Bible Study - New Testament 10/15/2025
Bible Study Recap: The Gospel of Luke — The Servant King and His Mission In this study, we explored Luke’s powerful portrayal of Jesus as the Servant King—humble, compassionate, and committed to restoring the broken. The discussion began with John the Baptist’s role as the forerunner, preparing the way for Jesus and revealing that true knowledge of God comes only through divine grace and revelation. From the start, Luke shows that Jesus fulfills God’s promises to Israel while extending mercy to the entire world. Grace and Revelation in Luke We reflected on how Luke emphasizes grace as the doorway to understanding Jesus’ mission. Faith is not achieved by effort but received through revelation. Jesus came as the Servant King, fulfilling prophecy and inviting all to experience God’s salvation. Jesus’ Compassion for the Marginalized The study highlighted how Jesus reached out to those on the fringes—widows, the poor, foreigners, and sinners. Stories like the centurion’s servant, the widow’s son, and the sinful woman reveal Jesus’ deep compassion. His mission wasn’t political liberation but spiritual restoration. As James 1:27 reminds us, true religion is caring for the marginalized and living out mercy. Forgiveness and Gratitude Through the parable of the forgiven debtor, Jesus contrasts the gratitude of the forgiven woman with the indifference of Simon the Pharisee. We discussed how modern faith can lose sight of sin’s seriousness and how genuine thankfulness grows from realizing our own need for grace. Active Discipleship in a Modern World Conversation turned to how discipleship looks today. True faith isn’t passive attendance—it’s active obedience. Drawing from Luke 9–10, we noted that Jesus sent ordinary disciples to preach and heal, reminding us that participation in God’s kingdom is for everyone willing to serve, not just spectators. The Good Samaritan and Neighborly Love We unpacked Jesus’ challenge to love beyond comfort zones. The parable shifts the question from “Who is my neighbor?” to “Who can I be a neighbor to?” True righteousness crosses social, racial, and religious boundaries to show mercy to anyone in need. Prayer’s Audacity and God’s Generosity Luke’s account of the persistent neighbor teaches that prayer should be bold and expectant. Jesus encourages “shameless audacity” in seeking God, assuring that the Father delights in giving good gifts—especially the Holy Spirit—to those who ask with faith. Inclusive Mercy and God’s Joy Through parables like the Great Banquet and the Lost Sheep, Jesus reveals God’s expansive mercy. Heaven rejoices over one repentant sinner, reminding us that no one is beyond redemption. Jesus’ mission confronts hypocrisy and calls us to mirror God’s inclusive love. Repentance and Grace in the Prodigal Son This timeless parable captures the heart of the gospel—repentance, forgiveness, and the Father’s extravagant love. We reflected on how both the rebellious and the self-righteous need grace, and how repentance restores relationship, not just rule-keeping. Luke’s Gospel: The Mission of Love Luke closes with Jesus’ ultimate act of love—His death and resurrection. His kingdom is “upside down,” exalting humility, repentance, and compassion for the outcast. The study ended with prayer for deeper understanding and courage to live out Christ’s love in a divided world.
