Take a brief moment to review this fall’s sermon series, “Stories Worth Living: Parables of the Kingdom.” Which of the stories most resonated with you? Which was the most challenging? How have you seen God draw you more toward Him in this last season?
Read Luke 19.45-20.9. What is the primary implication of the text? What stands out to you in the text? Where do you sense God speaking to you most personally?
This story is set on the Wednesday of Passion Week. Why does the setting matter to the telling of this parable?
What does Jesus mean when He says, “My house will be a house of prayer?” Why did He call it a “den of robbers.”
Review the following passages and call the line of J.D. Walt. Note where and how you see God initiating dramatic activity in each of these passages.
- Judges 6.25-26
- 1 Kings 18.30-31
- 2 Kings 23.4-6
- Amos 5.21-24 (MSG)
What did the Temple in Jerusalem represent? How is our church similar in its presence? How is our church different?
When people drive by Sanctuary, what do they know about our house? Would they define our house as a “house of prayer?”
What about your house? When people drive by your house, with whom or what do they associate your house? The people that come in and out of your house, your children, friends, and family. Do you they sense your house is a house of prayer? If not, with what or whom do they associate your house?
Reread Luke 19.47-48. Note the last phase. Why were people “hanging on His words?”
Reread Luke 20.1-2. Note the phrase, “Proclaiming the Good News.” What is the Good News Jesus is proclaiming? How is that news still good today? How do you continue to receive His Good News?
Jesus is challenged by the Scribes and Pharisees. In His response, Jesus doesn’t directly answer their question. Why does He instead answer with another question?
What is the point of the discussion regarding baptism? What’s the difference between John’s baptism and the ritual baptism practiced at the Temple? At Sanctuary, we celebrate believers’ baptism. How does believer’s baptism align with John’s baptism?
Read Isaiah 5.1-7 alongside the Parable of the Tenants here in Luke. What’s the purpose of the parable? What is the main point Jesus is making in telling this story? How does the parable and prophecy of Isaiah speak to the hearts of the Pharisees? How are these Scriptures speaking to you?
Reflect on the line from J.D. Walt. “Whenever God wants to initiate dramatic activity in Israel’s midst, he begins with their worship practices.” What dramatic activity is God doing in your midst? How is His activity affecting the way you worship?
Spend some time praying for your neighbors, your neighborhood, and our church. That He would rule and reign our bodies, minds and hearts. Give Him praise for His continual work in your life.
