strong is your spirit? Do you think you will be able to enter Heaven? If not, how can you strengthen your spirit now to prepare? (13:22-30)
Additional Questions found in the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible – Gospel of Luke
Life Giving Bread 
Verse 12:5 is a little scary to me, but it helps put things into perspective. I am glad that I am not tested on my allegiance to God. However, verse 5, I think, would help me some in knowing which side to take 🙂
In regards to questions #3, I don’t consider myself to be materialistic. However, I also don’t choose to go without everything. I don’t think God expects us to live without everything. I think as long as I don’t rank possessions as more important than how I live my life, I will look alright in the eyes of the Lord.
As a mother, Luke 12:22-34 can be tough. For question #4, I’d have to say I worry quite a bit. I worry about how the children are doing at school. Are other kids bullying them? Are they liking school and understanding what they are being taught? I also worry about whether or not I am a good mom. Am I scarring them for life? Will something I say or do now haunt me down the road? I think there is a lot of worrying going on as a parent. However, I like to know that God has me covered. I try not to worry about EVERYTHING. It is a relief to be able to just place my worries into his hands. I find solace in my prayers to Him, requesting that he take over for me and allow me to put my trust in Him to take care of me and my family.
Jumping to question #7. Until I read these verses, I didn’t know that getting in to Heaven is stated as being that tough. I guess I knew that it wouldn’t be easy, but verse 13:24 reminds me how important it is for me to continue to strengthen my spirit so that it is ready when my time comes. I know that studying the bible is helping me out a lot in this regards. It allows me the time to dedicate to my spiritual growth. I am learning so much every time I study. It is uplifting, and it is also eye-opening to what I need to do in this life to prepare for the next. I hope my spirit is strong enough to enter Heaven when my time comes. I don’t know if it is strong enough now, but I will continue to work on it.
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